Drishyam 2 has really revived the hopes of the film industry with its box office performance. Has that been the most satisfying part of the film’s success?
The box office of a film is gratifying. I am happy that Drishyam 2 continues to surpass expectations at the ticket windows in India and overseas. Frankly I am happy as much for myself as the people who made this film— (Abhishek Pathak, director) Tabu, Akshaye Khanna, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta and Mrunal Jadhav, Rockstar DSP (music director) and all the other co-actors and technicians; but I am also rejoicing for the film industry because we are going through a trying phase. We need films, (being altruistic), all films to collect money because we need to keep the film economy running. Post the pandemic, there have been sporadic hits. This is a worrying thing for us as an industry. After all, it is only the box office that can save the trade—be it us—actors, producers, directors, exhibitors, distributors, so on and so forth.
Do you feel a good story is far more valuable to a film release than star appeal? Has the success of films like Drishyam 2 and Kantara added more relevance to this argument?
A film must be seen in totality. The script, the stars, the supporting cast, the technicians, each aspect contributes to make a film worthwhile. I would not subscribe to the view that only a great story will make a film a box office juggernaut. If many of our films have failed it is not because the star-system has let it down. We could have (I’m including myself also) failed to tell the right story with the right treatment and bring joy to an audience. Maybe as stars we had become complacent; maybe as makers we had started to take an audience for granted. There are many variables for success and there are many, many variables for failure. To pin-point that stars alone failed is incorrect. While a great story told well brings ‘joy’, seeing stars enact the roles also brings credibility to the table.
Abhishek Pathak can be relatively considered a newcomer to direction. What about his directorial abilities impressed you the most while making Drishyam 2?
Abhishek worked hard. He was clear from the start on his vision of the remake and he followed his gut.
How did you help Abhishek during the making of Drishyam 2?
Whenever Abhishek asked for my inputs, I gave them. This I do for all my directors. Other than that, he handled the show.
Your roles as a family man or a protective person always draw a positive reaction from the audience. Is that emotion inherent to your personality?
Every man’s instinct whether he is a prince or a commoner is to keep his family’s interests first; to keep his family safe. Vijay Salgaonkar from the Drishyam franchise is no different. Anyone in his situation would have done the same thing to protect his wife and young daughters. Coming to your question—I am primarily a family man. I think first about my parents, siblings, wife, children. That is the way I am built. Perhaps, some of it naturally seeps into the characters I play.
As a producer, when you see a much better response to a film like Runway 34 on OTT as compared to its theatrical run, do you consider options of a re-release?
Runway 34’s stupendous run on OTT and the compliments that followed made me feel partly vindicated. I was happy that as a filmmaker I had not failed my audience completely. I wish it had got a good run at the box office. Like I said in my earlier reply, the box office does matter. However, I would not consider (at least not at this stage) trying to re-release Runway 34 in theatres. Never say never it is said. So, who knows.
The teaser of Bholaa has generated a lot of buzz. What can audiences expect of this seemingly unique and exciting project?
I am glad the teaser of Bholaa got the response it did. Bholaa is a larger-than-life action spectacle with an emotional core. The father-daughter emotions are super-strong but of course getting to it involves an action-driven path. And, the action is a complete adrenaline rush. There are no let-ups except during the dramatic and emotional scenes.
Drishyam is now a brand associated with you. What are your plans for the upcoming sequels in this franchise?
I do not know. My producer, Kumar Mangat Pathak will tell me what the plan is.
Will it be too far fetched to expect a cameo from Mohanlal in the Hindi versions of Drishyam in the future?
This question should also be asked to Kumarji. I admire Mohanlal. I have worked with him in Company. And, I have utmost regard and respect for him.
