Filmmaker laments Bollywood's lost family feel

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, visiting Lucknow, reflected on Bollywood's past, noting a significant decline in industry solidarity since the 1980s. He recalled a time when filmmakers collectively supported each other's projects, a stark contrast to the current fragmented environment. Mishra believes this sense of community, where success was shared, has diminished.

Despite economic challenges and high ticket prices, Mishra asserts that the passion for filmmaking remains strong, citing recent successes in international and regional Indian cinema. He argues that the ecosystem surrounding cinema, including producers and distributors, needs systemic support. Mishra advocates for government incentives like tax breaks, similar to those in France, to nurture cinematic arts.

He strongly criticizes the current economic model, particularly the high entertainment tax and ticket prices. Mishra posits that cinema provides a vital collective experience and should not be taxed. He suggests lowering ticket prices and making single-screen theaters tax-free to encourage wider audience access and survival of the business.

Mishra emphasizes cinema's role as a unifying force for the nation, promoting interaction between different language film industries. He dismisses fleeting digital trends, championing the enduring tradition of storytelling by independent filmmakers. For decades, he has called for a five-year tax holiday for the film industry to ensure its survival and continued creative output.