Adarsh Gourav has come a long way since his childhood acting days, now carving a path as a prominent actor in globally recognized films. Best known for his role in The White Tiger, Adarsh’s next project is Superboys of Malegaon, directed by Reema Kagti. The film, which has received widespread acclaim at international film festivals, is set for its wide theatrical release this week. In an interview with HT, Adarsh discusses the evolving perception of Indian cinema abroad and the increasing reach of smaller films on the global stage.
On the Global Reach of Smaller Indian Films
Superboys of Malegaon premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, marking another milestone for Indian cinema at prestigious international events. Reflecting on this shift, Adarsh shares, “Twenty to twenty-five years ago, if an Indian film made it to a film festival, it would barely make a ripple. But now, with the power of marketing and promotion, smaller films are getting much more attention. It’s essential for larger filmmakers to champion these smaller films to create an ecosystem where they get the recognition they deserve.”
On the Growing International Interest in Indian Cinema
The actor observes that the international consumption of both mainstream and independent Indian cinema has significantly increased. He recalls an amusing experience while working on Alien: Earth, a series set in the Alien franchise, where his co-actor Essie Davis, an Australian icon, was an ardent fan of Lagaan. “Essie couldn’t stop talking about Lagaan,” Adarsh laughs. “She would ask me so many questions, as if I worked on it! She knew the songs by heart and kept humming them—O Ri Chhori and Ghanan Ghanan. It was hilarious to see an Australian woman so into it, but it’s incredible. There’s definitely been a massive shift in how people perceive Indian films abroad.”
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan is one of the few Indian mainstream films that gained significant international recognition, even earning an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film in 2001.
Adarsh’s Upcoming Projects
Adarsh is set to appear in the upcoming science-fiction series Alien: Earth, written and directed by Noah Hawley. The show, a prequel to Ridley Scott’s Alien, also stars Essie Davis, Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, and Samuel Blenkin.
In Superboys of Malegaon, Adarsh shares the screen with Vineet Kumar Singh, Shashank Arora, Anuj Singh Duhan, and Riddhi Kumar. The film, produced by Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Ritesh Sidhwani, is set for a global theatrical release on February 28.
