Boycott Aamir Khan's Next Film: A Divisive Debate

The question of whether to boycott Aamir Khan's next film has sparked a heated debate online. Some view it as an imitation of a classic, while others see it as a legitimate artistic expression. Let us delve into the nuances of this topic.

The Case for Boycotting

For those advocating for a boycott, the primary argument is that the proposed film is an uncritical imitation of a beloved classic. As one astute observer explained, 'I have no interest in this imitation as it is not a limited choice that I can boycott. It is simply something I will ignore.' The reasons for this stance are decidedly not political. 'I simply love the original and consider it a classic, like Forrest Gump, where my life has been random and inexplicable yet overall positive. So I do not want this moronic looking imitation to spoil something as good as the original.'

The Case for Appreciation

Supporters of the film argue that Aamir Khan is a talented actor who plays diverse roles. They highlight his versatility, mentioning his roles in films like Parrsh and Dharma Sankat. Critics of the actual movie, however, disagree, suggesting that the on-screen portrayal often differs from their expectations. One such critic argues that 'no religion is bigger than the nation. If you want to be respected by others, then give respect to others.' This viewpoint challenges the idea that the film presents a clear divide between the original and the imitation.

Factors Influencing Theaters' Performance

The performance of theaters and the decision to watch a film is not solely influenced by boycott trends. According to some insights, people are not necessarily shunning a movie because of a boycott. Rather, several other factors are at play:

The story may not be compelling enough to attract an audience. The prevalence of high-quality content on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms is making it easier for people to watch movies from the comfort of their homes. After the pandemic, people have developed a habit of watching movies from home, reducing the number of theatergoers. A lack of promotional campaigns can also lead to lower box office collections.

Several recent movies, despite being good in content, have failed to perform well at the box office. Examples include:

Jersey (Starring Shahid Kapoor) Sardar Udham (Starring Vicky Kaushal) Rakshabandhan Jugjugjiyo Dhakad (Starring Kangana Ranaut)

However, Pushpa and KGF have performed exceptionally well, primarily due to robust promotional strategies and broad appeal.

Personal Reflections on Boycotting

For individuals who decide against watching the film, the reasoning is often straightforward. One person, for instance, stated, 'I have already seen Forrest Gump, and I have no interest in watching the same story again.' While the decision to boycott is personal, the attitude towards such actions is also significant. 'I will not boycott it because I am not an idiotic juvenile behind a screen hating on everything and everyone to feel fake power over something,' another person argued.

Furthermore, this perspective suggests that parents should promote responsible behavior in their children. 'If I ever have a child who is on social media boycotting random things, then he/she will get some good ass whooping from me big time. I can tolerate a serial killer as a child but not a social media idiotic boycotter.' This viewpoint highlights the importance of teaching children to engage in constructive criticism and embrace diversity in entertainment without resorting to destructive actions.