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The Indian film industry is no stranger to paradoxes. On one hand, films like Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light win accolades at prestigious international festivals like Cannes and receive nominations at the Golden Globes. On the other hand, these same films struggle to find an audience back home, with many failing to secure even a single show in theaters.
Actor Siddharth, who produced the acclaimed 2023 film Chithha, highlighted that a film’s success can be measured in different ways. In a Galatta Plus interaction, he recalled one of filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s interviews, where she shared her experience of releasing her internationally recognised film in India. According to Siddharth, Kapadia said: “My film released, nobody came, and they cancelled the shows.” When individuals expressed interest in watching the film, Kapadia responded, “If you want to watch the film, start a signature campaign to bring it back for one show.” Siddharth noted the irony that despite Kapadia’s success at Cannes and the Golden Globes, her film may not reach the audience that appreciates it. As Siddharth pointed out, “Her producers think they made the greatest success of a film, but that film is never going to be seen by the audience that calls their film a good film.”
This stark reality was further highlighted by Siddharth as he noted that even films that achieve critical success and win awards may not necessarily change the landscape of the film industry. On this Siddharth said, “So, both are great films for people who made them and they are great successes for the people who made them. But that’s the beauty of a panel where both those films get discussed where you bring out what success means.”
This sentiment was echoed by Dr Chandini Ssasha (Sharon), producer of Mohanlal’s directorial debut film Barroz, who acknowledged the difficulties faced by independent filmmakers in getting their films released. “I feel the pain of what you’re saying because I was the head of independent films and I know how tough it is.” According to her, National Award-winning filmmaker Pan Nalin had difficulty releasing his films in India even after they earned global appreciation. She shared that despite its international recognition, Samsara struggled to find a release in India, with Nalin spending two years trying to secure a single show. Dr Ssasha recalled, “A very noted film director called Pan Nalin, he had made a film called Samsara which was acclaimed across the world, he is an Indian director he came to India for two years nobody would touch his film for a release. I saw the film I felt it’s unfair.” This anecdote highlights the systemic issues that prevent many deserving films from reaching audiences, and underscores the need for a more supportive ecosystem for independent filmmakers.
Siddharth, whose Chithha won several awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, noted that while these accolades were a “massive massive win” for him as an independent filmmaker, they did not necessarily change the way mass films are made in India. However, he hoped that his film’s success would inspire other independent producers to pursue their vision. “We would have influenced at least one more independent producer that there is a win like this possible for you. That becomes your vision board,” he said. Ultimately, it is this ripple effect that can lead to a more diverse and vibrant film industry, where innovative voices are nurtured and celebrated.
All We Imagine As Light will be released on Disney+ Hotstar on January 3.
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