Showing posts with label The Drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Drama. Show all posts
Filmmakers discover a good controversy can be best for box office success
3:57 PM
Rage-bait cinema—films that tend to trigger social media debate —is emerging as a post-release marketing tool that keeps audience buzz alive
Rajesh N Naidu (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; April 20, 2026)
Rage-bait cinema — films which contain elements that spark polarizing debates on social media — is increasingly turning out to be an effective marketing tool in keeping a film alive in the public consciousness after it has resonated with audiences by providing incremental footfalls, said producers, veteran film marketing professionals, distributors and film trade analysts to ET.
Such films stay alive in public consciousness after release by fuelling online arguments, especially when makers tap into uncomfortable social truths that keep conversations active and extend box-office momentum, industry executives said.
“Today, 60% of cinema chains are concentrated in the NCR (National Capital Region) and Mumbai territories. This shows how important are these territories in terms of business. These territories have changed tremendously due to social media,” said Neeraj Joshi, a film marketing and strategy consultant.
“Today, almost every action of people on social media is about performance and activism. So, makers consciously insert elements in their films which capitalize on uncomfortable truths and fault lines contained in the worldview or value system of audiences.”
Recently, the American romantic comedy film The Drama sparked heated debate on social media, with some viewers saying its gun activism theme felt completely out of place in a light-hearted film from the romance genre.
Such kind of insertions in plots works for both camps—the supporters and the protestors, said film marketing strategists.
“Online debates around films often serve as a marketing tool particularly for those films which aim to become a talking point. Virality generates both positive and negative perspectives, while also drawing fence-sitters to theatres, leading to incremental footfalls,” said Saurabh Varma, a veteran film marketing strategist.
“Additionally, through virality, makers aim to gain attention of streamers and film rights buyers who tend to favour films which achieve high visibility and engagement.”
Last year, the big-budget film Dhurandhar that released on December 5, collected Rs. 103 crore on its opening weekend, indicating that the film resonated with audiences. However, within a few days of its release, debates about its historical authenticity and whether it is a nationalistic or propagandist film emerged on social media. These debates piqued audience’s interest and provided incremental footfalls as in the second weekend — between December 12 and December 14 — the film collected Rs 140.5 crore.
Film trade analysts believe that social media debates can potentially transcend and become a 360-degree buzz if a film deeply resonates with audiences first.
“When a film resonates deeply with audiences, social media debates can become a 360-degree buzz covering radio, television and even newspapers. This provides incremental footfalls,’ noted producer and film business expert Girish Johar.
Producers acknowledge the growing importance of the audience in shaping narratives.
“Social media has become a battleground of identity, politics and morality. Today, audiences have a larger role than critics in shaping big narratives given the democratization of social media platforms. However, a social media debate alone cannot provide incremental footfalls to films which have not resonated with audiences,” observed Suniel Wadhwa, cofounder and director of Karmic Films.
Social media’s algorithmic structure also fuels and reinforces views and debates which trigger audience’s curiosity.
“We live in an age of algorithms which keep people in echo chambers. When films have morally ambiguous elements and when there is boycotting sentiment, usually, audiences become curious and go and watch films in theatres,” said Shaaminder Malik, a film distributor and trade analyst.
(Crisp) Movie Review: THE DRAMA by FENIL SETA
10:26 AM
The Drama is the story of a couple in crisis just days before their wedding. Hollywood films usually end up showing more than 50% of the story in the trailer. The makers of this film thankfully haven't done that and hence, the audience will be curious to know what happens next. The dialogues seem straight out of life, while the humour is smartly infused into the narrative. The intercuts, which might seem random, are intentional and in some places, they enhance the impact. However, the film falters in the second half. A few side characters are under-utilized while the final scene is sweet but also quite rushed, as if the makers wanted to wrap up the film quickly after so much ‘drama’ in the narrative. The absence of subtitles means that one might miss out on certain dialogues. However, Zendaya is in exceptional form and this is a performance that deserves an Oscar nomination. Robert Pattinson makes his performance look effortless. Alana Haim (Rachel) and Mamoudou Athie (Mike) are dependable. Hailey Gates (Misha) leaves a mark, though her character appears rather suddenly. Lastly, Jordyn Curet leaves a huge mark as the young Emma. All in all, The Drama is a good timepass watch.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
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