Traffic Signal(2007)
Traffic Signal is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language drama film co-written, co-produced and directed by Madhur Bhandarkar. The film stars Kunal Khemu, Nitu Chandra, Upendra Limaye, and Ranvir Shorey. It depicts the lives of beggars, vendors, and small-time criminals who operate at a Mumbai traffic intersection. The story follows Sattu, a young man who controls the signal's informal economy and dreams of escaping poverty. The film is noted for its raw, realistic portrayal of urban survival and the corruption that traps people in the cycle of poverty. It was released on 2 February 2007 across 325 screens in India.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Zee5, MX Player, Prime Video, Plex, ShemarooMe, Airtel Xstream Play, Lionsgate Play, JioTV
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2007
- Director
- Madhur Bhandarkar
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 10m
- Rating
- 7.1/10
Storyline
Sattu runs a busy traffic signal in Mumbai. He controls the beggars and vendors who work there. He dreams of buying a house and leaving the street life behind. But a powerful gangster wants his territory. Sattu must fight to keep everything he has built.
“Every red light hides a story.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Traffic Signal
Cast reunions in this film: Konkona Sen Sharma & Ranvir Shorey (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was inspired by a real-life traffic signal manager Madhur Bhandarkar met during research in Mumbai.
- Actor Ranvir Shorey, who plays Dominic, reportedly spent time with recovering addicts to prepare for his role.
- The movie's title and setting were partly a response to the 2006 film 'Traffic Signal' in Malayalam, which had a similar concept.
- It was shot extensively on real Mumbai streets, often using hidden cameras to capture authentic crowd reactions.
- The character Tsunami was named after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, reflecting the boy's chaotic life.
- Despite critical praise, the film had a modest box office run, typical for many of Bhandarkar's realistic dramas.
- The soundtrack featured a song by Pakistani band Jal, which was uncommon for Hindi films at the time.