Scriptwriter-filmmaker Amol Gupte says that quality cinema need not necessarily be limited to “intellectual” films and took the example of the critical acclaim “Taare Zameen Par” received to drive home his point. “Indian cinema is in a very confused state at present. Before we say that we don’t have quality films that are also intellectual in nature, in Bollywood, we need to sit and quantify the quality of cinema first,” Gupte told IANS in an interview.


Aamir Khan at Tare Zameen Par DVD Launch in Darsheel_s School on July 25th 2008(10).JPGGupte pointed out that “Taare Zameen Par” (TZP), of which he was creative director, was not intellectual, but managed to win many hearts with its human touch. “I would not say ‘TZP’ was an intellectual film. It was a human film that dealt with emotions. Yet people say it makes for quality cinema. I think any film that provides entertainment and has a purpose can fall under ‘quality cinema’,” he said.

Starring Darsheel Safary as the protagonist, the movie was about an eight-year-old dyslexic boy and how a teacher, played by Aamir, brings him out of this predicament. The movie was jointly produced by Aamir Khan Productions and PVR Pictures. Gupte also lauded Aamir Khan’s latest production “Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na”, which has become a super hit among the youth.

I think ‘Jaane Tu…’ has completely infected the youth. Even here I would say, it is not an intellectual film but still is a good and quality film. Besides, I don’t think a film needs serious actors at all to be called a good film.” He said: “Through investment of a wonderful story comes a wonderful experience.”

According to him, legendary filmmaker Bimal Roy’s “Do Bigha Zamin” makes for one of the most beautiful and well-crafted films. Gupte was in the capital to attend the ongoing World Kids International Film Fest (WKIFF). During the fest’s launch, the filmmaker was given an award for contributing to ‘entertainment with a purpose’ through “Taare Zameen Par”.

He is now ready with the script for his next project titled “India Item”, which also has children playing important roles. “The ‘item’ in my next is economic inequality and the film is about the situation from the eyes of children,” he explained.