Almost every film-maker makes it a point to visit theatres/multiplexes to gauge public feedback the day his/her movie releases. Even top notch actors and actresses sneak into theatres while the screening is in progress and quietly slip out before the screening concludes. The response to their labor of love from the aam aadmi is of paramount importance for film-makers and stars. Also, this exercise acts as a reality check for most, since the audience feedback says it all.
But Sanjay Leela Bhansali is an exception! The talented film-maker stopped visiting theatres after his directorial debut KHAMOSHI THE MUSICAL released. "I remember visiting Eros theatre at Churchgate on the day of release and all I could hear was the audience screaming, 'Nana [Patekar] dialogue bol.' I was so heartbroken that I decided never to visit theatres thereafter," Sanjay recalls. But the director broke the promise he made to himself by visiting Chandan, a popular single screen theatre at Juhu, on the day of release of ROWDY RATHORE. In fact, it's become a ritual to visit Gaiety-Galaxy in Bandra and Chandan in Juhu and verify the audience reaction at these theatres.
Sanjay's new resolve is to move to mass-friendly films, after ROWDY RATHORE. The response to the first promo of his next release, SHIRIN FARHAD KI TOH NIKAL PADI, helmed by his sister Bela Segal, has been overwhelming. "Yes, I want more and more people to watch my movies. I want to cater to the masses, connect with them via my movies," Sanjay makes an honest remark.
Sanjay's all set to begin his next film starring Kareena Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. It's a love story. The title isn't finalized yet, he says. Filming of this one begins from 24 July. In the meanwhile, the enterprising film-maker is celebrating the super success of ROWDY RATHORE.
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