Boycott of films hamper its making

Bhubaneswar, Aug 22(Reporters Today Bureau): Is the Bollywood Titanic sinking? Boycott threats are hampering film making in Bollywood. Back-to-back failures of Amir Khan starrer ‘Lal Singh Chaddha’ (LSC) and Tapasee Pannu’s ‘Do Baara’ have sent shock waves in the film industry in Mumbai. Interestingly, there were no protests, no group calls nor any agitations over these two films. But what has intrigued the film critics is the ‘silent movement’ that has crushed the hope of the makers of these two films to hit the Box office.

        These critics feel that in the new dispensation, any movie that is keen on making it to the OTT platforms needs to play in theatres first and then try to move on to the platforms. In the case of LSC the Netflix is understood to have snubbed the makers, refusing to pay what they demanded. Do Baara has failed to evoke any interest among the OTT platforms. The reasons are unknown why these films failed to evoke any interest but it is believed that the ‘anger’ on Amir Khan for his alleged ‘anti-national’ statements during the protests over Citizenship Amendment Act and that Muslims in the country were scared due to rise of the Hindutva forces could have influenced a larger section of the filmgoers to ‘boycott’ the movies in which the actor has starred.

        In case of ‘Do Baara’ Tapasee Pannu is known to have ‘taunted’ the film goers to go for a ‘boycott.’ The film’s director Anurag Kashyap too is controversial for his various political comments, especially against one political party – BJP—directly or indirectly.

        A section of analysts feel that some Hindi film makers over the years have tended to show the Hindu religion in ‘poor light mocking it more often than necessary.’ This could have influenced the minds of the filmgoers and they have chosen the ‘most opportune moment’ post Covid pandemic, they say.

        Another section of analysts feel that it could be the anguish of the filmgoers over the comments of certain actors such as Arjun Kapoor. The statements of Kapoor were in bad taste and could have hurt the sentiments of a larger section of the Hindi movie fans. Surprisingly, despite the language handicap, the movies made in the southern states are making good business and many actors from Bollywood are queuing up for roles there.

        One thing is certain. It is time Bollywood should remain within its confines of art and culture and not meddle in politics in any form. Deepika Padukone has already suffered a jolt with the failure of her “Chhapak” soon after she appeared at the JNU protests. The people in the country appreciate art and culture but not indulgence of actors in politics.