'Socially critical films have a long way to go here'

The actor’s ‘Dust’, which was screened at prestigious film festivals, dropped on MUBI recently

‘Dust’, starring the seasoned Vinay Pathak, was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival, and the São Paulo International Film Festival two years ago. The indie film, directed by Udita Bhargava, dropped on MUBI last week.

The film is about a young German who embarks on a tough journey in India. Showtime spoke to Pathak more about the film, on the future of socially critical films in India and more. Excerpts:

How was it working for ‘Dust’?

It was great. It felt like I was back with my drama school buddies in my final year. I felt we were doing something very special and something very original. Everybody was passionate about it. That was quite infectious. Even the makeup artists in that film were as passionate as I was and that I think reflects in the film. I consider this as a special film.

What was it like working with a debutant filmmaker?

It is a joy for me to work with a new director. I enjoy working with veteran filmmakers as well. But with a new filmmaker I feel that we contribute to each other. We interact more. There is a process and I feel that I am also included in it. With Udita, we were friends first and one day I read the script. The way she pulled off the film with almost no money but with the help of her team from Berlin and her buddies from the film school was amazing.

Is it a challenge to find distributors for such films?

Distributors don’t pick these films to be released in the theatres because for them it’s a no money-maker. And rightly so, you can’t just blame them. We haven’t educated our audiences enough to go and watch films like these. We have blocked their senses with the song, dance, fight, Marvel and Disney. It is great, the films that they make and even I go and watch them. But we haven’t got an opportunity to sample other kinds of literature to the masses. That’s a failure in the system.

Do you think that socially critical films have a future in India?

Should critical films be made in India? Yes, definitely. Yes, there is a future for it. If somebody makes films which capture the unpopular aspects of society, we should not be negative about it. We must look at the positives. It brings education, awareness, and physical thinking. I can’t predict if these films will make money or not.

Should actors and filmmakers have political opinions?

How many people take political sides for the right reasons? Very few. Both sides have a stance and their own repercussions. Why does one take a side? I think it’s your belief, it’s your faith in whatever it is that you want to do.