Manoj Bajpayee illuminates acting craft, journalism in cinema

Panaji: Renowned actor Manoj Bajpayee captivated audiences at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), reflecting on his acting journey, the challenges of filmmaking, and the nuances of independent cinema. Bajpayee, along with the cast and crew of ‘Despatch’, shared insights into the film’s creation and the power of storytelling to mirror society’s complexities.

The making of ‘Despatch’

During a press conference moderated by Dharmendra Tiwari, Bajpayee and the team shed light on the film’s journey:

Overcoming pandemic challenges: Bajpayee described the hurdles faced during filming, particularly amidst the Delta wave in Mumbai. “Many of us got infected, but we resumed shooting after overcoming the obstacles,” he shared.

A story of journalism’s dark side: The film, written by Ishani Banerjee and Kannu Behl, follows Joy, a crime editor unraveling a web of corruption amidst personal and professional turmoil. “It’s a deeply real and captivating narrative,” Bajpayee remarked.

Mental demands of the role: Bajpayee emphasized the rigorous workshops and intense preparation required to portray his character. “It was mentally demanding but worth every effort,” he added.

Despatch, set to release on December 13, 2024, explores ambition, greed, and their toll on human lives.

Acting as an art and representation

At an ‘In Conversation’ session moderated by film critic Sudhir Srinivasan, Bajpayee reflected on the craft of acting:

Staying connected to society: “If I keep my car windows black, how can I observe life?” he questioned, underscoring the importance of staying connected with people to portray authentic characters.

Acting as representation: “An actor’s performance should not only entertain but deeply touch and represent people,” he said, highlighting his mission to move audiences through his roles.

Independent cinema: The future of storytelling

Bajpayee expressed concerns about societal and cinematic uncertainties, urging support for independent cinema.

Championing authenticity in film: “Independent cinema stays true to the art of cinema. Without it, cinema would be reduced to mere business,” he asserted.

A call to mentor bew filmmakers: He emphasized mentoring independent creators as key to fostering growth and innovation in Indian cinema.

Collaborative nature of cinema

Bajpayee stressed the interplay of various elements in filmmaking:

Theatre vs film: “Theatre is an actor’s medium, but film is a director’s medium,” he explained, pointing out the collaborative essence of cinema.

Versatility in roles: Refusing to confine himself to specific genres, he stated, “I seek to explore my characters with every project and deliver something unique.”

A testament to storytelling’s power

Bajpayee’s reflections during the festival highlighted his unwavering commitment to his craft and belief in cinema as a powerful tool for societal reflection and change. His thought-provoking discussions offered inspiration to cinephiles, actors, and filmmakers alike.