A noteworthy phenomenon in Bollywood in 2010-11 was the ?rise of the debutants? across the spectrum, from actors to scriptwriters and directors. In a session moderated by Karan Johar, filmmaker and co-chair of the Ficci Entertainment Committee, on the final day of Ficci Frames 2011, debutant directors including Kiran Rao (Dhobighat), Vikramaditya Motwane (Udaan), Maneesh Sharma (Band Baaja Baarat), Habib Faisal (Do Dooni Chaar), and Abhishek Sharma (Tere Bin Laden), stressed on the importance of studio backing, from content development and production to distribution and exhibition, for beginners to succeed. They also reiterated the need to recognise the ?small concept-driven film? that is sparking off ?a new movement? in the industry.
These films were made at modest budgets of R3-5 crore, and were only a concept to begin with. They were devoid of stars and flashy entertainment. Johar said, ?2010 proved that brilliance does not need big budgets or big stars? while Rao noted, ?All these films had their unique voices and were distinct from each other. There is a need to explore newer subjects and different models of production and exhibition as we go ahead.?
Motwane, who waited for six years to release Udaan, highlighted the importance of the timing of a film?s release. He said, ?If Udaan had released in 2004, when it was scripted, it would have tanked at the box office. Audiences now have matured to accept small, idea-specific films like these. It is crucial for first-time directors to release their films at the appropriate time. After that, it is the producer?s job to ensure that the film gets adequate number of prints to sustain itself at the theatres for a long period of time.?
Faisal, who scripted Band Baaja Baarat and directed Do Dooni Chaar, is of the opinion that debutant directors adopt a more pragmatic approach to film making these days. He said, ?First-timers are starting out with small projects, not over-ambitious ones. Cultural-specific stories showcasing universal values are being written and are being accepted positively by the audiences. There should be a proper system in place to encourage new scriptwriters.?
The critical and commercial success of Udaan and Dhobi Ghat, have indicated a transition in the tastes of audiences. Rao added, ?The belief in parallel or non-mainstream cinema was reinforced last year. Audiences are more willing to accept different content and directors are providing them with that. Producers should encourage new talent in regional cinema too.?