“I want my films to come out in cinemas, I want packed halls. But as long as I’m catering to the audience, the medium does not matter,” Vikrant Massey had told us in an interview, when he had an OTT film up for release (Movies matter, not medium, March 29).

Today, he has a big-screen hit, 12th Fail, to his name. In an industry where box-office collections play a crucial role in determining one’s stardom, Massey has finally earned validation as a star. “I agree that big-screen magic is different, and I have been fortunate to [taste] that success. When people spend their hard-earned money to watch your film, you feel a different kind of happiness,” he smiles.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s directorial venture is based on Anurag Pathak’s book of the same name that tells the true story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame hard circumstances to become an Indian Police Service officer. In the post-pandemic scenario, a small-budget human drama isn’t considered ideal for a big-screen release, but Massey says Chopra was sure of taking it to cinemas.

“When we set out to make the film, we were clear that we had to tell it with honesty. Box office was never our priority. While making the film, sir would say, ‘I will bring this film only to theatres, whether people come or not.’ Even if the film hadn’t performed well, we would’ve been equally proud of it,” he says of the drama that has not only won critical acclaim, but also collected Rs 35 crore so far.

Stardom brings both opportunities and admirers. Massey reveals he has noticed a change in the industry’s attitude towards him after his recent success. “I got my due [as an actor] even earlier, but people’s perception towards me has changed now. Those who wouldn’t even look at me earlier, have now called and texted me.”