Audiences want good stories, not formula films: Saqib Saleem

Written By: Ancela JamindarSaqib Saleem, who was in Ahmedabad recently along with his actress-sister Huma Qureshi to promote Baby Do Die Do, which he co-produced, says, “It is extremely difficult to release a female-led action thriller in theatres. It’s not because the audience doesn’t want to watch such films, but because of the gatekeeping within the industry. The people who decide what gets into theatres often don’t allow these films to be mounted and released properly. I feel Huma is a phenomenal actor.

She has consistently proved herself with projects like Gangs of Wasseypur, Delhi Crime and Maharani. So why should she still have to struggle to get a major theatrical film? Hasn’t she earned that by now?”He adds, “I have produced two films before this, Double XL and Single Salma. Both were backed by studios and although the reviews and audience feedback were positive, neither film got a fair chance in theatres.

They didn’t get enough screens or the right show timings. Even for our latest film, when a studio had certain unreasonable demands, I just decided to do this on our own and told Huma, ‘Let’s make this film, we’ll think about everything else later.’ I was blessed to have an incredible team. The vision behind our production house is to build an ecosystem where talented voices get the opportunities they deserve. We want to create a platform for people we truly believe in.

I may not always make the biggest films, but I will give artistes the freedom to express themselves. I’ll create an environment where their voices are heard, because that’s often what’s suppressed in this industry.”‘Producing a film is a completely different ball game’Talking about the responsibilities that come with producing films, he says, “As a producer, my responsibility is to make sure the film reaches the right theatres and gets the right number of shows. It’s not easy, but I believe audiences don’t think about whether a film comes from a studio or an independent producer. They simply want a good story and a unique film experience.

I am glad that Main Vaapas Aaunga, which is very different from the kind of films that are considered commercially successful today, found its audience in the second week. It gives me hope and shows that people want to watch different, unique films and not just formula-driven cinema.”He adds, “Producing a film is a completely different ball game from acting. Acting is a demanding profession, but as an actor, your focus is largely on your character, dialogues and performance. As a producer, however, everyone on the set looks to you for answers.

You’ll meet plenty of people who will discourage you, but you need to believe in yourself, build a good team, work sincerely, and not let the outside noise affect you.”‘Even today, I’m a cricketer in my head’Saqib, who has played cricket at the under-19 level, says the sport continues to influence the way he approaches filmmaking, “Even today, I’m a cricketer in my head. I still feel like I can play for India, and I don’t think that feeling will ever go away. I’ll always consider myself a sportsperson because cricket was my first love. Sports taught me that you start from zero every single day.

For every new film, I have to start from zero. I can’t carry the baggage of my previous success.”He adds, “That’s why I always relate filmmaking to cricket. Cricket is about building the right team and bringing people together to achieve one common goal. Producing is the same; my responsibility is to bring together the right people.

I tell my directors, ‘I believe in your style. Make the film your way.’ Similarly, I choose actors who I believe are exceptionally talented.

For instance, Sikandar Kher is a phenomenal actor. The same goes for Chunky Panday and Seema Pahwa. I like to cast actors who are immensely talented but haven’t always received the recognition they deserve. That includes Huma too; she’s a phenomenal actor.

She has consistently proved herself with projects like Gangs of Wasseypur, Delhi Crime and Maharani. So why should she still have to struggle to get a major theatrical film? Hasn’t she earned that by now?”Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!