Promoting small and mid-range films is no easy task. The hero, heroine, and the entire unit need to hustle - travel across towns, dance at events, post reels - only then can a film manage to sell a few tickets.
Especially when a hero is coming off back-to-back flops, there’s a natural disinterest among audiences. That needs to be countered with aggressive publicity and by convincing people that this time, the content is worth watching.
But if no such effort is made and the film is left to its fate, audiences too will leave it for OTT. And in such cases, it’s only the producer who suffers.
Everyone else takes their money upfront, but unless tickets sell at the box office, the producer doesn’t see a penny back.
Now, a mid-range film is gearing up for release in September. The hero is struggling with flops, the heroine still has some craze, and the genre is one audiences usually like.
With the hero and heroine’s support, the film could at least secure a decent opening. But both stars are reportedly refusing to take part in promotions, citing “no time.”
The hero is said to be busy buying property abroad, while the heroine is occupied with her personal commitments.
If the producer were tougher, he could have forced them to participate. But being a little soft, he’s letting them slip away, and the stars are taking full advantage.
Industry buzz is that if the film becomes a hit, these same actors will be the first to run in front of the media. But ahead of release, they’re hiding away.
Some say the hero, embarrassed by his string of flops, is hesitant to face the press.
