Renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has expressed his concerns about the way box-office collections are used to evaluate films, calling it a “sad way” to judge cinema. In a recent statement, Hirani emphasized the significance of cinema as a collaborative art form that deserves to be appreciated for its creativity rather than its financial success.
Hirani reflected on how the industry’s standards have evolved over time. “There was a time when movies were judged by how many weeks they ran in cinemas. Terms like silver jubilee and golden jubilee were common,” he noted. However, he believes the focus has shifted to financial figures, with collections dominating discussions about a film's success.
He pointed out that while producers and media outlets often circulate collection figures, it creates a “trap” where filmmakers begin to judge their work based on monetary success. “You fall into your own trap,” he warned, indicating that this can detract from the true essence of filmmaking.
Hirani argued for a return to valuing films based on their artistic impact and the emotional experiences they provide. “Ideally, one would like a situation where people stop talking about how much business a film is doing and focus instead on the film itself,” he stated. He emphasized that audiences remember films like Mughal-e-Azam not for their box-office success but for the lasting memories and experiences they created.
Ultimately, Hirani conveyed that what truly matters is the connection a film makes with its audience. “It’s about how much place it made in your heart,” he concluded, urging both filmmakers and audiences to prioritize the art of storytelling over financial metrics.
Hirani’s insights spark an important conversation about the evaluation of cinema in today’s industry, reminding us that the impact of a film goes far beyond its box-office numbers.