New York-based Emmy-nominated Indian-American actor and filmmaker Tirlok Malik, who has been a leading voice for Indian American cinema, has made many important films about the Indian diaspora right from Lonely In America to Love lust and Marriage to Khushiyaan to On Golden years. He has been a part of many big stars films as a line producer such as with actors Rajnikanth, Surya, Kamal Hassan, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, and Anupam Kher, Kangana Ranaut, Manisha Koirala, Deepti Naval, among others. He attended the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last month.

In an interview with the Indian public broadcaster Doordarshan at the festival, Malik spoke about his films as well as about the experience of attending the film festival. “Coming to IFFI is always very special as one gets to meet fellow filmmakers and so it’s always very stimulating for the mind. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of visiting the biggest film festivals in the US, Europe, Asia and elsewhere. And I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I tell you that visiting IFFI this year has been one of my best festival experiences ever,” rejoices Malik.

The Indian-American film industry has undergone a lot of changes since Malik made Lonely in America. “When I made Lonely in America there were hardly any films about Indian immigrants. But the film’s success opened up new horizons for young filmmakers who wanted to touch upon similar issues,” recollects Malik who feels that the Indian-American film industry needs greater support from the Indian-American audience. “I have always felt that filmmaking is one area that Indians living in the USA need to make a bigger mark. There is a lot of talent and hopefully they will get a chance to shine. In times to come I see it growing into a much bigger film industry,” opines Malik.

Malik offers a very interesting assessment of films and filmmaking in India “The filmmaking is great in India.It caters to more than a billion viewers worldwide.Films are still a major source of entertainment for Indian audience,” Malik explains. He further adds, “Hollywood can make a lot more films with Indian themes as well as films shot in India more often. There is a lot of scope for this. Also, Indian filmmakers can also make films In India for International market as well. However, many Indian film makers, especially the big ones seem to be happy just doing Indian films for the Indians and have a safe market. But, some do take the risk of making independent films with artistic approach.”

Malik strongly believes that a lot more can be done. “India has talent, lots of talent in all aspects of filmmaking. I have seen the talent while working as a line producer In New York on films with Kamal Haasan, Rajnikanth, Surya, Sunny Deol, Kangna Ranaut, Mamoothy, Sanjay Dutt, Anupam Kher and many more. The tech crews from India are really great. Filmmaking trends are improving and changing, new talent is experimenting with content and style,” rejoices Malik.

Piracy is one of the major challenges faced by the film industry. Despite all the efforts to keep it under check, it has continued to plague the filmmaking world. Malik feels that piracy is a byproduct of technology. “Piracy will not go away no matter what, for it comes with advantages and disadvantages of technology. That’s why we need to work more on the accessibility of the content. If good content is made available to the audiences at affordable rates and in a timely manner the viewers would themselves be encouraged to abstain from engaging in piracy,” opines Malik. Malik, whose last outing was a short film titled ‘To New India with Love,’ is currently developing two projects. “One is Hollywood film like Lonely in America having a mix of Indian and international cast. The film will be made in the English language and it will be for the worldwide market. It will have actors from India and from USA. The film will have some Bollywood musical songs and American music as well. It’s a romantic musical love drama with a unique story. The other project is to be done In India. It’s a children’s film in English for worldwide market promoting Indian spiritual values,” reveals Malik who is looking forward to welcoming 2023 and wishing everyone health, happiness and prosperity.

(Murtaza Ali Khan is an Indian Film & TV Critic / Journalist who has been covering the world of entertainment for over 10 years. He tweets at @MurtazaCritic and can be mailed at: murtaza.jmi@gmail.com).