Post by : Meena Ariff

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, a prominent figure in Indian independent cinema, is widely recognized for his roles in critically acclaimed films including The Lunchbox, Photograph, and Gangs of Wasseypur. Recently, in an engaging discussion, the 51-year-old actor opened up about the hurdles that indie films encounter in India, especially when overshadowed by commercial hits.

Regarding the future of independent cinema, Nawazuddin stated, “I’ll remain committed to indie projects. It’s crucial to find a balance with popular films. The disappearance of independent cinema would be catastrophic. It must continue to thrive... Traditional art forms like songs and dance have often been misunderstood by the mainstream audience.”

The actor pointed out that while popular films are vital to the industry, independent films uniquely represent “classical art forms” tailored for specific audiences. “Creating art for the masses requires different strategies. However, pure art has never been designed for a widespread audience,” he elaborated.

Nawazuddin emphasized the benefits of participating in commercial films, acknowledging that mainstream successes increase visibility for indie projects. “The most notable advantage of big-budget films is the vast audience reach. If even five percent of that audience turns to watch small films, that becomes a significant gain. My recognition grew substantially thanks to these mainstream films. Most independent works get limited releases, resulting in lower viewership,” he remarked.

Currently, Nawazuddin is garnering attention for his performance as a vampire in Aditya Sarpotdar’s horror comedy Thamma, where he stars alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. As part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, this film features him in a leading antagonistic role and has received positive reviews following its Diwali launch, impressively raking in ₹93 crore at the box office within just four days, highlighting the increasing acceptance of genre films in India.

By successfully balancing both independent and commercial films, Nawazuddin Siddiqui continues to advocate for niche storytelling while leveraging his stardom to provide indie projects with the visibility they deserve, showcasing a harmonious existence of art and commerce in the modern film industry.

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