A Changing Film Landscape
As Taapsee Pannu promotes her upcoming Netflix film, Gandhari, set to premiere on September 3, she has opened up about the shifting landscape of Hindi cinema and her own career choices. In an interaction with Suchin Mehrotra during the film's promotions, Pannu was asked about the drastic change in the kinds of theatrical releases coming out compared to 2015.
Reflecting on the period when she began her career, Pannu said, "Was that a dream era? Someone like me wouldn't have a career if this was the time where only this kind of stuff was getting made." She added, "I am too privileged I think, looking back. That I had the liberty to start at that point."
Pannu, who over the last decade has established herself as an actor through female-centric films including Pink, Mulk, Thappad and Assi, noted that in recent times there has been an outpouring of big films with excessive violence and shock value. She said she cannot see herself making those kinds of films.
'Retire Hone Ka Time Toh Nahi Aa Gaya Hai'
Pannu revealed that she recently discussed the current film landscape with her family after looking at some of the films released over the past few months. She jokingly wondered if it was time for her to retire, saying, "Retire hone ka time toh nahi aa gaya hai kahi (Is it time for me to retire)?"
She added that she would 'prefer retiring' rather than doing certain kinds of films, while acknowledging that such movies may still have their own audience. "I love my job but I don't love my job blindly to be doing those kinds of films," she said.
Prioritising Filmography Over Box Office
Pannu stressed the importance of building a filmography that she can look back on with pride. According to her, trends and genres may change over time, but the body of work an actor leaves behind remains. She said that even a decade later, she wants people looking at her filmography to feel that she made choices she could stand by.
She has also spoken about being comfortable with not having many Rs. 100-crore films to her credit. "And I think it's fine. I am okay being someone who has probably not had 1000 crore, 5000 crore films. 100 crore films also for that matter. I have not really had many in my career. I am fine with that," she said.
Pannu explained that she has consciously prioritised the quality and longevity of her filmography over temporary box-office rewards. "So, it is a conscious choice that I have made of choosing my filmography over temporary reward. Because this filmography is going to stay. Time will change. Today, there are films like this. Tomorrow, there will be films like that. Earlier, there were other kinds of films. But my filmography won't change. It will stay the same," she said.
The 'Weird Cycle' of Box Office and Cult Status
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Pannu said she has seen many films that did not perform at the box office initially but went on to acquire cult status years later. "There are a lot of good films that don't run in the box office. And then after 10 years, we bring them in the best films of the decades. Then we give them cult status. Then they are worshipped. Then their reference points are made. I mean, I have seen a lot like this in my career," she said.
"Obviously, you have to pay the reward for this. You are told that your filmography is a flop. And then you have to wait for 10 years for it to get cult status. Then you can give big interviews. And in the same year, no one is asking about the other hit films that have been made. So, it is such a weird cycle. As an actor, you go through it," she added.
Pannu said the important question for an actor is to understand why they are making a particular film. "So, you have to be very sure. Why do you want to make this film? Do you want it to become a big hit? Or do you want the people who watch this film to remember it? Not just now, but even after 10 years. So, I think I chose this second option," she said.
She concluded, "I would rather be someone who is remembered for the kind of roles I have done. I think that's a little more significant for me."
About Gandhari
In Gandhari, Pannu essays a desperate mother who embarks on a quest to find her daughter after she is abducted. The film is set to premiere on Netflix on September 3.