Skarsgård didn’t explicitly include Indian cinema on the list, yet the whole world got the hint. He supported the performance-centric narrative and the enchantment of watching films in a cinema, and, all at once, cinema lovers posed the question: Is it possible for an industry addicted to big-budget blockbusters to finally allow low-budget movies the space they deserve?
The “small Norwegian film” Sentimental Value brought Skarsgård a win, setting an example. Critics assert that it is strong proof of what Indian filmmakers have always suspected—the viewers prefer character-based stories over mind-blowing VFX.
Currently, Indian movies are full of grand, all-India blockbusters—massive marketing pushes, great action, top-notch actors, and all. Still, many of these movies have failed. The audience is beginning to speculate on the duration of this trend. Meanwhile, the lesser-known films made with minimal financing are still finding audiences.
When Skarsgård spoke about cinema, it struck a chord in India. The post-pandemic streaming boom has made it harder for low-budget films to secure the screen time they need. It is almost impossible for small movies to get a fair chance, since the big releases take up all the theater screen time. If the Indian film industry is to help low-budget makers, then theaters should allocate time for those projects—time to find their audience.
But what changes are necessary? Indian cinema has to place low-budget films differently within its support and value hierarchy. Multiplexes as well as single-screen theatres need to schedule times for movies with good content rather than giving everything to the latest blockbuster. It is impossible for low-budget films to depend on costly advertisements—they require creative marketing, word of mouth, film festivals, and digital buzz. Building an audience that appreciates story and acting takes time and a lot of exposure, but then it pays back.
The critics, professional associations, and award juries must weigh in on the role of such films and grant them the recognition and attention they truly deserve. Skarsgård’s speech was so fitting and marked a turning point for Indian cinema. The pool of talent is enormous—great actors, innovative young directors, and the world’s best stories that reveal the very essence of India’s culture.
The only thing that the ballpark lacks is the grind to support these films instead of going after another blockbuster payday. Skarsgård’s award win has proved that everywhere, people are craving real stories and strong performances. Indian cinema, with its rich tradition, is already there—if it is only brave enough to redirect its attention, its resources, and its screens to low-budget films.
This is not a question about the ability of Indian cinema to bring the low-budget films to the limelight. It is a question of whether it shall do it or not.
