Jatin Sarna on rehearsals: 'Many actors don't prepare enough'
Synopsis
Jatin Sarna isn't just promoting a film — he's calling out a habit that's quietly eroding craft in Indian cinema. The Sacred Games actor says digital retakes have made actors complacent, and he's seen colleagues asking about pack-up times before the camera even rolls. His upcoming film Momacu, shot in freezing Chandigarh fields, is his counter-argument in practice.
Key Takeaways
Jatin Sarna warned that many actors today rely on digital retakes instead of adequate preparation and rehearsals.
He observed actors asking about pack-up timings before shoots begin , reflecting a wider rush culture on set.
Sarna described cinema as a personal calling: 'I live and breathe it' , crediting preparation and sincerity as non-negotiable.
His upcoming film Momacu was shot primarily in Punjab , with portions in Haryana , including demanding night shoots in Chandigarh .
The cast and crew reportedly remained motivated throughout difficult conditions due to collective emotional investment in the project.
Actor Jatin Sarna, best known for his role in Sacred Games, has spoken out about a growing concern in the Indian film industry — the declining emphasis on rehearsals and preparation in an era defined by digital retakes and rapid editing.
The Problem with Endless Retakes
Sarna argued that the shift to digital filmmaking, while offering technical convenience, has inadvertently lowered actors' commitment to preparation. 'Nowadays, because everything is digitally recorded, people feel they can keep giving retakes endlessly. But despite having all these facilities, many actors don't prepare enough,' he said.
He also pointed to a broader cultural shift on set. 'Today, everyone seems to be rushing. I have even seen actors asking about pack-up timings before the shoot begins,' Sarna noted, contrasting that attitude with the discipline of earlier generations who worked under tighter resource constraints with far greater dedication.
Cinema as a Calling, Not a Job
For Sarna, the solution is rooted in personal philosophy. 'For me, cinema is love. I live and breathe it. I want every project to become the best version of itself, and that only happens through preparation and sincerity,' he said. He credited his theatre background and workshop experience as the foundation of his approach to performance — one he believes more actors should adopt.
On the Sets of 'Momacu'
Sarna's upcoming film Momacu appears to embody the very values he advocates. Shot primarily in Punjab, with some portions filmed in Haryana, the production reportedly pushed cast and crew through demanding conditions — including freezing night shoots in Chandigarh's fields. 'Those conditions were difficult, but nobody wanted to rest. Either we were shooting, preparing, or simply having fun together,' he recalled.
He attributed the team's resilience to collective emotional investment. 'Nobody complained about fatigue or difficult conditions because everyone was emotionally invested in the film,' Sarna added, describing the shared sense of ownership as the driving force behind the project.
What This Signals for the Industry
Sarna's remarks arrive at a moment when the Hindi film industry is grappling with questions of craft versus commerce. The rise of OTT platforms has accelerated production timelines, and critics of the system argue that actors — particularly newer entrants — are increasingly reliant on post-production fixes rather than on-set mastery. Sarna's advocacy for rehearsal culture echoes similar calls from veterans like Naseeruddin Shah and Manoj Bajpayee, suggesting the concern is not isolated. Whether the industry responds with structural change — mandatory workshops, longer prep windows — remains to be seen.
Point of View
The incentive to arrive ready diminishes. What Sarna describes — actors checking pack-up times before the first shot — is a symptom of an industry where speed-to-screen has overtaken craft. The irony is that OTT, which has given actors like Sarna their biggest platforms, is also the engine accelerating the very shortcuts he's decrying. Until producers build rehearsal time into schedules and budgets, the exhortation to 'prepare more' will remain individual conscience versus systemic pressure — and systemic pressure usually wins.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jatin Sarna say about rehearsals in Indian cinema?
Jatin Sarna said that despite the convenience of digital recording and unlimited retakes, many actors today do not prepare enough. He argued that rehearsals and sincere preparation are essential for any project to reach its full potential.
What is Jatin Sarna's upcoming film Momacu about?
Momacu is a drama film starring Jatin Sarna, shot primarily in Punjab with some portions filmed in Haryana. Sarna described the shoot as emotionally driven, with the team enduring freezing night conditions in Chandigarh's fields out of collective passion for the project.
Why does Jatin Sarna think actors have become less dedicated?
Sarna believes digital filmmaking has created a false safety net — the ability to retake endlessly has reduced the urgency to prepare thoroughly. He contrasted this with earlier filmmakers who worked with limited resources and far greater discipline.
What is Jatin Sarna's personal philosophy on acting?
Sarna has described cinema as a personal love and vocation, stating he wants every project to be the best version of itself. He credits preparation, sincerity, and a theatre-grounded approach as the pillars of his craft.
