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The buck stops here

December 1 is World AIDS Day. A look at why films on AIDS do not fare well at the box-office

A FEW EXCEPTIONS "Phir Milenge" and "My Brother Nikhil" won critical acclaim

The cash registers haven't stopped ringing for Don. And Dhoom 2 has arrived in style and opened to record bookings. The latter half of 2006 has seen the best of escapist, edge-of-the-seat cinema. When the focus is on fast-paced action and drool worthy bikes, films on HIV and AIDS seem out of place.

Phir Milenge and My Brother Nikhil brought with them a ray of hope, but not many filmmakers chewed on the thought. This doesn't mean lack of attention on proposed films, especially if they involve A-list actors. Mira Nair is slated to make a short film on AIDS and considered actors Saif Ali Khan, Shiney Ahuja and Vidya Balan for the project. Even before the film crystallised, media headlines claimed that the trio has been signed. Vidya Balan clarifies that while she's open to doing a film on AIDS awareness, she hasn't yet been signed for Mira Nair's film.

Earlier this year, Haath Se Haath Mila, a series produced by BBC saw celebs come face-to-face with people working for the betterment of the HIV affected. Actress Tabu, who was part of the series, says, "I'll support a cause only when I believe in it. When a celebrity is involved, the unnecessary attention might overshadow the real issue. Haath Se Haath Mila profiled HIV positive people who are working to create awareness. I shot one episode with a voluntary worker in Hyderabad."

Until recently, many mainstream actors shrugged at the thought of enacting the role of an HIV positive person. Film-maker/actress Revathy was pleasantly surprised when Salman Khan agreed to do Phir Milenge after many other actors refused the role. With a star cast that included Shilpa Shetty and Abhishek Bachchan, film was noticed even if it didn't spell commercial success. "The film was appreciated and that matters. The motive was not to evoke sympathy for the HIV affected but remove social stigma," says Revathy.

Sanjay Suri followed suit in My Brother Nikhil. Based on a real-life story of a swimmer, it fleetingly touched upon gay relationships and made its way to many film festivals. The film had to be content with lukewarm box-office response. Mahesh Manjrekar's Nidaan and Rituparno Ghosh's Asukh were the other earlier attempts that drew critical acclaim.

"Funds are hard to come by, even from government channels," says Vishy, programme officer with Action Aid India, who made the documentary Lost in Suffering. "A victim can lead a normal life for 15-20 years provided there's support. But they are often driven to committing suicide. These are serious issues. To make a film, you need better understanding of such cases. Celebrities help to create noise, but the mass media doesn't reach all areas. Villages in Ongole and Prakasam districts (Andhra Pradesh) have migrant villagers who're HIV positive. There's no media penetration," he adds.

So, is a sensitive movie on AIDS that also spells box office success a pipe dream? The film industry is content espousing the cause or rubbing shoulders with Richard Gere during his occasional visits. Gere himself stated that a film on AIDS is pointless unless it's powerful such as Philadelphia. Perhaps an Amazing Grace or Absolutely Positive will arrive in a while. If Gandhigiri (Lage Raho Munna Bhai) can be a successful concept, why not other issues?

SANGEETA DEVI K

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