Script is God…

Producer’s Point of View:

“We need to make a good film. You know a total blockbuster. What was the name of that movie… arre woh hero jismein building to building jump karta hai! Something of that sorts. I want a script which beats action of every blockbuster till date. And I want the same building jumper guy in my film! And an item number which of course would be an absolutely essential part of the film.”  

Director’s Point of View:

“Script-vipt sab thik hai…but I make the movie what it is. Anyone can come up with a good story. But it is the craft of making the script in to a full-fledged film that matters! Any so-called superstar can jump from building to building. But how I make the jumping look different from other movies is what makes or breaks the movie. I know the masses and I know what they want!”

The ‘Superstar’s Point of View:

“I learnt how to jump from one building to another for my last film. True Oscar-winning acting skills and determination right there!”

Superstar’s PR’s Point of View:

“Forget all the jumping, hope the new movie has some good actress. It has been long since an affair story went in to the market for my client. How else will he dismiss all the ‘rumors’ and call it ‘unnecessary gossip’? I mean serious acting and action aint gonna get any publicity for this movie in any way!”

Superstar’s Rival Superstar’s Point of View:

“I hope the critics trash the movie even before it releases! And boy I gotta add a building jumping sequence in my next film. It is high time that I do something different and off-beat!”

Actress’s Point of View:

“They do not make any more female-oriented films these days! But at least I will get to do two dance numbers, one chase sequence to showcase my talent and an emotional scene to confirm my nomination in all the award shows this year. I wish they would ditch the item number idea though. All the focus would be taken off of me!”

Item Girl’s Point of View:

“The song is an integral part of the film. Very crucial to take the script ahead. Right after this song the hero starts to jump around all the buildings. And the director is a very good friend of mine so I agreed to do this number. Did I mention the item song is an integral part of the script?”

Technician/ Crew Member’s Point of View:

“So many cables, such security, numerous hassles and all this on a tight budget! Why can’t these actors act instead of jumping around all the buildings?”

An Aspiring Actor’s Point of View:

“These people have a pool of resources, money as well as talent. Why waste it all for a so-called copied action sequence and an item number? If given a chance, I would add so much depth to the character. I will do background research of the character’s life, do my homework to emote his feelings in different situations, practice my body-movements to give authenticity to the character and discuss the scenes with various members of the crew to take their feedback. If only I could get one chance…”

A Movie Critic’s Point of View:

“Why am I being constantly, week after week subjected to the same no-brainer movies with ‘inspired’ stories and non-to-inspiring action sequences? Is it so hard to get a good script, bring on some decent and enthusiastic actors and make a good movie? And seriously what is up with all the roof-top jumping?!”

A Script-writer’s Point of View:

“I have a script ready. But it lacks almost everything that is evidently needed to make a blockbuster. Well for one thing, the script actually comprises of a story. There are no slap-sticks, no offensive jokes, no unessential action sequences, no item numbers, no loud music, no over-the-top family drama, no guy taking his shirt off and no zero-figure models. But I do have a decent story. It is an inspiring tale which I think will go well with the youth. If an actor worth his/ her salt puts in some serious efforts with the director’s view, I believe this script could reach the audience’s heart.”

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I know this is quite generalized representation of the film industry (so please take it with a pinch of salt!). But this unfortunately is the trend we see these days with our movies. To reach the 100 Crore (or the 200 Crore) club, movies rely on everything except for the script. There is ray of hope with off-beat yet commercially successful movies like Udan, Kahani, Talash, Barfi, English Vinglish, Special 26 and most recently Kai Po Che. At least we seem to be nearing the stage where there is no definite distinction between the so-called commercial cinema and art cinema. As a hardcore movie fanatic, I just hope that we see more and more movies which have strong script, good acting, and brilliant direction. After all, who said that entertainment has to be a complete no-brainer? All we need is to change our point of view as the audience!