Actor Manoj Bajpayee has emphasized the need for a level playing field for films of all sizes and scales in India. He believes that the dominance and monopoly of big-budget films make it difficult for small, independent films to find screens across the country.
In a recent conversation, Manoj Bajpayee stated that patronage for small films starts with exhibition and that the government should provide a fair platform for all films. He cited the example of Marathi cinema, which gets adequate screens in Maharashtra due to government initiatives.
Manoj Bajpayee also agreed that studios and stars have a monopoly over distribution and exhibition networks in India, and that big-budget films often intimidate distributors and exhibitors to get more shows. He reiterated the need for a level playing field in the industry.
Manoj Bajpayee's latest film, Governor, is a small-budget independent film that got a limited release in India last weekend. The film recounts the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India's role in saving India from the 1990 economic crisis.
