Manoj Bajpayee: Small banners are the ones who are doing well, big banners don’t guarantee good content

Manoj Bajpayee is no longer surprised when his movies receive praise when they screen at foreign film festivals. This time, it's his newest Joram, which will make its international premiere at the 52nd International Film Festival Rotterdam's Big Screen Competition segment (IFFR).

In a recent interview he said that this is an opportunity for the film to stamp at the beginning of its journey itself. It’s shaped up very well, and the way Devashish (Makhija, director) also spoke about the film, he is  very proud. He started his journey with him (with the film Bhosle; 2020), and is showing the nation what kind of a filmmaker he is.

Bajpayee further added that he doesn't only stick to huge movies; he continues to support smaller, independent ventures. Smaller films are currently performing better than major ones. 

“Small banners are the ones who are doing well. Big banners don’t guarantee good content. I look for directors and writers who are pivotal,” he quoted.

First screening often evoke a feeling of nervousness among actors and talking about the same, Manoj shared his mantra about how he feels when his film is shown to audiences for the first time. 

The 53-year-old expressed that he feels that the festivals and awards, these are all the by-product of the work that one does. But eventually, when you are doing it, you are doing it only to give justice to the character that they are given to do. He tried to do that to the best of his ability, and then after that, he doesn't think much about all of these things. He does enjoy these festivals, but doesn't expect anything out of it, but just a good experience and to have fun.