Cinema VinesIn a recent Instagram thread, filmmaker Pratim D. Gupta took a moment to spotlight the way Indian audiences celebrate cinema, pointing out that the spotlight often falls on celebrity presence rather than the craft itself. Gupta, who transitioned from journalism to directing with 2012’s Paanch Adhyay, noted how the buzz around Vijay Sethupathi and Sai Pallavi shooting in Kolkata eclipsed the return of legendary director Mani Ratnam to the city, and even the collaboration of Ratnam with National Award‑winning cinematographer Avik Mukhopadhyay on a Tamil project. He described this phenomenon as “heartbreaking” and argued that India has built a hierarchy where being seen outweighs the quality of work.
Gupta’s post called for a shift in focus, urging the public to recognize the contributions of filmmakers, cinematographers, and other behind‑the‑scenes talent. He wrote, “A star walks into a restaurant and it becomes news. A great filmmaker walks into a city and we barely notice. A star waves from a car and thousands of people gather. A cinematographer creates an image that stays in our heads for twenty years and most people don't even know his name.” The filmmaker concluded that if cinema remains reduced to celebrity spotting, its essence will be lost.
Actor Hrithik Roshan joined the conversation by replying to Gupta’s post, echoing the sentiment that “cinema is bigger than stardom.” Roshan lamented the superficial understanding of film in India, claiming that audiences often equate a star’s on‑screen persona with their real‑life character. He urged viewers to broaden their appreciation to other facets of filmmaking, saying, “I hope more people discuss this and start getting fascinated by all the other perhaps even more important aspects of filmmaking.”
Both men highlighted how the industry’s focus on stardom can obscure the artistry that actually shapes a film’s impact. Gupta’s career spans Bengali cinema with titles such as X: Past Is Present, Shaheb Bibi Golaam, and Maacher Jhol, and he recently released Ranna Baati in 2025. Roshan, meanwhile, has starred in high‑profile projects like War 2 and Alpha, and he co‑produced the Netflix documentary The Roshans through his production house HRX Films.
