Nawazuddin Siddiqui Slams India's Film Industry for Ignoring Indie Hits

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Renowned actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has sounded the alarm on the Indian film industry's treatment of independent cinema. In an interview with SCREEN, he highlighted the dangers of prioritizing marketing over artistic merit. Citing the example of Payal Kapadia's critically acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light, which won the Grand Prix award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Siddiqui expressed disappointment that the film was swiftly removed from Indian theaters after a four-day run. Despite its international recognition and accolades, the film failed to connect with local audiences, raising questions about the industry's priorities. Siddiqui emphasizes that cinema should not rely on marketing gimmicks, but rather on the quality of the film itself. He believes that independent films like All We Imagine As Light deserve a fair chance to reach audiences, even if they don't conform to commercial expectations. This sentiment is echoed in his recent film Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, which explores the complexities of storytelling and the importance of artistic freedom.