“Critics don’t know anything about films” – Sajid Khan [Part 2]

May 13, 2010 - 11:29 AM IST

Yesterday, Sajid Khan spoke about the sheer differentiation factor between a hit and a flop film, the challenge that lies ahead in the biggies that would follow in 2010, some brickbats that he has faced for the climax of Housefull and rumours of him antagonising Karan Johar. In the second and concluding part of this conversation with Joginder Tuteja, Sajid Khan talks about his perceived war with critics, fulfilling the promise of giving his actors the biggest success of their career, accusations of being termed as arrogant and why it doesn't matter to him if he is not winning many friends in the industry.

“Critics don’t know anything about films” – Sajid Khan [Part 2]

On his war of words with critics

Honestly, critics don't know anything about Hindi or English films. I have been a critic myself; I have made fun of films made by others and also my own. Still, the fact remains that there is no critic in the world who has given two back to back blockbusters. When I started off as a director, I said that I would make a hit film and now I have done it twice in a row. Nobody makes movies for critics and those who do are foolish. In any case, in 90% of cases, critics and audience think differently. This has been proven across the world. Sholay was written off by critics in India while big money spinners like Transforrmers as well as Quantum of Solace were also given thumbs down by them. Who are these critics? Their job is to give 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 stars for movies that 'they' have liked. How do they know what is it that audience is going to like?

Honestly, critics don't know anything about Hindi or English films

On certain critics coming down heavily on Housefull

I had promised myself that I won't read a single review of Housefull and I stuck to my stand. For me, a review is to go to a theatre and see audience reaction. It's like when are in a play, you don't wait to read a review around the points where audience is clapping. Your experience is first hand because you can see the reaction of audience through your own eyes. I can openly say this to any critic in the world that sit across my on the table, talk about films and I will wipe you off in 5 minutes. Critics don't know jack sh^&. As for my own Housefull getting a handful of bad reviews then actually I am happy with the current state. I had thought that I would be mauled off.

On not budging from his stand when it comes to critics

I am sure that even if I go on to make Gone with the Winds, I would never ever get good reviews in my life because critics don't like me. So why the hell should I bother about what they are going to write about me? Personally, I have never seen a movie after reading a review. A review should be different from synopsis which is written on the DVD cover. Now that can help you decide if you wish to watch that film or not. As for critics, then well they have never ever made any difference to the box office status of
a film.

On fulfilling the promise of giving his actors the biggest hit ever of their career

Actually I haven't been able to fulfil that promise. I regret that. After all, Boman Irani still has 3 Idiots which is a much bigger success, right (chuckles)? On a serious note though, other actors from the film have come back and reminded me of the promise that I had made. They are all very happy. More than anything else, they are spellbound by the confidence that I have always carried. I sense that.

I have been a critic myself; I have made fun of films made by others and also my own

On being termed as arrogant

Am I being arrogant? But then who are these people who are calling me so? The point is not about arrogance or over confidence. The point is about having faith and belief in one's ability. I have full faith in my audience and as long as I carry an ability to know what the audience wants, I am in good zone. I am talking about that 98% audience which wants to enjoy films or TV shows/hosting that I do. I will never go wrong and the day audience rejects me, I would go out.

On not winning too many friends

In any case, the industry has never ever been fond of me. After all I have been making fun of them on TV (laughs). Still, over a period of time, as they have started getting to know more of me, they realise that I am a fun guy. I would say that I have still gained a lot of friends in the film industry. Having said that, at the end of the day I feel that nothing matters as much as success. You can be nicest and the humblest person on earth but if you are failure, no one will be with you. Same holds true vice versa. No, I don't think that I am the nicest or the sweetest person but then I am a genuine and a honest person. It is all about having self pride. I don't need to have a Mercedes to feel good; I can be standing at a bus stand but still hold my high head.

On Rajkumar Hirani being an example of someone who is nice, humble, genuine, honest, and successful and still being loved by all
Well, Raju never hosted any TV shows. He never made fun of industry people for years. The day he does, we will see (laughs).

Click here to read Sajid Khan Uncensored - [Part 1]