“We’ve had a bad year and you’re turning your back on us”

Bollywood has faced calls for a boycott on social media since cinemas reopened after the pandemic. Although the film industry is struggling to make a mark while the South industry is booming at the box office this year, it has given several hits in the form of Sooryavanshi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and others. Responding to the growing boycott culture, Cirkus director Rohit Shetty strongly defended Bollywood amid the negativity. Also Read – Cirkus: Rohit Shetty recalls how everyone forced him to release Sooryavanshi on OTT, but here’s why he REFUSED [Exclusive]

When the director was asked about the industry’s unfavorable year compared to regional cinema, Rohit said that Bollywood had a bad year and people started turning their backs on them. Also Read – Avatar 2 The Way Of Water Vs Cirkus Box Office Prediction: Ranveer Singh’s film sees slow advance booking but expected to do better than Bhediya

“Sooryavanshi was released and earlier this year films like The Kashmir Files and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 performed well. Drishyam 2 has done well recently. It’s not like our films don’t work. Gangubai Kathiawadi has done really well,” he said. “Ek saal kharab gaya aur aap palti maar rahe ho (We had a bad year and you are turning your back on us)?” Rohit told Lalantop during a session. Also Read – Avatar Waterway Day 1 Box Office Collection: James Cameron’s film earns Rs 40 crore in India; fails to beat Avengers Endgame’s record

The director also listed the blockbusters that Bollywood has given over the decades. To prove his point, he pointed to films like Sholay, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Munnabhai MBBS, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Hera Pheri, his own Singham, Golmaal and Sooryavanshi.

Rohit’s passionate defense had the audience cheering for him, including his Cirkus lead Ranveer Singh. He made a closing statement to sum up his point as he addressed the anchor, saying, “Don’t worry, ma’am, but the rats are the first to jump over the ship when it goes down.” The entire hall erupted at his response and the audience began to chant his name to show his support.

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s upcoming film Pathaan is the latest to face boycott calls amid the controversy surrounding the saffron bikini in the song Besharam Rang. Earlier, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt starrer Brahmastra, Taapsee Pannu’s Dobaaraa, Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha and many other films dealt with social media trolls calling for a boycott.

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