'K.A.N.K.' - The Verdict
When was the last time a film [repeat, any film] enjoyed unanimously and universally positive reports? SHOLAY? It was scorned. HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN? It was ridiculed. VEER-ZAARA? It was written off. NO ENTRY? It was scoffed at. FANAA? It was sneered at. PHIR HERA PHERI? It was derided. KRRISH? It was mocked at.
Now KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA faces the flak. So what's new? Nothing. It's the same old story. The moment a big film hits the screens, a section of the film industry [also include some pseudo journos with zero knowledge of film-making and business] has a constipated look on their faces. Text messages degrading the film fly left, right and centre. 'It wouldn't sustain beyond Friday', 'Bakwas hain', 'The director has lost it', 'Paisa kamaya, par reputation khatam'… Haven't we heard all this and more [the nastiest of talk] before? Let's not forget, a tree which bears fruits is always stoned. Jo hain naamwala, wohi to badnaam hain.
But the paying public knows what's best for them…
The 'reports' are one thing, the box-office outcome is another. It doesn't really matter what a section of the industry or audience feels about a film. We ought to respect everyone's opinion, whether good or bad, but let's not turn a blind eye to the business of a film. Looking at the high stakes today, when films are sold for millions of rupees, when survival is of paramount importance, who needs awards, five star ratings from reviewers who only have an eye for dark films/art house cinema and fake appreciation? We need box-office rewards!
The historic first week billing of KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is a slap on the faces of all 'soothsayers' who predicted doomsday for the film at the box-office. In fact, the record-breaking initial weekend and the holidays on weekdays has infused life all over again in the veins of the distribution and exhibition sectors.
KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA is a sign of progressive cinema. After my review on the film appeared on IndiaFM two days before the release, a few 'well wishers' of Karan Johar sounded so low over the phone as though they had just returned from a funeral. In fact, a prominent producer had the gall to tell me, "Aisi progressive filmein Hindustan mein kabhi nahin chal sakti. Its rejection is certain." Imagine, no one from the industry had even watched the film, but were abusing it nonetheless.
Why are we so skeptical when it comes to embracing bold themes? Why should Hindi cinema be confined to those three/four stories that are as old as the hills? Why shouldn't we welcome changes? And when a film dares to defy the stereotype and works at the ticket window, shouldn't we feel euphoric?
Back to KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA business. The film is doing exceedingly well, with business at an all-time high at multiplexes. It's extra-ordinary at big centres, while its business is slightly lower at smaller towns. But the overall first week billing is superb.
Relax Karan, it's the time to disco!
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Anupamaa
Health and Fitness
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