MUMBAI: ‘Udaan’ (2010) was a film made with its heart at the right place. The film, which received rave reviews, took Vikramditya Motwane’s career to a new high. But there have been quite a few like him, who have made headlines with their first films and then vanished into tranquility. Will the director manage to break the ‘one film wonders’ jinx with his second outing ‘Lootera’?
Bollywood has been ruthless to newcomers. There are very few directors, who have managed to show the same promise and energy, like their first film and have made it big. Many have faded into oblivion.
The list is endless. But the most common names that come to mind are:
John Matthew Matthan, who created a hard-hitting impact with his first film ‘Sarfarosh’ starring Aamir Khan. Based on cross-border terrorism, the film won huge acclaim, but sadly the director’s next ‘Shikhar’ was a forgettable affair.
Others include Pradeep Sarkar (‘Parineeta’, and the dud ‘Laaga Chunari Mein Daag’), Joy Augustine (who with Amitabh Bachchan’s film corporation gave us a roller-coaster ride in ‘Tere Mere Sapne’ and then later made us mad (literally) with ‘Paagalpan’ This just shows how risky the journey has been for these uncelebrated filmmakers.
‘Lootera’ has been lucky so far, in terms of some rave reviews it has been receiving from the industry stalwarts. Many celebrities have tweeted about the sheer beauty of the film and its deep narrative.
Still mesmerised by the brilliance of @sonakshisinha and @RanveerOfficial in #Lootera They are gonna win ALL awards this year as of now!
— Milap Zaveri (@zmilap) July 2, 2013
Saw the superbly crafted and performed #LOOTERA…@sonakshisinha is a revelation!!! All accolades for vikram…team Phantom and team Balaji!
— Karan Johar (@kjohar25) June 30, 2013
Sonakshi is the 21st century Vyjayantimala. Lootera is a 5- hanky movie. Just what the monsoon ordered. Go watch and weep buckets.
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) July 4, 2013
Saw #lootera. V v well directed by vikramaditya motwane. Drew excellent performances from his actors. Thank you @tanuj_garg for the invite.
— Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) July 4, 2013
#Lootera weaves a magic of its own and stays true to it. Brilliant performances by @sonakshisinha, Ranveer. Love the music (Amit Trivedi)
— Shekhar Ravjiani (@5hekhar) July 3, 2013
Whatever is said about, ‘Lootera’, the fate of the film is entirely in the hands of its audiences and box office reports. Vikramaditya Motwane had recently spoken to a daily and said, “You cannot make an obtuse film that appeals to a small niche section of the audience.”
While ‘Udaan’ certainly was a niche film in its own right, it looks like Vikramaditya Motwane has learnt his lessons well. Going by the current state of things, it looks like ‘Lootera’ is gearing up to break the ‘one film wonder’ jinx. It needs to be decided who needs to be acknowledged for this – the director or content or just the way the mindset of audiences has changed over the years.
