HT Exclusive: Vinod Kapri on almost quitting filmmaking after Pyre's OTT rejection, ₹7,000 bank balance and losing 70% shows after Ramayana release
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National Award-winning filmmaker Vinod Kapri says that getting Pyre to theatres was a struggle that nearly made him quit filmmaking. Despite winning awards at international movie festivals, the movie failed to find takers among streaming platforms and faced hurdles in securing a theatrical rollout. Now, with audiences responding warmly to the movie, he hopes strong word of mouth will help it reach more screens. Set in Uttarakhand's Kumaon region, Pyre follows an elderly couple whose children have moved away in search of better opportunities, leaving them to face old age and loneliness together. The movie stars 80-year-old Padam Singh Kapri, a retired Indian Army serviceman, and 70-year-old Heera Devi, both making their acting debuts. Padam plays a character named after himself, while Heera portrays Tulsi.
Adding to this, National Award-winning filmmaker Vinod Kapri says that getting Pyre to theatres was a struggle that nearly made him quit filmmaking. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Vinod spoke about the challenges of bringing the movie to theatres, the loss of shows following the arrival of a major rollout and the audience response that has renewed his faith in filmmaking. He also recalled announcing his retirement after receiving an award in Toronto.
Meanwhile, Despite the movie's recognition at international festivals, finding a rollout platform proved to be a major challenge. Vinod shared he approached several OTT platforms, but none showed interest in acquiring the movie. “There are many better films than Pyre which are not rolled out yet, which are still yet to see light of the day. There are many better films than Pyre and I know these films,” he shared, pointing to the number of independent films that struggle to reach audiences despite their quality.
Notably, The experience left him physically, mentally and financially drained. Recalling how he had reached a breaking point, Vinod shared, “I was so so depressed and so mentally, physically, financially exhausted that I revealed my retirement from that stage after receiving the award from Deepa Meta. I shared I'm done with filmmaking. I'm not going to make any movie after this because I'm completely drained out after making this movie.”
As per the latest buzz, View this post on Instagram He credited his executive producer Arindra Rai Chaudhuri, who also came on board as a producer, for encouraging him not to lose hope. Arindra eventually connected him with London-based businessman Suresh Joshi, who watched the movie and believed it deserved a theatrical rollout. But by then, Vinod had very little left to spend on the movie. “My company bank account is only 7,000 rupees and I don't have a single penny to spend on this movie anymore I don't have any energy I don't even have a money,” he recalled.
In further updates, Suresh offered to put money into the rollout, allowing the movie to reach cinemas. Vinod shared he remains grateful to both for stepping in when he had almost given up on the project. Looking back, he feels the rejection from streaming platforms may have worked in the movie's favour. “It is a blessing in disguise that OTT rejected this movie otherwise this movie could not have get this kind of love and recognition the movie is getting right now,” he shared.
On top of that, While the movie has started finding its audience, its theatrical run has not been without hurdles. Vinod shared Pyre began with a limited rollout of around 80 screens, with the number of shows increasing as more people started watching it. “So we started with 80 screens on day one, 80 plus something, and by day five, it went up to 400 shows all over India,” he shared.
He also shared how the movie's opening collections grew over its first three days. “Day one we just opened with 8 lakh. Our opening was just 8 lakh rupees and on day two it went up to 27 lakhs and on day three it went up to 70,” he shared.
Source: Hindustan Times