With every Friday a movie releases, it decides its fate through box office numbers. Many actors and filmmakers have often opened up on how crucial these numbers are, but Manoj Bajpayee has taken a bold stance against the growing obsession. The acclaimed actor warns that this fixation has become a “monster” that could turn on even those who created it. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the ‘Satya’ actor said the obsession is like “Bhasmasura,” a force that might eventually consume the industry itself. His caution comes ahead of the release of his latest film, ‘Jugnuma’, which has already won international praise under the title ‘The Fable’. The film is set to release in India on September 12.
Bajpayee warns about box office obsession dangers
The ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ actor believes the box office mania can be harmful for the industry and its creators. “It’s a monster that is created by the producers themselves, the commercial producers, for their own game. Very soon, this monster is going to eat you up. You have created Bhasmasura. Just wait for the day you are going to put your hand on your own head, and you will be ruined. This has been created by our own successful people, and one day it will eat them up,” he said.
Manoj highlights financial success does not equal art
The ‘Aligarh’ actor stressed that equating box office collections with artistic merit is damaging, especially for smaller films. “The small, independent films always experience struggle. Then came a very brief time when OTT had just entered the country, and they were welcoming. But very soon, they changed their stance, and all of them started focusing on mainstream subjects and faces. One feels sad, because I am of the opinion that if you finish independent movement, your cinema will become just a product and nothing more. If the art is taken out, it has no value,” he explained.
Praises Amitabh Bachchan for balancing commercial and artistic films
Bajpayee highlighted how stars can maintain a balance between commercial success and meaningful cinema. “Mr Bachchan has also done a few fabulous (small) films like Abhimaan and Mili. He has done many more. Only Don, after a point, will be boring. He is Mr Bachchan also because of the kind of films he has done earlier in his career,” he said, showing that even superstars have nurtured smaller, artistic films alongside blockbusters.
