Children’s films in India usually ‘dumbed down’: Nagesh Kukunoor

“If you look at a lot of animation films made abroad, as an adult you can enjoy them and as a child they can enjoy it,” the director added.

Asked if there was a need for more children’s films in India, he said: “Definitely.” “Film is an art form and business is always associated with it. If we genuinely start making films for kids, I think we can see the business side also.”

Kukunoor’s upcoming film “Dhanak” is a children’s film which won an award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

His films “Iqbal”, “Rockford” and “Aashayein” had important characters played by children. But Kukunoor says: “The problem is that right now, all of us are fighting the same battle. It’s both helpful and dangerous to be called a children’s film.”

On Marathi film “Killa” receiving rave reviews, Kukunoor said: “If 3-4 films such as ‘Killa’ are made in a year, and they earn Rs.10 lakh or so, you will see that no one will make them.” Such films are made only when someone takes a risk, he said.

“… we will make these films, take them to film festivals, people will appreciate them and then they don’t get a theatrical release,” he said.

“Films such as ‘Hanuman’ or ‘Stanley Ka Dabba’ have done well but other children’s films that have done well had a big star like Aamir Khan in ‘Taare Zameen Par’ or Amitabh Bachchan in ‘Bhootnath Returns’,” he said.

On having stars to get more viewership for children’s films, he said: “It’s a smart move, but not everyone is willing to jump in and help a film out.