Impossible to tell what draws people to theatres and what keeps them away: Ashmit
Not one to dwell on the past, Ashmit Patel prefers to look ahead and move on in life — both personal and professional. His last two films, Dongari Ka Raja (2016) and Nirdosh (2018), tanked at the box office, but the actor isn’t letting the failure bog him down. Instead, he’s focused on improving his craft. “It’s impossible to actually tell what draws people to the theatres and what keeps them away. It could be the trailer that doesn’t attract them, or may be they couldn’t connect to the treatment or performance, or the marketing isn’t up to the mark,” the actor opines. Patel further shares that recently,
Shreya Mukherjee Some products aren’t good and they won’t do well anywhere whether it’s on OTT platforms or in theatres.
ASHMIT PATEL ACTOR
a producer’s wife narrated an incident about someone who didn’t like the poster of a film, and hence, didn’t watch it. The actor admits experiencing a similar emotion himself.
“There were posters of an upcoming show on the web everywhere — buses, trains, big hoardings, cricket grounds — but I somehow didn’t find it appealing enough, so I think anything can turn you off,” says the 42-year-old, who recently made his web debut with The Bull Of Dalal Street, and has finished shooting for his second web show.
Talking about OTT platforms, Nirdosh did well online unlike its theatrical release. While Patel is content with the response, is he open to films being directly getting an OTT release?
“Ideally, I’d like to see my film in theatres, as nothing can match the big screen charm. But, when a film gets pulled out of a theatre early, it’s better that people can watch it on an alternative platform. So, no one’s hard work is wasted,” explains the actor, adding that not every film deserves a good response. “Some products aren’t good and they won’t do well anywhere. In fact, some of the films I did weren’t up to the mark and in some, my work wasn’t good. So, they won’t do well whether it’s OTT or in theatres,” he maintains.