Imagine a film set overrun by vanity vans, each one a monument to an actor's ego, while the director scrambles to keep the production afloat. This is the reality Anees Bazmee faces, and he’s not holding back about it. The renowned filmmaker recently opened up about the skyrocketing costs of actors' entourages and their growing interference in creative decisions, a trend he attributes to deep-seated insecurity. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bazmee shared a jaw-dropping anecdote from the set of No Entry, where he discovered a fleet of vanity vans for just 15 actors. 'I thought there were multiple shoots happening that day,' he recalled, only to learn it was just his crew. But here's where it gets controversial: Bazmee believes actors often lean on their entourage—makeup artists, managers, and others—for validation, even when these individuals may not be qualified to offer meaningful input on filmmaking. 'Stories are meant to be felt,' he emphasized, questioning the role of these advisors in the creative process.
Bazmee’s frustration isn’t just about costs; it’s about the disruption to his vision. He revealed that some actors now demand entourage approval before greenlighting a project, a practice he finds baffling. And this is the part most people miss: he sees actors' tantrums and stubbornness as childlike, rooted in innocence rather than malice. His solution? Approach them with patience and understanding, much like a teacher handling a classroom of mischievous kids. 'Every class has some naughty children,' he quipped, adding that he tackles their egos with genuine love and firm boundaries.
Despite the challenges, Bazmee remains committed to economical filmmaking, refusing to let bloated budgets or unnecessary reshoots compromise his vision. 'If I can finish a film in 70 days, I won’t stretch it to 75,' he declared. His resourcefulness shines in moments like when he shot close-ups during delays on No Entry, ensuring not a single minute—or rupee—was wasted. As he gears up for No Entry 2, Bazmee’s message is clear: creativity and efficiency can coexist, even in an industry where egos often overshadow art.
Here’s the burning question: Are actors' entourages a necessary support system, or have they become a costly distraction? Do they enhance the filmmaking process, or do they stifle creativity? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a conversation!
