In a recent interview, Nawazuddin Siddiqui voiced his concerns regarding the treatment of independent films in India, citing Payal Kapadia's "All We Imagine As Light" as a prime example. The film, which made history by winning the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival in May of last year, seemingly struggled to find its footing in Indian theaters.
Siddiqui expressed his disappointment, stating that "All We Imagine As Light" was "thrown out of theatres after four days" of its release in India. He highlighted the "dangerous" practice of sidelining indie films, especially after they have garnered international recognition. He argues that such films, despite their artistic merit and global acclaim, are not given a fair chance to connect with Indian audiences.
The actor emphasized that cinema should not be solely reliant on marketing strategies for success. He drew an analogy to a restaurant with excellent food, suggesting that quality and taste should be enough to draw audiences, regardless of marketing efforts. He believes that if a film resonates with viewers, it will find its audience organically, even without extensive promotion.
"All We Imagine As Light" marked a significant moment for Indian cinema, being the first Indian film in 30 years to be selected for the Competition section at the Cannes Film Festival. The film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam in leading roles. Its win was celebrated as a major achievement for Indian filmmakers and a testament to the power of independent cinema.
Siddiqui's comments come at a time when the debate around the viability and accessibility of independent films is gaining traction. He hopes for a future where such films receive the attention and support they deserve, allowing them to thrive alongside mainstream productions. He believes that independent cinema plays a crucial role in keeping the art of filmmaking alive and providing diverse narratives to audiences.
Nawazuddin himself has been a prominent figure in both independent and commercial cinema, with roles in films like "Gangs of Wasseypur" and "Sacred Games". He was recently seen in "Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders," where he reprised his role as Jatil Yadav, an investigating police officer.
