Aamir Khan and Javed Akhtar recently shared their views on the challenges faced by the Hindi film industry and the valuable lessons that can be learnt from South cinema.
When Aamir Khan and Javed Akhtar talk about cinema, you listen. Not just because they are industry veterans with decades of experience, but because in their time they redefined the approach, perception and concept towards films – playing a key role in taking Bollywood to unimaginable heights.
Recently, both the icons shared their views on the challenges faced by the Hindi film industry and the valuable lessons that can be learnt from South cinema.
“We are not focusing on broad aspects like anger, love and revenge. We should make films based on conviction (like the South does). South films are what we used to call single screen films – very large scale, very rooted. Maybe Bollywood is focusing more on multiplex films,” the Bollywood superstar remarked at the launch of Aamir Khan: Magician of Cinema, a special film festival by PVR Inox celebrating his 60th birthday and his contribution to Indian cinema.
Commenting on the state of Bollywood today, he said: “We are telling our consumers that you can come and consume our product (film). If you don’t, we will bring it to you (through OTT platforms) in eight weeks when it will be free because you have already paid for it (through subscription).
I don’t know how to sell a product twice. Earlier, I used to watch films because I had no choice. Now, it is dependent on a fancy for films. So we have ended our own business model.”
Meanwhile, Javed emphasised the need for a longer gap of at least three-four months between theatre and streaming releases. “Even a hit film gets released on OTT in just 4 weeks.” Despite these concerns, both Aamir Khan and Javed Akhtar remained optimistic about the revival of the industry. “It’s like a cycle.
You make mistakes and then take the right path,” Aamir said. To this, Javed added, “Hum sabse sabse jaayein toh achcha hai. Nahin toh humari cycle hi bik jaayegi.” Opening up about the unpredictable nature of the box office, where well-received films often struggle, Javed said: “I haven’t seen a better film than Superboys of Malegaon in 6-7 years. All reviews have given it 4-4.5 stars.
But it didn’t run in theatres.” Aamir reiterated this sentiment, pointing to the disappointing box office performance of Missing Ladies, directed by his ex-wife Kiran Rao, despite widespread acclaim. He said, “I haven’t met a single person who didn’t like ‘Missing Ladies’.
But it didn’t do well at the box office.” On the argument that “inflated” prices of tickets, food and beverages at theatre chains are driving away audiences, Javed called it an excuse. “You pay too much in a 5-star hotel.
Similarly, you should pay for the facilities at a multiplex. If you don’t want to, you should go and watch a single screen. Who’s stopping you?” the legendary screenwriter-lyricist asked. Aamir agreed, saying, “They say the price of popcorn is an issue. But when you go to watch Pushpa, where does your popcorn go?”
Recall that a few months ago, filmmaker Karan Johar had suggested that rising prices were discouraging audiences from visiting theatres. However, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) refuted the claim with data explaining why ticket prices fluctuate frequently.
Aamir Khan spoke the South makes single screen films while Bollywood focuses on multiplex films; Javed Akhtar on industry crisis: ‘Hamari cycle hi bik jayega’
