Has Bollywood cracked its mantra of success with films set in small towns or is it a mere coincidence that such films have become a box-office success? Rohit Raj Goyal, director and writer of Titu Ambani sheds light in a tête-à-tête.
Bollywood has travelled from villages to foreign locations and has settled its eyes on small towns. From the era of daakus, ablaa mothers, common man's fight against evil leaders, love stories and films pandering to NRIs, filmmakers have diverted their focus to small towns and their issues. Though films based on small towns have always been made in Bollywood, it is the story that has made today's films a talking point.
It all started from Dum Laga Ke Haisha that propogated the idea of 'beauty lies in the eyes of a beholder'. Later, Motichoor Chaknachoor, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and Jan Hit Mein Jaari tried the same mantra. The latest entrant to this list is Titu Ambani that is receiving praise at the box-office (BO), despite not having a stellar cast. So are films made on small towns an instant mantra to success?
Rohit Raj Goyal, director and writer of Titu Ambani disagrees. He says that it won’t be right to acknowledge a film’s success based on the location featured in it.
“During the 70s, 80s and 90s, films were made keeping the middle class people and their problems in mind. It was later in 2000s, directors pandered to NRI audiences and exotic locations. Just like we need a change after eating daal chawal for a long time, films also need change. If films made on small towns and people’s problems are becoming successful, it is due to the conviction of the director(s) and writers. Like other genres, this trend is also temporary. Soon audiences will expect fresh ideas from the filmmakers,” he shares.
Titu Ambani revolves around a daughter, who refuses to tie a knot, with a fear that her parents would be left alone and financially weak. The story connects chords with several Indian women who live with the same fear after marriage. Rohit took inspiration from some of the instances that his female friends shared with him. Understanding the issue’s relevance and connect, he thought of making the film on it.
“I know a lot of girls who refused to settle down with the concern that who will take care of their parents and fulfil the latter’s expenses after marriage. One of my friends also shared a similar plight about her 40-something cousin. This is what motivated me to write this film,” he said.
Titu Ambani stars Deepika Singh (from the popular serial ‘Diya and Baati Hum’), Tushar Pandey (Chhichhore fame), Raghuvir Yadav, Samta Sagar and Sapna Sand.
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