Small Gems That Struck Big!

What is one thing that strikes one’s mind the moment he/she thinks of cinema? The big canvas, lavish sets, reigning superstars, extravagant costumes and many other similar movie assets. Right! But cinema in recent times has gone under a drastic change with many small budget movies making their mark both critically and commercially. These may lack the grandeur and ambiance but are richer in content and script sense which the big budget flicks seem to have lost amidst all glitterati! The limited cost of production in these films make them commercially viable thus reducing the radar of producer’s risk.

 Now people mainly the classes ,have understood the fact that content is  king and they can no more be fooled by those ever so luring potboilers that defy logic. The success of such films should be credited to the multiplex era that has infused life in them and given them a platform to showcase their histrionics.

So let’s take a look at such films that gave shallow magnum opuses a run for their money by carving a niche for themselves and many other similar flicks that would grace the silver screen in coming years.

Bheja Fry

This film can rightly be termed as pioneer of such films as it was a first movie to break the barriers of bollywood monotony and gave Vinay Pathak a new lease of life . It was a welcome change from the slapstick  n crass humor that audience was forced to see due to dearth of good comedies. The movie sans any superstar managed to  struck a chord with its viewers and was the surprise hit of the year . The amount of profit this flick gave its makers prompted them to go ahead with its sequel. Thus this film will be remembered for its rare success and as a stepping stone for others to follow.

Khosla Ka Ghosla

The film about the helplessness of a middle class family against the cunning and money minded builder also grabbed eyeballs for its realistic and simple approach. The movie was a perfect example of a situational comedy and never went overboard in its treatment. It may have not raked the same moolah as Bheja Fry but was not behind in terms of extracting respect and received a cult status once released on vcd/dvds. Certainly a film to cherish with your entire family which is a rare feat in today’s sinareo. So kudos to Dibaker Bannerjee for that!

Band Baja Baraat

Though  it had got the backing of Yashraj Banner, the movie was poles apart in terms of story telling and cinematic treatment when compared to their earlier works. Can you remember any Yashraj flick where protagonists preferred career over love? The friendship between them not confused with love? Well that’s the beauty of this small budget flick that served as launching pad for Ranveer Singh with Yashraj’s new found muse Anushka Sharma. The film will be remembered for its toungue in cheek dialogues and Yashraj’s courage for deviating from their path of churning star oriented read Srk flicks. Way to go!

Do Dooni Chaar

Directed by Habib Faizal , the movie depicted the day to day encounters of a middle class family with utmost realism and precision that people actually felt themselves being part of their journey. Touted as a comeback vehicle of Neetu Singh and Rishi kapoor Jodi, the film won heats for its tight screenplay, witty dialogues and riveting performances. The film winning the National Award is the testimony of the sheer entertainment it provided on silver screen. Its success though a small, rekindled the faith that such movies are here to stay.

Taare Zameen Par

Coming from Aamir Khan Productions the film garnered immense appreciation for its approach of handling a complex story of dyslexic child with rare perfection and sincerity. The story touched the hearts of millions leaving them moist eyed and in awe of the child’s plight against this ruthless and competitive society. This movie despite having a child as its lead protagonist achieved a blockbuster status which is a kind of miracle these days. The credit for this goes to the man with a Midas touch Mr. Aamir Khan for having the audacity to go ahead with such a movie.

The main reason for the success of above films is that they were able to connect with the audience making them part of their proceedings which the big budget candy floss movies failed to achieve. They provided them sense of belongingness and gave them real account of themselves without being unnecessary over the top or extravagant in their treatment. This way the audience never felt cheated as they were delivered exactly what was promised in the promos which sadly not the case in most of the big budget flicks. The resounding success of these movie should pave way for more such movies as cinema is not only about providing enjoyment to viewers but also giving them something worth learning and keeping them closer to reality.