The opening day of Selfie, a much-anticipated movie, was a major disappointment. Despite high expectations, the film's initial numbers were alarmingly low, raising concerns in the industry. Here are a few reasons behind this failure.
The Problem with Selfie's Concept
Selfie was never expected to gain traction with a larger audience due to its unnatural and parody-like nature. The trailer gave a glimpse into the protagonist's portrayal of a movie hero, highlighting the songs and action but not emphasizing their relevance to the story. As a result, the movie failed to connect with a mass audience, leading to its downfall.
The Star Factor
The only reason some viewers may have given Selfie a chance was due to the presence of Akshay Kumar, a popular Bollywood actor. However, when a film fails to showcase a star's potential, their value diminishes. The numbers were shocking for an Akshay Kumar starrer, and it is unlikely that any of his films have received such a poor response since he became a star in 1994, excluding long-delayed films that had a formal release.
The Importance of Mass Appeal
It is a fact that when a subject is not worthy of a star, their presence alone does not guarantee success at the box office. This is especially true for bigger stars like Akshay Kumar. For films with stars, mass appeal is essential. The failure of Selfie is a stark reminder of this fact.
The Digital vs. Theatrical Dilemma
The movie should have been released directly into digital, but due to the downturn in streaming revenue, a theatrical release was considered profitable. It is possible that a better title and some good tunes might have boosted the film, but with such a low opening, it is unlikely to have made a significant difference.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The only thing that could have saved Selfie from its failure is if the film had been made and released before the pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak significantly affected the film industry, and Selfie was not an exception. The pandemic led to the closure of cinemas, and the film's release was delayed, ultimately contributing to its downfall.
In conclusion, the failure of Selfie is a lesson in film marketing. The movie's concept was not appealing to a mass audience, and its star power was not enough to save it. Additionally, the impact of the pandemic cannot be ignored, as it significantly affected the film industry. In the end, the success or failure of a film depends on a combination of factors, including its concept, star power, and timing of release.
