In the constantly evolving world of cinema, where new releases jostle for attention every week, the question of what determines a film’s success at the box office becomes highly pertinent. Renowned producer Boney Kapoor, whose resume includes a litany of popular films such as “Mr. India”, “Wanted”, “No Entry”, and “Company”, weighed in on this discussion with a tempered viewpoint.
Sharing insights in a recent interview with PTI, Kapoor is poised to captivate audiences with his latest venture—a period sports drama titled “Maidaan”, featuring star actor Ajay Devgn. Unlike the prevalent notion, Kapoor asserts that having a superstar headline the cast is not tantamount to assured box office triumph. “No superstar ensures a box office success. The superstar can only assure a sense of potential business a film could have. The real determining factor lies in the content of the film and how the film is ultimately shaped,” he explained. In his experience, the inclusion of a major star does mitigate risk to a degree, providing a safety net across various distribution channels. “Bigger the star, lesser the risk. You got several verticals which are not theatricals, like OTT, satellites, and audio. These are verticals that do not depend on the box office,” he elucidated.
“Maidaan”, directed by Amit Ravindranath Sharma of “Badhaai Ho” fame, delves into the golden age of Indian football, chronicling the life and times of Syed Abdul Rahim, the revered coach and manager of the Indian football team from 1950 until his untimely death in 1963. Kaplan shared the film’s arduous journey, marked by unprecedented challenges including the destructive coronavirus pandemic lockdown and a cyclone that razed their painstakingly built film set—a full-sized stadium encompassing a vast 16-acre land.
Despite these setbacks and the rollercoaster production process, Kapoor remained grateful for his dedicated crew’s unyielding spirit. “It was unfortunate but that’s destiny. That’s the reality we have to face. But thankfully my crew did not give up on the film. I am glad the way the film is shaped up and it’s all due to their efforts,” he said, his voice carrying a note of relief and pride for his team’s resilience.
Kapoor, who had previously collaborated with Devgn in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Company” (2002), lauded the actor’s adaptability and commitment to his craft. He predicted that Devgn would maintain his prominence in the industry for decades to come, much like screen legend Amitabh Bachchan. Kapoor also tipped his hat to Anil Kapoor and the iconic Khan triumvirate—Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir—for their lasting appeal and career longevity.
“Ajay stands out… He has done all types of film. He can mould himself to any character which means he can walk with laurels at any party because he gives his all,” he praised, highlighting Devgn’s significant contribution to Indian cinema.
“Maidaan”, a production presented by Zee Studios, also stars notable actors Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and Rudranil Ghosh. The film is set to hit theaters on April 10, ready to offer moviegoers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of India’s football history.
The insights shared by Boney Kapoor underscore the complexities of the film industry, where content reigns supreme and a superstar’s name is but one of many factors that may contribute to a film’s success. His perspective offers a nuanced look at the interplay between fame and filmmaking, reminding us that at the heart of every successful movie is a story well-told and brought to life by a passionate crew behind the scenes.
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