Soni Razdan Reflects on Parallel Cinema and the Evolution of Film Distribution
Soni Razdan's Journey in Cinema
Soni Razdan, the mother of Alia Bhatt, embarked on her acting career in the 1980s with Aparna Sen's acclaimed film 36 Chowringhee Lane. Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous art films as well as commercial successes. In a recent interview, the Brown actress expressed her views on the unique era of parallel cinema in India, noting the significant changes in the film industry today, particularly the rising costs. She expressed her appreciation for streaming platforms, which have opened doors for diverse projects and allowed audiences to discover films they might have otherwise overlooked in theaters.
Insights on Parallel Cinema
Brown's Soni Razdan on why parallel cinema existed in a lucky phase
In a conversation with Zoom, Razdan reflected on the challenges filmmakers face in realizing their creative visions. She remarked, "The parallel cinema movement was a fortunate time for filmmakers who had the right stories and opportunities to bring them to life. It was a unique moment that has since faded away."
She elaborated, "Streaming platforms provide a valuable alternative for filmmakers today. Projects like Brown could not have been made in the past due to their unconventional nature. The existence of OTT platforms is a significant advantage for both filmmakers and actors, offering more creative freedom." The Zee5 series features Karisma Kapoor and Surya Sharma, and is based on the book City of Death. Set in Kolkata, it follows Karisma's character, police officer Rita Brown, as she investigates a gruesome murder. Razdan portrays Rita's mother, Janice Brown, in this series directed by Abhinay Deo.
Challenges in Today's Film Economics
Why is the economics of filming and distribution hard today?
Razdan pointed out that the film industry's traditional business model has become outdated. She noted that audiences often underestimate the complexities involved in producing and releasing a film. "Currently, there is an expectation to release films in theaters first, which is not a sustainable model. It only benefits those who want to gauge a film's success before purchasing it for distribution. Not every film is suited for the cinema experience," she explained.
According to Razdan, the financial landscape has shifted dramatically, making it increasingly costly to watch films in theaters. "People tend to see only major blockbuster films every few months, rather than spending money weekly on regular films that will eventually be available for home viewing. These are the considerations audiences now take into account. While it is challenging, it has always been difficult in this industry, and change is necessary," she concluded. Earlier this year, she appeared in the Amazon Prime Video series Bait, featuring Riz Ahmed, and her upcoming OTT project is Talaash, starring Parineeti Chopra and Tahir Raj Bhasin for Netflix.