Manoj Bajpayee Says OTT Platforms Have ‘Stopped’ Welcoming Indie Films: ‘We Are At Our Lowest…’ – News18

Last Updated:November 22, 2024, 01:37 IST

Manoj Bajpayee opens up about indie cinema’s struggles, stating OTT platforms no longer welcome creative, non-mainstream films.

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 began in Goa on Wednesday with much fanfare, bringing together some of the finest talents in Indian cinema. Among the key highlights of Day 1 was a masterclass by Manoj Bajpayee, where the acclaimed actor shared his insights into acting, film choices and the current challenges faced by independent cinema.

Manoj Bajpayee, known for championing unconventional roles and working with young, often new filmmakers, spoke candidly about what drives his career choices. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “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 revealed how this realisation pushed him to actively seek out 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 said.

However, Bajpayee lamented the struggles faced by independent cinema in India today, particularly on digital platforms. “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 said, adding, “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.”

Manoj Bajpayee, last seen in Bhaiyya Ji, is gearing up for the release of Kanu Bahl’s highly anticipated Despatch, which will premiere at IFFI 2024.