As long as content is good, the future of cinema is bright: Sudeep

Ahead of his latest release, Kannada star Sudeep was welcomed by a sea of fans almost everywhere he went. “To see this kind of a response, despite not giving my audience a product or a film for over two and a half years, is nothing short of overwhelming,” he told us during a chat. At the onset of the new year, Sudeep talks to us of his dedication to his craft, of fans, of the status and progress of the film industry and about how he has learnt to just be himself over the years. Excerpts:
‘THE LOVE THAT FANS SHOWER ON ME SHOWS HOW BLESSED I AM’
It had been over two-and-a-half years since I came out in theatres with a film. In spite of that, people landed up at the malls and in places like Chitradurga – from youngsters and kids, boys and girls, men and women – it was completely overwhelming for me to see the love being showered on me. I realise that this is not just about a film, so I cannot credit that kind of fan following to one particular movie. Yes, there has been some amount of visibility, whether it is cricket, or hosting Kannada Bigg Boss or the many other ways people connect with me. All put together, I think it is happening for me now. There is nothing here that comes with a sense of pride though. That’s definitely something one would want to experience—to know what it feels like to be loved as we’ve seen others enjoy that kind of love and attention from fans and audiences. We’d love to be in that position as well.
‘THERE’S A SHIFT IN HOW AUDIENCES VIEW FILMS MADE BY NEWCOMERS IN THE KANNADA FILM INDUSTRY’
I feel there’s a bit of a decline in the love for the language among the city crowd. It’s not a great feeling. I’ve also noticed that some Kannada films aren’t getting the appreciation, recognition, or financial success they deserve in theatres. I feel there’s a shift in how audiences view films made by newcomers in the Kannada film industry, which is quite sad. It’s the same city audience that has often welcomed films by newcomers from outside our state, and those films do extremely well here. City audiences make up the cream of our viewership, but in our state, it’s the audience in other parts of Karnataka that allows newcomers in films to sustain themselves.
‘TODAY, ONE FILM CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING; A SINGLE FILM CAN REACH A GLOBAL AUDIENCE’
I am concerned about what I bring to my audience. Over the years, I’ve come to understand their expectations, so on-set discussions often centre around the content. My involvement in a film isn’t about simply doing my job and leaving; nor is it about believing I know best. My involvement stems from genuine concern, and I believe such involvement is crucial for an actor. It’s a creative field, but cinema is also a business. Without funding, there are no films — neither to make nor to watch. Today, one film can change everything, so it’s important for everyone involved to be aligned. A single film can reach a global audience, and we must all strive to ensure it’s the right one. Having said that, I don’t see any threat to films if the film is good. It’s not just about having a star. If the content is good, the film will do well. Otherwise, it’s written off even before its release. I must add, I do look forward to working with newcomers and new teams. They often bring fresh ideas that are truly surprising. While we have our own experience, it doesn’t make us superior in every aspect of filmmaking. Today’s generation has a different way of thinking, offering interesting ideas and so much energy. I learn from them, and I’m happy to adapt to their needs because they’re so talented. Experience teaches you to recognise that others can excel in ways you don’t. That’s how new directors pop up, and how innovative minds find their place.
‘TODAY, THANKS TO TECH CONNECTING WITH OUR AUDIENCE IS EASIER THAN EVER’
Each time a film is coming up for release, we can see that the film industry and its audience would have gone through changes. The ideas have changed, processes have changed, the mindset of people has changed. You need to understand that, and, penetrate into those minds and make sure that every stone is turned. Today, I find that marketing and publicity of any kind today has become very aggressive. Earlier, it used to be about huge newspaper ads, posters and hoardings, vinyl cutouts, long and impressive trailers, etc. Today, everybody carries a mobile phone and all the publicity you need to do needs to happen on that phone. We are quite like on-demand delivery agents – delivering everything to your doorstep or rather, your phone. I feel this just makes things easier for us. Before, we had to depend on so many people to get our posters, etc, out there. Today, the only challenge is to keep the attention of your audience in the midst of all that they see online. You have to give them a reason for them to pay you attention and for that, innovation is really the only way.
‘TRUE CAMARADERIE IN THE FILM INDUSTRY STEMS FROM CONNECTIONS THAT ARE BUILT ON TRUST’
I believe there are a few personal connections (in the film industry), everything else is a myth. It is just about one set of people who get along well, have that love and respect for each other where age, seniority or popularity etc does not matter. In our lives, we have already come across friendships that have been built on trust or those that have already gone. The newer lot does not come into the parameters of trust. It is easier to stick to work, at the most catch up for a chat in the evening. We meet people for workrelated collaborations, and I think we should just keep it there. I take time off to be present at some events, trailer launches etc, and there are quite a few people from the film industry who do the same for me. When industry folk want me to release a trailer or so for them, and if I am available, I will do it because it is the least support that I can offer my people.

I do not just walk into a set, shoot and leave. That is not how I work. But I do hope to speed up things and try to finish films faster. It is not easy, but I will make that effort. I just want to get up in the morning and do what makes me happy. The one thing I have overcome is this need to convince people, I have stopped doing that. I am just going ahead. I don’t see myself as someone who can advise people on what to do and how to be. If there is something that people, see in me it is basically because I am not worried about impressing or pleasing anyone anymore. I have learnt to speak my heart out. I do mind my words so that people do not get offended, but still get the point. Over and above this, if I am being an inspiration to someone, I am quite happy.