There’s an unusual sight greeting moviegoers at select cinemas these days – the face of comedian Karthik Kumar. But he’s not promoting the latest blockbuster or an indie film favorite; instead, Kumar’s stand-up special ‘Aansplaining’ is charting a new path by being screened in theaters, a first for an Indian stand-up act.
In a move that expands his reach beyond the typical comedy club and online platform, Kumar hopes to capture the attention of a broader audience, primarily composed of those who frequent the cinema. This effort to bridge the gap between live stand-up performance and the traditional cinema experience stems from a recognition of the communal joy found in shared experiences, akin to viewing a major sports event in a public venue.
Unlike customary stand-up fare, ‘Aansplaining’ offers more than just laughs. Kumar utilizes personal stories to navigate the tangled web of gender norms, patriarchal structures, and contemporary concepts of what it means to be masculine today. Audience members who initially attend in search of humor find themselves leaving with introspective thoughts and a new perspective on societal dynamics and personal relationships.
Kumar’s method of infusing his shows with meaningful content is intentional; he has mastered the art of wrapping serious reflection in comedic packaging, thereby making his audience rethink certain behaviors and attitudes without forgoing entertainment.
As Kumar continues to develop material for his next stand-up, which he promises will be equally thought-provoking, he is also pursuing another passion – film-making. During his international tour with ‘Aansplaining,’ he penned a screenplay centered on fatherhood, which is currently being pitched to potential actors. Gravitating toward directing following his directorial debut ‘Super Senior Heroes,’ Kumar acknowledges the significant commitment and less-than-glamorous aspects of the craft, likening it to a parental role within the arts.
The timing of ‘Aansplaining’s’ theatrical release is serendipitous, arriving in March when the entertainment industry typically slows due to examinations, the Indian Premier League, and political news cycles. Kumar’s strategic partnership with PVR cinemas introduces a novel category of content to movie theaters, following the trend of niche screenings and re-releases gaining popularity among niche audiences.
For Kumar, the theatrical screening represents a novel opportunity to explore creative terrains. Nonetheless, he holds a steadfast belief that live performance remains the quintessential and irreplaceable platform for comedy.
This bold venture to bring stand-up comedy into the movie theater setting, beginning March 23 in select theaters across Chennai, Bengaluru, and Coimbatore, reflects a broader shift in the content distribution landscape. Just as concert films have found their place in cinemas, ‘Aansplaining’ may herald a new era where stand-up comedy expands beyond the stage and screen, offering laughter and life lessons to those nestled in cinema seats.
