New Delhi, July 13(IANS) Nagesh Kukunoor has undergone a role-reversal at the ongoing 10th Osian’s-Cinefan Film Festival by being a judge at the 11-day gala here, but the Indian actor-filmmaker does not like his films to be “judged by others”. “It feels great to be here on 10th Osian’s film fest. The first time that I was here, I came with my film ‘Rockford’. But this year I have come as a judge and will be judging other films,” Nagesh, who is one the jury members for the First Features Competition, told IANS.
Nagesh had earlier been to Osian’s as a director with his films “Rockford”, “Three Walls” and “Dor”.
How does he feel? “Well, the feeling is good! But I can closely relate to the feeling a film director undergoes when his or her film is being judged. Since I have been here before and have also gone through the same feeling, I hate my films being judged,” the filmmaker said.
His happiness on being a judge knows no bound and that is, as he says, is also because “one of the best things of being a judge on such an event is that you get to watch all the films for free and can also wander wherever you want”. Nagesh, who is known for his unusual and crossover films, feels Osian’s gives a good platform to starters. “Osian’s is a place where a lot of filmmakers get a start and one should go respecting this fact. I know the amount of pain that goes in making a film,” he said.
Asked whether audiences should to be blamed for giving a cold shoulder to contemporary cinema, Nagesh said: “I don’t think audiences can be blamed, because I feel till the time there are film festivals like these and filmmakers keep making such films, audiences would surely pop in.”
“People need to realise that Osian’s is not a place of glamour. These films are made to reach audiences, so they should come and enjoy them.” Nagesh’s much-awaited John Abraham starrer “Aashayein” is slated for release September this year.
— By Shivani Sharma
