Sinha feels that audiences are now more accepting of once-whispered themes. “When I was growing up, we weren’t so comfortable if sanitary pads or erectile dysfunction were discussed. But now, I can talk about these so-called taboo subjects with my son. If a girl is telling her father that she is watching Padman, it’s fine. That’s a big social change in the Indian middle class and upper middle class.”
If last year, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja played a girl coming out to her parents in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019), today Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar are seen kissing and opting for same-sex marriage in Shubh Mangal Jyada Saavdhan. “As society evolves, movies mirror society. Previous films did what they could in the context of the discourse and the laws. After decriminalisation of homosexuality in 2018, conversations about sexuality have grown louder, but most people avoid these as they can’t imagine that homosexuality may be a truth in their own homes. So through the film, we decided to have a laugh at our biases,” said Kewalya. “I hope the film will contribute to an understanding that sexuality is a spectrum. It is not a box that is bound by gender, and homosexuality is part of the spectrum.”
Interestingly, not only are these movies finding critical acclaim and attracting top acting and technical talents, many are also achieving box office success. Kewalya feels that the positive box office results are not for the message in the films. “If the film works, then we can say that the synergy between the messaging and the storytelling is working,” he says.
Which brings us to the key: Presentation. The same topic can be presented with a heavy hand or a lightness of touch, with sensitivity, and to capture box office share, appealing to the family audience becomes vital. Sinha adds, “The real purpose of films like these is to strike a conversation. The first step is to present the subject matter and then hope that a large section of the audience participates in the conversation, which eventually translates to collections.”
Having top stars attached helps, of course. And actors are much more open now, because they can see how the audience is evolving and more accepting of such films. “It works both ways—the film helps the actors achieve a reach, and the reach of the actors gives the film mass appeal,” says Kewalya.
Cut through industry-speak and collection figures, be it comedy or drama, what resonates most is authenticity and sincerity and presenting your message as engaging entertainment. As Gautam puts it, “The energy you put into a film reflects on the audience. Audiences have to get entertained, irrespective of topic and genre. It’s most important is to be fearless. Everybody wants their film to do well, but you can’t control the box office. What you can control is to do your best to tell a good, engaging story with the right intention.”
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