After an incredible world premiere at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, Main Actor Nahin Hoon (I Am Not An Actor) has been creating a buzz for its unique storytelling and powerful performances. Directed by Aditya Kripalani, the film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangada Satarupa, both delivering deeply emotional and authentic performances in a film that breaks all conventional norms.
What makes this film truly special is how it was shot. Instead of a traditional set, the entire movie was filmed live over video calls between two countries, India and Germany. The actors performed in real-time across different time zones, with two film units capturing their performances simultaneously. This approach gives the film a raw, organic, and deeply immersive feel, making it the first-of-its-kind experiment in Indian cinema.
The story revolves around Mouni, an aspiring actor in Mumbai, who unexpectedly connects with Adnan Baig, a retired Kashmiri banker in Germany, through an online film audition.
What starts as a simple audition quickly turns into something much deeper – an unexpected acting lesson that forces both characters to confront their fears, dreams, and emotional struggles. The film beautifully explores the themes of self-worth, identity, and human connection, all while unfolding through real-time conversations that feel completely natural and unfiltered.
One of the most exciting aspects of Main Actor Nahin Hoon is seeing Nawazuddin Siddiqui play the role of a bad actor. Known for his brilliant performances, it’s hard to imagine him struggling with acting, but that’s exactly what makes it so interesting. Director Aditya Kripalani explains that Nawazuddin had to deliberately act badly, which in itself requires great skill. His character, a banker who takes up acting after retirement, goes through an emotional and artistic journey, making the film both engaging and thought-provoking.
The film was shot over 36 days in a completely unconventional manner. While Aditya Kripalani led a team of 40 crew members in Germany, another team was shooting in Mumbai under his supervision. Every scene was filmed synchronously, meaning if Nawazuddin’s character was taking a tram in Frankfurt, Chitrangada’s character would be boarding a train in Mumbai at the exact same time. This made the interactions between them feel authentic and spontaneous, unlike the usual method of filming where scenes are shot separately and stitched together later.
For Kripalani, this film was an experiment in storytelling that required a completely new way of working. The actors had no second takes, no rehearsals, just pure emotions captured in the moment. This made their performances even more real, as they had to react naturally, just like in a real conversation. The result is a film that doesn’t feel staged but instead feels like watching two real people navigating their emotions and struggles in real time.
During its premiere at Cinequest Film Festival, Main Actor Nahin Hoon has received amazing reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many are calling it a game-changer in Indian cinema, a film that dares to be different while staying deeply connected to its storytelling. The bold approach to filmmaking, combined with the powerful performances of
Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Chitrangada Satarupa, makes this a must-watch for anyone who appreciates cinema that pushes boundaries.
This is not just a film—it’s an experience. It stays with you, making you think, feel, and connect with the characters on a level that few films manage to achieve. As it prepares for its wider release, Main Actor Nahin Hoon is set to leave a lasting impact, proving that sometimes, the most powerful stories are told in the most unexpected ways.
