Touted as one of the most successful films of 2018, Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer Andhadhun did very well critically as well as commercially. Producer Sanjay Routray of Matchbox Films, and Andhadhun’s director, Sriram Raghavan, couldn’t be happier with the film’s success. We talk to them about the film’s reception, increasing demand for content-driven films, and their future plans.
Were you surprised with how well the film was received by the audiences?
Sriram: Andhadhun has achieved the unique feat of running in cinemas for more than 75 days. In fact, its release on digital mediums and TV happened while the film was still in theatres, which is very uncommon. I am happy and humbled by the overwhelming love from audiences. The film ran for 75 days in places such as Chennai and Bengaluru. People used to tweet and entreat their friends to watch it in the hall. It’s sheer word of mouth that has made the film work so well. I used to get texts about how there was spontaneous clapping at the end of the film and so on. The film works best as a collective cinema experience.
Sanjay: Andhadhun’s commercial and critical success is a wonderful beginning for me and Matchbox. I was the executive producer of Johnny Gaddaar (2007) and since then, Sriram has often shared script ideas with me for feedback. In 2015, I decided to start my independent production house and I was very sure that I wanted Sriram to make a film for us. I think he’s a fantastic director, and any movie he makes is of a certain standard. I was very confident about his vision as a director. Working with Sriram is challenging and you have to live up to the challenge – he works tirelessly, with a lot of rigour and expects everyone involved to bring their A game to the film.
There are many theories to the open ended climax of the film. Was this a calculated risk that you decided to take?
Sriram: It was a calculated risk. The open end was the only end that worked. Anything else would have reduced the film. The ending a viewer chooses to believe, reveals a lot about him or her. I, too, am thrilled that the ambitious ending became a point of discussion and debate.
Do you think the success of Andhadhun will encourage more producers to come forward and invest their money in niche projects?
Sanjay: We certainly hope so. I personally plan to back strong stories and directors, who want to tell those stories with a spin of their own. It’s really not about big or small, the important thing is to find a connect. Content-driven films are finding audiences and it’s a good time at the movies for us. Sanjay: We are grateful that all the hard work that went into Andhadhun has resulted in success. For 2019, like I said, the plan is to back strong stories and definitely make more films that Matchbox can be proud of.
What are your plans for 2019 as a production house?