Did Costao star Nawazuddin Siddiqui take a dig at ‘so-called commercial films’ while praising Anurag Kashyap, Payal Kapadia?

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Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who recently graced our screens in Costao, is always unafraid to express his true feelings and never hesitates to reveal the truth. Recently, he shared his thoughts on independent filmmakers such as Anurag Kashyap, Payal Kapadia, and Neeraj Ghaywan, praising them for making our nation proud by showcasing their films at international film festivals. He went on to draw a comparison between these ‘independent’ films and the so-called mainstream productions.

During a conversation with PTI, Nawazuddin Siddiqui expressed that independent films and their makers contribute significantly to our country’s prestige. Yet, he noted a concerning issue: these productions often fail to receive adequate backing once they come back from international film festivals.

In simpler terms, the Costao actor expressed concern that films like these often face rejection, being labeled as festival films rather than receiving the necessary support they deserve. He also noted that these movies receive restricted distribution, and their creators are not adequately supported, even though they contribute significantly to India’s reputation.

As stated by Nawazuddin, it is primarily during film festivals that Bollywood films are noticed by Western viewers. He emphasized that the works of Payal Kapadia and Neeraj Ghaywan are helping to establish a unique identity for Indians, as they delve deeper into local themes while also appealing to global audiences.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui expressed his viewpoint that contemporary films often fail to portray genuine characters. He noted that Indian movies garnering international recognition do so by presenting authentic scenes. He also stated, “The large-scale, commercially oriented films haven’t yet broken into the market, but these small filmmakers have already achieved this.

In a recent discussion, the actor also shared insights about the 2013 movie “The Lunchbox” and the reputation he gained in global cinemas. He emphasized, “These filmmakers might seem small due to their financial constraints, but their intellect makes them giants in the industry. And it’s these independent filmmakers who bring honor to India, and they will continue to do so.

Nawazuddin underscored the significant global acclaim received by filmmakers such as Anurag Kashyap, Payal Kapadia, and Ritesh Batra in international film festivals. He noted a stark contrast between this recognition and the relatively lesser international spotlight on mainstream Bollywood directors.

He mentioned that while these individuals might not be familiar with some of the well-known Bollywood directors, they certainly recognize figures like Anurag Kashyap, and as of now, they’re also aware of Payal Kapadia or Ritesh Batra.

He frequently works on independent films, mostly without monetary compensation, due to his strong affection for significant cinema. Although he recognizes the necessity of taking on commercial projects for financial security, Siddiqui emphasized that indie films offer artistic satisfaction and align with the kind of work that initially sparked his interest in acting.

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2025-05-19 15:09