Aamir Khan, the renowned Indian actor and filmmaker, has shared an intriguing insight into his approach to handling box office setbacks. In an interview with Variety India, Khan revealed a unique strategy that involves a deep analysis of the film's performance and a willingness to adapt. This is particularly evident in the case of his blockbuster film 'PK', where the second half underwent a significant transformation before its release.
Embracing Failure and Learning from It
Khan's philosophy towards film failure is one of acceptance and introspection. He believes that acknowledging a film's underperformance is crucial, stating, 'The first thing I do is I accept it. It's very important to accept what has happened. I feel when a film doesn't work, the bottom line is simple — that it didn't work.' This mindset allows him to approach each failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
The actor further elaborates on his method of dissecting failure, comparing it to solving a puzzle. He says, 'It's like solving a puzzle. You're trying to figure it out. Which is why one of the things I do with my directors very often is I discuss the film with them before the release. Did we end up making what we set out to make? How successful do we think we are before the release? And that's a very important discussion to have because then you're able to judge the film creatively.' This structured approach enables Khan to make informed decisions and learn from the process.
Rewriting the Second Half of 'PK'
One of the most fascinating revelations came when Khan discussed the making of 'PK' (2014). He and director Rajkumar Hirani noticed a thematic overlap between the original second half of 'PK' and 'OMG: Oh My God', a film released shortly before 'PK's' theatrical run. Despite the different plots, certain themes were eerily similar. Khan recalls, 'The plot was totally different, but some of the themes were similar. I remember Raju (Hirani) reacting and saying, 'Sometimes that happens, but we must change our second half.'
Consequently, the second half of 'PK' was rewritten to avoid this thematic overlap. Khan admits, 'So we changed the second half.' This decision was not without its challenges, as the actor and director were not entirely satisfied with the final product. He adds, 'Before the release, we were not totally happy with the film because the original second half was slightly different from what we have made. But this was the best we could have done. Luckily, the film worked, and it was a big success.'
Personal Insights and Future Endeavors
Khan's willingness to adapt and learn from setbacks is a testament to his dedication to his craft. His approach to film failure is a refreshing perspective in an industry where quick blame deflection is common. This method allows him to create films that resonate with audiences and maintain his reputation as a thoughtful and innovative filmmaker.
Looking ahead, Khan continues to explore new projects. He recently made a cameo in 'Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos' and has produced 'Lahore 1947', starring Sunny Deol. These endeavors showcase his commitment to storytelling and his ability to adapt and evolve as an artist.
