KOLKATA: Describing the current scenario in Indian cinema as “a very exciting phase”, leading film-maker Mahesh Bhatt says the freedom to make movies “fearlessly” sets Indian cinema apart from Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“What separates India from Pakistan and Bangladesh is that we have had free space — we have been allowed to make movies fearlessly,” said Bhatt.
“Yes, we have had our share of problems but we have fixed them and have always tried to broaden [our reach],” he said. “We have not gone out of the prison but at least we have made the prison cell a little broader. The bars are still there but there is more space between the two rods.”
Bhatt is known for making critically-acclaimed movies such as Saaraansh, Arth and Zakhm besides writing the story and screenplay for popular erotic noir films like Jism and Jism 2.
Speaking on the challenges and the way ahead for Indian cinema, Bhatt feels the industry needs to shift gears from the “medieval” line of thought and respond to social variables.
“The new cinematographic act is being discussed as we speak. There is also some kind of sensitising we need to do in the industry. The film industry also needs to go away from its old medieval mindset and respond to the change that’s taken place in the country,” he added.
“There is a new kid of energy which is demanding that you are more responsible to the social change that is taking place so I think it’s a very very exciting phase.”
Bhatt also laid emphasis on the need to raise voices to protect the right of free speech and expression at a national level.
Slated for a May 10 release, Aashiqui 2, Bhatt’s next venture as a producer, will revisit his 1991 directed hit Aashiqui.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 8th, 2013.
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