In recent years, the landscape of visual storytelling has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a diverse array of innovative scripts captivating audiences, particularly in the OTT space. Renowned for his compelling portrayal of the formidable politician Navin Kumar in the web series 'Maharani,' actor Amit Sial has adeptly carved out a niche for himself over the past decade, showcasing his versatility through a range of impactful roles.
Having received rave reviews for playing Prakash, a single father in the recent release 'Tikdam,' he believes the digital space has sparked a wave of edgy and experimental content that will continue to foster stories that might otherwise struggle to find a place in traditional cinema. He does, however, express that he would have loved to see the film receive a theatrical release.
Set in the small hilly town of Sukhtal, the film powerfully addresses themes of familial bonds, climate change, and the strength of community. Streaming on JioCinema, it features him as a man who is too naive for his own good and loses his job when a local hotel decides to shut down. Later, the scarcity of jobs in the town compels him to consider migrating for work, leaving behind his children and parents. It then follows his children, along with their friends, as they come up with 'tikdams' (ideas) in an attempt to bring their parents back to the town from the big cities.
In this thought-provoking conversation with The WEEK, Amit discusses the struggle of making the right choices for each character, the significance of deep writing in storytelling, the impact of acting on personal and emotional growth, and much more.
Your work in Mirzapur and Maharani was impressive. How was playing a father in Tikdam, where the entire film had to rest on your shoulders?
Firstly, thanks for the appreciation (smiles). Playing a father and carrying the entire film's weight was both surreal and enthralling. It came at a time when I was craving for something that was completely at the other end of the spectrum, compared to the intense characters I have been portraying for so long. Tikdam had a soothing effect on my soul. About carrying the film on my shoulders, I say bring more on! I have been ready for the longest time for filmmakers to put their trust in me. It is refreshing to know that this opportunity came my way at the right time, and I embraced it with open arms.
What aspects of Prakash’s character impressed you, and did you have any initial reservations about taking on the role?
Everything about Prakash intrigued me, but it was his love, attachment, and unwavering dedication to his family that truly stood out. Despite all the trials, going away from his family was his last resort. His love remained steadfast. This bravery appealed to me the most. I had absolutely no reservations about playing Prakash. On the contrary, I was raring to start. I connected deeply with his journey and couldn't wait to bring him to life on screen.
Does portraying a subtle yet emotionally rich character like Prakash contribute to an actor's personal growth, helping them deepen their emotional range and become a better version of themselves?
Absolutely! And vice versa. A well-lived and well-played character stays with you—it becomes a part of who you are because you are channeling your own experiences into the role. I have many characters living inside me, each bringing something unique to my personal and emotional growth. Over time, I have learned how to harness them, but they never leave. The characters you portray often help you explore new emotional depths and give you a broader understanding of life and relationships.
Do roles like these encourage actors to reflect on and identify areas in their acting process that may need unlearning?
Yes, truthful and honest work always beckons reflection. Otherwise, what is the point of being an actor? There is always that constant struggle to make the right choices in every role. Reflection naturally leads to learning or unlearning. Whether it is revisiting old techniques or abandoning habits that no longer serve you, acting is an ongoing process of refinement and introspection. And like life, it is never easy, but that is what makes it fulfilling.
Connecting deeply with the audience has been Prakash's unique trait. Do you consider this role path-breaking for revealing a new facet of your acting skills?
A hundred percent! Both audiences and makers have responded in ways that affirm this. People have been saying, “We didn’t know you could do this too,” and that kind of feedback is really gratifying. It feels like this role has allowed me to showcase a side of my craft that wasn’t seen before. It's incredibly rewarding to know that this performance resonated so strongly.
How do you view a story like Tikdam in the context of the OTT space? Do you think OTT platforms are ideal for such stories in terms of offering adequate time and budget?
Very selfishly, I would have loved to see Tikdam in theaters. It is such a beautiful film that would’ve been wonderful on the big screen. But alas, fate wouldn’t have it. That said, I am grateful that Jio bravely took it on and put it across OTT for audiences to watch. OTT has definitely given birth to edgy and experimental content, which is great. Hopefully, this platform continues to nurture such stories that might otherwise struggle to find space in traditional cinema.
How do you think OTT platforms have transformed storytelling compared to traditional cinema, and what unique opportunities or challenges does this format present?
The absence of censorship on OTT, at least until now, has fostered boldness in terms of both content and design. This is a privilege that must be used wisely. It is important to come out with deeper, more relatable stories, rather than just leaning into the crime/thriller formula. It is time we explored more nuanced, emotional narratives on OTT. And quality, of course, remains paramount, especially when we’re competing on an international stage.
The success of Gullak, Jamtara, and Tikdam highlights the importance of strong writing. How do you interpret this trend in terms of the growing recognition for writers and the democratization of content creation?
Content is king, and it's here to stay—regardless of the medium, be it theatrical or OTT releases. And writers are the heart of content. We need to invest in them, feed them well, and encourage them to create more than ever before. The future of storytelling depends on the power of their imagination and craft. As creators, we must prioritize writers now more than ever.
What is your vision for the evolution of Hindi cinema and OTT over the next decade, particularly regarding non-romantic and grounded scripts?
As I mentioned earlier, deeper thought leads to deeper writing, which results in deeper execution and, ultimately, a deeper connection with the audience. My vision is simple—let’s strive to create stories that make people think, reflect, and feel. Let us aim for depth in our storytelling, and let that be our guiding principle for the future of both cinema and OTT.
What lies ahead on the cinematic front?
Jo Tera Hai Wo Mera Hai has just premiered on Jio Cinema Premium. It’s a laugh riot that I lead, along with veteran actor Paresh Rawal. Then, there’s an upcoming film with Dharma, starring Akshay Kumar and Madhavan, and a series with Nagesh Kukunoor. There’s a lot in store, and I’m excited to see where these projects take me!