Bollywood is struggling as big-budget films, including Salman Khan’s Eid release Sikandar, flopped at the box office. With audiences avoiding theatres, industry insiders are questioning what’s going wrong.
Gajraj Rao on Bollywood’s current slump, “Ticket prices need a revolutionary change”
Actor Gajraj Rao recently spoke up about the current situation, noting how things have changed with the rise of OTT platforms. He said the main thing that needs to change to bring audiences back to theatres is ‘ticket pricing’.
While speaking to ANI, the actor said, “Thanks to the digital revolution and OTT platforms, stories and films from around the world that we previously saw only at film festivals or in DVD libraries can now be watched at home. This is a big reason why people now have so many more options. Earlier, the choices were limited…Abhi suddenly OTT ke baad aisa ho gaya hai ki aadha kilometre ka buffet laga hua hai, toh darshako ke liye bohot acchi baat hai ki unko duniya bhar ki kahaniyan dekhne mil rahi hain (Now suddenly after OTT it has happened that there is a buffet of half a kilometre and people can watch any content). So naturally, their expectations have also increased–they want to see different kinds of stories from us too.”
Further commenting on high ticket prices, the actor suggested that cinema owners cut down on some luxuries to make tickets more affordable, so middle-class families can return to theatres.
“If we want audiences to come back to cinema halls, then ticket prices need a revolutionary change… Cinema halls have become half restaurants–you’re eating tacos and pizza. Cinema should feel like cinema. There should be no disturbances. Going to the movies means a good film, a good story, and tasty popcorn.”
“It’s very important that cinema hall owners bring about a revolutionary change. Reduce some of the luxuries and cut down on the food options a bit, but please lower the ticket prices. If ticket prices go down, middle-class families will want to go to the theatre again,” he added.
When asked if filmmakers are no longer creating good content, Gajraj Rao said people are too quick to blame them and pointed out that no one intentionally makes bad films.“I believe we are too quick to blame filmmakers for not paying attention or not making good films. But do you think anyone wants to make bad films and purposely hurt their own work? No one does that. Everyone keeps trying.”
He added that both good and bad films have always existed.“Even in the 80s, 70s, and 50s, bad films were made. Good and bad cinema have always existed. Good and bad stories have always been there. Good stories are being made–I just watched Kesari 2 yesterday,” he said.
Kesari Chapter 2, starring Akshay Kumar, stood out amid the slump. The courtroom drama opened to strong reviews and has earned close to Rs. 43 crores in its first six days.
Also Read: Release: Kriti Sanon and Gajraj Rao praises Tumbbad, calls it “best horror film”
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