Why Bollywood is so much obsessed with the box office? It’s like a never-ending race where everyone’s running after those big numbers, forgetting the true magic of cinema. Picture this: filmmakers, producers, and even us, the audience, all chanting, “Show me the money!” But hey, what about the art? What about storytelling?
Imagine a world where creativity reigns supreme, where filmmakers take risks and bring us unique, thought-provoking stories. But alas, it seems like we’re stuck in a loop of remakes, sequels, and star-studded extravaganzas. Don’t get us wrong, we all love a good blockbuster, but shouldn’t there be room for more?
Let’s take a moment to appreciate those hidden gems that may not have shattered box office records but have touched our hearts. From Swades to Lakshya, there are so many movies that might not have made a ton of money, but they left a lasting impact. Yes, even after opening to rave reviews from critics, Swades emerged as a commercial failure. But, even after being a commercial failure, Swades is way better than many 100 Crore club movies. Isn’t it?
100 Crore+ Club Movies & Dead Art of Film-making
Many 100 Crore+ Club movies neither have storylines nor performances. Even with awful dialogues and lackluster performances, they are considered successful just because they managed to earn big at the box office. From Kick to Race 3 to Judwaa 2 to many 100 crore club movies are just reminders of how Bollywood’s box-office obsession has killed the art of film-making.
Small Budget Movies That Had Big Impact
Remember that small-budget film with a big heart? How many of us loved Andaaz Apna Apna or Socha Na Tha, the movies that hardly made any impact on the box office but touched our souls? We wonder if these movies would have ever been made if Bollywood was so obsessed with the box-office collection at that time!
Bollywood’s Obsession With Box-office
The obsession with box office success has turned Bollywood into a numbers game, where the worth of a film is determined solely by its earnings. Not just the industry but we, the audience, as well get trapped in the shady business of box-office collections. The unfortunate marketing of box-office collections tends to influence our decision to watch the movie or not.
In the good old days, the audience blissfully watched films without a care in the world about their business. Back then, the film industry had a handful of trade magazines that would release box office numbers, but it was mostly for industry insiders.
But then, something changed. Bollywood got a little too obsessed with flaunting their films’ financial success. As per Mensxp, it all started in 2008 with Aamir Khan’s Ghajini. Just a couple of weeks before its release, Shah Rukh Khan’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi had set the box office on fire and won hearts all around.
When Ghajini hit the screens, it too had a roaring start at the box office. The newspapers and channels couldn’t resist showcasing how Ghajini had outperformed the SRK starrer. It became the first Indian film to cross the coveted Rs 100 crore mark at the box office. A milestone indeed! Hitting a century became a big deal, and the makers of Ghajini capitalized on it. Meanwhile, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi had a decent business of around Rs 80 crore. And that’s when the tide started to turn.
Suddenly, the success or failure of a film was solely judged by its box office numbers. If it made a ton of money, it was labeled a good film. If it flopped, well, it was considered bad, plain and simple. This obsession with the box office began to suffocate the creative spirit of Bollywood.
Box-office Collection Doesn’t Define Quality
Today, as soon as a film hits the screens, the talk is more about how well it opened at the box office rather than its actual merits. If you dare to recommend a film that didn’t make waves at the box office, people might dismiss it just because it didn’t rake in the big bucks.
But here’s the thing: box office success doesn’t define the quality of a film. It’s high time we break free from this vicious cycle and give deserving films a chance, regardless of their financial triumphs or failures. It’s high time to shift the spotlight back to what truly matters—great storytelling and captivating performances. Let’s celebrate the art of storytelling and the magic of cinema, not just the numbers.
So, the next time you’re discussing films with your friends, remember that there’s more to a film’s worth than its box office business. Let’s revive the appreciation for creativity and embrace the diverse range of films that Bollywood has to offer. Lights, camera, let the art shine!
