The actor feels that there should be a balance between masala films and films of substance.
“We lack stories. We have no stories to tell. We put five songs with five comedy scenes and say it’s done,” John told IANS in an interview.
That’s one reason why the 40-year-old is enjoying every bit of his new role as a film producer. Thanks to it, he is being able to serve the audience with eclectic movies — the entertaining Vicky Donor and the engaging Madras Cafe.
“I love the role of a producer because I make the kind of films which I want to make. I make sensible films. I think Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe are examples enough, about the cinema which I want to propagate,” he said.
John, who has been in the film industry for a decade, is all for a healthy mix of genres at the box office.
“While we keep making formula films, as a producer and an actor, I want to say let’s make sensible films which the audience will accept. I want to thank them for accepting a film like Madras Cafe,” he said of his movie, which focuses on the Sri Lankan civil war.
As an actor, he admits it has been “important to be a part of commercial films and to entertain people”.
“At the end of the day, people want to laugh and enjoy. But if I am doing a Race 2 or a Welcome Back, it is important that I make sure that a Madras Cafe is also made.”
He says it’s been fun to be a part of true blue Bollywood entertainers.
“I don’t regret it. They are fun. I am not condescending towards them, but it is good to have a balance of both. I love slapstick comedy. The best case in point is Chennai Express. I am sure I will enjoy it. But I feel it is interesting to make a Madras Cafe,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2013.
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Tell us something new! Last time I watched a Bollywood film was in early 90s. I gave up my struggle in finding a decent film in Bollywood! I find Korean, French and some Hollywood films to be much better than any other film industry in the world. . Bollywood use to have wonderful art films in the past. Now even Naseer ud Din Shah has to look across the border to work in a film that has some story in it! What a shame for Bollywood!