Taapsee Pannu’s latest film production, “Dhak Dhak,” has hit the theaters, featuring Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanjana Sanghi in lead roles. The film follows four women embarking on a daring motorcycle adventure through the challenging terrain of Leh.
Despite the film’s potential, Taapsee Pannu expressed her discontent with the Bollywood industry’s culture, which often favors star power over content. In an interview with ETimes, she shared her frustration with how the system still revolves around stars and star-driven projects, including on OTT platforms. She cited the challenges smaller films like “Dhak Dhak” face, including limited promotions, fewer screenings, and the perception that they are niche projects.
Pannu explained, “I heard things like ‘yeh female-oriented hai, sirf niche audience aayegi, itnay shows nahi milenge, baad mein OTT pe aani hi hai so why stress?’ XYZ ka trailer bhi late drop hua tha, but my film is not Jawan. Smaller films need a certain push. People are free to accept or reject them, but they need a fair chance to be seen.”
She pointed out the frustration that filmmakers and actors experience when their films are labeled as “flops” due to limited promotions and screenings. Pannu questioned whether viewers would still be interested in watching these films on OTT platforms if they are initially labeled as failures.
While OTT platforms have been seen as a more balanced space in the industry, providing opportunities for actors of different calibers, Taapsee Pannu explained that the industry’s focus on star power and the financial and emotional investment in projects often starts with questions like, “Picture mein actor kaun hai?” (Who is the actor in the film?).
Taapsee Pannu, known for her versatile roles in films, has also ventured into production. Her frustration with the industry’s attitude toward content and star power reflects the ongoing challenges faced by those trying to break away from traditional Bollywood norms.
Despite these hurdles, Taapsee Pannu continues to work on meaningful and diverse projects, and her journey in the film industry remains an inspiring one for many. She has recently appeared in films like “Haseen Dillruba,” “Rashmi Rocket,” and “Shabaash Mithu.” Upcoming projects include Rajkumar Hirani’s “Dunki,” co-starring Shah Rukh Khan.
