Srinagar: ‘Mirzapur’ actor Pankaj Tripathi on Tuesday asserted that regional cinema has massive scope and the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) is a great starting point to explore it, calling upon filmmakers to portray the locals and their culture as the valley is much deeper than just beautiful backdrops.
Tripathi and his co-actor Divyenndu Sharma graced the festival at the SKICC here, urging filmmakers to move beyond using the region merely as a scenic backdrop and instead focus on authentic local narratives.
“Regional cinema has massive scope. When films are produced, when media speaks about them, and when theatres and regional OTT platforms support them, the potential is enormous. Many regional OTT platforms have emerged now. There is no doubt about its potential,” Tripathi said.
He described IFFJK as a great starting point.
“Undoubtedly, there are young local talents who couldn’t make it to this hall today, but they are making short films on their mobile phones and uploading them to YouTube. If you search for ‘Kashmiri short film’ on YouTube, you will find so many films you haven’t seen yet. Young people are doing the work,” he said.
Describing films as a perfect medium to introduce local culture, people, and everything a region has to offer, Sharma said it is vital for films reflecting regional culture to be made.
“The stories must be rooted in this soil, the local folklore, tales, and culture. Rooted stories, local culture, and regional flavour are what matter most,” he said.
He said that earlier, filmmakers visited Kashmir merely to shoot songs, and hoped they would start portraying the culture of the place.
“I often wondered why films only came here for musical sequences instead of exploring stories about the local people, food, and culture. If filmmakers return, I hope they portray the locals and their culture. The scenery is gorgeous for songs, but Kashmir is much deeper than just backdrops,” he added.
Tripathi said the festival is a beginning and an opening for dialogue.
“People will come, see what a film festival is. Guests arriving from outside will witness Kashmiriyat and the local culture. It is a wonderful start. As the festival grows, naturally people from here will also participate,” he said.
Both the actors heaped praise on Kashmir’s famed hospitality.
“It felt wonderful. Both of us have already enjoyed Kashmiri cuisine (Wazwan). We met a few people, and the warmth and hospitality we received was incredible. Now, we will watch films, meet you all, and hopefully, in the coming years, our other films will also be screened here and become part of this festival,” Tripathi said.
While he is known for serious roles, Tripathi said the comedy genre excites and challenges him.
“Our real lives have become too serious, and we end up searching for seriousness on screen as well. There should be comic relief. Perhaps people enjoy Mirzapur because alongside the action, there is abundant comic relief, which often leaves a deeper impact than the action itself. I want to be part of all forms of cinema,” he said.
When asked if the duo would encourage filmmakers to shoot in J-K, Sharma said, “Absolutely”.
“Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in our country. If proper infrastructure and local administrative support are provided, it would be wonderful to come here and tell stories about the beautiful people of Kashmir,” he said.
Tripathi said cinema, and acting in particular, is an exploration of the self.
“Within us lie both ‘Munna’ and ‘Kaleen Bhaiya’ (the famous characters of Mirzapur). Society teaches us from childhood to be polite and gentle, but impulses like anger, love, affection, jealousy, and greed — both our darker and lighter sides — all exist within us. As actors, we explore these facets across various characters over our lifetime,” he said.
Asked whether the audience should expect a sequel to ‘Mirzapur-The Film’, Sharma said that when a film succeeds, a follow-up usually follows.
“Given the love audiences are showing, it certainly encourages us to make another one. The characters remain familiar, but placed in fresh situations,” he said.
“Never fear experimentation”, he said, in a message to aspiring actors. “As artists, experimenting is our fundamental job. When you deliver a hit character, you often receive similar offers. It is hard to resist after years of struggle, but you must keep an eye out for roles that truly challenge you as an actor”.
