23 leading filmmakers come together to mentor, launch new talent

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Jio Studios, in association with Mahaveer Jain, launched a unique initiative, “Newcomers”, in the 2022 edition of the entertainment industry’s annula trdae convention, FICCI FRAMES on September 28.

A consortium of acclaimed filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani, Rohit Shetty, Karan Johar, Sukumar, Ashutosh Gowariker, Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Gauri Shinde and R. Balki, Aanand L Rai, Anees Bazmee, A.R. Murugadoss, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari, Ram Madhvani, Ali Abbas Zafar, Siddharth Anand,  Raj & DK, Abhishek Sharma, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, Amit Sharma, Jagan Shakti and Vishnuvardhan has been formed to mentor and launch new talent.

“It’s our humble attempt to give back to the industry, by providing a platform to new actors, writers, directors, music talent and a wide range of technicians in this landscape. Together, we will work to build our tomorrow”, said producer Mahaveer Jain, who conceived this idea along with Jyoti Deshpande, Chairperson, FICCI Media and  Entertainment Committee and CEO, Viacom 18.

“It’s our attempt to create a bigger pool of talent and to give back to the industry. We will provide a platform to new actors, writers, directors, music talent and a wide range of technicians through this initiative. Together, we will work to build our tomorrow,” said producer Mahaveer Jain who conceived this idea along with Jyoti Deshpande, chairperson, FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee and CEO, Viacom 18.

“We need to make more films and dates of actors are only limited. Also, we need fresh talent,” said Amit Sharma., whose Badhaai Ho entered the 100 crore club on the strength of its theme and story.

“We were new and naive when we started our journey. We were making Shor in the City with all newcomers, but it was fantastic. Our posters even now are never about the faces, but about the content of the film,” stated Krishna DK. “If a film doesn’t do well, it’s labeled a flop and goes out of theatres in no time. There has to be a system for films to have a sustained phase so that filmmakers can make content with newcomers,” his partner Raj Nidimoru put in. Raj & DK have had an remarkable oeuvre with films like Go Goa Gone and series like The Family Man.

“After sometime, I personally stopped looking at stars as stars. I evaluate them as performers. I never create content keeping stars in mind. Casting comes later, after the script is ready,” added Nitesh Tiwari, whose biggest claim to fame is Dangal, besides Chhichhore and a web series, Break Point besides being scriptwriter for Bareilly Ki Barfi.

“Creating good content with new talent is better than making a bad film with a star. Also, even stars want good stories. No one says I am okay to do a film without knowing the story,” opined Anees Bazmee. Anees’ formidable hit-list includes Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, Deewangee, No Entry and Welcome besides this year’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

Imtiaz Ali also stated, “All the people present here have come with a belief that this idea is good for us. We all are believers, we are very happy to work with people who are not known for the audiences. But commerce is important too. We would always love to create good stories with everyone and we are looking forward to see how this gets monetized.”  Imtiaz is best known for Socha Na Tha, Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal and the overseas success Rockstar.