Honest appreciation of audiences, media, will woo crowds to theatres
Akshay Kumar’s Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue directed by Tinu Suresh Desai has not opened to a huge box office response, but has received critical acclaim. Akshay plays Jaswant Singh Gill, the real-life unsung hero behind the daring rescue of 67 miners trapped 350 feet underground. The actor talked to the media about the film and the change in his promotional strategy. Here are excerpts from the interaction:
On the good rating from critics:
Receiving a 4.5-star rating is a recognition of our hard work. Of these, I think four stars should go to our director Tinu, and the remaining half a star to the actors. This film was a big team effort. It is a true story for a niche audience, and if it runs successfully in theatres, we’ll be happy it has reached many people.
On the change in the way he promotes his films:
Promoting a film is important. But I realised during the promotions for Selfiee that stars going personally to various cities to promote their film doesn’t work. So, this time I decided to meet the media only after the film was released. You guys are asking questions after having watched the film. If I had met you before the release, I would have been desperately trying to make you understand the story.
Having done 150 films, I have understood that the media is very aware, and questions whether an actor is being honest when he’s talking about a film before its release. You’ll be thinking, ‘Arre yaar, yeh toh isski hi film hai, yeh toh tarif mein bolega hi.’ But now that I’m meeting you after you’ve watched the film, it’s easier for me to discuss it with you.
On how he wants the film to be popularised:
I want to let the audience decide about the film, and the media give their opinion, after watching it. What can be better than audiences and the media expressing their honest views about the film? I am sure if the story of this unsung hero has been shown honestly, it will touch your hearts. Appreciation from friends, neighbours and the public will surely bring audiences to the theatres sooner or later. This is a tried and tested formula.
