'Independent cinema doesn't have a support system in India'

Producers Guneet Monga and Achin Jain reflect on the shrinking space for indie projects in the country, the rising costs of filmmaking and distribution, and why Kill got a lukewarm response

- KARTIK BHARDWAJ

LAST year was packed for Sikhya Entertainment producers Guneet Monga and Achin Jain. They joined forces with Dharma Productions and brought forth the gory-actioner Kill to Indian theatres. Their sci-fi police procedural Gyaarah Gyaarah became one of the most popular Indian web series, teen-drama Gutar Gu was renewed for a second season and they also came out with Honey Singh: Famous, a documentary on the controversial singer-rapper. Another feather in their cap was Anuja, a short film backed by them, which was shortlisted for Oscars 2025 for the Best Live-Action short category.

Known for backing content-driven films like The Lunchbox (2013), Masaan (2015) and Pagglait (2021), among others, Guneet and Achin talk about the changing landscape for indie releases in India, difficulties in getting a small film to theatres, and why Kill didn't get the response it should have.

Excerpts:

■ How do you guys look back at 2024?