Manoj Bajpayee’s Film Joram To Screen At The 52nd International Film Festival Rotterdam's Big Screen Competition Segment (IFFR)

Manoj Bajpayee's newest film Joram will make its international premiere at the 52nd International Film Festival Rotterdam's Big Screen Competition segment (IFFR).

He says, “This is an opportunity for the film to stamp at the beginning of its journey itself. It’s shaped up very well, and the way Devashish (Makhija, director) also spoke about the film, I am very proud. He started his journey with me (with the film Bhosle; 2020), and is showing the nation what kind of a filmmaker he is.” He doesn't only stick to huge movies; he continues to support smaller, independent ventures. Smaller films are currently performing better than major ones, according to Bajpayee. “Small banners are the ones that are doing well. Big banners don’t guarantee good content. I look for directors and writers who are pivotal,” he makes it clear. Actors frequently experience anxiety before initial screenings. But the National Award-winning actor offers a remedy. his mantra for how he feels before people see his picture for the first time. The 53-year-old states, “I mean, at the cost of sounding arrogant... I would say that the festivals and awards are all the by-products of the work that one does. But eventually, when you are doing it, you are doing it only to give justice to the character that we are given to do. I try to do that to the best of my ability, and then after that, I don’t think much about all of these things. I do enjoy these festivals, but to say that I expect nothing out of it... I don’t. I expect a good experience and to have fun.” Does he sense the strain that comes with knowing that high hopes are linked to any endeavor that bears his name? Does he consider this factor when selecting a movie? The actor says, “My pressure doesn’t come from outside, I don’t take it. I love this craft, and I just want to do stuff that really excites, challenges me, and helps me to grow as an actor.”