Gajraj Rao on real stories making a comeback in Indian cinema: ‘There’s something for everyone’

Acclaimed actor Gajraj Rao has opened up about the changing landscape of Indian cinema. As he gears up for the release of his latest project Dupahiya, Rao reflects on how storytelling in Indian films has evolved, particularly with the rise of OTT platforms.
In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Gajraj Rao discussed how Indian cinema originally thrived on realistic storytelling, with filmmakers like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee, and Sai Paranjape delivering evergreen classics. However, he noted that somewhere along the way, filmmakers shifted focus to commercial elements, prioritizing profit-making over content. “There was a whole phase of cinema in the middle where limitations came into play. The fear of Friday came in," Rao explained, referring to the industry’s obsession with box office numbers. He added that filmmakers assumed audiences only wanted item numbers and grand spectacle, leading to a departure from simple, heartfelt storytelling.
However, Rao believes that OTT platforms have revived authentic storytelling. He likened this shift to the golden era of television, bringing back content that resonates with everyday life, much like classic shows such as Nukkad and Buniyaad. “OTT has freed that by bringing shows similar to Nukkad and Buniyaad,” he said. “This is such a huge buffet that it has something for everyone. You can watch whatever you want."
Gajraj Rao is currently gearing up for his upcoming drama Dupahiya, set to premiere on March 7 on Prime Video. The series is rooted in the heartland of Bihar, capturing the aspirations of the middle class through the simple yet profound story of a two-wheeler. Alongside Rao, the series features Renuka Shahane, Shivani Raghuvanshi, Sparsh Srivastava, and Bhuvan Arora in pivotal roles.
Recalling his immediate connection with Dupahiya, Rao shared that the moment Bains Joshi, the executive producer, sent him the script, she asked for his thoughts on it and within just 3-4 days, he read it and immediately responded, saying, ‘I had to be a part of this, no second thoughts.’ "Everything else, logistics, negotiations, could be figured out later, but this project was a must for me,” Gajraj said.
With Dupahiya, Gajraj Rao continues to champion meaningful narratives, proving that real stories have once again found their place in Indian entertainment.