Adil Hussain, renowned for his work in film, television, and theater, has earned acclaim for his roles in international films such as ‘Life of Pi,’ ‘English Vinglish,’ and ‘Mukti Bhawan.’ Speaking about his participation in the Chitrashaala Short Film Festival, Hussain emphasized the importance of depicting rural life in cinema, reflecting the evolving narrative landscape of Indian cinema. In an interview with News18 Showsha, Hussain discussed his experiences with international projects and offered insights into how the Indian film industry could progress. He highlighted that while Indian storytelling is deeply rooted and effective, it should also embrace a global perspective. He stated, “The Indian-ness in storytelling is very ancient and efficient. It should be retained, but executed with efficiency and a bit more. Writing for a film should envision the world, not just the Indian audience.”
Hussain also questioned why Indian films struggle to gain traction abroad, noting that while Hollywood films generate significant revenue in India, Indian films do not see similar success internationally. He pointed out, “If Hollywood can make money from India, why can’t our films do the same abroad? Our films do earn money, but primarily from the diaspora. Very few non-Indian viewers watch Bollywood movies. Why is that? If China is making progress, what about the rest of the world?”
On his upcoming projects, Hussain will next appear in ‘52 Blue,’ an Egyptian-American film set in India, which focuses on an Indian family.
