The new year is greeted with clear resolutions. Many people decide to turn their lives around, vowing to become healthier, more active, more creative, or achieve any of the dozens of goals they set for themselves. . But what happens when New Year’s resolutions are set by organizations rather than individuals? We asked stars about what the Hindi film industry could resolve to change in 2025.
Label: Richa Chadha
Girls Will Be Girls actor-turned-producer Richa Chadha says there is a need to remove “labels” from the Indian film industry. She explains: “Producers will say this is an independent film. Investors will call it a festival film, a multiplex film, or a blockbuster. There are terms like parallel cinema and women-centered. Every day. Many new genres are being invented.”
Indifference towards short films: Sharmila Tagore
Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore wants audiences to support small independent films, which she sees as an extension of the industry. “Every year we say we want something good, something new. So we have to support new films when they come out. If the audience supports it, the industry will support those good films. I’ll make more,” she insists.
Fear of making a new film: Ali Fazal
Ali, who co-produced Girls Will Be Girls with his wife Richa, feels that filmmakers today are afraid to test boundaries. “Not too long ago, we had Fukrey, Kahaani, Masaan. All these films were made when there was an audience,” he says, adding, “There is still an audience. What has happened in the last few years? If you think about it, maybe everyone is just scared, including the pandemic. Maybe we can let it go.”
Calculation formula: Upendra
Kannada actor and filmmaker Upendra is known for his thought-provoking films. He feels more directors should break the boundaries set by commerce. “I think more directors should break that barrier,” he says, “because there are so many filmmakers, there’s always going to be a formula. We need all kinds of movies. But… The audience expects something different too, and it’s our duty to give them that.” ”
Regional Film Tags: Manasi Parekh
National award winner Manasi Parekh has done wonders in the Gujarati film industry over the past few years, but she doesn’t like the tag of ‘regional cinema’. She feels that Indian cinema can be seen as a unit not only by outsiders but also by insiders. “I would love to make a film where she speaks in Tamil and I speak in Gujarati. In India, conversations take place in different languages, just like how people actually speak. I speak in Gujarati. “It’s a way of coming together, understanding each other, and understanding each other’s communication,” she says.
Heroine typecast: Ahsaas Channa
Actor Aasu Channa says there is a need to be more inclusive and diverse when considering how traditional Bollywood heroines are represented. “We always expect actresses and Bollywood heroines to have a certain body type, figure and face, which leads to a reduction in the diversity of mainstream Bollywood heroines and heroes. “I feel like that should change,” she says.
