Chasing the "Kick": Manoj Bajpayee Reveals Why His Heart Permanently Belongs to Independent Films
There was a time when Manoj Bajpayee was a regular face in massive, star-studded mainstream Hindi blockbusters like Veer-Zaara, Raajneeti, and Special 26. However, over the past ten years, the veteran actor has shifted almost all his energy away from the commercial formula, choosing instead to anchor low-budget, independent, and middle-of-the-road films.
In an honest conversation regarding his career trajectory, Manoj explained that his deep loyalty to small films comes down to a single feeling: personal fulfillment. He admitted that his heart completely belongs to independent cinema because it gives him a unique creative "kick" when he is able to deliver a performance that leaves even his closest friends completely stunned.
However, playing deeply complex, emotionally draining characters back-to-back comes with a massive mental cost. Manoj admitted that as he grows older, the extreme intensity required for indie roles leaves him feeling deeply exhausted. This fatigue has made big-budget commercial cinema look surprisingly tempting lately.
He jokingly explained that he receives plenty of commercial offers and sometimes feels like giving in just for the sheer comfort of it. He described a typical big-budget film schedule as a relaxed getaway:
The Story Behind 'Governor' The biographical film focuses heavily on the intense, high-stakes political drama of the early 1990s, when India found itself on the verge of complete national bankruptcy. The plot tracks how Venkitaramanan used sharp financial strategies, gold pledges, and international negotiations to successfully rescue the country from its worst economic crisis.
He pointed out that major film productions routinely use intense pressure tactics on theater owners and exhibitors to secure almost every single screen, leaving indie filmmakers with no room to show their work. Rather than asking audiences to watch small films out of pity, Manoj has formally urged the government to step in with an infrastructural policy similar to rules protecting regional cinema in Maharashtra that legally guarantees a minimum number of multiplex screens for independent movies across India.
In an honest conversation regarding his career trajectory, Manoj explained that his deep loyalty to small films comes down to a single feeling: personal fulfillment. He admitted that his heart completely belongs to independent cinema because it gives him a unique creative "kick" when he is able to deliver a performance that leaves even his closest friends completely stunned.
The Temptation of the "Big-Budget Picnic"
However, playing deeply complex, emotionally draining characters back-to-back comes with a massive mental cost. Manoj admitted that as he grows older, the extreme intensity required for indie roles leaves him feeling deeply exhausted. This fatigue has made big-budget commercial cinema look surprisingly tempting lately. He jokingly explained that he receives plenty of commercial offers and sometimes feels like giving in just for the sheer comfort of it. He described a typical big-budget film schedule as a relaxed getaway:
You may also like
- Here's how Sonakshi Sinha maintains her fitness even while on holiday
- Bharat Ahlawwat opens up about most challenging part of playing Raghav in 'Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile'
- 5 Ways you can reduce sugar cravings without hitting a sugar rehab
- Vikram Bhatt reacts to global success of Hollywood horror 'Obsession': 'I sat back, laughed and thought this is 'Raaz''
- Adele planning huge comeback to music, swings between UK, US
- Zero Mental Stress: You show up on set, get a basic script, memorize a few simple lines, and perform a bit of easy comedy.
- Luxury Treatment: You get to sit inside an ultra-luxury vanity van all day and order whatever delicious food you want.
- A Pure Vacation: Instead of an emotionally grueling artistic exercise, the entire 40-to-50-day shooting schedule feels exactly like a fun, paid picnic.
Bringing a Historic Crisis to the Screen
This conversation comes right on the heels of his latest independent release, titled Governor. Directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, the low-budget historical drama features Manoj essaying the real-life role of S. Venkitaramanan, the brilliant former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).The Story Behind 'Governor' The biographical film focuses heavily on the intense, high-stakes political drama of the early 1990s, when India found itself on the verge of complete national bankruptcy. The plot tracks how Venkitaramanan used sharp financial strategies, gold pledges, and international negotiations to successfully rescue the country from its worst economic crisis.
Demanding a Level Playing Field
While Governor has won massive critical acclaim for Manoj’s masterclass performance, its limited release has highlighted a major systemic issue in Indian cinema. Manoj has actively spoken out against the distribution monopoly held by big-budget studio releases.He pointed out that major film productions routinely use intense pressure tactics on theater owners and exhibitors to secure almost every single screen, leaving indie filmmakers with no room to show their work. Rather than asking audiences to watch small films out of pity, Manoj has formally urged the government to step in with an infrastructural policy similar to rules protecting regional cinema in Maharashtra that legally guarantees a minimum number of multiplex screens for independent movies across India.
More from our partners
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now
