“I Don’t Think Filmmakers Are as Free Today”: Nithya Menen on Creative Freedom and the Changing Landscape of Cinema at IFP Season 16
Day 2 of IFP Season 16 continued on October 25 at Mehboob Studios, Mumbai, with actor Nithya Menen joining film journalist Vishal Menon for Becoming Kanmani, a conversation revisiting the enduring appeal of OK Kanmani and the craft behind its memorable characters and relationships. Reflecting on why certain films resonate, Nithya challenged the idea that on-screen chemistry comes down to just two actors, while also sharing her candid take on the creative freedom filmmakers enjoy today.
“Chemistry is not that. Chemistry is in the writing, first and foremost chemistry is in the writing,” Nithya said, explaining how writing, direction, performances and music come together to create cinematic magic. Nithya also spoke about how OK Kanmani’s chemistry surprised even her when she watched the film’s premiere, recalling her reaction to co-star Dulquer Salmaan: “Dude, what is this? Because Dulquer and me had a sort of very buddy-like relationship.”
Speaking about the changing climate for filmmakers, she observed, “I don’t think filmmakers are as free today.” She further remarked, “It’s become backwards, like it’s easier to do certain kind of films; this is really offending me. You know, like everybody gets offended, I think people think a lot more; they like use their intellect a lot more today, you know? Reflecting on how creative choices have become more complicated in an increasingly sensitive environment.
On the pressure women face balancing love and careers, Nithya shared, “Today, I feel I want both. I can have both, and it’s okay. It’s not an either-or; it’s not black or white, right? It can be worked out. Unfortunately, it is a thought process, especially for a woman, because it’s biological and everything. That’s sadly the case; it’s something we have to live with.”
From a 50-hour filmmaking challenge that began in 2011 to a multidisciplinary creative platform bringing creators from across the world together, IFP brings the 16th season with the same idea at its heart: make something, put it out into the world, and see where it takes you.
Building on 15 glorious editions, IFP Season 16 continues to be a meeting ground for the people making, shaping, and reimagining culture across creative disciplines!