EXCLUSIVE: Ali Fazal Gets Real: “No Money In Bank, Yet Bent On Doing PR?”
In a candid chat with Instant Bollywood, actor and producer Ali Fazal spoke openly about the indie film space, the cost of PR, and how he navigates the pressure of showbiz without losing himself in the process.
EXCLUSIVE: “No Matter How Much I Blow The Trumpet Here, It Won’t Be Celebrated Because It’s Not A ‘Mass’ Film” – Ali Fazal
Ali and his wife, actress Richa Chadha, had backed a film titled Girls Will Be Girls. The project has been making its mark on the global festival circuit and even bagged a win at the prestigious Independent Spirit Awards. That’s no small feat.
But despite the accolades, Ali revealed that the film was never meant for a theatrical release in India. “No matter how much PR we do here in India, it was never going to release in theatres here,” he said.
According to him, the cost of a limited theatrical run in India would have eaten up nearly one-fourth of the film’s total budget. That’s why they chose to release it digitally instead and save that money for what mattered most: the film itself.
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He reflected on the bittersweet nature of making indie cinema. While the film found success abroad, including at what he called the indie equivalent of the Oscars, he admitted that such films often don’t get much fanfare in India unless they’re considered ‘mass’ entertainers.
“Now, no matter how much I blow the trumpet here, it won’t be celebrated because it’s not a ‘mass’ film,” he said.
Still, he’s aware that the people who matter in the creative space; directors, cinephiles, and fellow filmmakers, see and appreciate the work. For Ali, that validation counts.
(Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Ali Fazal Reveals His Crazy Workout For Guddu Bhaiya, Shares 3 Fitness Tips)
EXCLUSIVE: Ali Fazal Gets Real: “No Money In Bank, Yet Bent On Doing PR?”
Ali’s calm, confident energy stood out when he was asked why he doesn’t talk more about his successful Hollywood career. After all, he’s worked in major productions like Victoria & Abdul, Death on the Nile, Kandahar, and Furious 7.
“That’s just how I position myself,” he explained. “People aren’t doing that. I’m creating a new position. That’s how I like to think. And I think it’s a unique position. And I don’t want to do what everybody else is doing.”
When he was asked whether he was secure in his choices, Ali agreed. “Yes. Touch wood, at least till now. And I want to remain secure. Because I know this space doesn’t come with mental trauma.”
He went on to offer some thoughtful advice for young actors trying to make it in the industry. Ali emphasized that your identity shouldn’t be tied so tightly to your career that it affects your mental well-being.
“Upcoming actors need to know – your life shouldn’t depend on this. Like, you’re losing your mind, there’s no money in the bank, and yet you’re worried about putting out PR! It’s not viable.”
At a time when self-promotion often overshadows substance, Ali Fazal’s down-to-earth attitude really stands out.
