Media Has Played a Key Role in Acknowledging Writers’ Value in Cinema Says Komal Nahta

At the Superboys of Malegoan event, trade analyst Komal Nahta shared his insights on the evolving role of writers in the Indian film industry, emphasizing how media has played a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of writers. In his conversation with renowned filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, Nahta shed light on the shift in how audiences now view the contribution of writers to a film’s success.

 

Nahta recalled an interesting anecdote from the making of Talaash, where actor and producer Aamir Khan was deeply impressed with the script of the film. He explained, “When Talaash was being made, Aamir Khan, who was both the actor and producer, told me that when he heard the script, he liked the story so much that he asked Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, ‘Who are the writers behind this script? It’s just amazing. How much are they paid?’”

 

Nahta went on to explain how Aamir Khan, recognizing the quality of the script, immediately felt that the writers deserved more. “When Aamir found out the amount they were paid, he said, ‘They deserve much more. Just double it,’” Nahta shared. He further revealed that Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, who co-wrote Talaash, ended up receiving double their initial payment as a result of Aamir’s request.

 

This incident, Nahta highlighted, underscores the growing recognition of the value writers bring to the table. “The point I am trying to make is that there is an importance of writers,” said Nahta. He added that while writers should have always been compensated adequately for their work, the industry has often overlooked their contributions. However, Nahta believes that this is rapidly changing, especially with the increasing influence of media.

 

According to Nahta, media has played a crucial role in educating the audience about the pivotal role of writers in filmmaking. “Media has made the audience aware that if a writer doesn’t write a good story or script, there will be no good movies,” he noted. Nahta believes this awareness is contributing to a broader recognition of writers’ contributions, saying, “I think the audience has awakened to the importance of writers.”

 

This shift in audience perception marks a significant turning point in the industry, as filmmakers and producers begin to realize the invaluable role writers play in shaping a film’s narrative. With audiences now more attuned to the power of storytelling, there is hope that writers will receive the recognition and compensation they truly deserve in the years to come.