The last big release of 2022, Cirkus, directed by Rohit Shetty, was released with a lot of anticipation. Sadly, the film didn’t meet the expectations of the public and hence, failed to work at the box office. If that’s not enough, the negativity that followed, especially over Rohit Shetty, was in bad taste. Criticizing the film or analysing why it didn’t work is fine. But the way some people went on a rampage, that too, against a filmmaker who is arguably the most loved Bollywood director of the masses at present, didn’t seem justified.
Every significant filmmaker has gone through highs and lows and has delivered flops. But few filmmakers can boast of a track record as Rohit Shetty. Cirkus was his 15th film and it was his 2nd flop after Sunday (2008). Zameen (2003), his directorial debut, was average while the rest of the films were clean hits. Till date, his films have collectively earned a whopping Rs. 1,660 crores approx. Not just that, if we count the footfalls of all his 15 films, then one will be astonished to know that he has sold approx. 19.75 crores tickets till date! This is a huge feat for any director. Imagine how many distributors and theatre owners have benefited and laughed all the way to the bank thanks to Rohit Shetty.
And there’s another stakeholder in the whole process that adores Rohit Shetty – the aam junta. Often, the public is not aware of the director’s identity or even his name. But Rohit is an exception. He’ll be mobbed on the streets or in any public place as the audience loves him for entertaining them for 19 years and for giving them films like Golmaal, Singham etc. In fact, in circuits like Gujarat, the mere mention of him on the posters is enough to drive audiences to the theatres in hordes.
Sooryavanshi (2021) was all set to be released in March 2020 but was pushed at the last minute owing to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. A lot of big films didn’t wait for normalcy and took the OTT route. Rohit Shetty, however, chose to hold the film despite being given lucrative offers by streaming giants. The rate of interest increased the budget and yet, he didn’t give in. Sooryavanshi became one of the first big films to hit cinemas, on Diwali 2021. Rohit’s patience paid off and it collected Rs. 196 crores, despite the 50% occupancy rule in cinemas. It helped in reviving the cinema business and shutting the perception that viewers will not turn up to watch films in cinemas.
Rohit Shetty surprised everyone when he announced that he made Cirkus for his technicians so that they can get work and can make money. And this is a side to him not known to many, that of being a philanthropist. During Covid times, he was at the forefront while donating money to the cine workers. He also has supported the police force and has made social awareness videos for them. And of course, he has shown them in all their glory in his cop universe films. No wonder each and every cop in this country has the deepest respect for Rohit Shetty.
Hence, as one can see, there are far too many amazing qualities in this man and to proclaim that he’s finished or to even celebrate his failure is not done at all. The naysayers should be prepared to eat their words as Rohit’s next film, Singham Again, is sure to have a huge opening and has the potential to be the biggest hit for him as well as its lead actors Ajay Devgn and Deepika Padukone. Here’s hoping the blockbuster director jumps back to the top league where he rightfully deserves to be. Because when Rohit Shetty’s film does well, the whole industry and ecosystem benefits.
