PVR Ltd Joint MD Sanjeev Bijli (left) with film maker Mira Nair
Q. We are celebrating 100 years of Indian Cinema. Do you think Indian soft power is finally a force?
Mira Nair: I remember, when we were nominated (for the Oscars) for 'Salaam Bombay', they couldn't even pronounce the word 'India' correctly while making the announcement, let alone my name. They seriously couldn't. It was 25 years ago. No one really knew this country. It is a sea change from then to now. Now, India is seen as an extremely fertile ground not just for audiences and money, but even for stories. The world is now a level playing field.
Q. How has the multiplex industry helped in the transformation?
Nair: Multiplexes have increased the chances of experimental cinema (succeeding). The audience is open to greater intelligence (in the films) and (more) experimentation. Multiplexes have changed the movies we are seeing. But that doesn't necessarily transform into a global platform.
Q. How hard was it making this film ('The Reluctant Fundamentalist'), compared to your earlier movies?
Nair: As hard as my first movie. Financing a political thriller like this, which is shot in different countries, was difficult. We had many investors along the way. But many would commit and later, back out. But after the movie was finished, it has been a smooth sail.
PVR Ltd Joint MD Sanjeev Bijli (left) with film maker Mira Nair
Q. What are PVR's marketing plans to celebrate 100 years of the Indian film industry?
Sanjeev Bijli: We haven't really confirmed (any plans). It is still evolving. As a cinema company, we are keen to participate in (the celebration).
Q. What are your expectations from Mira Nair's movie?
Bijli: We are very excited. It is a thriller. We think it has commercial value. That's why we have taken it up to 300 screens.
Q. How profitable is PVR's distribution business?
Bijli: We have been fortunate. We had some great films in the last year and we closed with a decent profit of Rs 3 crore. I think we will continue to have Rs 3 to 4 crore every year. It is not so big but it adds to the bottom line. It is pure profit, since it is a cash flow business. It is important for an exhibition company like ours which has 357 screens now, to be able to show all kinds of movies because that's what audiences come to the cinema for.