Film promotions are very aggressive now: Deepak
DEEPAK DOBRIYAL
Over the years, Deepak Dobriyal has been a part of both small and big films, including projects such as Teen Thay Bhai (2011) and Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo (2015), respectively. And according to his experience so far, he shares that a film’s scale decides how it’ll be promoted. The actor says promotions for films now tend to go a bit overboard.
“Bahut aggressive ho gaya hai maamla,” Deepak tells us, adding, “It isn’t need. That should be only done when the film really has something that needs to be promoted. What happens is 2 rupaiye ki film banao, toh 5 rupaiye ka promotion hona chahiye. Otherwise they (makers) feel their film won’t be visible.”
On the other hand, makers of small budget films don’t have deep pockets for such extensive publicity. “Chhoti film waale bechaare baithe rehte hain ki ‘word of mouth se chal jaayegi’. But may be only two films work through word-of-mouth in a year. When there’s a big film, theatre owners know viewers will come. A ticket and popcorn costs around ₹1,100 to 1,200. It’s a business. So, cinema halls support them…”
Actors today use social media as a tool to promote their films too. However, Deepak doesn’t believe it’s a boon for him.
“Mere social media pe (films) promote karne se kuchh farak nahi padta. That’s for big stars. If it’s an interesting film, it will get popular through word-of-mouth. It’s sad for small films. I personally message 1,500 to 2,000 people, asking them to watch my film. If I play the lead in a film, I don’t have a big market’. So, I send a message to everyone on my contact list,” says the actor.
But there’s a reverse side too. “When you don’t promote a film, people think ‘this film’s cast and crew are confident, maybe the film is good.’ That’s what I have been observing for sometime now,” says Deepak.
ACTOR Chhoti film waale bechaare baithe rehte hain ki ‘word of mouth se chal jaayegi’. But may be only two films work through word-ofmouth in a year.