Abhay Deol, Zoya Akhtar pitch for trendsetting at NFDC Film Bazaar

Bollywood think tank is actively participating at the ongoing NFDC film Bazaar in the 42nd edition of IFFI Goa. The second day continued with NFDC knowledge series where in the afternoon Film Bazaar saw the coming together of Industry contemporaries like Zoya Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin, and Sanjay Suri for a panel session on Are New Age Filmmakers Trendsetters?

Though the opinions of the panelists on the idea of "trendsetting" differed they agreed that the changes that have taken place in the Indian cinema today are due to the changing demands and needs of their audience.

Zoya Akhtar who is a new age film director said, "it is about making the money and every venture starts out with wanting to be a commercial success but said the film she writes, directs has to ultimately appeal to her as director before it can be sought to appeal to the viewers.

She also said expecting a pan indian hit is slightly un realistic as the success of the film can be fragmented and may work in some parts and might bomb in others.

Vishal Bharwaj a veteran filmmaker seconded Zoya's opinion on being his own most important audience and said, "I make movies for myself." With relation indie space to Sanjay Suri explains why being an Independent Filmmaker is difficult in India - "A film that works in Mumbai could or could not be liked or seen in Chennai. India itself is a big challenge. I hope to make a film that firstly works all over India and also overseas."

Actor Abhay Deol, who has made a name for himself in new wave cinema, also said that despite being Punjabi, he is not into watching Punjabi movies. "I don't watch Punjabi movies. My Punjabi is also not that good," he said responding to a question.

Deol, who has worked with Akhtar in her film 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', said that the sub-titling could help more audience to watch the regional cinema.

Kalki Koechlin, Indian actress with French descent, however, said that Anurag Kashyap (her husband) drags her to see Marathi films.

Referring to Marathi movie 'Gandh,' she said that the film was really excellent and she liked it. "I really enjoyed watching Marathi films. It is something that should be more accessible," she added.

The issue of new generation filmmakers watching regional films was raised during the Knowledge Session by one of the audience.

One of the participants, introducing himself as a film critique, claimed that 'few Hindi filmmakers are being highlighted as a torch bearers of the Indian film industry.'

Deol rebutting the allegations said that every filmmaker is having a set of audience which he caters to. "You don't compare one to another as per your judgements," he said.

Film Bazaar is the concept by National Films Division Corporation (NFDC), which is a business to business platform for the filmmakers and buyers.