Exclusive Press Conference of ‘Dispatch’

 Manoj Bajpayee to Uncover a Multi-Crore Scam

Priyanka Yadav | On Tuesday, December 3, the highly anticipated film ‘Dispatch’ by Manoj Bajpayee held a press conference, with the filmmakers and cast in attendance. The film's plot revolves around the 2G spectrum scam, and in it, Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of an investigative journalist who uncovers an 8,000 crore scam. During the press conference, the filmmakers shared insights about the movie and also answered questions from the media.

 Manoj Bajpayee's Remarks

During the press conference, Manoj Bajpayee spoke about the preparation involved in his role, saying, “I put in a lot of effort for this role. Kanhu [director] is a strict taskmaster who pushed us beyond our comfort zones to bring out the best in us. I hope the film will touch the hearts of the audience and inspire us to do even better.”

 Bajpayee and the director, Kanhu Bahl, also answered various questions from the media. One such question was about the difference between journalism and investigative journalism, and how Bajpayee's role as an investigative journalist compares to that of a real journalist.

 The Role of Investigative Journalism in the Film

When asked about the nuances of playing an investigative journalist, Manoj Bajpayee replied, “Yes, absolutely! As I mentioned earlier, when I spoke with journalist friends like Rajendra Joshi, many were curious to know if we were truly showcasing real journalism or just making a mainstream film about it. Some journalists who knew about Kanhu's first film were quite helpful, while others took it lightly. I always asked them, 'Does investigative journalism ever stop?' One journalist gave an insightful answer: 'A regular journalist’s day may end, but for an investigative journalist, it never does. It could be midnight or 2 AM, they’re always on the job, taking risks, and their adrenaline keeps rising.”

 Actor vs. Journalist: What’s the Difference?

Another question posed was about the difference between being an actor and being a journalist, particularly an investigative one. Manoj Bajpayee responded, "Yes, there are similarities between an actor and a journalist, such as the emotional investment required. As an actor, I need to understand the mindset, pain, and desires of the character. Similarly, a journalist needs the same level of dedication and investigation to uncover the truth. But the key difference is that an actor has the option to step out of the role and take a break after a tough scene. A journalist, especially an investigative one, can’t just walk away. Their story becomes a personal mission; it affects their personal and mental life. For a journalist, work doesn’t stop, even when they leave the office. They carry that story with them."

 Kanhu Bahl on Directing ‘Dispatch’

Kanhu Bahl, the director of ‘Dispatch’, explained the reason behind making the film, saying, “I started working on ‘Dispatch’ in 2016. After thorough research, we unearthed untold, shocking stories from the world of journalism, especially related to the dangerous Mumbai underworld. Our goal was not just to make a thriller, but to highlight the flawed, human side of investigative journalism and reveal the raw, harsh truth behind the headlines.”

He further added, “Once the script was ready, we knew that no one could bring the character of Joy Bag alive except for Manoj Bajpayee – and he’s nothing short of outstanding in the role. Along with exceptional actors like Shahana Goswami and Archita Agarwal, I can confidently say that Dispatch will be an exhilarating ride, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience it.”

 Is Journalism a Passion?

In response to the question about whether journalism is a passion and whether it requires crossing all limits to uncover the truth, Kanhu Bahl shared his own experience, “Yes, journalism is a passion. You need to find the truth without fear. In 2014, a mental health professional contacted me about a new synthetic drug, 'Mephedrone,' which was becoming very popular and was easily available. When I spoke to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), they said that there was no legal provision for this drug. But I pursued it, and later, Mephedrone was included in the NDPS Act, making it a restricted drug. This shows how journalism can sometimes bring about social change, as we saw in this case with the drug ban.”

Film Release Details

‘Dispatch’ will stream on the OTT platform ZEE5 starting December 13, 2024. Apart from Manoj Bajpayee, the film also features Shahana Goswami, Archita Agarwal, and Rituparna Sengupta in key roles.

Special Premiere in Goa

Interestingly, ‘Dispatch’ had a special premiere at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where it received rave reviews. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies, the film has generated significant buzz among audiences and critics alike.

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