Irrfan: We don't have the talent to do world class web series

Irrfan sets the cats among Bollywood's creative pigeons, saying our filmmakers don't have the passion to utilise global platforms like Netflix

Never mind that he has a Netflix show to his credit, Irrfan Khan feels the future of the online streaming platform in India is pretty bleak.

Mincing no words, the actor, who features in online mini-series 'Tokyo Trial', says, "Humare paas web series banane ke liye talent nahin hai (We don't have the talent to make a web series); it's the bitter truth."

Irrfan argues all production houses are run by business-minded people: "They are neither passionate nor have the understanding of a good story. We will not be able to deliver a world-class web series since such projects are born purely from passion."

In the historic drama, 'Tokyo Trial', Irrfan plays a Calcutta judge, who is summoned to Tokyo in the wake of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings to execute a trial.

The actor believes Netflix is "one of the greatest opportunities" for Indian talent to find recognition on a global platform, but for that, he says, filmmakers need to cut through the clutter. "Earlier, directors used to think of ways to break into Hollywood. Today, one can sit in India and make a world class product. But we are taking it lightly by making stupid comedies. I doubt if we will be able to cash in on the digital platform," he adds.

Incidentally, Irrfan will next be seen in a comedy drama, 'Hindi Medium' - a welcome change from the intense movies that he has done of late. "I always enjoy doing a comedy film that I can relate to since it allows me scope for improvisation. Like in this film, Deepak [Dobriyal, co-actor] and I had a great time. A scene would be given to us and we would take it to another level."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!