Rajat Kapoor Highlights Theater's Artistic Flexibility Compared to Cinema
Actor-director Rajat Kapoor, currently enjoying a positive reception for his recently released streaming film 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa', has emphasized that stage theater offers a more flexible medium than cinema. During promotional activities for the film, Kapoor shared insights with IANS, explaining the fundamental differences between the two art forms.
The Unchangeable Nature of Film Versus Theater's Adaptability
Kapoor pointed out that once a film's edit is finalized and released to the public, making minor adjustments becomes impossible. In contrast, theater provides artists with the unique opportunity to refine and improve their performances continuously, even after a show has concluded. "It's right that you can't do anything about what you've done in film," he stated. "But luckily, we also do theater. And there, there's a chance of making it better every night. You can keep tweaking, keep making better. So, luckily, there's a second chance in that sense there."
Collaborations and Long-Standing Friendships
The discussion also touched upon Kapoor's enduring partnerships with friends and frequent collaborators Ranvir Shorey and Vinay Pathak, whom he directed in 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa'. Kapoor revealed that their conversations often revolve more around theater than film, given their extensive involvement in stage productions. "More than film and discussions around films, I think because we spend a lot of time doing shows, doing theater, rehearsing or touring with shows," he explained. "So, we spend a lot more time talking about theater and dissecting the performance that just happened and rehearsing for the performance the next day. That's a constant thing. A film takes 3 years to make, life happens between films."
Reunion After 18 Years in 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa'
'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa' marks a significant reunion for Kapoor, Shorey, and Pathak, who have been friends for over three decades and collaborated frequently throughout their careers. However, this project represents their first joint effort in 18 years since the film 'Mithya'. The streaming film, produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Mithya Talkies, is available for viewing on ZEE5.
Plot Overview of the New Streaming Film
The narrative of 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa' unfolds during an intimate outstation celebration among friends and family. What begins as casual banter, free-flowing drinks, and games gradually transforms into discomfort and tension. The situation escalates when Sohrab is discovered brutally murdered late at night, shattering the convivial atmosphere and giving rise to suspicion, exposed resentments, and moral unease among the characters.
Kapoor's reflections underscore the dynamic nature of theater as an art form that permits ongoing refinement, a luxury not afforded in the fixed world of cinema. His insights come at a time when his latest film continues to garner attention, highlighting the enduring appeal of both mediums in the entertainment industry.
