Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 21: Actor Manoj Bajpayee has called for a “level playing field” for films of all scales in India, highlighting the challenges faced by small and independent films due to the dominance of big-budget movies in the exhibition and distribution sector.
Speaking about the need for support for independent cinema, Manoj said that true patronage begins with ensuring proper theatrical exposure for smaller films.
“With small films, patronage starts with exhibition. The day the government makes a policy that every film gets enough showcasing, then they will have some kind of a fair platform and a level playing field. Until we get that, it is tough,” he said.
The veteran actor agreed with filmmaker Reema Kagti’s view that independent cinema requires patronage but stressed that the support should come through policy and infrastructure rather than financial assistance.
“Patronage should come from the government, not in terms of money, but in terms of assurance that your film will be showcased and there will be a level playing field,” Manoj said.
Citing the example of Marathi cinema, Manoj pointed out that films from Maharashtra benefit from state government initiatives that ensure adequate screen availability across the state, including Mumbai, which is also the centre of the Hindi film industry.
“The biggest advantage Marathi cinema has is that the Maharashtra government took an initiative to ensure Marathi films get a level playing field. We should also get a guarantee of a minimum number of screens across India,” he said.
The actor also spoke about the ongoing debate over the influence of large studios and stars on film distribution networks. Agreeing that big-budget films often dominate screen allocations, Manoj said such films take away a major share of shows from distributors and exhibitors.
“Every big-budget film takes the maximum number of shows by pressuring distributors and exhibitors. A level playing field is necessary in that,” he added.
Manoj Bajpayee’s latest film Governor, a small-budget independent project directed by Chinmay D Mandlekar, received a limited theatrical release in India last weekend.
The film features Manoj as S Venkitaramanan, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and highlights his role in helping India navigate the 1990 economic crisis.