When Bollywood blockbuster Gully Boy broke records and scooped a record 13 awards at Filmfare, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress, it was a sweet validation for all those who had tirelessly worked and believed in the 2019 Hindi-language musical drama, including renowned filmmaker Piran Tarapore.

As an individual who had to break into the extremely close-knit Bollywood circle on the strength of his talent alone, Piran appreciated more than most the success of a film he felt extremely fortunate to be involved in.

"To my mind, Gully Boy is one of those memorable movies that come along once in a generation. It's a defining piece of film," explained the 22-year-old filmmaker from Mumbai whose other notable movie credits include Mission Mangal, Dream Girl, and Gormint. Piran added, "The film was a smash at the Box Office and with critics alike. Throughout filming everyone involved with the production knew we were creating something magical that would stand the test of time."

Gully Boy is a coming-of-age drama that deals with the highs and lows in the life of the aspiring street rapper, Murah Ahmed, as he attempts to navigate his way out of Mumbai's Dharavi slums into the big dollar life.

Piran explained, "The audience related so well to Gully Boy because its themes are universal. Who doesn't want to try and improve their situation and chase their dreams? Everyone on the sets identified with Murah's struggle to change the hand fate had dealt him and his steely determination to achieve his goals no matter what. Of course, the fact the script was based on the real-life story of Mumbai based MCs, Naezy, and Divine, and had legendary hip-hopper, Nas, as an executive producer which just added to its authenticity."

Film critics lined up to sing the Gully Boy's praises, and many were wiping away tears and cheering furiously for the larger than life characters in the film as the end credits rolled. It's safe to say the movie has left its mark in the broader culture, and it's something which Piran will always be proud to have been associated with. 

The filmmaker explained, "Gully Boy is a classic underdog story expressed in a musical format which traditionally belongs to the disenfranchised and marginalized; it struck a chord with me and millions of others worldwide. The experience of working on the film has helped me develop as a filmmaker, and it is something that will inform all my future projects."