Bhatt's decision to make a film based on Indian classical music was met with scepticism by the film industry due to its "lack of mass appeal", with his friends referring to him as "Viju Bawra" (Viju Crazy/Insane).
The film industry was hesitant about Bhatt's project to make a movie about Indian classical music, thinking it would not be popular among audiences. His friends playfully called him "Viju Bawra" (Viju Crazy/Insane) in response.