By Hindustan Times
Looks like stars of our filmdom aren't impressed by the 'stars' given by our esteemed movie critics. Of their defence, critics say they suspect in calling a spade a spade. Filmmakers/actors claim a few of them don't seem to be qualified enough to check serious cinema. Additionally it is believed that directors
who invite reviewers for party, exchange pleasantries in public walk away with good reviews for his or her films.
Of late, there was a large number of bad blood between the 2 parties. Filmmakers who be able to get grand BO collections despite bad reviews smirk and say "We don’t give a damn about critics", and people who fail to get critical in addition to commercial reception might find themselves saying - "So all those trying so hard to screw mu film can go screw themselves." Sounds familiar? Here is what people in film fraternity are saying about movie critics.
SRK: Many-a-nights, I'VE gone back after receiving an award - pumped up and all happy - simply to read that what I TRULY deserved was the Golden Banana for worst actor for the year. I become heartbroken, angry and entirely convinced that bananas and critics, both must have their skins peeled and fed to the monkeys. (SRK said while addressing students of Yale University)
Sajid Khan: I'VE always maintained that I don’t give a damn about critics. The collections are a large slap on their faces. For me, critics have zero value. I BELIEVE that just a one that buys a ticket to look at my film has the proper to pass judgement on it: praise it or spit at it. (After success of Housefull 2).
Samir Karnik: We conduct press shows in a hope that critics would say nice things about our film, but it is just a false hope. From now on, I won't conduct press shows. In the event that they need to watch, they may be able to spend their very own money. Popcorn bhi mera khaate hai, aur likhte bhi mere baare mein hain. Sharam nahi aati," (They eat my popcorn, and write against me. Aren't they ashamed?) (UPON GETTING bad reviews for Chaar Din Ki Chandani)
Shreyas Talpade: I don’t understand our critics. Tell me how do you distinguish between good and bad cinema? Public go and watch what they feel is entertaining. Moreover not all films are made to delight the critics. In any case, nothing is sweet enough for them! (After success of Housefull 2)
Sagar Ballary: “I’ve heard most reviewers are bought over with money. How come no sting operation is completed on them? Simply because cinema isn't a countrywide issue,” Ballary (After failure of Hum Tum Shabana)
Shahid Kapoor: So all those trying so hard to screw Mausam can go screw themselves ... Waise bhi aajkal kuchh logon ke adarsh buri tarha gir chuke hain.” (On Taran Adarsh's trade report that showed Mausam incurring losses)
Salman Khan: Audience is the general critic and in the event that they like it, nothing else matters ... I make films to entertain audience and never critics, Salman said. (After Bodyguard's success)
Karan Johar: Film reviewers in India use witty language and nasty one-liners while reviewing the film. Before doing so that they want to understand the fundamentals of cinema, of filmmaking as there reviews decide the fate of a movie. (Karan told reporters at the sidelines of FICCI Frames 2010 conference in Mumbai)
Anurag Kashyap: The reviewers in India wish to transcend finding faults or loopholes in screenplay...or such things as cinematography was good/bad or the performances of the actors and all... They should know cinema...and then criticise it... because it becomes a learning lesson for us. (Anurag told reporters at the sidelines of FICCI Frames 2010 conference in Mumbai)
Nikhil Advani: Today someone with an enormous follower base on Twitter may have a better influence than a longtime film critic, I ACTUALLY have no idea how much a movie review matters. (He said during Mumbai Film Festival)
Films that worked despite bad reviews
Don 2
REVIEW: When viewed in isolation, Don 2 looks as if the precise package to woo the movie-going junta -- SRK in top form, a stylishly crafted story, pulsating and invigorating action and stunts. But it isn't without its share of hiccups. In fact, the primary hour and the post-interval portions of the film are corresponding to the 2 sides of the similar coin. The primary hour is bland, the second one is energetic. The primary hour is deficient in thrills, the second one keeps you at the edge. The primary hour disentangles at a languid pace, the second one is feverish with several adrenaline rush moments.
- By Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama
Housefull 2
REVIEW: Gags galore. Laughs? Well, not as many as you'd expect in a 180-minute marathon mirth machine. Somehow, the jokes get choked within the comic ritual of repetition. Whenever you work out who's who and who's ha-ha within the farce fest, the attempts to cram as many characters into every frame as humanly possible begins to take its toll at the comic equilibrium of this tale of intermittent titters and a few genuine laughs.
- IANS
Bodyguard
REVIEW: Director Malineni stretches the film unnecessarily. It has three songs within the last one hour or even has Venkatesh in a transgender get-up, dancing to Poovai Poovai from Dookudu. The film has enough action scenes, imparting Venkatesh the macho look, while Trisha looks enticing and seductive in saris during numerous songs. But there's nothing really to set the screen on fire.
- Radhika Rajamani, Rediff
Chillar Party
REVIEW: Vikas Bahl and Nitesh Tiwari’s story had the germs for an enchanting drama however the screenplay, penned by Vikas Bahl, Nitesh Tiwari and Vijay Maurya, leaves so much to be desired. The scenes and the dialogues written for the little children are indeed cute, comical and enjoyable but rather than that, there isn’t much to sustain the audience’s interest consistently. Resultantly, the interest level and involvement of the viewer dips at regular intervals.
- Komal Nahta, koimoi.com
Critics' take
Trade analyst Komal Nahata says that film reviews can be manipulated but adds that it'll not be true always.
"It is observed that if filmmakers or those associated within the technique of filmmaking invite reviewers for party, exchange pleasantries in public and so forth... they wind up with good reviews and top star ratings... which isn't always the case," he said.
"With increase in promotional and publicity related activities, reviews do matter for all roughly films. As we now have a responsibility and we represent the audience, we share our perspective on films," Rajeev Masand, a noted film critic said.
