Trying to understand game of cinema: Chandan Roy

In the evolved world of entertainment, actor Chandan Roy Sanyal, who is gearing up for the sci-fi web series "Hawa Badle Hassu", says he is only looking to be part of good stories, and striving to understand the "game of cinema".

On the changing business of cinema, Chandan told IANS in an interview, "It's true in the last few years a lot has changed in our entertainment business -- whether it's storytelling, different platforms, and appreciation from audience. Things are quite good now. But I am not changing anything within me to fit in.

"Nothing has changed within me as an actor. I am still the same who is looking forward to be part of a good story and trying to understand the game of cinema."

The story of "Hawa Badle Hassu" addresses the problem of environment changes affecting human life and causing global warming.

This message of the story is one of the reasons why Chandan took up the project.

"Industrial development is great, but if basics, like clean drinking water and clean air, are getting affected and we are facing diseases, then what's the point? Planting trees, conserving energy and finding a balance between industrialisation and natural harmony are very important," he said.

The show, which streams on OTT platform SonyLiv, also features Smita Tambe, Vikram Kochar and Zachary Coffin.

Chandan has worked with filmmakers like Vishal Bhardwaj, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Imtiaz Ali and Nandita Das. He believes collaborating with a good director always helps in showcasing a performer's talent.

"Filmmaking is a collaborative process. A good story always needs right collaboration of a good director and actors. It's a symbiotic existence. At the same time, when both of us are on the same page, we can push each others' skill sets to grow," said the "Kaminey" famed actor.

On directors he wishes to work with, Chandan said, "I have always wanted to work with Mani Ratnam and Aparna Sen. I find Ashim Ahluwalia's work very interesting." 

Chandan's portrayal of a criminal in ‘Jazbaa", an illegal immigrant in "Jab Harry Met Sejal", an assistant chef in the film "Chef" and Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi in the film "Manto", got appreciated. But the failure of these films at the box office affected his visibility.

Asked if commercial success of a film matters to him, Chandan said, "In my initial days, such things used to impact me. But not anymore. I am focussed on my performance and I only aim to deliver the best for the story I am part of.

"The release of the film and how it will reach the audience are not in my hands. In fact, at times we do films that don't get a good release. Again, it's not in an actor's hands. Thus, I don't feel disheartened by these things. My hunger is to play a good character, the one that people will remember me for." IANS