Time to criticise the critics: R. Balki

Image
IANS Mumbai
Last Updated : Apr 07 2016 | 11:48 PM IST

While "Ki and Ka" starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Arjun Kapoor earned mixed response from critics, the audiences have enjoyed the film and that makes director R. Balki very happy.

"Sometimes the critics feel only they have the power to criticise something. It is time for the film industry to criticise the critics' work because that also works either way. Critics should review a film for the audience not for some person in the Berlin Film Festival," the director said at the success party of the film.

Describing the reviewers as "English critics", Balki said: "Some people who call themselves critics, they are kind of people who watch Czech films without subtitles and praise it.

"They watch a brown leaf fall for 45 minutes and say what a poetic scene. I do not have any idea where these people come from... I do not personally know any critics among those 'elite critics' we are taking about."

Strongly objecting to the critics' response, the filmmaker said he does not make films for them.

"I am not here to make a film for critics. If they happen to like the film, it is fine but if the audience likes the film then it solves the purpose. Otherwise, I would have been bankrupt for making a film for these people."

"'Ki & Ka' is a film about freedom of choice. Therefore, we all have the same kind of right. I think the critics should understand now that despite their reviews, the audience has gone against them. I agree that lots of things they say is right but lots of things is absolutely wrong," said the "Cheeni Kum" director.

The rom-com starring Kareena and Arjun which released on April 1 talks about gender equality where a male (Arjun) willingly swaps his role and make a choice to be a homemaker, and a career-oriented female (Kareena) wants to be on top in her organisation.

In terms of money, "Ki and Ka" has appeared to be Balki's highest grosser, breaking the records of "Cheeni Kum," Paa" and "Shamitabh". In India, the net box office collection of the film till now is over Rs.35 crore.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 07 2016 | 11:36 PM IST

Next Story