The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 kicked off in Goa on Wednesday, celebrating Indian cinema. A major highlight on Day 1 was a masterclass by Manoj Bajpayee, where the renowned actor discussed his acting journey, film choices, and the challenges confronting independent cinema today.
Manoj Bajpayee highlights struggles of Independent cinema on OTT platforms: “The OTT platforms have stopped welcoming that kind of creativity”
Manoj Bajpayee, known for taking on unconventional roles and collaborating with emerging filmmakers, openly discussed what influences his career decisions. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “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 explained how this realization drove him to actively look for promising filmmakers. “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,” Bajpayee shared.
Bajpayee expressed concern about the challenges facing independent cinema in India today, especially on digital platforms. He said, “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 added, “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, last seen in Bhaiyya Ji, is preparing for the release of Kanu Bahl’s highly anticipated Despatch, which will premiere at IFFI 2024.
Also Read : ZEE5’s Manoj Bajpayee starrer Despatch and Telugu Series Vikkatakavi to premiere at IFFI 2024
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