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Rajat Kapoor: Theatre Offers Second Chances, Cinema is Locked In

Actor-director Rajat Kapoor highlights the inherent flexibility of theatre, where performances can be refined nightly, unlike cinema where the edit is final. He notes that his frequent collaborations with Ranvir Shorey and Vinay Pathak involve more daily discussion about theatre than film. Their latest project, 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa', reunites the trio for the first time in 18 years. The film, a murder mystery set at a tense celebration, is now streaming on ZEE5.

Key Points: Rajat Kapoor on Theatre vs Cinema Flexibility

  • Theatre allows post-show tweaks
  • Film edits are locked and final
  • Collaborations with Shorey & Pathak
  • More daily discussion about theatre
  • Film projects take years between
2 min read

Rajat Kapoor says theatre is more flexible, fluid compared to cinema

Actor-director Rajat Kapoor explains why theatre is a more fluid medium than film, allowing constant tweaks and improvements after each performance.

"You can keep tweaking, keep making better. So, luckily, there's a second chance in that sense there. - Rajat Kapoor"

Mumbai, April 21

Actor-director Rajat Kapoor, who is receiving a positive response to his recently released streaming film 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa', has said that stage is a more flexible medium compared to cinema.

The actor-director spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film, and said that while it's impossible to make minor tweaks in a film after the edit is locked and it is shown to public, theatre allows an artiste to make changes along the way even after a show is done.

He told IANS, "It's right that you can't do anything about what you've done in film. But luckily, we also do theater. And there, there's a chance of making it better every night. You can keep tweaking, keep making better. So, luckily, there's a second chance in that sense there".

He also spoke about his discussions with his friends and long-time collaborators Ranvir Shorey and Vinay Pathak, whom he has directed in 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa'.

He said, "More than film and discussions around films, I think because we spend a lot of time doing shows, doing theater, rehearsing or touring with shows. So, we spend a lot more time talking about theater and dissecting the performance that just happened and rehearsing for the performance the next day. That's a constant thing. A film takes 3 years to make, life happens between films".

Meanwhile, 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa' marks his reunion with Rajat Kapoor and Vinay Pathak. The actors, who go a long way back, have been friends for over 30 years, and have collaborated frequently. However, the three of them came together for the first time in 18 years after 'Mithya'.

'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa' is set during an intimate outstation celebration among friends and family, what begins as effortless banter, free-flowing drinks and games soon curdles into discomfort. When Sohrab is found brutally murdered late at night, the convivial atmosphere collapses, giving way to suspicion, exposed resentments and moral unease.

Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Mithya Talkies, 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa' is available to stream on Hindi ZEE5.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who studied drama, this is so true! The collaborative process in theatre is fluid. Every show is a new creation. Film is more like a preserved fossil. Great insight from Kapoor. Looking forward to watching 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa' this weekend.
V
Vikram M
True, but let's be honest, cinema reaches crores of people. A play in Mumbai might be seen by a few thousand at most. The impact is different. Both are important, but the director's cut in film is final for a reason—it's a director's complete vision.
P
Priya S
"A film takes 3 years to make, life happens between films." This line hit home! 😊 Theatre keeps the artist alive and practicing constantly. So much respect for artists like him who balance both worlds. The chemistry with Shorey and Pathak is always gold.
R
Rohit P
After the pandemic, I've started appreciating local theatre more. There's a raw, unfiltered energy. You can't get that on a screen. Glad established names are talking about this. Hope it encourages more funding and support for theatre groups across India.
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective. In the West, we often see film as the ultimate medium, but the discipline of nightly performance is a different skill altogether. The fact that they've been friends and collaborators for 30 years probably feeds into that live chemistry.

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