National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee has voiced strong criticism against the growing trend of using box office numbers as a marketing tool.

The actor, who has carved a niche balancing mainstream and independent cinema, called this obsession a dangerous practice, describing it as a ‘monster Basmasura’ created by producers themselves.

Ahead of Jugnuma release, actor slams producers for using box office numbers as promotion

Speaking ahead of the release of his upcoming film Jugnuma, directed by Raam Reddy, Bajpayee expressed concern that small independent films are often overlooked or dismissed because they fail to match commercial numbers. He highlighted that box office figures have wrongly become a benchmark for quality, whereas many powerful stories are sidelined due to their modest collections.

The actor also reflected on the changing OTT space, pointing out how large platforms now focus mainly on commercial projects, leaving little room for experimental or independent cinema. According to him, the industry has become a gamble where investments are made with the hope of massive returns, but only a few films truly benefit.

Jugnuma, which has already received international acclaim, releases in Indian theatres on 12 September. The film stars Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobrival, and Tillotama Shome alongside Bajpayee.