The drama film Chandni Bar (2001) won him the National Film Award for Best Film on Social Issues.
Madhur Bhandarkar always makes realistic films.
Considers his credits of film making as an inspiration from legend Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
After Fashion 2008 wanted to make another realistic film Awards but had got threats from all the way to stop the film or else face consequences.Finally he shelved the film.