Rohit Shetty Discusses Challenges Behind ‘Circus’ and the Pandemic Era: A Candid Insight
by Gungun Jain
Renowned Bollywood director Rohit Shetty, celebrated for his string of blockbuster films, is currently making headlines with his recently released series ‘Indian Police Force.’ While the series has garnered a mixed response from the audience, Shetty opens up about the challenges faced during the production of his 2022 comedy ‘Circus’ featuring Ranveer Singh.
Pandemic Production Woes: A Candid Revelation
In a recent interview, Shetty delves into the setbacks faced by ‘Circus’ and attributes its underwhelming performance to its production during the Covid-19 pandemic. Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the pandemic, Shetty remarks, “These were made during the pandemic when things were changing. Today, if I have to make that subject, I will not touch it and will think before making a film on this subject.”
Keeping the Wheels Turning: A Unique Motive
Shetty sheds light on the unconventional motive behind the creation of ‘Circus.’ With the industry grappling with pandemic-induced challenges and his team sitting idle, Shetty explains, “So what should we do? The workers were sitting at home, and we had this script for the longest time. I thought, ‘Let’s make it. The workers will be busy, and we will also be busy. This is a studio-based film, with no flying cars, no action, no impressive entry.'”
Pandemic-Era Experiment: A Lesson Learned
While the film, inspired by William Shakespeare’s ‘Comedy of Errors,’ starred Ranveer Singh, Varun Sharma, Pooja Hegde, and Jacqueline Fernandez, it failed to make a mark at the box office. Shetty’s retrospective perspective on ‘Circus’ reflects a pragmatic approach to filmmaking amid unprecedented challenges.
Digital Foray with ‘Indian Police Force’
Shetty, known for his grandeur in cinematic offerings, has recently ventured into the digital space with ‘Indian Police Force.’ Co-directing and producing the action-packed web series, Shetty brings Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty, and Vivek Oberoi to the forefront. The series has received positive reviews, marking Shetty’s successful foray into the digital realm.
As Rohit Shetty navigates the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking, ‘Circus’ serves as a testament to the industry’s resilience during turbulent times.