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Image was shared on X. (courtesy: Hemant1823645)
Jaipur:
Renowned director Vishal Bhardwaj has applauded 12th Fail as a beacon of hope for indie films when the box office future is uncertain.
According to Bhardwaj, financing movies such as his Shakespeare-inspired works—Maqbool, Omkara and Haider —or distinct films like Dev D and Oye Lucky Lucky Oye was once not as challenging.
“The journey of independent cinema has seen major growth and now a regression. We’re all delving into the reasons behind this. There was an era where securing funding for movies like Haider, Maqbool, Omkara was feasible, albeit these had mainstream actors. However, films akin to Dev D and Oye Lucky Lucky Oye would garner financial support with relative ease.
“Presently, it’s strenuous to gather funds for such movies since there’s a prevailing fear and a quest to identify what works in theatres,” Bhardwaj remarked at the recent Jaipur Literature Festival 2024.
He singled out Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail for its outstanding box office performance and its break from the norm at a time dominated by grand cinematic experiences. With a modest budget of Rs 20 crore, the Vikrant Massey-led film released in October has defied expectations by grossing over Rs 70 crore, still drawing audiences even after its OTT release.
“Amidst the current scene, the triumph of 12th Fail shines brightly. It’s bereft of star power, devoid of gimmicks, and with a commendable score. It is quintessential cinema by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and in my eyes, it is his magnum opus.
“The film’s widespread acclaim and prosperity signify that the audience is open to diverse cinematic experiences, providing they merit a visit to the theatres. Hence, we’re gauging the potential success of works like ‘Animal,’ Jawan, Pathaan, or any over-the-top Southern action film. The industry is grappling with a state of disequilibrium,” he concluded.
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FAQs About Vishal Bhardwaj and “12th Fail”
- What makes “12th Fail” stand out according to Vishal Bhardwaj?
According to Bhardwaj, “12th Fail” stands out due to its lack of reliance on star power, absence of gimmicks, and for being pure cinema with a beautiful background score. He considers it Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s best film. - Why is it difficult to finance independent cinema now, as per Bhardwaj?
Bhardwaj feels it is difficult to finance independent cinema currently because investors are cautious and unsure about what kind of films will succeed in theatres. - How successful was “12th Fail” at the box office?
“12th Fail”, despite its modest budget of Rs 20 crore, excelled at the box office by earning over Rs 70 crore and managed to draw audiences even with its availability on OTT platforms. - What were Vishal Bhardwaj’s notable films that he referred to during his talk?
Vishal Bhardwaj referred to his Shakespeare trilogy—Maqbool, Omkara and Haider—as well as independent films like Dev D and Oye Lucky Lucky Oye as examples of earlier, financeable independent cinema.
Conclusion
Vishal Bhardwaj’s recent commendations for “12th Fail” underscore the potential for independent films to thrive even amidst the dominance of large-scale cinematic productions. His insights at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2024 reveal the challenges independent filmmakers face today in finding financial backing, as they navigate a rapidly evolving box office landscape. Nevertheless, the astounding success of Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s “12th Fail” shines as a testament to the audience’s willingness to embrace diverse cinematic expressions, provided they offer compelling reasons to experience them in theatres.
