The Business of Cinema: Why Box Office Success Isn't Everything-Big Journeys by Kavishala
The success of a film isn't determined solely by its box office numbers. Actor Anup Soni believes that every project has its own economics, audience, and purpose. A blockbuster featuring a superstar and an independent film with a lesser-known cast operate under completely different business models, making direct comparisons unfair.
Casting decisions, budgets, and storytelling all influence a film's financial strategy. A commercially successful movie may earn hundreds of crores, while a smaller film can still be considered a success if it reaches its intended audience and recovers its investment. According to Anup Soni, filmmakers first evaluate a project's viability before deciding which actors best fit the story.
He also points out that audience preferences continue to evolve. Television, theatres, and OTT platforms are not competing to replace one another—they simply serve different viewing experiences. Great storytelling always finds an audience, regardless of the platform.
Ultimately, cinema is both an art and a business. While revenue matters, meaningful stories, memorable performances, and emotional connections are what give films lasting value. A movie's true success isn't always measured by opening weekend collections—it's measured by the impact it leaves on viewers.
For the whole conversation with Anup Soni, check out
