Filmmaker Hansal Mehta and actor Pratik Gandhi urged the film industry to give newcomers a chance and criticised the current trend of playing it safe, at the second edition of the Cinevesture International Film Festival in Chandigarh on Friday.

 Highlighting the work of studios such as UTV in the 2000s and Applause Entertainment now in successfully promoting newcomers such as Pratik Gandhi, Zahan Kapoor, and Gaggan Dev Rial, Mehta said: "We are at an inflection point where there is a lot of talent but they are not getting a chance.”

“The big guys that you keep giving chances to, how many times have they failed? What’s their success percentage? When they fail, they actually sink you. If you take a small risk (casting new talent), you will suffer less but the advantages are many,” he added.

Actor Pratik Gandhi echoed Mehta's sentiments, urging producers and directors to be more open to working with lesser-known actors. "There are so many actors who are waiting for their chance," he remarked, emphasising the need to fill this gap in the industry.

Gandhi, known for his breakout role in ‘Scam 1992’, praised the collaborative environment on Mehta’s sets, where creativity flourishes amidst freedom and discipline. Mehta reciprocated the admiration, describing Gandhi as an actor without ego, much like others he has been privileged to work with in his career, including Rajkummar Rao.

Gandhi is also part of Mehta’s ambitious series on Mahatma Gandhi and said they have developed an understanding in the five years that they have worked together on projects. His film "Ghamasaan" with filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia premiered at the festival on Friday.

The festival also showcased emerging talents like Zahan Kapoor, who impressed with his role in Vikramaditya Motwane’s “Black Warrant”. Mehta commended Kapoor’s commitment to his character, reflecting on how such dedication from new actors enriches the filmmaking process.