From Bhonsle to Comedy: Sandiip Kapur Explains the Vastu Logic Behind Uttar Da Puttar

Sandiip Kapur Returns With Uttar Da Puttar, Bringing Vastu Shastra To Bollywood Comedy After Bhonsle

In this exclusive interview, Sandiip Kapur talks about his upcoming comedy Uttar Da Puttar, set to release on July 24, 2026. Inspired by Vastu Shastra and real-life experiences, he also shares his insights on filmmaking, independent cinema, and the evolving entertainment industry.

Q: Your upcoming film Uttar Da Puttar is a comedy based on Vastu Shastra, which is a very unique and interesting subject. What inspired you to choose this story?

While this is a comedy, it is a situational piece with a deep emotional core. Roughly 70% of the narrative is drawn from my own life experiences. When I was constructing my home in Delhi, I encountered numerous issues tied to Vastu. I believe in it, but the process exposed me to a whirlwind of conflicting advice, highlighting just how much these beliefs influence people. I noticed that almost every household has someone fixated on Vastu, luck, or karma. When things go awry, these beliefs are often the first to be blamed.

The film follows a man obsessed with owning a north-facing home and the comedic chaos that ensues. It is a premise that resonates because these superstitions are so prevalent in many households. As a filmmaker, I gravitate toward content-driven projects. My previous work—including Bhonsle, which earned Manoj Bajpayee a National Award for Best Actor, along with Anaarkali of Aarah and Jugaad—focused on meaningful themes. With Uttar Da Puttar, I wanted to introduce a fresh concept in an entertaining format.

To my knowledge, Vastu Shastra has never been the centerpiece of a Bollywood comedy before. That made the project particularly exciting, and I felt it was the right time to bring this unique story to audiences.

Q: In your film, you have cast experienced actors like Annu Kapoor, Pawan Malhotra and Brijendra Kala, all of whom are known for their exceptional performances. As a producer, what went into selecting such a strong ensemble cast?

Casting is a priority for me. Having spent over 25 years in advertising and producing more than 200 commercials, I have learned how to analyze characters and match them with the right talent. In my past films, casting has always been paramount because I believe content is the ultimate USP. If the story is solid and the casting is precise, you have already won half the battle.

For Uttar Da Puttar, we needed someone to play a man in his 50s or 60s—someone restless, anxious, and obsessed with perfection. Annu Kapoor was the ideal choice; he brings immense energy, humor, and intensity to his work, and he is naturally expressive. Pawan Malhotra was another clear choice; he is among our finest actors. While often typecast in intense or negative roles, his range is incredible, and he can inhabit any character with ease.

We also have Brijendra Kala, Sumit Gulati, Jeeveshu Ahluwalia, Nitin Hora, and several younger actors who add a fresh dynamic. Every selection was made to ensure they fit their roles perfectly. For me, a successful film is built on the foundation of strong casting and a compelling story.

Q: Your earlier films, including Bhonsle, were serious, content-driven dramas. Uttar Da Puttar, however, is a comedy. What made you decide to produce a comedy this time?

Actually, my debut as an independent producer, Jugaad, was a comedy, so the genre is not new to me. Bhonsle was a different story. Manoj Bajpayee and I have been friends for years. He was producing it, but after filming wrapped, the team faced financial hurdles. He asked me to step in, finish the project, and take over. I believed in the film, so I invested and became the producer.

I knew from the start that Bhonsle was for a niche audience. My film choices are not dictated by genre—whether serious or comedic—but by the desire to find unexplored, unique subjects. Bhonsle tackled the sensitive issue of regional tensions between Maharashtra and migrants from Bihar. Similarly, Uttar Da Puttar explores a theme Bollywood has never attempted before.

After Bhonsle, I realized that while award-winning films bring prestige, producers also need commercial viability. We won global awards, but the film did not perform as well financially as we had hoped. That shifted my perspective. Moving forward, I want to continue producing content-driven cinema, but with a focus on connecting with a broader audience. My goal is to balance meaningful storytelling with commercial appeal.

Q: Bhonsle received tremendous national and international recognition. Did the success of that film change the way you select stories today?

It certainly impacted my outlook. Despite the critical acclaim, Bhonsle did not yield significant financial returns. My passion for strong, content-driven cinema remains unchanged, and my future projects will continue to explore unique subjects.

The difference is that I now consciously aim to blend meaningful content with commercial viability. Filmmaking is a business, and to keep making quality cinema, producers must ensure financial sustainability. That said, I am very optimistic about Uttar Da Puttar. The response has been incredible. The excitement is growing organically because the subject is fresh, the cast is stellar, and it is a light-hearted comedy—a genre audiences have not seen in a while.

Many films today follow similar patterns, but we wanted to create something that entertains and makes people laugh while offering food for thought.

Q: Uttar Da Puttar revolves around Vastu Shastra, a subject that many people believe in. Since the story is inspired by your own experiences, how does the film handle this sensitive topic while keeping the audience entertained?

The film is not solely about Vastu Shastra; that is just one element. It centers on a man who becomes obsessed with constructing his home according to Vastu principles, convinced that every life problem stems from the house's design and orientation.

Through situational humor, the film examines how people attribute their failures, fortunes, and daily struggles to beliefs like Vastu, luck, and superstition. We are not mocking these beliefs or taking sides; instead, we present them in a light-hearted, entertaining way that families everywhere will find relatable.

Q: Without revealing too much, what can audiences expect from Uttar Da Puttar?

Audiences can look forward to a genuinely light-hearted, entertaining comedy. The film does not attempt to preach whether Vastu is right or wrong; it is just one facet of the narrative.

The protagonist is obsessed with his beliefs, convinced that his destiny is tied to his stars, while his wife believes in the power of karma and hard work. This clash in perspectives creates many funny, relatable moments. It is not a "gyaan" film. It is a family entertainer that uses humor to explore human behavior, relationships, and everyday beliefs. We want viewers to come to the theater, laugh, and have a great time.

Q: After Uttar Da Puttar, what kind of films would you like to produce?

I have only just started, and I have some exciting projects in the pipeline. One is based on the life of Sylvie, India’s first celebrated transgender woman. It is a commercial film set in East India during the 1970s and 1980s, exploring her journey, struggles, successes, and the relationships that defined her. We are currently in the development phase.

We are also working on Anaarkali Part 2. The first film was well-received, but we wanted a story that truly advanced the narrative. After years of work, we are finally in the final stages of development, and we are very enthusiastic about it.