Photo credit: www.news18.com

Manoj Bajpayee Discusses the Challenges Facing Indie Cinema

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 commenced in Goa, showcasing a plethora of Indian cinematic talent. A noteworthy event on the festival’s first day was a masterclass led by esteemed actor Manoj Bajpayee, where he shared his perspectives on acting, his selection of film projects, and the difficulties currently confronting independent cinema.

Bajpayee, celebrated for his willingness to embrace unconventional roles and collaborate with emerging filmmakers, spoke openly about the motivations behind his career decisions. Reflecting on his past experiences, particularly during the making of “Gangs of Wasseypur,” he expressed his recognition that the industry was not aligned with his artistic vision. He stated, “When I was doing Gangs Of Wasseypur, I realised this industry is not going to give me what I want. They weren’t writing the scripts that I wanted and not giving opportunities to the talents who have it in them. That’s when I realised I have to look for my own directors and scripts or just wait for eternity for that one script to happen to you, and I was desperate!”

He emphasized how this understanding motivated him to pursue innovative filmmakers actively. Bajpayee mentioned, “I started watching a lot of short films on YouTube. In that search, I found too many people. That’s when I went for the new filmmakers – Dipesh Jain (Gali Guleiyan), Kanu Bahl (Despatch). I knew I had too much to express, but there was nobody in the industry who was able to give me that.”

Despite his proactive approach, Bajpayee expressed concern over the diminishing support for independent cinema, especially on digital platforms. He remarked, “We are at our lowest right now. We thought there is a strong platform for independent cinema, but now even the OTT platforms have stopped welcoming that kind of creativity.” He voiced a sense of uncertainty for the future, asserting, “We are living in a time of uncertainty. One day, independent cinema will rise again. Independent cinemas are the only kind of cinema that is staying true to the definition of cinema as an art.”

Bajpayee, who has made a mark in the industry with roles in various impactful projects, is currently preparing for the release of Kanu Bahl’s much-anticipated film, “Despatch,” which is set to premiere at IFFI 2024.

Source
www.news18.com