Actor-producer Arjun Rampal understands that filmmaking is not just an art but also a business. Despite a brilliant performance, the success of a film often boils down to its box-office numbers. Rampal’s last release, the big-budget film Dhaakad (2022), failed to meet expectations, and he admits that it hurt: “I don’t think it deserved to do the kind of numbers that it got. Dhaakad was one of the first few films to come out post-pandemic. People were maybe scared to go to the theatre.”

However, he does acknowledge that the movie clashed with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which performed well at the box office. “We can’t even say that; Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) did really well. Maybe we released with the wrong film. Every film has its destiny, and you just have to accept it and move on. But I am proud of the movie,” adds the 50-year-old, set to be seen next in the film Crakk.

Rampal admits that “big-budget films have pressure to perform at the box office”, and he is more into “content-driven films”.

“[Having said that] I am into the whole spectacle of cinema. I am very glad Pathaan has done so brilliantly; we all needed it, and the industry needed those numbers. You cannot say box-office numbers are not important,” he concludes.