Zoya Akhtar reflects on Bollywood's reliance on star power, highlighting the industry's lack of interest in projects without big names, despite her efforts to support indie films.
Zoya Akhtar backs indie films
May 29, 2026
04:51 pm
What's the storyFilmmaker Zoya Akhtar, who has produced several independent films, recently spoke about the ecosystem for such movies in India.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, she discussed the need for an institutional push for indie films and the importance of a targeted distribution system.
Zoya Akhtar has executive produced Shape of Momo, a Nepali-language Sikkimese film that released in theatres this week. |…
Filmmaker Reema Kagti talks to HT about backing Shape of Momo and the state of independent cinema in India. | Bollywood
Over 120 Indian filmmakers form IFAI to fight for theatrical access and streaming visibility.
Director Suresh Triveni highlights the struggles of mid-budget Hindi films post-pandemic, emphasizing the need for studios to…
MUMBAI: India’s Bollywood is moving decisively toward a cinema of scale and confrontation — where patriotism, spectacle, and…
Bollywood's production slowdown has left assistant directors, makeup artists, and equipment suppliers grappling with reduced…
Zoya Akhtar calls Bollywood 'star-driven industry', says 'we aren't interested in anything with no stars' | Interview
Reema Kagti says people outrage over nepotism but only watch known stars' films: 'You must question yourself'| Interview
Zoya Akhtar confirms theft at her production house, calls it an ‘internal job': 'Sad to what extent people go'
Imtiaz Ali says Bollywood isn’t as ‘mean’ as people think after Alia Bhatt supports his film Main Vaapas Aaunga
Zoya Akhtar production house theft: Hard disks worth Rs.13 lakh stolen, staff arrested
Filmmaker Kunal Kohli says Ranveer Singh is going to give a flop again: 'It's not a big deal, even the biggest of stars…'
Hollywood, Bollywood and AI: Who controls storytelling now?
'Stars interfere with filmmaking process': David Dhawan says he wanted to 'get out of the rut of working with stars'
Why Hollywood And The Creator Economy Are Trading Places
TikTok And Cannes Push Vertical Drama Toward The Mainstream
