Does Mohit Suri Believe India Engages with Cinema Wholeheartedly?
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Synopsis
In a captivating interview, director Mohit Suri reveals how the Indian audience experiences cinema with their entire body. He emphasizes the importance of physical reactions in film appreciation, making a case for a unique approach to filmmaking that resonates deeply with viewers.
Key Takeaways
- Mohit Suri emphasizes the bodily experience of watching films.
- Indian audiences react physically to cinematic moments.
- ‘Saiyaara’ achieved significant commercial success.
- Filmmakers should consider audience reactions in their storytelling.
- This approach enhances the emotional engagement of films.
Mumbai, Nov 16 (NationPress) Director Mohit Suri, who created waves earlier this year with the blockbuster ‘Saiyaara’, reminisced about a key lesson imparted by his mentor.
In an interview with IANS during the celebration of ‘Saiyaara’'s success, he expressed that he believes the Indian audience experiences films with their whole body rather than just their intellect or emotions.
He stated to IANS, “As my mentor taught me, the Indian audience doesn't engage with films solely through the mind or the heart but through the body. When witnessing an exhilarating scene, applause erupts as a bodily response. A sensual moment can evoke excitement physically. While watching an emotional story, tears flow as a tangible reaction. When a hero dances, viewers often feel compelled to join in. The crowd's reactions—shouting, cheering—illustrate how India engages with cinema.”
He added, “This is a testament to our emotional nature as a people. We express our feelings physically, not just mentally or emotionally. Thus, for filmmakers, embracing this perspective is essential, as audiences resonate with it.”
Speaking of ‘Saiyaara’, the film had a phenomenal debut, raking in INR 21.5 crore in India. In contrast, ‘Son of Sardaar 2’, featuring Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur, opened with a lesser figure of INR 7.25 crore, as reported by industry tracker Sacnilk. The film had to alter its release date due to the storm created by ‘Saiyaara’ at the box office, yet it failed to capitalize on the late release.
‘Saiyaara’ has made an impact on this generation similar to what ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai’ did for millennials and ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ for Generation X with its fresh faces.
Point of View
I find Mohit Suri’s insights on audience engagement with cinema both intriguing and essential. It reflects a cultural perspective that underscores the importance of physical reactions in film. This approach not only enriches the cinematic experience but also challenges filmmakers to craft narratives that resonate with the audience's emotional core. Suri’s comments remind us that cinema is not just a visual medium but an immersive experience that involves the entire body.
NationPress
16/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mohit Suri say about how Indians watch films?
Mohit Suri stated that Indians engage with films through their entire body, not just their intellect or emotions, highlighting the importance of physical reactions.
How successful was ‘Saiyaara’ at the box office?
‘Saiyaara’ had a remarkable opening, generating INR 21.5 crore in India.
What is the significance of audience reactions in cinema according to Suri?
Suri emphasizes that audience reactions, such as clapping and dancing, are crucial as they reveal how deeply viewers connect with the film.
