A candle for “dark times”

But in spite of his recent success,Varma is emphatic in tagging the present as “dark times for Indian cinema.” “Today multiplexes rule Indian cinema,a very sad thing indeed. It leaves experimental film-makers like myself with very little room to grow. Their only goal is to make money,and they are not willing to take risks with a new concept. Thus the audiences lose out – people cannot sample new cinema. And even if multiplexes do agree to screen these film,they charge exorbitant prices for these movies,which makes it accessible only for an elite few,” he laments.

A result of this feeling is reflected in the guarded approach with which Varma interacts with the media. “The media today,especially television channels,seem to be working hand-in-hand with Bollywood. A lot of new,alternate film won this time at the National Awards,but everyone is only talking about Dabangg winning. There is hardly a mention of others winning. In fact,not a single debate or discussion has sparked off. Minissha Lamba getting held by customs made a bigger news splash!” he says,incredulously.

His win has undoubtedly vindicated his bold experiment. But his biggest grouse remains that,“It’s easier to make films today than it is to get people to watch them.” He is only too glad that the jury for the National Awards makes no such distinctions. “This year,the National Awards have awarded everyone across the spectrum. After all,even mainstream cinema is very important. It’s just really satisfying to see that there are some people who think enough of us to award us.”

The band itself is ecstatic,but the joy is mixed with sorrow. Susmit Sen,guitarist for Indian Ocean,says,“We’re really happy and proud of what Jaideep’s film has done. However,it’s very unfortunate that Asheem (Chakravarty,the late percussionist and vocalist) is not with us anymore. Among all of us,he was the most enthusiastic about the whole project.”