In an era when a film’s production budget may only be rivalled by its marketing expenditure, it’s arguably rare for a small-budget offering to become the money-spinner of the year. Stree 2 (2024) actor Abhishek Banerjee will agree, considering the fact that the horror comedy was touted to have been made on a budget of around Rs 60 crore and grossed over Rs 880 crore worldwide. “It was a medium-budget film that was a clutter-breaker. The three boys [lead characters], and the legend that the film is based on are characteristic [features] of India. It’s not a borrowed script. I hope this opens doors for many new filmmakers and writers. This move is growing in Malayalam cinema,” says the actor, who calls 2025 the year that he has been working for. 

Being part of one of the highest-grossing films of the year may place an actor among the top brass of the industry. But Banerjee celebrates his wins in smaller ways. “I feel that what the film’s success does for an actor like me is that it gives me the confidence to be in this city. It tells me that I [am capable of] entertaining the audience,” he says. In a world where every other artiste may have a roaring audience on social media, Banerjee believes people’s interest in a theatrical release is the real litmus test for an actor. “This year, there’s a sense of satisfaction. I am on the radar of production houses and directors. They want to make something with me, even though many want me to play the same character that I’ve already played. When big directors, actors, and production houses are involved, it’s difficult to say no. But then, it’s important to do so as well. Sure, acting is a career, and you have to earn money. But it’s also a form of art. I want my performance to matter.”