11 Bollywood Movie Risks That Were Predicted To Flop Badly

Summary

This script delves into the shifting landscape of Hindi cinema, highlighting how risk-averse production companies have shifted towards franchises and nostalgia-driven films. It reflects on past movies that broke conventional boundaries and achieved unexpected success, such as 'Vicky Donor,' 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha,' and 'Queen.' Through these examples, the script emphasizes the importance of original, bold storytelling in an industry increasingly dominated by safe bets. It also touches on the challenges of launching new talent and how some films defied expectations to become box office hits. Ultimately, it urges the return of risk-taking and creativity to revitalize the industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 The movie industry, especially in Hindi cinema, has become risk-averse, with production companies opting for franchises and nostalgic films rather than original stories.
• 😀 Quinton Tarantino recently highlighted how captivating audiences in theaters has become a smaller subset of the movie business, which is a concern for the industry and its fans.
• 😀 Films that were initially predicted to flop due to unconventional stories or untested actors, like *Vicky Donor* and *Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai*, turned into massive hits, showing the power of taking risks.
• 😀 The Hindi film industry once thrived on investing in risky, unconventional ideas. Examples include *Lagaan*, *Queen*, and *Dum Laga Ke Haisha*, which were initially doubted but went on to become iconic.
• 😀 The success of films like *Vicky Donor*, which was made on a small budget, highlights the possibility of making successful films with fresh ideas, even with minimal financial backing.
• 😀 *Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai* marked a turning point for Hrithik Roshan, who was struggling with multiple flops before the film's success despite skepticism surrounding his choice of roles.
• 😀 John Abraham has been a consistent supporter of unconventional films as a producer, such as *Vicky Donor*, which launched new faces like Ayushmann Khurrana and Yami Gautam into stardom.
• 😀 Risk-taking films like *Rocket Singh* and *Jolly LLB* went on to become surprise hits, proving that unexpected films can succeed with good writing and strong performances.
• 😀 The film *Lagaan* was initially rejected by many, including Amir Khan himself, due to doubts about the complexity of the project, but it became a massive hit and was even nominated for an Oscar.
• 😀 Despite the dominance of big-budget franchise films today, smaller, original stories like *12th Fail* are still finding success, showing that risk-taking and word-of-mouth can work wonders in the film industry.

Q & A

What is the current state of the movie business, according to the script?

The script highlights that the movie industry is becoming risk-averse, with production companies preferring franchises and films that have nostalgia or established fan bases, rather than original and innovative films.

How has the audience's behavior towards movie-going changed in recent years?

There has been a decline in theater attendance, with audiences becoming more inclined to watch movies on television or digital platforms soon after their theatrical release. This has raised concerns for both the movie industry and its fans.

What is Quentin Tarantino's viewpoint on the current state of filmmaking?

Tarantino's passionate talk, as referenced in the script, emphasizes how the art of captivating an audience in theaters is diminishing, with movies often being turned into mere events rather than artistic expressions.

How did the success of films like 'Vicky Donor' defy industry expectations?

'Vicky Donor' was a risk due to its unconventional subject of sperm donation and the fact that it launched new faces like Ayushmann Khurrana and Yami Gautam. Despite skepticism, the film turned out to be a major success at the box office.

What does the script say about the role of John Abraham as a producer?

John Abraham is praised for consistently backing unconventional and unique films, starting with 'Vicky Donor,' which was a bold move considering its theme of sperm donation and the new talent involved.

What makes 'Badhaai Do' a unique community-watching experience?

The film, like others in the script, taps into collective audience participation, with people wanting to experience and share their opinions about the film, creating a sense of community around it.

How did Rajkumar Santoshi's slapstick comedies impact the Hindi film industry?

Rajkumar Santoshi’s slapstick comedies, such as 'Andaz Apna Apna' and 'Dumb Lagake Haisha,' brought a unique sense of humor to Hindi cinema, embracing the absurd and the ludicrous, which made them cult classics.

What was the reception of films like 'Jolly LLB' and 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha'?

Both films defied expectations, with 'Jolly LLB' becoming a surprise hit and spawning a franchise, while 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' was appreciated for its portrayal of body image and unconventional casting, making it a sleeper hit.

What challenges did 'Lagaan' face before it became a massive success?

Despite initial skepticism about the film’s script and the production challenges it posed, 'Lagaan' eventually went on to become a huge success, even being nominated for an Academy Award. The key to its success was Amir Khan’s conviction and belief in the project.

What role did Queen play in the career trajectory of Kangana Ranaut?

The film 'Queen' was a pivotal moment in Kangana Ranaut’s career, transforming her from a character actress to a bona fide star. Despite initial doubts, the film turned into a huge success and cemented her place in the industry.