Inside Bollywood

What happens when the talented few decide to sell out for a quick buck? 100 crores or not, Farhan Akhtar’s latest offering, Don 2, at best could be considered a decently shot and edited film, and at its worst be described as an average episode of Prison Break. Weak storytelling, forced performances (SRK included), crusty dialogue, and gaping holes in the plot summarize the film in a nutshell. While all of the above is obviously a matter of opinion, what can’t be debated is that Don 2 is clearly not indicative of the talent that was behind Dil Chahta Hai, or even Don 1. Filmmakers go wrong with films all the time, but there tends to be a certain standard that we as an audience tend to expect from them. Intelligent, cutting edge filmmakers will always try to do something slightly against the grain – it’s what makes them stand out.

Akhtar however seems to follow the ranks of acclaimed filmmakers who have bitten the dust. It begs the question, is watering down your sensibilities as a filmmaker really worth it to make big box office money?

With films like Wanted, Ra.One, or Golmaal, we accept that the directors sensibilities are completely commercial. They aren’t interested in doing anything different than the last guy. They don’t care if the plot is weak or if the comedy is crass. They have their pulse on the masses and they cater to them solely.  Their blatant admittance of wanting to make commercial hits is what gives the audience a clear choice as to whether to watch their films or not. However, when perceivable intelligent filmmakers like Akhtar (or even Ashutosh Gowarikar who excelled with Lagaan but betrayed with What’s Your Rashee) decide to sell out and compromise their integrity as storytellers,… Continue reading →