In an exclusive conversation with mid-day.com, writer and actor Biswapati Sarkar delved into the current state of Bollywood, its decreasing relatability compared to southern cinema, and the unpredictability of audience reactions as evidenced by the success of the series ‘Panchayat.’
Biswapati Sarkar, known for his extensive work with The Viral Fever (TVF) and now with Posham Pa Pictures, highlighted the ongoing shift in his viewing preferences around 2018-19. “I found myself gravitating more towards Malayalam and Tamil films,” Sarkar noted. “It’s not that I’ve entirely stopped watching Hindi films, but unless they come highly recommended, I tend to lose interest quickly.”
This shift, Sarkar believes, is largely due to the relatable characters and realistic settings in Tamil and Malayalam films. “These films, regardless of their budget, present characters that feel familiar, like people you might meet in your daily life. On the other hand, many Hindi films suffer from a lack of authenticity, recycling characters and scenarios from previous movies,” he elaborated. Sarkar’s own portfolio includes widely acclaimed series like ‘TVF Pitchers’ and ‘Permanent Roommates’, as well as feature films like ‘Jaadugar’ and ‘Kaala Paani.’
Discussing the relatability factor, Sarkar pointed out that even while Hindi cinema embraced the mid-budget, small-town genre around 2018-19, only a handful of films managed to stand out. “Initially, it seemed like a promising trend, but it quickly became formulaic.”
Sarkar shared insights into why southern cinema, with its talented actors like Fahadh Faasil and Raj Shetty, has been more successful in this area. “Audiences in the south are more accepting of diverse films and characters, even those involving major stars. This willingness to experiment is not as prevalent in Hindi cinema,” he reasoned.
Recent mid-budget Hindi films like ‘Laapataa Ladies’ and ’12th Fail’ have, however, bucked this trend by drawing more attention than big-budget multi-starrers. “There’s clearly a cultural coolness that Hindi cinema is losing,” he stated. “If films like ‘Laapataa Ladies’ are generating more buzz than high-budget movies, it signals a shift in audience preferences.”
Sarkar also addressed the viral statement made by ‘Fighter’ director Siddharth Anand about the film’s relatability. Anand’s comment that most people have never been on a flight sparked a meme frenzy. Sarkar, who co-wrote ‘Fighter’, suggested that the comment was misunderstood. “Relatability isn’t limited to the plot or location.
. The emotional core of the film should connect with the audience. For example, ‘Jurassic Park’ is about wonder—if there were dinosaurs, people would react just as the characters did in the movie. It’s this emotional authenticity that counts.”
The conversation then moved to the unpredictable nature of audience reactions, particularly concerning the series ‘Panchayat.’ During a Screenwriters Association (SWA) panel discussion, Sarkar revealed that a focus group had initially dismissed ‘Panchayat.’ “The feedback was that the series wouldn’t resonate with audiences. But it went on to become a massive hit, with its third season recently released to great success,” he recalled. “This just goes to show that nobody can accurately predict a project’s success.”
Sarkar suggested that industry veterans often rely on instinct to gauge a film’s potential. “Experience helps, but even seasoned professionals can be surprised. What might have been a 70-crore hit in the past might now be a 50-crore success, yet still considered good business.”
Looking ahead, Sarkar is keen on exploring diverse genres through Posham Pa Pictures. “Our vision is to support progressive stories and make a variety of content. As storytellers, our interests evolve. We’re no longer interested in college-level shows; our focus has shifted to more mature narratives that reflect the world we live in today.”
By diversifying their content and tapping into underexplored genres, Sarkar believes Posham Pa Pictures can carve a niche distinct from TVF. “It’s about supporting stories that need to be told and reflecting our growth as creators. We aim to present narratives that resonate on a deeper, more mature level.”
In conclusion, Sarkar’s insights shed light on the changing dynamics of Indian cinema, especially the growing disconnect between Bollywood and its audiences. His observations about the relatability and authenticity of southern films versus Hindi films, and the importance of emotional connection, offer valuable perspectives for filmmakers and audiences alike. With Posham Pa Pictures, Sarkar hopes to contribute to this evolving landscape by championing innovative and meaningful stories.