RGV says he never received threats from underworld: He loved Satya, company
Ram Gopal Varma recalls the influence of the underworld on his iconic film Satya & Company. In return, he said, the underworld also liked his films.
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma reveals about his experience with the underworld during the 1990s, saying that despite making gangster dramas Truth (1998) and company (2002), he never received threatening calls from the underworld. In contrast, Varma insisted that “gangsters” liked his films.
Verma recalled his autobiography guns and thighs It was initially dedicated to underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, although the publishers later removed the dedication. He also admitted that his experience was completely different from others in the industry, many of whom had reportedly received extortion demands from the underworld in the olden days.
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In an interview with the director, filmfareHe said, “I had also dedicated this book to Dawood Ibrahim, but the publishers removed his name. Had it not been for Dawood Ibrahim, I would not have written it.” Truth And companyTwo iconic films. How can I not dedicate this to him? “I am making my living because of them.”
For Varma, the underworld was not only an imminent threat but also a source of creative inspiration that shaped some of his most important works.
“I was the only person who never got threatening calls, the reason was because they loved Truth And company. They didn’t want to bother me. I kind of became their life partner,” he said.
Both films, considered among RGV’s finest films, were based on the realities of Mumbai’s underworld. Verma noted that this relationship worked to his advantage rather than against him. The 1990s decade of Hindi cinema saw a perceived widespread presence of the underworld, which influenced many filmmakers and artists. Verma’s account offers a unique perspective on this complex relationship.
Varma announced his new film, syndicate In January 2025. In an X post, he claimed it would be “the greatest movie ever” and vowed that it would “wash away all my cinema sins.”
The director has recently been active on social media and analyzing the success Dhurandhar: Revenge.