Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has always been known for his unique storytelling and strong vision, but even he couldn’t escape the harsh realities of the film industry. His recent project, I Want To Talk, which stars Abhishek Bachchan, received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. However, despite this, the film failed to make a significant impact at the box office.
In an honest conversation with NDTV, Sircar reflected on how the film’s poor box office performance affected him. He admitted that he felt “completely disoriented” after seeing the numbers. “It disturbs you,” Sircar shared, acknowledging the emotional toll that comes with such a situation. Even though the film had a good response initially, the audience’s reluctance to show up at theaters left him puzzled.
“I want to make films as long as I can make them on my terms and with the vision I have,” Sircar said. “But sometimes, it disturbs you. I was completely disoriented because I did not know what exactly did or did not work in terms of audiences going to the theatre.”
Sircar also revealed that, after the box office disappointment, the film was released on OTT, where it found a fresh audience. The director said he noticed a positive reaction online, even though he couldn’t explain why it didn’t perform well in theaters. “The film is also on OTT now, and I see a lot of people reacting to it. It is very difficult for me to explain,” he added.
The film, set in the US, has a storyline that is far from niche, according to Sircar. He believed that its international appeal should have worked in its favor. The film’s title is in English, and it deals with subjects that many people, especially those who enjoy international content, could relate to. “I never thought my film was in that niche category,” he said, highlighting that I Want To Talk is layered with multiple themes that transcend a single audience.
Despite the disappointment at the box office, Sircar did receive encouragement from a prominent figure in the industry—Amitabh Bachchan. The legendary actor watched the film and praised it. Sircar mentioned that Bachchan was happy with how the film turned out, which brought him some comfort during a tough period.
Although it’s easy to get caught up in box office numbers, Sircar emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s vision. He pointed out that he has always been drawn to stories that resonate with him, even if they don’t necessarily guarantee massive commercial success. For Sircar, making a film that feels authentic is the real achievement.
The failure of I Want To Talk shows just how unpredictable the film industry can be. Despite good reviews and strong content, there’s always a chance that a movie might not connect with a wide enough audience. While I Want To Talk may not have made waves at the box office, its availability on OTT means more viewers will have the chance to experience it on their own terms.
Sircar’s candid admission of how deeply the failure affected him highlights the emotional investment filmmakers pour into their work. But as the film finds new life online, it may be a reminder that not all success is measured by opening weekend numbers. For Shoojit Sircar, it’s about making films that matter, regardless of how they perform at the box office
