The journey of independent films in India has always been challenging. Be it the strength of the story or the magic of acting, after making these films, taking them to the right audience often becomes the biggest challenge. Filmmaker Kiran Rao expressed his views on this issue during the 14th Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF).

He said that in the last few years, digital platforms have made it easier for films to reach a large audience, but the experience of going to the theater to watch a film is still considered special.

Kiran Rao said that there have been many big changes in the production and distribution of films, but even in the present times there are still many obstacles.

change in audience

Kiran Rao started his talk by mentioning India’s official Oscar entry film ‘Homebound’. He said that now the taste of the audience has changed a lot compared to earlier.

Earlier people were mainly limited to big heroes and traditional films, but now the audience is also showing interest in new stories and different style films. A major reason for this is the various streaming platforms, which make films available to a large audience even at home. This change is a positive sign for independent films, as the audience watching their stories is increasing.

What did Kiran Rao say on the concerns of independent film makers?

During this, Kiran Rao also raised an important question, which has always been a matter of concern for independent filmmakers. He asked whether the audience was ready to pay for these films. He said, “This is the most important question for filmmakers. Will anyone pay Rs 150 to watch films like ‘Homebound’ or ‘Sabar Bonda’? What’s the point of making a film if the audience won’t come to watch it? He said that making a film takes time, money and hard work and if people do not come to watch it, then all this may go in vain.

Kiran Rao told that he has supported independent films for the last ten years and has also worked as an executive producer in many hit films. There is no dearth in the quality of films, but the biggest challenge is to reach the right audience.

He said, “Today the opportunities for filmmakers have increased and many new avenues of film making have opened up, but there is still a big gap in the distribution of independent films. A film gets made, but it is difficult to deliver it to the audience in the right way on theater or platform.