Filmmaker Rohit Shetty, renowned for his high-octane blockbusters, experienced a rare setback with his latest film “Cirkus,” starring the charismatic Ranveer Singh. In the film that diverged from Shetty’s signature action-packed spectacles, the director had sought to craft entertainment that resonated with a pandemic-weary audience and kept his cinematic team gainfully employed during trying times.
In a comprehensive discussion with ANI, Shetty candidly addressed the repercussions of the film’s poor reception and the compelling motivations that influenced its creation. “It was made during the pandemic when things were changing,” the director remarked, adding that many of his previous projects, like the highly anticipated ‘Sooryavanshi,’ were in a state of limbo due to the global health crisis. With the disruption of schedules and an approaching hiatus while preparing for the ‘Indian Police Force,’ Shetty pondered over the script he had held onto for a considerable period.
The unique scenario presented by the pandemic steered Shetty’s decision as he expressed, “Workers were sitting at home and we had this script for the longest time, a simple, small film.” The intentions were clear: “Let’s make it. Workers will stay busy and we will keep busy too.” Tapping into the ethos of Bollywood’s resilient workforce, his decision led to a studio-centered film, noticeably devoid of his trademark adrenaline-pumping sequences.
Shetty’s reflections didn’t shy away from addressing “Cirkus’s” underperformance. He emphasized the value of surrounding oneself with straightforward and unbiased individuals. In a chat with India Today, he acknowledged that both triumphs and failures are intrinsic to a filmmaker’s journey and should be embraced with equal openness.
Elucidating his philosophy, Shetty stated, “When a Singham or a Golmaal did well, that was also mine, so when a Zameen, a Dilwale or a Cirkus failed, that was also mine.” Such candor about one’s work is noteworthy in an industry often clouded by bluster and deflection.
The transparent narrative extended as Shetty took full responsibility for the film’s lackluster outcome. “I know what we did. We, obviously, went wrong somewhere.” However, he remained undeterred, suggesting the possibility of revisiting ‘Cirkus’ in the future and confidently cited the prospect of rebounding with upcoming installations of the ‘Singham’ and ‘Golmaal’ franchises.
Rohit Shetty’s magnanimity was palpable when he broached the subject of audience expectations and his sense of duty towards them. He reflected on adhering to the high standards set by his previous successes and the cyclical nature of filmmaking, where failure serves as a grounding force every few years.
Shetty’s approach to “Cirkus” epitomized what the film industry can represent at its finest — a community rallying together in the face of adversity. The decision to press on with a film, even one that ultimately did not deliver commercially, speaks volumes about his commitment to his craft and to those who bring his cinematic visions to life.
The candor in Rohit Shetty’s narrative about “Cirkus” provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the decision-making process that unfolds in the film industry, particularly during unprecedented times like a global pandemic. It’s a reminder that even the most accomplished in the realm of storytelling are not impervious to setbacks and that art, in its numerous forms, often stems from the simplest desire to keep the wheels turning – for creators and their audience alike.
