Siddharth Roy Kapur sees Indian content as the next global phenomenon

Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, in an exclusive CNBC-TV18 interview, shares his vision for Indian cinema's global rise, discussing the impact of OTT growth and the balance between creativity and commercial success.

By  CNBC - TV18Sep 10, 2024 8:23 AM
Siddharth Roy Kapur sees Indian content as the next global phenomenon
Siddharth Roy Kapur’s journey in the film industry has been nothing short of transformative. With a career that spans television, film production, and studio leadership, he has witnessed firsthand the shifts and trends shaping Indian cinema. Some of the prominent works Kapur has been a part of include Dangal, Barfi!, The Lunchbox, The Sky Is Pink, Rocket Boys, Oscar-nominated Last Film Show (Chhello Show) and Tumse Na Ho Payega. (Image source: News18)

By Asmita Pant

Producer and Roy Kapur Films founder Siddharth Roy Kapur envisions a future where Indian cinema will dominate domestically and find a place on the global stage.

In an exclusive interaction with CNBC-TV18, Kapur shares his belief that Indian content is on the brink of a breakthrough, ready to captivate international audiences in the same way that global hits like Squid Game and Money Heist have done.

"Indian content is going to go global," Kapur declares with conviction. "We are going to have our own Squid Game, our own Money Heist, our own Parasite — films that break through and reach out to a mainstream, global audience. That time is coming, and it's coming very soon."

Kapur’s confidence in this global expansion is rooted in the current evolution of the Indian entertainment industry. With the Indian OTT industry projected to expand by 21%, Kapur sees this as a golden opportunity for creators. He notes that the demand for diverse, high-quality content drives the industry while creating a fertile ground for stories that can resonate far beyond India’s borders.

Kapur’s journey in the film industry has been nothing short of transformative. With a career that spans television, film production, and studio leadership, he has witnessed firsthand the shifts and trends shaping Indian cinema. Some of the prominent works Kapur has been a part of include Dangal, Barfi!, The Lunchbox, The Sky Is Pink, Rocket Boys, Oscar-nominated Last Film Show (Chhello Show) and Tumse Na Ho Payega.

He credits much of his approach to the influence of industry titans like Ronnie Screwvala and actor Aamir Khan. These lessons, Kapur shares, have guided him in striking a delicate balance between creative passion and commercial success — a crucial balance in a field where art and commerce are inextricably linked.

As the conversation delves into the current trends in the industry, Kapur speaks at length about the rise of OTT platforms and their impact on traditional film distribution. While some view OTT as a threat to the theatrical experience, Kapur sees it as an opportunity. "OTT is not a competitor to theatres; it's an additive medium," he explains. "The theatrical experience stands tall on its own as a unique form of entertainment, and the Indian market is diverse enough to accommodate both." Kapur believes that the coexistence of these platforms offers audiences a variety of choices, catering to different preferences and viewing habits.

Kapur also acknowledges the intense competition among OTT platforms, noting that it has led to an unprecedented explosion of content in India. "The more platforms there are, the more aggressive they become in producing content, which only increases the quality and diversity of stories being told," he observes. This competitive landscape, Kapur suggests, is driving Indian filmmakers to push boundaries and explore new genres and narratives, setting the stage for Indian content to make its mark globally.

However, Kapur is also keenly aware of the challenges that come with this global ambition. He emphasises the importance of understanding the nuances of the Indian market, particularly regarding the current trend of producing pan-Indian films. "Not every film can or should aim to be a pan-India hit," Kapur says. "There’s a certain kind of film that resonates across the country—fantasy epics with strong characters and action-packed dramas. But more dialogue-heavy, plot-driven films may not have the same appeal. It's crucial to recognise which films have the potential to transcend regional boundaries and invest in them accordingly."

Strategic collaborations with international production houses support Kapur’s vision for Indian cinema’s global expansion. A prime example is Roy Kapur Films’ partnership with US companies for projects like The Anarchy, a series that aims to resonate with audiences worldwide. "Collaborations are key," Kapur said. "By working with global partners, we can leverage their expertise and access broader markets, positioning Indian stories on the world stage."

In addition to collaboration, Kapur highlights the importance of retaining and nurturing intellectual property (IP) to create enduring value. "IP is a gift that keeps on giving," he remarks. "It’s something that provides long-term benefits not just for creators but for the entire industry." By focusing on IP retention, Indian filmmakers can ensure that their content continues generating value for years, domestically and internationally.

Balancing creative ambitions with financial constraints is another key challenge for producers, and Kapur sees this balance as the core responsibility of a producer. "If you veer too much on one side, you often get the concoction wrong," he warns. "It’s essential to stay true to your creative instincts, but you must also consider commercial viability to ensure a film's success." This approach has guided Kapur in selecting projects that not only speak to him creatively but also have the potential to achieve significant commercial success.

Looking to the future, Kapur is particularly excited about exploring the horror genre, which he believes has great appeal among Indian audiences. Though he has yet to delve into this genre, he sees it as a lucrative avenue for future projects.

What’s next for Roy Kapur Films?

Kapur hints at various upcoming ventures, including The Anarchy, Deva, and Matka King. "We’re developing content that not only resonates with Indian audiences but has the potential to succeed internationally," Kapur said. In the next five to 10 years, Kapur sees Roy Kapur Films producing content across many genres, scales and budgets.

When asked about the key to success in the industry, Kapur offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: resilience. "You’ll hear 100 nos before you hear that one yes, but that one yes makes up for everything," he emphasises.

First Published on Sep 10, 2024 7:24 AM

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