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NEXT CHANGE: MULTISTARRERS
As Shah Rukh Khan readies for the release of his bigticket multistarrer, it seems Hindi filmmakers are taking the saying, ‘more the merrier’ very seriously
What’s common between Waqt (1965), Sholay (1975), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)? These blockbusters are amongst the most popular Bollywood multistarrers of all times. Multistarrer films have always been popular in B-Town but the formula gained more traction in the ’70s and ’80s, thanks to film-makers such as Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra, Yash Chopra and Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
However, with the onset of ’90s, multi-starrers became few and far between. Now, though, the age-old format seems to be in vogue again with a number of such films in various stages of production. After films such as the Housefull series, Dilwale, Thugs of Hindostan, Udta Punjab and Padmaavat, nearly 10 such biggies are lined up for release.
STARSTUDDED
The list boasts of big-ticket films such as Housefull 4, Mission Mangal, ’83, Bharat, Brahmastra, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Total Dhamaal, Takht, Kalank and the upcoming film, Zero.
“If multiple actors can star together in a film, it’s fantastic.
Such casting also gives ammunition to producers when it comes to selling their product to distributors, and even helps him attract viewers,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh. Exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi concurs, saying multi-starrers are “always thrilling” for audiences. “When so many stars come together; they bring in their respective fan bases too, which only add to the boxoffice figures. So, it would be great if more multi-starrers are made,” says Rathi
CHALLENGING STUFF
It goes without saying that multi-starrer films go on to become expensive propositions, thus increasing the “risk value”. “As a filmmaker, you have to be responsible as well as careful. Firstly, it should be the demand of the script. It’s not easy to make them, so you must have a
larger-than-life vision. Plus, getting so many actors on board isn’t easy. You also have to do full justice to their talents and stardom,” says director Anees Bazmee, who made films like No Entry (2005), and the Welcome series.
Actors, on their part, feel multi-starrers can help them broaden their horizons. “[In such films] Things become more exciting. Until you work with other people, how will you grow as an artiste? I think that’s important,” says Dilwale actor, Varun Dhawan, who will soon be seen in Abhishek Varman’s Kalank.
But what about the muchtalked about actors’ insecurities and egos? “Those days are gone. Now, actors as well as the system have become really professional. They sign films on the basis of a bound script unlike earlier. Now, everyone knows beforehand what they are getting into,” says Adarsh. Adds Rathi: “Today’s actors are smart enough to understand that if a film does well — regardless of the number of actors in it — they will be credited for it.”