Adil Hussain Highlights Theatrical Release Woes for Indie Films
Veteran actor Adil Hussain, known for his roles in "Ishqiya", "Life of Pi", and "English Vinglish", has voiced concerns over the difficulties faced by smaller, content-driven films in securing theatrical releases in India. In a recent interview, he stated that movies without A-list stars often struggle to find screen space, reflecting a broader imbalance in the industry.
Indie Film '52 Blue' to Open London Indian Film Festival
Hussain will next appear in the independent film "52 Blue", which is set to open the 17th edition of the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) next month. While the film has gained international recognition, Hussain noted the challenges of releasing it in India. "We are happy the film will be viewed internationally. But in India, it has become harder and harder for films which are without A-listers to get released. But our producer-director is trying his best to release '52 Blue' in India, we don't know exactly when that is, but soon," the actor told PTI.
Critique of the Current Ecosystem: Lakshmi vs. Saraswati
Hussain, a graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD), criticized the current ecosystem, describing it as skewed. He pointed out that financial resources are concentrated among those primarily interested in profit rather than artistic value. "It takes a lot of money to make a film and money is in the hands of people interested in making money, not necessarily those who love art. Most of the time, there is no money in the hands of people who love art," he said.
He added, "But there should have been a balance, a proper balance between art and cinema, which we have lost. I think Lakshmi is dominating Saraswati and that is what I have a problem with. Unfortunately, it's not only in the film industry, it's everywhere that Lakshmi has been put on the highest pedestal instead of Saraswati."
Theme of Pursuing Dreams in '52 Blue'
Discussing the film, Hussain explained that "52 Blue" resonated with him due to its theme of following one's dreams despite societal pressures. "It's about a dream which we all have. In spite of the kind of society we grew up in, survival is generally more important than following your heart and that is the theme of the story. It's following a young person's dream to meet Messi and continue on the path of his passion, which is music," the actor said.
Hussain's Personal Journey: Acting as a Lifelong Passion
Reflecting on his own career, Hussain emphasized that acting was never a calculated career move but a lifelong passion. Born in Assam, he started performing in school plays at age eight and feels fortunate to have grown up in a region where art and culture are deeply ingrained in daily life. He described his entry into films as "by default," driven not by fame or recognition but by a pure love for the craft.
"I just wanted to act; it didn't matter whether it was on stage or in films. Like, if somebody loves to sing then you don't need to have an audience, you can just sing. Similarly, you can act on stage," he said. He added, "But if you have the desire to be famous or to create a name for yourself, you have problems, challenges, and issues. The word industry for me is very derogatory for artistic activities. Artistic activities cannot be industrialized. Industry manufactures products and art is not a product, it's the finest human expression."
About '52 Blue' and Its Release
Directed by acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi, "52 Blue" tells the story of a young Indian football enthusiast who becomes a migrant worker during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The film explores themes of identity, aspiration, and resilience against a deeply emotional family backdrop. It stars Neha Dhupia opposite Hussain and will screen at BFI Southbank on July 9 before traveling to Birmingham, Sheffield, and Greater London. Produced under Ali El Arabi's banner Ambient Light, based in Cairo and Los Angeles, the film is executive produced by Tariq Al-Naama, with co-producers Krysanne Katsoolis, Joe Matthews, and Katara Studios.
