The Buckingham Murders, starring Kareena Kapoor, hit theatres on September 13 and has been receiving positive reviews from critics. However, the film has experienced a slow start at the box office. In a recent interview with DNA, director Hansal Mehta spoke for the first time about the box office concerns and shared his views on the current state of the film industry.
Hansal Mehta on Box Office Numbers
When asked about the box office performance of The Buckingham Murders, Hansal Mehta expressed his discomfort with the emphasis on box office numbers. He stated, “I’ll be lying if I say I don’t get nervous. I can afford to take a break now. Earlier, I couldn’t, so I used to hide. Now, before the film is released, I leave and cut off. It allows you to move on, or you get stuck.”
Mehta also highlighted the industry’s shift towards focusing on weekend collections, calling it a “short game.” He added, “Unfortunately, we have made this a weekend game, whereas films, I believe, are for posterity. We don’t give it that time now. We reduce films to a number, and I find that very demeaning to the work that you have done.”
The Buckingham Murders Box Office Performance
According to Sacnilk.com, The Buckingham Murders has earned just over ₹6.5 crore nett in India as of its fifth day in theatres. Despite the film’s strong critical reception, it has faced challenges in drawing large audiences. On Day 5, the film earned ₹45 lakhs, bringing its total India net collection to ₹4.45 crore.
Kareena Kapoor’s Role and Production Debut
The Buckingham Murders features Kareena Kapoor in the role of Jasmeet Bhamra, a detective and mother coping with the loss of her child while investigating the murder of a 10-year-old in Buckinghamshire. The film, written by Aseem Arrora, Kashyap Kapoor, and Raghav Raj Kakker, marks Kareena’s debut as a producer under her banner, TBM Films. Produced in collaboration with Balaji Telefilms, Shobha Kapoor, and Ektaa Kapoor, the film is a dark, emotional crime drama.
Kareena has received praise for her nuanced performance, bringing both emotional depth and intensity to her role as a grieving mother and determined investigator.
Hansal Mehta on the Changing Industry
Hansal Mehta expressed concern about how the business model of films is often misunderstood, especially when evaluated solely based on box office numbers. He said, “People who have nothing to do with film and its investment become commentators and behave like stakeholders, without a holistic understanding of how films’ business model actually functions.”
Mehta’s comments reflect his desire to focus on the long-term impact of films, rather than reducing their success to opening weekend earnings. He emphasized that films need time to be appreciated and should not be dismissed based on early box office performance.
Conclusion: A Balanced View of Success
While The Buckingham Murders may not have had a record-breaking start at the box office, the film’s strong performances and thought-provoking story have earned it critical acclaim. Hansal Mehta’s perspective highlights the importance of viewing films as long-term cultural contributions, rather than short-term financial successes. As the film continues its theatrical run, audiences may discover its emotional depth and artistic value beyond the numbers.
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