“Content is King – Audiences Will Return Only for Strong Stories,” says Sheetal Jain
(Entertainment / Film Industry)
Bengaluru: In a thought‑provoking discussion on Times Mahesha YouTube channel, renowned fashion photographer and creative consultant Sheetal Jain gave a bold assessment of why Kannada films are struggling at the box office despite huge investments.
“People are not coming to theatres because they don’t see good content,” Jain remarked, pointing out that the industry often relies on big stars or large budgets rather than powerful scripts.
He cited the cult film Thithi (2016) as a classic example of how a low‑budget, content‑driven film can succeed:
“Thithi had no star, no hype, yet people went back to watch it three times because it had authenticity and soul.”
Jain explained that audience habits have changed with the rise of OTT platforms:
“Today a viewer in Bengaluru can watch Korean or Malayalam films with subtitles at home. To bring them to theatres, we must offer something extraordinary.”
He also urged greater professionalism from actors and producers:
“An actor’s job doesn’t end with acting. Promotion and connection with audiences are crucial. Without that, even big‑budget films fail.”
The conversation addressed how streaming giants like Amazon and Netflix are hesitant about Kannada titles:
“If we keep delivering weak content, OTT platforms won’t invest, and production will decline.”
Despite the challenges, Jain expressed optimism:
“Like Malayalam cinema turned around from B‑grade content to world‑class films, Kannada cinema too can revive. It’s about genuine creative expression and strong scripts.”
He concluded with a powerful message:
“Audiences are democratic. If your film has true quality, they will watch it—no excuses.”
Industry veterans and fans are now calling for collaborative efforts among writers, directors, and producers to spark a new golden era for Kannada films.