Suparn Varma Explains Why Audience Don't Watch Films In Theatres: They Can't Afford It Because... - EXCLUSIVE

In a Zoom roundtable discussion, acclaimed filmmakersSuparn Verma, Neeraj Ghaywan, Anurag Basu, Arati Kadav, and Reema Kagti shared their perspectives on the evolving challenges of filmmaking in today’s

cinematic landscape. The conversation delved into the changing expectations of audiences, the depiction of violence in films, and the responsibilities that come with creative freedom. Director Suparn Verma spoke extensively about the shifting sensibilities of Hindi film audiences, stressing that they have become increasingly unforgiving.

Suparn Varma on why Lokah won't work in Hindi

In a chat with us, when asked about the trappings that he feels when making films, Suparn shared with Zoom, "I think audiences of Hindi films have become much more unforgiving, especially towards Hindi films. A Lokah made in Hindi wouldn't be accepted. There are many ideas which when you're discussing them, you suddenly realise you will be able to execute them as a Telugu film or a Malayalam film, but as a Hindi film, you can't make it."

Suparn reveals why audience don't watch movies in theatres

The Haq director added a nuanced perspective on audience not turning up to theatres and said, "My worry is not about films, but about filmmakers. Only 25 % of films are being watched. We're not making it for them because the other can't afford it. The film is going to cost 5 rupees atop family. for an family. For a family where your income segment is small, I'm going forget 25. don't think more than 80 % to 85 % of India is not watching films. Unless it's on platform."He added, "But especially with distributors, If I make this plate (for example) for 5 rupees, I'll sell it for 50. If I make this plate for 500, I'll sell for 5000. If I can do it for every consumer good and give it to the audience or the buying public, films don't do that. A small budget film, will not translate to the audience as a small budget film - They're not paying 100 rupees for their ticket. They are paying 500. And as long as that disparity exists, you aren't going to get people who going to 3000 for a Shah Rukh Khan film, because you're not enough for aHomebound, but that suffers."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al8zwxBOAkw

Suparn Varma's work front

Meanwhile, Suparn Varma recently involved in The Family Man Season 3.Before that, he directed Haq, a political thriller starring Yami Gautam, and co-produced it. Verma also wrote Lootere (2024) for SonyLIV and co-directed Rana Naidu (2023) for Netflix. He was the showrunner and director of The Trial (2023) on Disney+ Hotstar and produced Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023) for ZEE5. For upcoming projects he is set to direct a Qurbani remake, and produce Flames (2025), which recently premiered at the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival.