Bollywood’s Idea Of Guest Appearances Is Flawed, It’s Nothing But A Marketing Gimmick!

Are we aware that one of the most vital aspects of conveying a detailed story on screen is characterization? If you’ve ever found yourself being strangely in love with a movie character, it probably was well sketched. Cinema is made with a subtle comprehension of an idea, story and characterization. But does Bollywood really give a damn about this essential tool of story-telling? Doubtful!

While cinema is about transporting viewers to a different world, Bollywood sadly has to check mark successful formulas to make money. ‘Guest appearances’ in commercial movies is a big example of how not to convey an honest story.  While last year’s Dangal absorbed every viewer in its mesmerizing narration to the last beat, we don’t remember any star marking a guest appearance through the film, do we?

Do we need an assembly of stars stuffed in a movie to get us enticed or an honest narration would do better?

We can almost see the crowds already going berserk witnessing the long awaited on screen reunion of Shah Rukh & Salman in Tubelight. As a viewer, should we be subjected to stars appeasement or quality cinematic substance? We’d pick the latter any day! Shah Rukh Khan’s guest appearance in the movie doesn’t really accomplish anything other than drawing a huge section of fans to theaters as a marketing move.

Let’s admit this straight – stars making guest appearances only hamper a film’s narration and become a big distraction in the flow of things. Here’s what a starry guest appearances aims at achieving:

Garner enough mileage around a film and create an excellent pre-release buzz

Get fan clubs together to unite audiences to not have an anti-sentiment towards the film

Increase the overall appeal of the film to cash in on box office numbers

It’s time Bollywood filmmakers start looking for better characterization rather than looking for an easy way out through guest appearances.

What did SRK really accomplish by getting the mighty Rajinikanth make a special appearance in his superhero outing Ra.One? Nothing but make a few crores extra from Southern market. Smart marketing movie, plain & simple!

Cinema is a lovely mode of entertainment, let’s keep it honest!