URBAN CENTRES VS MASS POCKETS: THE BIG DIVIDE… The BO response to Dunki [Dec 2023] and Fighter [Jan 2024] - both driven by star names, on and off screen - clearly indicates the big divide in film biz today.
The fault doesn’t lie with the moviegoing audience, but filmmakers / storytellers, who aren’t able to deliver content that strike a chord with audiences beyond metros… The disparity in film biz is for all to see, with urban centres embracing the films, but mass centres staying away from it.
Let’s face it, the outcome of Dunki as well as Fighter is underwhelming, despite the merits… The BO numbers should’ve been much, much better and while the makers will recover the investment thanks to non-theatrical avenues, even book profits, the industry needs to open its eyes to the fact that you need to make films for all-India audience, not restrict it to a handful of metros.
The participation of mass pockets in film biz is most vital for the well-being and sustainability in the long run… Even in the 1970s and 1980s, I distinctly remember, the mass circuits were major revenue generators and the contribution from these circuits would take the film to the winning post… Several films would fetch handsome prices for re-issue rights - even after 5/10 years of first release - since these films would attract repeat audience in theatres… Sadly, the repeat audience is missing today thanks to the stories we choose to narrate, which clearly alienates the mass circuits.
In the past, Pushpa [Hindi version] found takers, despite its presence on OTT… In the recent times, 12th Fail and Animal continue to attract footfalls in cinemas, despite the presence on OTT platforms… Additionally, the Nostalgia Film Festival - organised by YRF, showcasing popular titles like Dil To Pagal Hai, DDLJ, Darr, Mohabbatein, Veer Zaara and RNBDJ - is a huge success… There’s a strong message for filmmakers here.
The audience wants well-made, entertainment-driven content and it’s important that we hear them and cater to their demands, if the BO has to flourish.
