Celebrated filmmaker and IFFI 2024 festival director Shekhar Kapur underscored the significance of OTT platforms in bringing global talent to the forefront. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Kapur praised the platform for showcasing actors like Manoj Bajpayee, who have found new avenues of success in the OTT landscape. He emphasized the need to celebrate OTT as a distinct medium that enriches the film industry by amplifying fresh perspectives and talent.
In a PTI-covered discussion, Kapur remarked that OTT deserves recognition as a standalone medium. Addressing censorship challenges on streaming content, he acknowledged that restrictions could push filmmakers to refine their craft, though he noted the importance of balancing creative freedom. Highlighting the rise of AI in filmmaking, Kapur argued that while AI has value, it cannot replace the emotional essence required to craft authentic cinema, stating, “AI can provoke you to be better, but it cannot create emotion.”
Reflecting OTT’s growing impact, IFFI 2024 has introduced a Best Web Series Award, with this year’s entries surging to 46, up from 32 in 2023. The winning series will be honored with a certificate and Rs. 10 lakh, to be awarded at the festival’s closing ceremony.
Kapur confirmed that he would begin filming Masoom 2, the anticipated follow-up to his 1983 classic Masoom, in early 2025. The sequel will reunite original stars Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah alongside Manoj Bajpayee and Kapur’s daughter, Kaveri. Sharing a humorous incident from a recent flight, Kapur recalled leaving the Masoom 2 script on his seat, only to have it returned with a note from a flight attendant expressing admiration for Masoom and well-wishes for its sequel.
The original Masoom was a milestone in Indian cinema, exploring the impact of infidelity on family relationships with a poignant, emotional narrative. Kapur promised that Masoom 2 would honor the essence of the original while introducing a fresh storyline that resonates with today’s audience.
Summary Points
- Shekhar Kapur highlights OTT as a powerful platform, advocating for it as a unique cinematic medium.
- Kapur announces Masoom 2, featuring original stars Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, with Manoj Bajpayee joining the cast.
- The IFFI 2024 introduces a Best Web Series Award, with 46 entries competing for Rs. 10 lakh.
- Kapur emphasizes that while AI can enhance creativity, it cannot replicate the emotional core of great cinema.