Change is constant

Film-makers, today have become emboldened to experiment with different genres as audience tastes have changed. So, along with masala films, we also have realistic cinema that is appreciated by cinema lovers. These off-beat films are made on a modest budget, and since people can relate to the characters and connect with their story, the film does well at the box-office. While earlier, such films catered only to a niche audience, the scope was limited. But with changing perceptions, middle-line cinema is finding its place alongside the masala films. There is, I feel, a happy co-existence of both types of cinema and such films are not only doing well in India but are also gaining recognition on the international platform.
This change in audience taste is because of the growing exposure to world cinema. Besides, when a film is promoted on the social media, it creates an awareness amongst the people thereby generating a base for such films with novel themes. In Hollywood, as we have different genres of films like sci-fi, romcom, comedy and drama, similarly even in Bollywood, we have started experimenting with different genres. The audience, thus has a wide variety of films to choose from.
The question now is about how a film, that is based in a particular region, depicting its culture and dialect is able to connect with a world-wide audience. But, let me tell you that films speak an universal language, and it is through the story and characters that a film-maker is able to forge a bond with his viewer. For instance, in Fukrey the story revolved around four Delhi boys and their capers to earn a quick buck. But audiences across the country could relate to their story, as it is struck a chord with everyone. So, what makes or mars a modest budget film, is how the director treats his characters and the script. When films like Fukrey, The Lunchbox, Ship of Theseus do well at the box-office, it gives a boost to film-makers like us, who are energised to make films that have a good content.
To cite an example, I was very impressed by Vikas Bahl’s film, Queen. The way Bahl has treated the story and the characters is commendable. In fact, the entire film was a surprise package to me. I was completely engrossed in the plot, right from the first frame when Kangana Ranaut appears on screen. Her portrayal of a simple Delhi girl was so evocative, that I completely forgot that it was a big actress who was playing the role on screen! The film had such an impact on me, that even after the movie, I kept thinking about her story.
It is a sign of changing times, that while earlier films with novel subjects were generally made with lesser known actors, today, even big stars are willing to associate themselves with subjects that are interesting and intriguing. Take for instance, King Khan and Aamir Khan who have been part of films like Chak De India and Dhobi Ghat respectively. So as a film-maker, if I am making a movie with a big star it’s important to be on the same page and develop the character to its fullest potential.

As told to Dhwani Mody