Recently, Richa Chadha shared a note on her Instagram Story, asking directors to “cast good actors”. “Your so called whatevers aren’t getting you any opening anyway,” read a part of the note.

She tells us, “My Instagram Story was just comic relief in these challenging times. But, it was also a comment on certain recent films and casting choices. Directors not casting good actors didn’t affect me in any way. However, it certainly affected the box office of the said films.”

What makes a good actor vis-à-vis a commercially successful one? “Ideally, there needn’t be any distinction,” she says, but mentions that an actor should not be cast just because they are a “name”.

“If an actor assures commercial success or if the producer or financier needs to protect their investment, I have no problem with stars replacing actors. My only problem is when someone who is just a name — neither a successful actor nor a good one — gets cast. Then, the film dies and you wonder what was the point of this laborious exercise where everyone looks disinterested in what they’re putting out,” says the Fukrey actor.

The 36-year-old also urged filmmakers to make something they are proud of and not mere “projects”. “Filmmakers are appeasing platforms that are appeasing algorithms,” she says, going on to add that “success isn’t just statistics”. “If algorithms were always right, there would be no flops. Casting an influencer over an actor would mean millions of followers becoming the audience. Does that happen in the real world?” she asks.