Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 16: Actor Taapsee Pannu believes women-led and unconventional films are on the verge of becoming “extinct” due to a lack of audience support in theatres.
Speaking about her upcoming film Assi, Pannu said it has become increasingly difficult to bring unconventional stories to the big screen.
“We are on the verge of becoming an extinct species. There is a certain template that so-called commercial cinema follows, and we don’t conventionally fit into that template,” she said.
Assi marks her third collaboration with filmmaker Anubhav Sinha after Mulk and Thappad.
Dismissing the notion that such films will always find a home on OTT platforms, Pannu said streaming services are now focused on attracting “massy” audiences.
“People think these films will keep coming on OTT and we will keep watching them. But OTT platforms don’t want these kinds of films either. They want films that work in theatres. They want to bring the theatre audience to their platform. Unless people realise they need to watch these films in theatres, we are on the verge of becoming extinct,” she said.
Comparing cinema to cuisine, the 38-year-old actor said while “Mughlai” — representing commercial cinema — has its appeal, the industry also needs its “dal chawal”, stories rooted in everyday reality.
She termed waiting for a film’s digital release as “suicidal” for meaningful cinema.
“Only the audience can help us by going to theatres and watching all kinds of films. If you like a film, spread the word and bring more people to theatres. Sitting at home and watching them on OTT is not how you support good cinema,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Pannu described leading a film to release today as a “daily pain” and a constant “battle”, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s difficult for a female actor headlining a film, no matter how many successful films you’ve done. There are scripts I really like, but I need someone to believe they will work,” she said, adding that having Sinha on board eased some of those challenges.
Pannu, however, struck a hopeful note, saying the success of Mardaani 3 starring Rani Mukerji feels like a victory for women across the industry.
“Any other female actor’s success helps me. I’m celebrating Mardaani 3’s success because I know it will open doors for many more women-led films,” she said.
Assi, a courtroom thriller exploring rising cases of sexual violence against women, features Pannu as public prosecutor Raavi. The film also stars Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Kani Kusruti, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Supriya Pathak, Revathi and Naseeruddin Shah.
To prepare for her role, Pannu visited Patiala House Court to observe legal proceedings. She said watching a female public prosecutor study case files helped her understand the need to balance “professional coldness” with “emotional depth”.
Assi is scheduled to release in theatres on February 20.