Onir offers shares of his film to the audience
In one of the most unique offers laid out by a filmmaker, Onir has extended a chance for audiences to be shareholders for his short story Abhimanyu which would form a part of the 'five-short-stories-in-one-movie' that he is beginning to shoot soon.
Though there have been a few promotional offers in the past ('Sit through the film alone and you could get five lakhs', 'Get your money back if you don't like the film' etc. etc.), the concept of audiences being shareholders is something new in Bollywood parlance. Though in West, some independent filmmakers have laid out such plans while accumulating funds for their films, it is the first ever by a known filmmaker in Bollywood.
"Yes, this is a new concept in India but I think it will catch up soon considering the advent of independent filmmakers. I look forward to individuals, corporate houses and NGOs who believe in the importance of Abhimanyu and have trust in our intentions to come out and support our endeavour by contributing to it in terms of monetary help. Abhimanyu is the story of a child abuse survivor and I am aiming at collecting Rs.30 lakhs to make this film happen", says Onir who has taken a step forward in bringing forth important issues that have not been addressed in Indian mainstream cinema.
This
is
how
the
contribution
will
pay
dividends
for
those
who
invest
in
the
film/contribute
to
it:
#
Rs.5000
to
Rs.25,
000
will
be
regarded
with
contributor's
name
in
the
end
credit
roll.
#
Rs.25000
to
Rs.100,000
will
be
returned
at
the
time
of
the
release
of
the
film
and
with
acknowledgement
in
the
end
credits.
#
Rs.100,000
to
Rs.15,
00,000
will
get
credits
in
the
beginning
titles
of
the
film
and
proportionate
share
in
the
profits
Onir is mighty excited about beginning to shoot for the film ASAP and is already targeting June for the first schedule to begin.
"My research tells me that in India, everyone out of five girl child and every one out of ten boys faces some form of abuse. But the society and law at large is not still vocal enough and addressing the issue. Most incidents of the crime do not get reported, hence leaving behind a traumatized and mute innocence to suffer. The heinous crime not only jeopardizes the presence of a child but also disturbs the entire growth process of an individual," says Onir in a hurt tone.
"My idea is to make available each film for educational / awareness purposes and at the same time be put together and released as a single film. At the end of the day, it is important for the normal cinema going audience to see this film. You never know, tomorrow Abhimanyu could be your own child," concludes Onir.