by Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu has recently spoken out about a concerning trend in the Indian film industry—the gradual disappearance of unconventional cinema. According to her, films that defy mainstream commercial formulas, often referred to as experimental, issue-driven, or content-rich films, are now at risk of becoming an “extinct species.” Speaking to PTI, Taapsee stressed that the industry is leaning heavily towards predictable, safe, and formulaic content, leaving little room for filmmakers and actors who wish to tell stories that are different, thought-provoking, or socially relevant.
The Struggle of Unconventional Cinema
Taapsee’s observations shed light on a critical concern for Indian cinema. For decades, Bollywood has been dominated by a commercial model that prioritizes mass appeal, star power, and tried-and-tested narrative formulas. While such films often perform well at the box office, they inadvertently marginalize experimental films that aim to challenge social norms, explore new storytelling techniques, or highlight pressing societal issues.
She pointed out that films like her upcoming project Assi, a courtroom drama directed by Anubhav Sinha, are finding it increasingly difficult to survive in the current cinematic ecosystem. Assi, which features a stellar ensemble cast including Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, Supriya Pathak, Revathi, Kani Kusruti, and Naseeruddin Shah, is emblematic of the kind of cinema that takes risks—both narratively and thematically. Such films often require a nuanced approach and demand that audiences engage critically, which can be seen as less commercially viable in a market driven by numbers and immediate returns.
Commercial Cinema vs. Content-Driven Cinema
Over the past decade, the Indian film industry has seen a significant shift towards high-budget, star-driven films with predictable story arcs. Blockbusters dominate box-office charts, while films with smaller budgets, experimental narratives, or socially conscious themes struggle to secure adequate theatrical distribution. Taapsee expressed concern that this trend is endangering the very essence of storytelling in Indian cinema.
The term “extinct species” that she used is not hyperbolic. It reflects a real tension between commercial imperatives and creative freedom. Filmmakers now face the dual challenge of convincing distributors and theaters to screen unconventional content while also ensuring that audiences are willing to pay to watch films that deviate from mainstream expectations. For an actor like Taapsee, who has consistently chosen content-driven roles, this environment poses both professional and creative challenges.
The OTT Dilemma
One might assume that the rise of OTT platforms has created a safe haven for unconventional cinema, offering filmmakers a chance to reach audiences without relying on traditional theatrical distribution. However, Taapsee cautioned that even streaming services are becoming selective, often favoring projects that already have proven commercial potential.
“OTT platforms are not a guaranteed alternative anymore,” she said. Streaming services are increasingly curating content based on projected engagement, trending genres, and star power rather than the intrinsic value or social relevance of a story. Films like Assi, which tackle complex issues and may not have an immediate mass-market appeal, can find it challenging to gain traction, even on digital platforms. The actor’s comments suggest that the digital medium, while democratizing access to content, is not a complete solution to the survival of unconventional cinema.
The Call to Audiences
Taapsee Pannu made a strong appeal to audiences, urging them to support meaningful cinema by watching such films in theatres rather than waiting for them to appear on streaming platforms. She emphasized that the theatrical experience is crucial for content-driven films, as it directly contributes to their financial viability and sends a strong message to distributors and producers that there is a market for such content.
Her plea is rooted in a larger concern about audience behavior. In recent years, many viewers have shifted towards consuming films digitally, sometimes bypassing the cinema experience altogether. While OTT platforms have increased accessibility, they have also inadvertently shifted market dynamics in favor of content that is safe, formulaic, and capable of generating immediate engagement metrics. By encouraging audiences to watch unconventional films in theaters, Taapsee is advocating for a revival of the cinematic ecosystem that supports experimentation and creativity.
Assi
: A Case Study in Courageous Cinema
Taapsee’s upcoming project Assi serves as an example of what she refers to as endangered cinema. The film, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is a courtroom drama exploring societal issues, morality, and justice. The ensemble cast includes veterans like Naseeruddin Shah and Revathi, highlighting the film’s commitment to strong performances and impactful storytelling.
The movie promises to challenge conventional storytelling norms, employing layered narratives, rich character arcs, and dialogues designed to provoke thought rather than merely entertain. It is precisely this kind of content-driven film that Taapsee believes is increasingly under threat in an industry prioritizing predictable box-office formulas over artistic merit.
Historical Context: Experimental Cinema in India
India has a rich history of unconventional and parallel cinema, dating back to filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Mani Kaul, and Adoor Gopalakrishnan, whose work challenged mainstream norms and explored socially relevant themes. These filmmakers often faced challenges in terms of funding, distribution, and audience reception, but their films are now celebrated for their cultural and artistic contributions.
In recent decades, a hybrid model emerged where actors like Taapsee Pannu, Radhika Apte, and Vicky Kaushal have taken roles in both commercial and content-driven films, bridging mainstream appeal and critical storytelling. However, even this model is now under threat as producers and platforms gravitate toward projects with guaranteed returns, potentially sidelining stories that require risk-taking.
The Industry Perspective
Industry insiders have acknowledged the trend that Taapsee highlights. Producers and distributors often view unconventional films as high-risk investments. Even critically acclaimed films sometimes struggle to recover costs due to limited screen availability and lower initial audience turnout.
Digital platforms, once seen as a solution, are increasingly data-driven. Algorithms and analytics prioritize content likely to maximize engagement, often sidelining smaller or experimental films. While the democratization of content through OTT platforms has been significant, it has also inadvertently created a market dynamic where only films with pre-existing buzz or star power are prioritized.
The Role of the Actor in Advocating Change
Actors like Taapsee Pannu play a crucial role in keeping unconventional cinema alive. By choosing projects like Assi, she is not only showcasing her versatility but also advocating for the survival of content-driven storytelling. Her consistent engagement with films that tackle social issues or challenge narrative norms reflects a commitment to preserving artistic integrity in an era dominated by commercial pressures.
Moreover, public statements from respected actors create awareness among audiences and industry stakeholders alike. Taapsee’s warnings about the potential “extinction” of unconventional films highlight the need for collective action—from producers, distributors, platforms, and viewers—to ensure a healthy, diverse cinematic ecosystem.
The Importance of Theatre Culture
Taapsee’s emphasis on watching films in theatres is particularly noteworthy. The theatrical experience offers several advantages for unconventional films:
- Financial Viability: Box-office revenue is a tangible measure of audience interest, helping producers justify future investments in content-driven cinema.
- Audience Engagement: Experiencing a film collectively in a theatre can amplify the impact of thought-provoking narratives, fostering discussions and debates.
- Industry Signals: Strong theatre performance sends a clear signal to distributors and OTT platforms that there is a market for films outside the conventional commercial formula.
Her appeal is thus a call for a more conscious consumption of cinema, where audiences actively participate in shaping the industry’s creative landscape.
The Global Perspective
The challenge faced by unconventional cinema in India is not unique. Around the world, independent films, experimental narratives, and issue-driven stories often compete with big-budget commercial projects for visibility and financial support. International film festivals, grants, and awards play a critical role in sustaining such cinema.
By highlighting these challenges, Taapsee is aligning Indian cinema with a broader global conversation about preserving artistic diversity and encouraging risk-taking in storytelling. Her comments underscore the importance of creating an ecosystem that values content as much as commercial viability.
Looking Forward: The Future of Films Like
Assi
While the environment for unconventional films is challenging, there is hope. Audiences are increasingly exposed to diverse content through festivals, curated digital platforms, and critical discourse. Films like Assi demonstrate that high-quality storytelling with strong performances can find its audience, provided there is adequate support from both viewers and industry stakeholders.
Taapsee Pannu’s advocacy is significant in shaping this future. By publicly addressing the risks to unconventional cinema, she is urging a re-evaluation of industry priorities, encouraging producers to invest in experimental projects, distributors to allocate screens thoughtfully, and audiences to engage with films consciously.
Conclusion
Taapsee Pannu’s candid warning about unconventional films becoming an “extinct species” is both timely and crucial. Her observations highlight the challenges faced by content-driven cinema in India—from the commercial pressures on theatres to the selective nature of OTT platforms. By emphasizing audience support and theatrical viewership, she is advocating for a revival of risk-taking in storytelling.
Her upcoming film Assi exemplifies the kind of cinema that is at stake: socially relevant, creatively ambitious, and narratively bold. As the industry grapples with these challenges, actors, filmmakers, and audiences must work together to ensure that Indian cinema remains diverse, innovative, and capable of producing films that do more than entertain—they inspire, provoke, and reflect society in meaningful ways.
Taapsee’s voice is a call to action for a sustainable future where unconventional cinema not only survives but thrives, enriching the cultural and artistic fabric of India for generations to come.
