The prevalent corporate climate hasn’t altered my scheme of things much. I never signed any agreement or contract. I still don’t do that. I believe in trust. Nothing has changed for me, just that the prices have shot up phenomenally. The only perceivable change is that moviegoers have gone back to the theatre. And it isn’t just the multiplexes. People are also watching films in single-screen theatres because of the upgraded facilities all around. Things are really looking up.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra: More than business

When I saw ‘Loins of Punjab’, I realised that there is an alternate cinema quietly taking shape in India. With ‘Rock On!!’, my belief has just been strengthened that maybe young filmmakers can steer clear of the kind of compromises that many have had to make to get their foot into this very competitive but intoxicating world of movies.

But at the same time, I’m disturbed by the increasing obsession we have developed for the opening weekend. We seem to have stopped asking certain crucial questions, like what are the values our film propagates. When we green-light a project or begin to write a film, these are the first of the many questions we must ask ourselves.

So if we have taken a step forward, it feels like we may have taken two steps back because of the force with which marketing, projection and box-office pressures have begun to impact our filmmaking. Cinema is more than “over Rs 100 crore in three days”.

Farhan Akhtar: Varied scripts

Actors are willing to take risks with their roles, something which was not the case a few years ago. And this new unpredictability where we don’t know in what role we will see an actor is a very good sign. Scripts rule, with people like Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Amole Gupte and Ashutosh Gowariker coming up with gripping projects. I think Mehra’s ‘Aks’ had a rare and off-beat subject for a film. Marketing of films too has reached another level altogether.

Films launching merchandise in their name, contests, stars on reality shows — this trend can only get bigger. There is also a large audience for Indian films outside India that comprises not only NRIs but also people from all nationalities. It’s the new and gripping content of our films that is getting attention. Single producers who were churning out the same stuff with no new ideas have been replaced by corporate houses ever ready to experiment with new concepts and formulas. Multitasking is also the new mantra with actors like Aamir Khan producing, directing and acting in a film like ‘Taare Zameen Par’. I wrote ‘Rock On!!’, produced it, wrote dialogue, acted and sang in it.

Madhuri Dixit: Indian, not Bollywood

I hate the term ‘Bollywood’ but an Indian film has everything for any kind of audience. I try to watch every film, and with Internet and with multiplexes coming up all over the place, it has become so easy to catch up with the latest releases. Lately, there have been some very good films, many with messages. The quality of films has also improved and I am happy that the Hindi film industry is progressing very well. People are coming in with good scripts and good planning.

Soha Ali Khan: Changed scenario

I believe Indian cinema is the finest form of art in our country. Films are the best medium for reaching out and conveying the message to a large chunk of audience. Indian cinema is undergoing a slow change, though it is not very apparent and drastic. Mindsets are breaking, trends are changing and people are open to experimentation. Directors are willing to cast newcomers in their films, there are varied films being made, like ‘Bheja Fry’ and ‘Love Story 2050’, and multi-starrers have won over actors interested in solo leads. Films like ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ that send out social messages should be made. Along with entertainment, some kind of social message should also be imparted.

Rani Mukerji: Newfound respect

‘New and improved’ are strong words and I would use them sparingly, but yes, there have been changes in every decade. There was a change from silent to the talkies, black-and-white to colour — it’s been a natural progression of sorts. The most wonderful part of it all is that films are now looked at with respect. Parents are now encouraging their children who want to be a part of it. It’s also more professional like being a doctor or engineer—there are a lot more people who are looking for a career in the technical side in Bollywood. Also the attitude towards making films is that everybody wants to make a good film.

Deepika Padukone: Public demand

I feel today’s audience is lot more intelligent. Newer people have come into the industry. Those who are scripting films are touching upon new subjects. Many films are connecting with the audience, even offbeat ones. Films are back to being realistic. Films like ‘Jab We Met’ and ‘Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na’ had a fresh treatment.

Ranbir Kapoor: Breaking norms