Much hue and cry has been raised recently over the movie Chennai Express; People are raging war of words on every social networking site, engaging in verbal fisticuffs, either in approval or disapproval of the movie or I should say the genre (on the likes of Dabangg 2, Bodyguard etc.). I have also come across a certain group of people with the mind-set that these actors should stop doing such mindless flicks and do a much more mature, and responsible cinema.
It does baffle me to a certain extent because; at the end of the day those guys are actors. Acting is their source of earning, of living their life. They will do, and I feel they must do, what it takes to lead their lives. Everyone puts in their share of hard work and to those who say that they don’t really have to work for such kind of movies; I would certainly like to know when they have portrayed any kind of role in any movie. What I intend to say is quite simple, if you don’t know what it is to be in someone else’s shoes, then you don’t have any right to comment on them.
Secondly, my point is that why should not they do such kind of ‘mindless’ movies, as they say. Let me take an example to make things a bit clearer. You all must have heard about the upcoming movie ‘Madras Cafe’ and how it has mired up in controversies, which are inherently risking its release. Now, when these actors go out and do such socially responsible or ‘different’ kind of movies, they face problems. Now put yourself in their position. You have worked really hard for a project, invested your time and money in it, but then it cannot come to fruition just because a certain sect or class of people has a problem with it! How would you feel then, when you won’t be able to foresee the return of your investments? Wouldn’t your life, life of those dependent upon you get affected? Next time, you would surely come up with something that wouldn’t raise any eyebrows. Same goes for them. When they would see that on making a masala-entertainer, they are getting a good return on their investment, why wouldn’t they do it? Why wouldn’t anyone do it?
‘Madras Cafe’ was just one example. Surely, if his movie gets affected in any manner possible, be it cuts in the movie scenes, change of scripts or anything, John would much prefer doing Dostana-esq movies rather than such stuff.
So, no wonder CE goes on to bag more than 100 crores in the first week. Everyone is happy, no controversies…isn’t that what we want from our life…
And for those who can’t digest CE, there is always an option of Ship of Theseus (no disrespect to the movie though).