Simply called ‘indie’,  it refers to any movie made an individualistic spirit. It is a movie totally driven by auteur. It is an individualist voice of the film maker and does not necessarily cater to the mass taste. It does not comply with what is commercial.

The generic definition of an indie film points to a small budget project made and distributed by an independent source without intrusion of a big studio. However, in India distribution is a big hurdle, and happens only with the help of a big studio. In short, our indie films are made with money from independent sources or by a producer who contributes money.

Unlike the parallel cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, which focused on social injustices and every day struggles, today’s indie films are not bound by any theme.

In the indie world the star is not a person, but a script. They cut location costs, edit everything on paper and plan better. The project is more efficient.

For big studios and stars, fringe films are a means to invest in new audiences of the future.Cinema made on a low budget, experimental say with camera angles, a dose of violence and irreverent language — all these are characteristics of independent cinema. It goes beyond the formula.

Abroad, independent movies are those that are not made outside a major film studio, or production house. It gives full creative control to the director’s vision and narrative style, without studios, producers or market forces. Their content is unusual. They show a distinct style.They are marketed on a limited release basis.