Anubhav Sinha: Audience Response Matters More Than Film Budgets

According to Anubhav Sinha, the entertainment sector has become overly concerned with film budgets and revenue, often neglecting the actual experience of watching movies.

He stated, “The conversation tends to revolve around budgets and box office numbers, but much of the data is misleading. Ultimately, it shouldn’t matter to audiences; what matters is whether they enjoyed the film. After all, do we question a snack company about their profits before indulging?”

Sinha further elaborates, “While some may criticize a film, many viewers may genuinely appreciate it. Discussions around failures are often more popular, revealing our tendency to dwell on setbacks.”

He candidly shares that he faced tough times after the release of *Ra.One* in 2011, a film that was later regarded as a cult classic despite its initial performance. “I struggled for years afterward, facing a long period without work,” the 60-year-old director reflected.

To reconnect with audiences, he initiated a journey titled *Chal Picture Chalein*, visiting cities like Lucknow, Delhi, and Jaipur. He aimed to reconcile filmmakers’ views with what the audience genuinely expects.

Sinha affirmed, “Audiences are still willing to visit theaters; they just want quality content. If they perceive a film as a worthwhile investment of their time and money, they’ll support it.” He added, “Many filmmakers have moved to Mumbai, often losing touch with the evolving tastes across the rest of the nation.”