MID-DAY (December 26, 2018)

Rajkummar Rao, who has seen a successful 2018, said that the success of a film is not determined by its budget.

Rao was interacting with media during the unveiling of the first look of his forthcoming film, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga along with co-actors Anil Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Juhi Chawla and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Rao-starrer horror comedy Stree went on to become one of the highest grossers of 2018, and earned Rs 180 crore against its budget of Rs 25 crore.

Similarly, many small budgets films like Raazi, Andhadun, Badhaai Ho, Hichki and Pad Man managed to earn several folds more than the budget they were mounted on. On the other hand, big budget films like Race 3, Thugs Of Hindostan and Zero bombed at the box-office.

“I think the success of a film is not determined by its budget. I feel, it’s about the content. Content of a film eventually decides the budget of your film. So, if your content is strong and your audience is able to connect with it, then it will do well,” said Rao.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga narrates the story of a Hindu woman who is in love with a Muslim man. Her life falls apart when she discovers her father’s infidelity with a woman who aspires to be an actor. On working in Ek Ladki Ko..., Rao said, “When the makers approached me with the script, I decided to do this film. I was moved after reading the script.” Talking about her experience, Sonam said, “When Vinod called me and told me he was doing a film and wanted me to be part of it, I felt it was a wonderful compliment coming from such a reputed director and producer. Shelly ji [Shelly Chopra Dhar, director] narrated the script to me, and, after hearing it, I felt that it was one of the most beautifully structured scripts I have heard. It is a complete, entertaining story. It has an emotionally satisfying and beautiful ending. So, I told myself that I had to do it.”