Paresh Rawal has been in the news for quite some time regarding his issues with Hera Pheri 3. Recently, in a podcast, he clarified that his differences with the team have been resolved. In the same podcast, he also discussed some of the major issues currently plaguing the film industry.
He spoke about how the rise of OTT platforms during the pandemic drastically changed audience preferences and how filmmakers have failed to keep up with them.
He said that while some commercial films may still work, that doesn’t mean the industry should keep churning out the same kind of content repeatedly.
According to him, films no longer rely on stars, they rely on stories. He added that stars change every Friday with every new release.
Digging deeper, he suggested that there should be a limit on ticket prices, arguing that if only the rich can afford to watch films, it’s simply unfair.
However, what shocked most listeners was Paresh Rawal’s criticism of recliner seats in multiplexes.
He argued that films are meant to be watched sitting upright and that if someone wants to lie down, ‘they should just go to a spa.’
He also pointed out that staff bringing food into theatres, and serving it mid-show, has become a big disturbance.
He even compared theatres to wedding halls, given the kind of distractions and the dirty condition in which some screens are left after shows.
While he clarified that audiences should be comfortable, he questioned the point of lying down with a pillow while watching a film at the theatre.
He also touched upon the high prices of tickets and food & beverages, saying that the overall theatrical experience has become far too expensive.
While some may find his opinions harsh, there’s no denying that many of his concerns are valid. Theatres are trying every possible way to bring audiences back, but in doing so, some believe the essence of the movie-watching culture is slowly being lost.
