Jaaved Jaaferi says audience must watch small films in theatre to keep indie cinema alive: 'Its light shouldn't go out'

Jaaved Jaaferi talks about his latest release, Inn Galiyon Mein and reflects on the state of independent cinema in India.

Jaaved Jaaferi's recent film, Inn Galiyon Mein, is running in theatres across the country. The independent film with no big stars has done well but not exactly broken the bank at the box office. In conversation with HT, the actor opens up about the film and the state of independent cinema in India. (

Jaaved Jaaferi on independent films in India

Jaaved Jaaferi talks about his latest release, Inn Galiyon Mein.

Talking about the commercial aspirations of small films, Jaaved says, "I have one thing to say to the audiences. People sometimes say, 'We will watch this one at home'. The thing is, you need to encourage such films so that independent cinema stays alive, its light doesn't go out."

The actor says that even though commercial cinema is avoiding message-led stories, filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani have kept the 'message' alive in blockbusters. "He has understood that if he wants to make a socially relevant film, he needs a big star so that, at least, people will come to the theatres," quips the actor. He then adds that he still sees hope as the newer generation of actors and filmmakers are telling rooted stories. "There is hope when I see small films starring Rajkummar Rao or Ayushmann Khurrana that may not be big blockbusters, but they earn money. They leave a mark," says Jaaved.

On representation of lower income group in mainstream Bollywood

Directed by Avinash Das, Inn Galiyon Mein stars Jaaved Jaaferi, Vivaan Shah, and Avantika Dassani. The film was released in theatres on March 14.