Shabana Azmi voiced concerns about the challenges faced by independent cinema in India while discussing All We Imagine as Light. The film, directed by Payal Kapadia, has garnered global recognition, earning two Golden Globe nominations and a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. However, despite its success on the international stage, the movie struggles to secure adequate screenings in Indian theatres due to competition from Allu Arjun’s blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule.

Call For Theatrical Release Reform

Speaking at the ADC (Art Design Culture Collective) event hosted by KHUSHII, an NGO founded by cricket legend Kapil Dev, Shabana highlighted the need for an improved theatrical release and distribution system. She stated, “Smaller theatres and distributors need to collaborate to ensure independent films find their space without bearing the high costs of mainstream rentals.” Azmi emphasized the importance of cultivating an ecosystem where such films can reach their intended audiences.

Balancing Mainstream And Independent Cinema

While advocating for independent films, Shabana also stressed the significance of mainstream cinema. “You cannot stop making mainstream films because they create audiences for all kinds of cinema. The global applause for All We Imagine as Light proves there is a place for such stories, but efforts are needed to bridge the gap,” she explained.

Shabana’s Message To Audiences

Azmi urged audiences to revisit theatres to support unique narratives rather than waiting for films to debut on OTT platforms. “There’s a mindset that a film will come to OTT anyway, so it’s okay to miss it in theatres. That has to change. People must appreciate films with unique storytelling in cinemas, not just big spectacles,” she said.

Shabana Azmi’s comments shed light on the ongoing struggle of parallel cinema in India, urging industry stakeholders and audiences alike to work towards creating an inclusive space for diverse storytelling.