Bollywood needs openings, not premieres

The big-budget Bollywood premieres (the most recent being Dabangg) have become an exception rather than the rule these days. Leading filmmakers are opting for small “personal screenings” rather than big-budget premieres at multiplexes. “A big opening night is just not possible anymore unless the movie is launched on a giant scale of Rs 50 crore plus,” says a filmmaker who scrapped premiere plans for his latest film.

“It’s not like what it used to be. These days, I’d rather arrange a special screening with the stars of my film at Ketnav Theatre (150-seater preview theatre in Bandra West) rather than a premiere at any multiplexes. It makes financial sense,” says filmmaker Subhash Ghai, who was known opulent film premieres and showmanship in 1980s.

Film-maker Vipul Shah sees the issue differently. “If I am not sure of getting a star studded gathering for my premiere, I give the premieres a miss,” says Vipul, adding, “it then makes good sense to arrange a private screening to showcase my films to those who are interested in seeing it. Saving money is not the criteria for me.”

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar seconds Vipul, “It doesn’t make sense to roll out the red carpet and not have enough stars to walk on it, especially for small-budget films. The film better be a Rs. 100 crore for all that. Attending premieres was a routine thing for Bollywood in the past, and stars had no qualms attending each other’s premieres. The scene is completely ulta these days. So, screenings at small theatres obviously makes better sense than holding premieres,” concurs Bhandarkar.