India, June 18 -- Before Bandar became one of the year's most discussed films, before the reviews, conversations and debates that followed its release, it existed as a story that producer Nikhil Dwivedi simply could not let go of.

The journey began several years ago when Dwivedi first came across the material in manuscript form. While countless stories pass through the hands of producers every year, this one stayed with him.

Its themes, moral ambiguities and uncomfortable questions continued to resonate long after the reading was over. Dwivedi first acquired the material nearly 4 years ago..."

What followed was not the typical path from script to screen. Convinced that the story deserved a wider audience, Dwivedi approached acclaimed w...