Chaitanya Tamhane Calls for More Support for Indie Filmmakers

Chaitanya Tamhane urges Bollywood stars to support indie films, highlighting funding struggles despite global recognition

National Award-winning filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane, known for The Disciple (2021), has raised concerns about the lack of support for independent filmmakers in India. As he turns producer for the short film Next, Please, Tamhane highlights the struggles indie creators face and urges Bollywood stars to contribute to meaningful cinema.

A Voice for Independent Filmmakers

Tamhane is producing Next, Please, directed by Rishav Kapoor, which explores modern relationships through virtual reality. The film stars Jim Sarbh, Shreya Dhanwanthary, and Shardul Bharadwaj. Speaking about his decision to support other filmmakers, he says, “If I can help new voices and bring projects to life, why not?”

Despite the success of independent films like Girls Will Be Girls (which won awards at the Sundance Film Festival) and All We Imagine as Light (which won the Grand Prix at Cannes), Tamhane believes indie creators in India do not receive enough recognition or institutional support. He points out that even documentaries from India have been nominated for the Oscars, yet mainstream Bollywood remains unaware of them.

Tamhane also stresses the power of stars in shaping the industry. “India is obsessed with stars, and they can play a big role in supporting independent films. They can do one film for commercial success and another for artistic value—one for the kitchen, one for the soul,” he says.

Exploring Modern Dating in ‘Next, Please’

Tamhane’s new project, Next, Please, presents an unconventional take on dating culture. He explains that dating apps often create a false sense of choice, where people judge others based on looks, travel destinations, and social media presence rather than their true personalities. The film questions whether these choices actually lead to meaningful relationships.

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A Struggle for Funding, Even with an Oscar-Winning Producer

Tamhane is also working on his next feature film, which is being produced by Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón. However, despite having a globally renowned producer attached, raising funds has been challenging.

“It’s still difficult because it’s an Indian film,” Tamhane says. He recalls spending two-and-a-half years writing the script and another year revising it. His connection with Cuarón began when he was shortlisted for the Rolex Mentorship Program, where Cuarón chose him as his mentee.

The two have now shared a nine-year friendship, with Cuarón guiding him through the filmmaking process. “I feel blessed to have him as a mentor and producer,” Tamhane says.

Despite the obstacles, he remains committed to bringing meaningful stories to life and hopes that Bollywood will recognize and support independent voices in the future.

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