Kunal Kohli says producers should accept failures instead of block booking theatres, paying influencers to promote films: ‘Silly’

“The film didn’t work? Accept it! I accept that Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008) didn’t work, Break Ke Baad (2010) didn’t work. The film could’ve worked if made well. But it wasn’t. It’s okay, learn from your mistakes. I learnt that I shouldn’t have become an actor. I could’ve made excuses that my work was very good. Did anyone offer you a role after that, Kunal K0hli? That’s it, you weren’t good in the film. Simple,” added Kunal in a podcast on YouTube channel India Now and How.

Kunal made his directorial debut with the 2002 romantic comedy Mujhse Dosti Karoge!, which was a box office flop. He followed it up with two hits in Hum Tum (2004) and Fanaa (2006). His next couple of directorials — Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic and Teri Meri Kahaani (2012) — also failed at the box office. Break Ke Baad was produced by him, and directed by Danish Aslam. He made his acting debut opposite Jennifer Winget in his 2018 directorial Phir Se…, which was also a box office failure.

Kunal argued that it’s not just the corporate booking, but also the dependence on influencers for promotions that’s damaging the film industry. He said that playing ‘Truth & Dare’ or making dance reels with influencers only helps them generate content. Under the guise of promotions, producers are spending at least Rs 15-20 lakh on hair, make-up, and costume in every segment. “Then they think why did my film not get an opening? Because you’re not behaving like a star. Being a star doesn’t mean you make the producer spend a lot of money. Being a star means having a personality,” said Kunal.

Also Read — ‘Yash Chopra refused to put his name on Hum Tum; film was declared a flop,’ recalls Kunal Kohli: ‘I had tears in my eyes’

He added that stars are the actual ‘influencers.’ The social media influencers’ followers could very well be paid, Kunal said. “Tell all these influencers, would you ask Ajay Devgn to put up a placard (as part of a game during promotions). They don’t have the aukaat to ask Ajay Devgn. Now, that’s star power,” added Kunal. He also advised young stars to talk about their films and roles instead of playing games during promotions. “Don’t say that you were shooting and feeling cold. Why do I care? The audience who’s watching you are also working hard. The light men, spotboys, and carpenters work the hardest on set,” said Kunal.