Need to narrate homegrown stories to go international, says Vishal Bhardwaj

For Indian films to compete at global stage, it's important to chronicle and present stories rooted in the landscape of the country, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj on Monday said.

The director said Indian cinema is on the right track as films like "Newton" and "Court" have managed to leave a mark on international cinema.

"We are known for 'The Lunchbox' and 'Newton', and even 'Court' has been appreciated so much outside. Till we don't start narrating our stories, we won't be able to reach the international stage," Bhardwaj said.

The filmmaker was speaking at the press conference of Jio MAMI 21st Mumbai Film Festival with Star.

"If we want to compete at the international stage, we need to tell our stories. 'Court' was our story. We should also make a film on how censor board works... It'll make a mark," he quipped.

Director Zoya Akhtar, who was also present at the event, said one can't make a film with an intent to "do something new."