Can`t make commercial films: `Anhey Ghorey...` director

New Delhi: Punjabi film director Gurvinder Singh, who received a National award for his debut film ‘Anhey Ghorey Da Daan’ (‘Alms for the Blind Horse’), says he cannot make commercial films and is rather happy with issue-based cinema.

"I love watching them (commercial films). The last ones I saw were `Kahaani`, `Paan Singh Tomar` and `Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 1`. I always look forward to watching mainstream cinema like the audience, but I can`t make such films," Singh said. "I don`t have that kind of thinking. I am happy making issue-based films," he added. Set in the backdrop of Punjab, ‘Anhey Ghorey...’, based on Jnanpeeth Award winner Gurdial Singh`s novel of the same title, portrays the plight and problems of farmers and is made with local villagers. Singh is glad to see that young filmmakers are bringing about a change in the Indian cinema. "There are new voices. So many young filmmakers are coming up, who are making films in the popular genre, but with a storyline and are not depending on the star system," he said. "Within Bollywood, there is a cinema, which depends on the star system and there is a cinema which does not depend on the star system. Not having a popular face does not mean it becomes an art film," said the 39-year-old. His debut film ‘Anhey Ghorey...’ did not have any known actors and Singh says he will cast known actors only if they fit the bill. "As a filmmaker I will cast known and popular actors in my film only if they fit into the role... if they are the character I am looking for, and not simply for their star aura," said Singh, who is making another Punjabi film with Operation Bluestar as its background. IANS