Priyanka Tiwari
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Renowned actor Jaaved Jaaferi has urged audiences to support independent cinema by watching small films in theatres rather than waiting for them to release digitally. Reflecting on his latest film, Inn Galiyon Mein, Jaaferi stressed the importance of keeping indie cinema alive, stating, “Its light shouldn’t go out.”
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Jaaferi discussed the challenges independent films face in achieving box office success without the support of major stars. Despite receiving positive feedback, Inn Galiyon Mein has not become a commercial blockbuster. “People sometimes say, ‘We will watch this one at home.’ The thing is, you need to encourage such films so that independent cinema stays alive,” Jaaferi explained.
The Struggles of Indie Films in Bollywood
Jaaferi acknowledged that mainstream Bollywood often steers clear of message-driven stories, but he praised filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani for blending meaningful narratives into their commercially successful films. "He has understood that if he wants to make a socially relevant film, he needs a big star so that, at least, people will come to the theatres," Jaaferi noted.
Despite these challenges, Jaaferi remains optimistic about the new generation of actors and filmmakers who are embracing rooted storytelling. "There is hope when I see small films starring Rajkummar Rao or Ayushmann Khurrana that may not be big blockbusters, but they earn money. They leave a mark,” he added.
The Need for Audience Support
With independent films often struggling to gain visibility in theatres, Jaaferi’s appeal serves as a reminder that audience support is crucial for ensuring diverse storytelling in Indian cinema. By choosing to watch these films in theatres, audiences play a vital role in sustaining the indie film industry and promoting unique narratives that might otherwise go unnoticed.
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