Ranvir Shorey Voices Concerns Over Independent Cinema's Future
Prominent actor Ranvir Shorey has expressed significant concerns about the current landscape for smaller, independent films, using his latest project Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa as a prime example. Shorey, a veteran of indie cinema with credits including Khosla Ka Ghosla, Bheja Fry, Mixed Doubles, and Dasvidaniya, highlighted the dual challenges these films face in both theatrical releases and on digital streaming platforms.
The Shifting Challenges for Independent Films
In a recent interview with PTI, the 53-year-old actor elaborated on the evolving difficulties. "It's not a great time right now for smaller films like our film," Shorey stated. "Earlier, the theatrical system was difficult for smaller independent films because of the dominance of big films and the star system." He noted that the emergence of streaming platforms initially provided some respite, offering an alternative distribution channel for such content.
However, Shorey observed a troubling trend: "Now again, we see even on streaming platforms the gatekeeping is becoming similar to how it was in the theatrical system." This shift means that independent films continue to struggle to find audiences, despite the proliferation of digital content hubs.
Contrast with Big-Budget Spectacles
Shorey addressed the success of large-scale productions like Aditya Dhar's two-part spy saga Dhurandhar, acknowledging they may boost the Hindi film industry overall. Yet, he remains skeptical about their impact on smaller films. "I really don't see how the success of a film like 'Dhurandhar' will help films like 'Sohrab Handa' because these films are not about spectacle," he explained. "They are about characters, about cinematic excellence without the scale, the grandeur, and the budget."
Despite these challenges, Shorey holds hope for future solutions. "One hopes that, just as the industry evolved from theatrical to television to streaming, the internet itself will eventually offer solutions for this as well," he added, suggesting that technological advancements might create new opportunities for indie filmmakers.
About 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa'
Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, currently streaming on ZEE5, is a mystery thriller written and directed by seasoned actor Rajat Kapoor. The film features Shorey in a pivotal role alongside a talented ensemble cast including Vinay Pathak, Waluscha De Sousa, Saurabh Shukla, Koel Puri, Sadia Siddiqui, and Chandrachoor Rai.
The plot revolves around a couple's perfect anniversary party at an old mansion that takes a dark turn when the most disliked guest, Sohrab Handa, is found murdered. This whodunnit format showcases the character-driven storytelling that Shorey champions.
Collaboration and Creative Excitement
Shorey, who has previously collaborated with Kapoor on films like Aankhon Dekhi, Bheja Fry, and Dasvidaniya, eagerly joined this project. "When it's Rajat's film, what you are playing becomes secondary. What's more important is the excitement that he's making something new," he shared.
He described their creative partnership as a "shared journey, not just as friends, but also creatively, it's a great kick to be able to make something new." Shorey added that the casting process involved friendly competition, making it "almost like a homely affair." Ultimately, he emphasized, "The real excitement is to be making something together again and that's priceless."
Call for More Support
Shorey expressed gratitude towards ZEE5 and production banner Applause Entertainment for their support of small films. "We need more such productions like from Applause. We need more platforms to do the kind of work ZEE5 is doing in giving platforms to smaller films. We need more of this," he urged, highlighting the necessity for continued backing from industry stakeholders.
Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa is produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Mithya Talkies, representing a collaborative effort to sustain independent cinema in a challenging market environment.
