Highly expensive Oscar campaigns means ‘free’

It is believed that the Oscar campaign by the ‘RRR’ team cost a whopping Rs 50 Cr. In the end, the movie didn’t receive any major nominations. Apparently, they hoped that the film would receive a Best Picture nom. But, eventually, what the film got was a Best Original Song nom. 

After spending Rs 50 Cr, the core team of ‘RRR’ did get their due in terms of popularity, visibility in the media, and a place in the history of Indian cinema. SS Rajamouli and MM Keeravani have benefited the most in terms of goodwill among the audience. 

Others, too, have got their due. Lyricist Chandrabose is one of them. He turned emotional upon ‘Naatu Naatu’ bagging the Golden Globe Award recently. And if the song receives an Oscar award in March, Chandrabose’s name will appear in both national and international media stories. For the celebrated lyricist, the visibility and traction have come without him having to incur financial costs. He must be thanking the day when he got the call from Keeravani. None of the top-most talents associated with the film might have imagined, even in their wildest dreams, that ‘Naatu Naatu’ would acquire international fame. Had they known it, their choices of the lyricist, singers (read Rahul Sipligunj) might have been different. 

In other words, popularity and recognition cost a bomb for some. On the other hand, it comes for free for others. 

Actors/technicians who get associated with pan-India films that seek international recognition stand to benefit immensely in the future. If a film is promoted in Russia or Japan or some other country, imagine the traction the lead actors of the film get when they promote their movie in other countries. Due to the networking, they might as well bag international projects. Recently, Jr NTR got to meet with a Marvel executive. This wouldn’t have been possible without the Oscar campaign of ‘RRR’. 

An actress who might promote a future pan-India movie in the West might similarly get to meet with some big production house. She might eventually become a crossover star like Priyanka Chopra. For Indian cinema, the sky’s the limit now!