In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Ashutosh Rana reacts to the narrative that audiences are not going to theatres and blames OTT for it. He also breaks his silence on Dhurandhar and YRF Spy Universe comparisons, calling them unfair
Ashutosh Rana
Ashutosh Rana is one of the most versatile actors in the industry. From playing villains in his early films to taking on comic roles now, he has truly delivered memorable characters. He has also been a part of the YRF Spy Universe. After the massive success of Dhurandhar, the content is being compared to actioners from the YRF Spy Universe films, and Rana condemns it. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, he talks about his film One Two Cha Cha Cha, the lack of theatres, and Dhurandhar’s success.
Ashutosh Rana on audiences not going to theatres
The War 2 actor believes that if a good product is made, audiences prefer going to theatres and enjoying it. He also points out that the theatre and OTT release window is to be blamed for setting the narrative that audiences are not going to cinema halls, even amid Dhurandhar’s success.
“This narrative is always set that people are not going to theatres. When Pathaan was released, the same narrative existed, yet people went. When Jawan, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Dhurandhar released, people went to theatres. People do go, but because there needs to be something to discuss, a narrative is created. Whenever a good film comes, people want to watch it in theatres only,” says the actor.
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He adds, “The number of people going to theatres has reduced because everyone knows that the film will arrive on OTT within a month. So, in this whole mess, if we filmmakers decide that a film will not come to OTT for six months or even a year, then theatre footfall will increase.”
Ashutosh Rana on Dhurandhar’s comparison with the YRF Spy Universe
As Dhurandhar clicked among fans for its realism, heavy criticism surrounded YRF Spy movies, with many calling them “glam shows” depicting style, not reality. Ashutosh Rana, who has been a pivotal part of the universe, slams such comparisons.
He remarks, “Mera yeh maanna hai ki kisi bhi rachna ki tulna nahi karni chahiye. Ab agar hum apne actions ki tulna James Bond se karne lagein, toh hum kahaan khade honge? Agar hum Mission Impossible jaise action karne lagein, toh baat hi kya hogi. Pratyek kriti atulniya hoti hai. Kisi cheez ka koi comparison nahi hona chahiye.”
(I believe that no creation should be compared at all. Now, if we start comparing these actioners to James Bond or Mission Impossible, then where do we stand? Every work is unique and incomparable. Hence, comparisons shouldn’t be made.)
“Dhurandhar adbhut hai, anutha hai. Uska comparison karke yadi kisi ko mahatva mil raha hai ya mahatvahin ho raha hai, toh humein lagta hai ki humein apni drishti ke andar thoda sa vichaar karna chahiye. Main iska pakshdhar nahi karta.”
(Dhurandhar is extraordinary and unique. If, by comparing it, something is being given undue importance or is being belittled, we should reflect a little on our own perspective. I do not support this kind of comparison.)
Elucidating his point with examples, the actor concluded, “Now take Govinda—he is an outstanding dancer. If we start comparing his dancing with Hrithik Roshan, Varun, Ranbir, or Ranveer, that misses the point. That is his own individuality. Akshay, Aamir, Salman, Shah Rukh—each of them does extremely well in their own genre. I do not believe in comparison at all.”
Ashutosh Rana on One Two Cha Cha Cha
On a parting note, the actor talks about his latest release and shares, “This is a completely different character from what I have done throughout my career.”
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