Mani Ratnam on box office collections: ‘It’s disappointing that even audiences are talking about numbers’

However, he noted that the lifetime collection of a film like his Viduthalai will not even be as much as the opening day collection of a big star’s film. “When we invest Rs 10 crore, why do we want it to do Rs 100 crore? Why can’t we be happy with Rs 15 crore or Rs 18 crore?” he said.

Mani Ratnam, on the other hand, was disappointed that the box office has become a subject for the audience. “What is a bit disappointing is that, including the audience, everyone is talking about numbers. Is it a good film or a bad film? Did you enjoy it or not? Is it relevant? Is it required for us to grow? The discussions have gone beyond all this”

Mari Selvaraj, however, interrupted and said that he is not sure whether audiences are discussing numbers. “I don’t think in places like Thirunelveli, they discuss number. For them, it is just about whether the film is good or not.” Ratnam laughed and said, “That’s a good news.”  Selvaraj added that the whole debate around box office collection that happens on social media is forced.