What's The Point?

By Anant Mathur (November 28, 2011)

At the end of some films viewers are often left scratching their heads, wondering what was the point of making this particular film? When making a film, it's extremely important for filmmakers to get to the point by the time the film comes to the end. Every film, regardless of how predictable it is, must have a point - the reason why the film was made. Sadly, most films today are not only predictable but the real downer is that they make no point - there's no reason for them to exist, and thus they're not worth watching again.

Take films like Pyaasa, Chupke Chupke, Gol Maal, Sholay or Padosan - these are classics and can be watched over and over - why? Because they have a point, in Sholay good eventually triumphs over evil. In Padosan, boy gets girl and how. Parimal is able to fool his Jija ji in Chupke Chupke. In Pyaasa, Vijay dreams of getting his poems published but has to pay a stiff price in order to get his wish. Ramprasad will go to any lengths to keep his well paying job in Gol Maal.

In more recent times films like 3 Idiots, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Munna Bhai MBBS, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Ready and Lagaan are films that make a point and entertain at the same time. In the case of 3 Idiots the film makes several points. In DDLJ love triumphs above all. Munna teaches everyone that there's more to being a doctor than writing prescriptions in Munna Bhai MBBS. K3G is all about loving your parents. In Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, true love is so powerful no one can destroy it. Love conquers all in Ready. Lagaan takes us on a historical journey through our favourite sport.

Don't get me wrong making is a point will not turn a film into a hit by any means, a film also needs chemistry between the cast, a great story, powerful dialogues, enjoyable music and above all, luck. But along with all these thing, successful films also make a point or in rare cases several points...

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