The functioning of the film industry has come under scrutiny in the past few months. Kunal Kemmu is one actor who has spoken about the lack of level-playing field, and he says unfortunately, in Bollywood, it all boils down to the box office.

“The business model of the film industry has been established, and it is one where it is a box office driven model. Box office precedes everything. From the business perspective, it precedes talent and content. Sometimes, if a film opens big on a Friday, that is all that matters to a person who is backing films,” shares Kemmu.

Admitting that it is the biggest failing of the industry, the actor feels that is where the whole problem starts. “That is where the issues lies, with talent being pitched who has a support system behind them, which leads to favouritism and groupism. All this now comes under one big umbrella called nepotism,” he explains.

However, Kemmu notes that not every problem is related to that as the industry is not just a solo department. “It is an ecosystem. There is an internal process of a film that starts with producers and directors which then goes to marketing, promotion, distribution and eventually, exhibition. It becomes about what kind of shows a film get. If there is too much competition, you might not even get a release,” he says.

The actor feels there is a dire need for some introspection in the film industry. “Everybody who is part of this ecosystem is responsible. We all need to tighten up the screws. I agree that it is not going to be all hunky dory because it is a competitive industry, but we will have a slightly more responsible way of functioning,” he concludes.