A renowned actor Adil Hussain has raised a concern that many filmmakers and actors in India quietly relate content driven films without big stars are finding it increasingly difficult to survive.
The actor, known for his performances in Ishqiya, Life of Pi, and English Vinglish, said that smaller films struggle to secure theatrical releases because the industry has become heavily focused on profits rather than artistic value. According to Hussain, filmmakers who genuinely love cinema often do not have the financial backing needed to bring their stories to audiences.
Using a powerful metaphor, Hussain remarked that “Lakshmi is dominating Saraswati”, suggesting that money has been placed above creativity and art. He believes there should be a balance between commerce and cinema, but that balance has gradually disappeared not only in the film industry but in society as a whole.
The actor made these comments while discussing his upcoming independent film 52 Blue, which is set to open the 17th edition of the London Indian Film Festival next month. Despite earning international recognition, the film is still struggling to find a release date in India.
Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi, 52 Blue follows the emotional journey of a young Indian football enthusiast who becomes a migrant worker in Qatar while chasing his dream of meeting Lionel Messi and pursuing his passion for music. The film explores themes of dreams, identity and resilience.
Reflecting on his own career, Hussain revealed that acting was never a calculated career move for him. He began performing in school plays at the age of eight and has always considered acting a lifelong passion rather than a path to fame.
He also questioned the idea of calling art an “industry”. In his view, industries manufacture products, whereas art is one of the purest forms of human expression and cannot simply be reduced to a business model.
At a time when big-budget spectacles and star power dominate the box office, Adil Hussain’s remarks have reignited an important debate: Is Indian cinema slowly forgetting the value of storytelling in its relentless pursuit of profits?