Stardom Overshadows Cinema: Indian Audiences Favor Celebs Over Art

Filmmaker Pratim D Gupta recently voiced concerns about the Indian film industry's obsession with celebrity over craftsmanship. He noted that in Kolkata, the presence of stars Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi garnered significant attention, eclipsing the fact that renowned director Mani Ratnam was filming in the city. This overshadowed the collaboration with three-time National Award-winning cinematographer Avik Mukhopadhyay, who was also making his Tamil film debut.

Gupta critically observed this as a cultural issue where 'being seen' has superseded 'having made something.' He pointed out the disproportionate media focus on a star's public appearances compared to a cinematographer's artistic contributions. Actor Hrithik Roshan supported this view, lamenting India's "superficial understanding of cinema" and the tendency to confuse on-screen personas with genuine artistry.

Roshan urged for a deeper appreciation of filmmaking's various aspects, suggesting a shift from mere celebrity focus to recognizing the broader artistic elements. Pratim D Gupta, who transitioned from journalism to filmmaking, has directed several Bengali films. Hrithik Roshan, recently seen in 'War 2,' is set to star in and direct 'Krrish 4.'