Kiran Rao: Authenticity is Key in New Media Landscape

Kiran Rao, a noted filmmaker, reflects on the dramatic evolution of Indian cinema, which has moved from a primary reliance on single-screen theaters to a complex multi-platform distribution system. She recalls a time before the internet when films had exclusive theatrical runs for months, a stark contrast to the current era of diverse digital distribution.

Rao observes that social media now competes directly with traditional filmmaking. She stresses that in this new environment, authenticity is paramount for filmmakers to remain relevant, as fundamental human responses to stories have not changed despite technological advancements.

She also addresses changing viewer attention spans, cautioning against storytelling that solely aims to capture fleeting attention. However, Rao expresses optimism, believing there is a strong, enduring audience for well-crafted, long-form narratives.