My films have to compete with popular cinema : Prakash Jha

Prakash Jha, who is known for making films on socially-relevant subjects, says it is a challenge for him to tackle issues and yet keep his films entertaining enough.

"I want to bring these things forward via popular cinema because that is where I have to compete, with song and dance films, emotional utopia, comedies and these things entertain people," the 60-year-old said here Monday in an interview.

"If my film does not entertain, then people will not watch it. So it is a challenge for me to compete with commercial cinema to keep my point forward," he added.

Jha's films include "Gangaajal", "Apaharan", "Raajneeti", "Aarakshan". His forthcoming "Chakravyuh" tackles the issue of naxalites.

Asked about the reason behind making such films, Jha said he believes in chronicling such issues of importance.

"When the Mandal commission came, the changes that happened at the grassroots or when open market economy happened, the changes that happened, then, what happens because of casteism or reservations. I believe these things need to be chronicled, recorded and the inherent drama needs to be brought forward," Prakash said.

"Chakravyuh" stars Arjun Rampal, Abhay Deol, Manoj Bajpayee, Esha Gupta and hits theatres this Dusshera.