Manoj Bajpayee Urges Government to Level Playing Field for Indian Films

Manoj Bajpayee, a veteran actor known for his work in Hindi cinema, has called for a “level playing field” for films of all sizes in India. In a recent interview with the Hindustan Times, the actor explained that the dominance of big‑budget productions makes it difficult for small and independent films to secure adequate screens across the country.

Bajpayee said that government intervention is necessary to ensure fair exhibition opportunities for smaller films. He noted that “with small films, patronage shurwaat hoti hai exhibition se” – meaning that small films begin to receive support only when the government implements policies that guarantee sufficient showcasing. The actor added that “patronage humko sarkari hi milni chahiye, not in terms of the money, but in terms of assurance that your film will be showcased and there will be a level playing field.”

He cited the example of Maharashtra, where the state government has taken steps to ensure Marathi films receive adequate screen space. Bajpayee said that the Maharashtra initiative “made sure that Marathi films get level playing” and that a minimum number of screens is guaranteed. He expressed a desire for a similar guarantee for all films across India.

The comments come amid an ongoing debate over the influence of major studios and stars on film distribution and exhibition networks in India. Bajpayee said that “every big‑budget film takes most shows by intimidating exhibitors,” and that a level playing field is necessary to counter this dominance.

Bajpayee’s own recent film, Governor, is a small‑budget independent production that received a limited theatrical release in India last weekend. Directed by Chinmay D. Mandlekar, the film stars Bajpayee as S. Venkitaramanan, the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. It chronicles his role in helping India navigate the economic crisis of 1990.

The actor’s remarks highlight a broader issue that has affected the Indian film industry for years. While the country produces more than 1,000 films annually, the exhibition market is heavily skewed toward high‑budget releases. Distributors and exhibitors often prioritize films that promise large returns, leaving smaller projects with limited access to screens. This imbalance has prompted calls from filmmakers, actors, and industry bodies for policy reforms that would ensure a more equitable distribution of exhibition space.

Maharashtra’s policy, announced in 2023, requires all cinema halls in the state to screen Marathi films for at least four weeks in a year. The state has imposed a fine of up to ₹10 lakh for non‑compliance. The initiative was designed to support the regional film industry, which has historically struggled to compete with Hindi and other language productions.

Bajpayee’s plea for a national policy mirrors similar demands from other regional film industries. In 2024, the Telugu and Tamil film industries reported higher box‑office revenues than the Hindi industry, and Marathi cinema has been seeking greater visibility in national markets.

The actor’s call for government action is not the first time he has spoken about industry challenges. Bajpayee has been a vocal advocate for the rights of independent filmmakers, and his recent film Governor reflects his continued interest in socially relevant storytelling.

Industry analysts note that any policy guaranteeing minimum screens would need to balance the interests of exhibitors, who rely on high‑grossing films for revenue, with the need to diversify the content available to audiences. The debate is likely to continue as the Indian film market evolves and as streaming platforms expand their reach.

At present, Governor remains in limited release, and it is unclear whether the film will secure additional screens in the coming weeks. Bajpayee’s comments have, however, brought renewed attention to the structural challenges faced by small and independent films in India.

The actor’s advocacy underscores a critical conversation about fairness and access in the Indian film exhibition landscape, a conversation that will shape the future of the industry’s distribution practices.