Manoj Bajpayee's latest OTT release, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, has finally opened on the big screen after much debate, and the actor describes it as a "symbolic release." He calls it the "first step" toward removing the myth that streaming is a danger to the theater industry. The film has been released in select cinemas in 20 places across four circuits — Mumbai, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar  and is still available for streaming.

Manoj Bajpayee says, “This is a symbolic release. There was a massive demand on social media coming from the audience asking for a theatre release, so just to appreciate the fact that there was so much excitement and they wanted this release, we are doing it.” Given that Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai is already a hit, with people lavishing acclaim on the film and, in particular, Bajpayee's performance, the actor believes that the film's theatrical release will usher in a new era in which numbers will become secondary.

He also shares, “I know people will come to watch because I know the love Bandaa is getting and the excitement audience has for this film. They want to experience it on the big screen, too. We are giving that opportunity to them to experience it one more time on the big screen because this is what they wanted.” He explains, “Nobody was talking about the numbers when it released on OTT and even now when it’s available in theatres, people will only talk about the craft, creativity, technique, performances, lightning and camera work. And these are the things that one should be talking about. The numbers are something which is a concern to producers, distributors and exhibitors and should not affect audiences.” 

He also said, “When Gulmohar came out, everyone said the same things. So, why take it as a compliment for each and every project and performance? There are many projects which are going to follow. As an artiste, I try to do justice to the role, be sincere and truthful to the character, and perform it to the best of my ability. Also, you can’t compare Gulmohar’s performance with Bandaa’s performance because their demands were different.” At the end he said, “If someone tells me you have done complete justice to the character, I would take that, but when they say it was ‘Good, better or best’, then I don’t take it seriously.”

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