Manisha Koirala and Vikramaditya Motwane candidly discuss future of film
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) recently hosted a captivating discussion featuring veteran actress Manisha Koirala and acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane. The event took place at the Kala Academy in Goa, where a packed auditorium greeted the two industry stalwarts with enthusiastic applause. Their conversation, titled “From Big Screen to Streaming,” attracted film enthusiasts, students, and media personnel eager to explore the evolving landscape of cinema.
The Changing Landscape of Film
During the discussion, Manisha Koirala shared her insights on the similarities between theatrical releases and content on OTT platforms. She emphasized that both require significant effort, preparation, and sincerity from actors. Reflecting on her extensive career, she stated, “In my thirty years of career, Heeramandi was the biggest set I’ve ever worked on.” Koirala expressed her love for both theatrical experiences and the comfort of watching good content at home. She acknowledged the wealth of excellent material available on OTT platforms, admitting, “I binge-watch OTT content.”
Koirala also addressed the lingering hesitation some actors feel about working on streaming projects. She noted that while there are ongoing discussions within the industry, initial doubts about new formats are common. “Anything new and unfamiliar is often met with doubt initially,” she explained. However, she remains optimistic that this apprehension will diminish over time, especially as more actors, including stars like Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, embrace OTT projects.
Breaking the Mold: Opportunities for Actors
As the conversation progressed, Vikramaditya Motwane asked Koirala if working on OTT platforms felt like a step down from traditional cinema. Koirala responded emphatically, urging actors to break free from genre constraints. “As an actor, you want to explore different facets,” she said. She believes that streaming platforms are game changers, opening doors for emerging filmmakers, writers, and actors.
Koirala also highlighted the evolving roles for older women in the industry. She noted that thanks to the audience’s changing preferences, OTT platforms are breaking traditional molds. “In cinema as well, older actors are now being given more meatier roles,” she stated. This shift marks a significant change from the limited roles available to senior actresses in the past. Koirala’s reflections underscore the importance of audience demand in shaping the narratives and opportunities available in the film industry.
The Director’s Perspective: Challenges and Opportunities
Vikramaditya Motwane, known for his successful projects in both cinema and streaming, shared his perspective on the unique challenges of creating content for OTT platforms. He noted that while there is a distinct magic in good series, sustaining multiple seasons creatively can be difficult. “It’s tough to keep the flow,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining energy among the cast and crew over time.
Motwane also discussed the creative freedom that streaming platforms offer. He explained that while theatrical releases often come with budget and length constraints, OTT allows for more flexibility in storytelling. “For theatrical releases, stories have to be more for the mass,” he noted. Despite these differences, he acknowledged that the production and post-production processes remain similar across both formats.
In terms of writing for OTT, Motwane pointed out that it requires a different approach. Writers must consider episode timing and pacing, which adds another layer of complexity. Both Koirala and Motwane agreed on the necessity of balancing big-screen and OTT releases to create a diverse cinematic landscape.
The Future of Cinema: A Harmonious Blend
In their concluding remarks, both Koirala and Motwane expressed a shared vision for the future of cinema. They acknowledged that while the movie-watching experience in theaters needs improvement—citing issues like lengthy ads and unnecessary intervals—there remains an undeniable magic to the big screen. Motwane emphasized that OTT platforms provide quality family entertainment and the freedom of private viewing.
Ultimately, they concluded that a perfect blend of both formats could create a marvel in the cinema universe. Their discussion highlighted the importance of pushing boundaries in the film industry, suggesting that innovation often leads to wonderful new opportunities. As the landscape of film continues to evolve, both Koirala and Motwane remain optimistic about the future, believing that when boundaries are pushed, extraordinary things can happen.
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