If any film aficionado sits down to make a list of directors who have made an impressive debut but failed with their second film, there will be many names. Call it a second-film jinx or a mere co-incidence, we have seen many directors facing bad luck at the box office. What would be the fate of these directors? Would producers give them an opportunity again? Would star heroes give them an appointment for even a story narration? How long will they take to come back with an impressive story and with a ruthless social media writing them off quickly? It indeed becomes a tough task for these directors stay afloat in the industry.
Sreeram Venu who is currently directing MCA with Nani, Sai Pallavi is not amused with the second film syndrome and gives a logical explanation. He says there is a place for everyone in the industry and despite flops films, the industry is very encouraging. “Each one has a different story and it is about how fast you want to bounce back. It is not that someone creates an opportunity for you, you have to create it for yourself. You should have a good script and be persistent and when you narrate the story, you have to make them believe that it will be executed rightly. Take me for instance. After Oh My Friend , I took time. It is my fault to come back late with a script. It is all about having the confidence.”
Director Hanu Raghavpudi came up with not so successful Andala Rakshasi , but the producers saw the potential in him and offered Krishnagadi Veera Prema Gadha and it became a hit. Lie was a disaster yet he will be doing a film soon with a prominent actor. After Sardar Gabbar Singh tanked, NTR gave Bobby Jai Lava Kusa . Director Satish Vegesna of Satamanam Bhavati which won a national award, asserts that one doesn’t know what the directors’ next move would be. After delivering a disaster, a director might want to take time and get back with strong subject and if there is a good story people will listen. Hit gives you an easy entrance and flop keeps you waiting, it is not about not getting a chance.
He avers, “Take for instance the director of Rang De Basanti . After a disappointing Aks he made Rang De Basanti . You got to write a story even if a film is a hit or a flop. Success is only for entry, just because I gave a hit called Satamanam Bhavati , no one will give me an offer without listening to the story. There is nothing wrong in producers looking for a director with a successful film behind him. If you have patience the industry gives you an opportunity and those who don’t there are other options — like work in television and web series. The former has a better reach. Again getting an opportunity is one thing and utilising it in a better way to your advantage is another thing.”
Sreeram Venu points out that one should know his limitations and approach accordingly. One might have a story but going straight to Chiranjeevi might not work. He says, “Director Vijaybhaskar did Prarthana with Suresh and seven years later he delivered a blockbuster Nuvve Kavali , it is all about you wanting to come back or not, how aggressive and pro active you are. Knocking doors is a must.” The director cites examples of Vakkantam Vamsi who wanted to work with NTR and waited for years and when it did not happen he approached Allu Arjun and now the film has taken off. Mahi’s Patashala was a turkey at the marquee but Anando Brahma , his second film became a hit. He is happy that new screenplays are working out well in Telugu film industry.
Interestingly for A league directors, producers will definitely give opportunities. Vikram Kumar is a fine example, he had two disappointing films before Manam . After 1 Nenokkadine , Sukumar continues to direct stars. Star heroes hesitate to work with new directors despite their successful debuts, but will not think twice about working again and again with top directors even after a row of flops. For some stars, hit or flops don’t matter, they can afford ten failures. They are not there for survival. When an actor works with an A league flop film director he benefits from the association with the director and his craft.
Director Mahi says that people expect an unknown face (a debutant) to have a better chance than someone who has done a bad film. It might take a year or two to get back to the drawing board. If you invest a rupee and don’t get it back then definitely no one is going to come back. It is going to be hard to convince investors or audience to go watch your film.
So are producers justified in not giving a chance again? Most producers go by what your last film is. Mahi says, “There are people like Aamir Khan, who except for Raju Hirani, has never worked with big names before. He only goes by thumb rule to see what is good and worth on that given day.” People still fall for Ramgopal Verma because he is a master salesman. Despite the number of flops, he continues to pick themes that are intriguing and is good at pitching, creating and packaging. So people think he might pull off something some day.
