For Immediate Release
Bollywood Stalwarts Spark Debate: Is India’s Love for Cinema Skin-Deep?
Mumbai, India – [Date of Publication] – A thought-provoking discussion has ignited within the Indian film industry, spearheaded by filmmaker Pratim D Gupta and amplified by superstar Hrithik Roshan. The debate centers on whether the Indian public’s engagement with cinema prioritizes star power over the intricate artistry of filmmaking.
The conversation began with a detailed Instagram post by Pratim D Gupta, a filmmaker and former journalist. Gupta highlighted a stark contrast in public reception during a recent Kolkata shoot. The mere presence of popular actors Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi generated an overwhelming buzz, eclipsing the significance of acclaimed director Mani Ratnam‘s homecoming to the city – his first Kolkata shoot since ‘Yuva’ – and his collaboration with three-time National Award-winning cinematographer, Avik Mukhopadhyay.
Filmmaker Pratim D Gupta Laments Overlooked Cinematic Craft
Gupta’s post articulated a “heartbreaking” assessment of how cinema is currently celebrated in India. He expressed dismay at the public’s indifference to Mani Ratnam’s return and his work with Avik Mukhopadhyay, who was making his Tamil film debut. Gupta posited that this phenomenon extends beyond mere media reporting, suggesting a deeper “cultural problem.”
“Perhaps this is not just a media problem. Perhaps it is a cultural problem. We have created a strange hierarchy where being seen has become more important than having made something,” Gupta wrote. He drew a poignant comparison: “A star walks into a restaurant and it becomes news. A great filmmaker walks into a city and we barely notice. A star waves from a car and thousands of people gather. A cinematographer creates an image that stays in our heads for twenty years and most people don’t even know his name.”
Hrithik Roshan Concurs, Calls India’s Cinematic Understanding “Superficial”
Adding significant weight to Gupta’s observation, Bollywood icon Hrithik Roshan commented on the post, unequivocally agreeing with the sentiment. “Cinema is bigger than stardom well said,” Roshan remarked. “Unfortunately we have a very superficial understanding of cinema here in India.”
Roshan further elaborated on the issue, suggesting that Indian audiences often conflate a star’s on-screen persona with their real-life identity, a perception he likened to how children believe. “Somehow we haven’t grown up to understand where the actual art lies,” he added. “I hope more people discuss this. And start getting fascinated by all the other perhaps even more important aspects of filmmaking.”
This discussion highlights a critical juncture for the Indian film industry, prompting reflection on how cinematic achievement is perceived and celebrated by the public and media alike. It raises questions about the industry’s responsibility to educate and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted craft of filmmaking, beyond the allure of celebrity.
About Pratim D Gupta’s Filmmaking Journey
Before his transition to filmmaking, Pratim D Gupta was a distinguished journalist. He made his directorial debut in 2012 with ‘Paanch Adhyay’, starring Dia Mirza. His subsequent Bengali films include ‘X: Past Is Present’, ‘Shaheb Bibi Golaam’, and his latest, ‘Ranna Baati’ (2025). Gupta also ventured into the OTT space with the Netflix series ‘Tooth Pari: When Love Bites’ (2023) and ‘Karma Korma’ for Hoichoi (2025).
About Hrithik Roshan’s Upcoming Projects
Hrithik Roshan was recently seen in the YRF spy thriller ‘War 2’ and made a cameo in ‘Alpha’. He also featured in ‘The Roshans’ documentary on Netflix. Under his production banner, HRX Films, he is producing ‘Storm’ and ‘Mess’ for Prime Video and is slated to make his directorial debut with ‘Krrish 4’.
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