The art of film-making should follow sensibilities of audiences, even at a global level, said Prasoon Joshi, adman, poet and lyricist, at a panel discussion held during the 57th anniversary celebrations of Screen, the weekly entertainment tabloid from the Express Group. The topic of discussion was ?New improved Bollywood – can we take on the world??
Apart from Joshi, the panel comprised Farhan Akhtar, director turned actor and singer, Pankaj Khandpur, creative head of Tata Elxsi, industry veterans like Farooque Shaikh, Anupam Kher, Javed Akhtar. Saurabh Varma, chief marketing officer, Big Pictures and actor Shiney Ahuja were also part of it.
Flagged off the dialogue, Joshi said, ?What are the parametres on which we judge Indian cinema?? Is it the West? Or is it winning the Oscar?
?I think we have done great work and our audience and cinema go hand-in-hand,? he said, adding that there is a need to judge changing sensibilities of audiences. He referred to Iranian cinema, where a number of subjects which don?t appeal to local audiences are explored; however, these films cut across well with international audiences.
?Satyajit Ray did that a long time ago. His films were not very as popular as Sholay, but they did very well the world over.?
Farhan Akhtar, whose recent film Rock On is still ruling the box-office despite dealing with a niche subject feels that today?s audiences are more knowledgeable. They not only talk about performances of actors but also discuss technical aspects like sound, production design and editing.
?Therefore, it?s important for film makers to push the buck. It?s not about a bound script but a new bound idea.?
Adding another dimension to the discussion, Javed Akhtar said, that during 1965, the mandate was that scripts should appeal to audiences in small towns.
?Today, that mantra is stands on its head. 75% of the audience living in small towns and villages does not matter,? he said, appealing to film makers to make sure ?that our only secure medium of entertainment does not get divided.?
He also added that the 1980s was the darkest period for Hindi cinema ?but we have regained what we had lost?. Now we need to reacquire social concern. ?Even when we make films on terrorism, we choose terrorism that disturbs the elite,? he signed off.
Farooque Shaikh noted that growth of multiplexes have provided more opportunities to exhibit films. Shiney Ahuja felt that ?sensibilities? existed earlier as well, but now ?it is more encouraging?.
Tata Elxsi?s Khanpur said, ?Our craft has reached a point which is good enough for the world. Now, film- makers need decide how they want to use it.?