There’s a significant disconnect between the audience and the Hindi film industry. The recurring failure of movies featuring prominent actors brings this issue to light every few weeks.
The failure of keenly-awaited films is indeed worrisome, but the dismal / *disastrous start* of films starring reputable names [BMCM, MAIDAAN, CHANDU CHAMPION, SARFIRA, AMKDT] is giving the fraternity nightmares. Despite being backed by respected names, these films have met with tragic results at the ticket counters, leading one to wonder: why is the Hindi film industry in such a royal mess?
A prominent distributor highlighted a key issue while discussing the current state of affairs: “Most of these movies lack entertainment. Who’s interested in listening to sermons or watching serious, depressing dramas on the big screen? Entertainment is what drives our audience to the cinema halls.”
I second that. A *well-made entertainer* will never go out of style.
Frankly, nothing has changed. Decades ago, during a conversation with the Emperor of Entertainers, Manmohan Desai ji, the Hit Machine told me in no uncertain terms: “Main picture critics aur awards ke liye nahin, aam aadmi ke liye banata hoon. I want my distributors and exhibitors to be happy. I want my audience to enjoy the roller coaster ride through my movies. Offer them a complete package and they will love you and your film in return.”
That’s true. Movies lacking wholesome entertainment have faced rejection at the ticket windows time and again. Entertainment is the key to success and only well-made entertainers will help the industry recover in the future.
When you talk to prominent figures behind single screens or exhibitors in mass pockets, they’ll swear by movies like PATHAAN, JAWAN, GADAR 2, RRKPK and ANIMAL any day over slow, uninteresting dramas that appeal only to a niche audience or a handful of critics.
It’s essential to create movies that appeal to a PAN-India audience, resonating with both urban centres as well as small-town single screens. We need desi entertainers that connect with people from all walks of life. Focusing only on select metros or a handful of cities won’t suffice. The sooner we embrace this approach, the better it will be for the entire film fraternity.
Wait, picture abhi baaki hain. The Independence Day will witness the clash of several noteworthy movies. I hope and pray that the good times return once again.
