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#IFFIWood, 22 November 2024

Acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, a four-time National Award winner and Padma Shri recipient is here at 55^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) where his highly anticipated film Despatch is featuring under ‘Special Presentations’. During a press conference organized by Press Information Bureau on the sidelines of IFFI 2024, the cast and crew of the film, including Bajpayee, director Kannu Behl, Ishani Banerjee, and actress Shahana Goswami, interacted with the media, shedding light on the film's creation, challenges, and the gripping narrative that explores the dark side of journalism.

Manoj Bajpayee spoke passionately about the journey of Despatch and the challenges faced during its production. He commended director Kannu Behl for his innovative filmmaking approach, calling him one of the most exciting filmmakers of today.

“We started filming during the pandemic, which itself was a humongous challenge. We were shooting in Mumbai during the Delta wave, and many of us got infected. But we returned to continue shooting after that, overcoming tremendous obstacles,” Bajpayee shared. “The script, written by Ishani and Kannu, is incredibly real and captivating. It’s a story about a journalist whose ambition and professional drive affects his personal life,” he remarked.

Bajpayee also reflected on the impact of the film’s script, highlighting the exhaustive process of workshops that were essential to understanding the depth of the characters. He spoke about how the intense preparation for the role of a journalist affected him mentally, but also helped him grow as an actor.

“Ishani and Kannu's script is so detailed and rooted in reality. It was mentally demanding for all the actors, but in the end, it was worth every bit of effort,” Bajpayee added. The press conference was moderated by Mr. Dharmendra Tiwari.

About the Film

Despatch follows the story of Joy, a crime editor who grapples with a career-defining investigation that exposes deep-rooted corruption linked to gang wars. Alongside his professional turmoil, Joy faces the collapse of his marriage and betrayal from those closest to him, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The film delves into the intersection of ambition, greed, and the toll it takes on one's personal and professional life. The film's official release is on December 13, 2024.

In-Conversation Session

In addition to the press conference, Manoj Bajpayee attended a captivating In-Conversation session on the sidelines of IFFI. The session provided a rare glimpse into the mind of one of India's most respected actors.

“If I keep my Car’s window black, How Can I see people, their sorrows and happiness and observe life. As an actor I would like to remain unseen in the crowd and observe people and remain connected to them. If you stay away from people, you can never portray a good character”, said renowned actor Manoj Bajpayee. While addressing a captivating In-Conversation Session on the sideline of 55^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), he said, it is the most difficult job in the world to portray another person, confides Bajpayee

In this reflective and candid conversation, the multiple award-winning actor revealed the inner workings of his approach to acting, emphasizing that his role as an actor is not merely to entertain or move audiences, but to truly represent them. He said, “An actor’s Performance should not only move or entertain people, but represent people and touch them deeply.” He also spoke passionately about his obsession with the craft, noting that acting is a never-ending process that continues to fascinate and drive him.

The actor also discussed the distinction between theatre and film, stressing that while theatre is an actor’s medium, film is fundamentally a director’s medium. "In cinema, there are many other elements and dimensions at play, which shape the final narrative. It’s a collaborative process," he explained.

Known for his versatility, the actor expressed his desire to continue exploring diverse roles and genres, refusing to be confined to any particular type of cinema. "I don’t want to limit myself to mainstream cinema or any particular genre. I always seek to explore my characters with every new project. My focus has always been on delivering a performance that brings something unique to the table," he added.

Expressing concern over the current state of both society and the film industry, he said, it’s a difficult time, when the society as well as the industry is full of Uncertainty, Conflict and Confusion. Independent Cinema is the only genre, which stays true to the art of cinema. “It’s time to mentor Independent Cinema, which can ensure growth of Indian Cinema. Without it Cinema would be nothing else, but business.”, he asserted.

The conversation, rich with reflections on the art of acting and the future of Indian cinema, was a testament to Manoj Bajpayee’s commitment to his craft and his belief in the power of storytelling to reflect and shape society. The engrossing session was moderated by noted Film Critic, Sudhir Srinivasan.

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