Prosenjit Chatterjee questions the definition of commercial cinema
etimes.in / Jun 06, 2024, 12:11 (IST)
Prosenjit Chatterjee recently celebrated a milestone with the release of 'Ajogyo', his 50th film with Rituparna Sengupta. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, he shared insights into their enduring collaboration, the changing dynamics of mainstream cinema, and his passion for acting. Prosenjit questioned traditional definitions of commercial cinema, citing "Pather Panchali" as a prime example due to its lasting relevance and revenue. He emphasized that commercial cinema includes any film that resonates with audiences and performs well at the box office, not just grandiose productions. He highlighted the evolving language of cinema and its necessity for industry survival, as commercial films provide the financial foundation for experimental projects. Without commercial success, non-mainstream films would struggle. Chatterjee also noted changes in film exhibition, especially for younger audiences with access to global cinema on their devices. He pointed out the success of actors like Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Vicky Kaushal pre-pandemic, and acknowledged Shah Rukh Khan's impact, emphasizing experienced actors' responsibility to give back to the industry.