Manoj Bajpayee Says Cinema Can't Start Movements, But Can Be A Part Of It: 'Every Ruler Has Used Art...'

Actor Manoj Bajpayee recently stressed that cinema alone can’t bring about a revolution. He says he sees it more as a tool to kickstart movements. The actor shared his views during the trailer launch of his upcoming ZEE5 film Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout on Tuesday night. He said that he believes cinema can reflect our times but can’t start movements on its own. According to him, throughout history, rulers have used cinema or art for their own purposes.

“Cinema can be a mirror of our time. Cinema can’t start movements. It can be part of the movement. Cinema can’t do anything alone. Every ruler has used cinema or art in their own way,” Bajpayee told those present at the event, as reported by PTI.

Referring to Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal as the angry young man in 1970s movies, the National Award winner noted how it connected with a youth grappling with unemployment and hopelessness. “They saw themselves in Amitabh Bachchan and watching those films helped them vent out … Similarly, when the time of romanticism came, there were Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan,” he said.

In Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout, Manoj Bajpayee will return as ACP Avinash Verma, while Prachi Desai will reprise her role as Inspector Sanjana. Talking about starring in the sequel of the 2021 film, the actor said, “Whenever you do the second instalment you have to revisit the old season as you grow as a person and actor. But there are some basic elements that you have done you should not leave that as it is the crux of the character. Try to remind myself what I have done and what I should do now.”

Produced by Zee Studios and Candid Creations, Silence 2: Night Owl bar shootout will premiere April 16 on ZEE5.