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Last Updated: March 09, 2025, 13:55 IST
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai critiques Bollywood’s escalating financial inefficiencies
Bollywood is currently facing significant challenges as it strives to restore its past prominence, and veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has openly criticized the industry’s financial practices. His remarks underscore issues such as inflated production budgets, astronomical fees for stars, and a worrying disregard for the essential contributions of writers and composers.
In an interview with Komal Nahta for the show Game Changers, Ghai expressed his dismay over the perilous transition from a cooperative filmmaking environment to a fragmented landscape dominated by inflated costs and corporate priorities. He stated, “When a film can be produced for Rs 100 but stretches to Rs 1,000, those additional Rs 900 become a clear invitation for financial mismanagement. Filmmaking thrived on passion and efficiency in the past; now, it is caught in a cycle of compartmentalization, with various departments working independently without a focus on managing expenses.”
Ghai pointed out a critical concern regarding the disproportionate allocation of funds, revealing that a significant portion of a film’s budget is now consumed by stars’ salaries. “In the past, we never allocated more than 10-15% of the total budget for actors. Nowadays, it often reaches nearly 70%,” he noted. He attributed this trend more to the influence of corporate production companies eager to inflate their financial statements than to the filmmakers themselves.
Reflecting on his founding of Mukta Arts, Ghai emphasized the need for strict financial controls within filmmaking. “Over the course of producing 43 films, not a single one exceeded its budget. Each project was profitable due to our disciplined financial strategies. In our era, films were treasures; success was cherished. Presently, the ownership model has shifted—films now belong to studios, and the focus has turned towards internal profit-sharing.”
Discussing the trend of actors transitioning into production roles, Ghai noted that while industry stalwarts like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, and Dev Anand successfully managed both aspects, the current approach raised concerns. He argued that modern actors tend to exploit their star power rather than focusing on authentic filmmaking skills. “When a script is presented to an actor, and the budget doesn’t match their fee, their manager often suggests they become a producer. They then take a large portion of the budget as their acting compensation and the remainder as a co-producer fee. This isn’t filmmaking—it’s merely a financial strategy,” he explained.
In addition to addressing financial issues, Ghai also voiced his apprehension regarding the industry’s neglect of writers and composers. “Studios become fixated on the star cast but rarely consult writers about their vision for a film. Throughout my career directing 18 films and producing 43, I never sold a film based on its cast alone,” he stated. He further criticized producers for the diminishing quality of film music, arguing that today’s composers lack the creative alignment and input that once flourished. “During my collaborations with Anand Bakshi, I would share entire scripts and explain every detail. That kind of engagement is absent in today’s landscape.”
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