Jio Studios Head Jyoti Deshpande has acknowledged that greenlighting Aditya Dhar's spy thriller 'Dhurandhar' was a gamble, given its unconventional chaptered narrative structure, massive runtime, and sensitive subject matter of India-Pakistan relations. However, the studio's decision paid off as the film shattered box office records, becoming the fourth Hindi film to cross ₹1,000 crore at the domestic level without releasing in the Gulf, dubbed versions in other languages, or facing restrictions in Pakistan.
Deshpande attributes 'Dhurandhar''s success to its ability to become part of pop culture, with people discussing it at dinner tables and in WhatsApp chats. The film's cultural penetration was rapid, with audiences making it their own without traditional marketing. This phenomenon is attributed to OTT platforms altering audience behavior, as they have taught viewers that stories are often released on streaming services within a few weeks.
The Jio Studios President emphasizes the importance of a studio committing to content over casting decisions driven by star power. She cites recent releases like 'Stree 2', which became the highest-grosser before 'Dhurandhar' surpassed it, and 'Laapataa Ladies', which earned critical acclaim and represented India at the Oscars.
Deshpande highlights the changing economics of cinema, where massive tentpole event films or direct-to-streaming content dominate the market. She believes that Jio Studios is taking steps to adapt by focusing on quality storytelling and expanding beyond traditional Bollywood marquee names.
As for 'Durharndar 2', the sequel's five-language strategy will be crucial in its commercial success. Deshpande hopes to replicate the model of committing to multi-part franchises upfront, similar to what Jio Studios achieved with 'Dhurandhar'.
The studio has also made significant strides in changing audience expectations, shifting away from "average hits" and towards more polarized results. This approach is exemplified by recent releases like 'Lost Ladies' and 'Article 370', which showcased the studio's commitment to telling responsible stories.
Overall, Jio Studios Head Jyoti Deshpande acknowledges that taking risks can lead to significant rewards in the highly competitive Indian film industry.
Deshpande attributes 'Dhurandhar''s success to its ability to become part of pop culture, with people discussing it at dinner tables and in WhatsApp chats. The film's cultural penetration was rapid, with audiences making it their own without traditional marketing. This phenomenon is attributed to OTT platforms altering audience behavior, as they have taught viewers that stories are often released on streaming services within a few weeks.
The Jio Studios President emphasizes the importance of a studio committing to content over casting decisions driven by star power. She cites recent releases like 'Stree 2', which became the highest-grosser before 'Dhurandhar' surpassed it, and 'Laapataa Ladies', which earned critical acclaim and represented India at the Oscars.
Deshpande highlights the changing economics of cinema, where massive tentpole event films or direct-to-streaming content dominate the market. She believes that Jio Studios is taking steps to adapt by focusing on quality storytelling and expanding beyond traditional Bollywood marquee names.
As for 'Durharndar 2', the sequel's five-language strategy will be crucial in its commercial success. Deshpande hopes to replicate the model of committing to multi-part franchises upfront, similar to what Jio Studios achieved with 'Dhurandhar'.
The studio has also made significant strides in changing audience expectations, shifting away from "average hits" and towards more polarized results. This approach is exemplified by recent releases like 'Lost Ladies' and 'Article 370', which showcased the studio's commitment to telling responsible stories.
Overall, Jio Studios Head Jyoti Deshpande acknowledges that taking risks can lead to significant rewards in the highly competitive Indian film industry.
I mean, can you believe it? The studio really took a chance on 'Dhurandhar' and it totally paid off! 
It's crazy how this movie became part of pop culture so quickly, with people talking about it everywhere 
. And Jyoti Deshpande is absolutely right, it's all about telling stories that resonate with the audience, not just because some big star is attached to them 
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. It's like, we want movies that challenge us, make us think, you know? And it's not just about making money, it's about leaving a mark on the industry 
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That's like, super smart business, if you ask me. And it's awesome that Jio Studios is taking risks and investing in their own content, rather than just playing it safe all the time 
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i love how jyoti deshpande is focusing on quality over the usual star power stuff 
like they're trying to make a change and not just churn out average hits all the time 
we need more of this kind of storytelling in india 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a spy thriller that's actually smart and not just mindless action? 
The fact that it became part of pop culture so fast is crazy - now people are talking about it at dinner tables and on WhatsApp like it's the next big thing 
. I think OTT platforms have played a huge role in changing how we consume movies, and Jio Studios is definitely cashing in on that trend 
. No more just churning out "average hits" and hoping for the best, now it's all about creating content that resonates with people on some level 
. Bring on the responsible storytelling and the polarized results - I'm here for it! 
I think its crazy how Dhurandhar just shattered all these box office records, like who knew a spy thriller could be so hyped up without even having some big star attached? The fact that it became part of pop culture and people are still talking about it is wild, right? It's like the film just took on a life of its own. I also love how Jyoti Deshpande is all about focusing on quality storytelling and not just chasing after superstars for the sake of box office numbers. Its like she gets it that the industry is changing and we need more content that resonates with people. 
The OTT platforms have definitely changed the game, and its awesome to see Jio Studios adapting to that shift. Can't wait to see what they do next! 
what's up with OTT platforms anyway? are they like changing how we consume media or something? 
anyway, hope durharndhar 2 does just as well without relying on gimmicks like multi-language releases 
. The studio's focus on quality storytelling over just big-name stars is a breath of fresh air 
. It's not just about breaking box office records, its about leaving a mark on pop culture 
. And yeah, OTT platforms have changed the game, making us expect our favorite shows and movies to drop ASAP 
. I'm excited to see what 'Durharndar 2' brings... but only if they keep pushing boundaries 
. It's just another blockbuster cash-grab, but hey, who doesn't love watching overhyped spy thrillers that make all the money 
. We all know that's just code for "we're gonna waste our money on some trendy new writer or director who thinks they're above the usual Bollywood fare 
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. I mean 'Dhurandhar' would've never been a hit if it was released 5 years ago but because of that streaming thingy, it just became part of our pop culture 
. And now they're already talking about the sequel, five languages and all that jazz...let's see how it plays out 
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. I'm curious to see what the future holds for them... bring it on! 
. Its also great to see them expanding their strategy beyond traditional Bollywood marquee names, trying out new languages and formats to reach a wider audience 
. And I'm loving the idea of committing to multi-part franchises upfront, its like they're saying "we got this" 
. It's like the OTT platforms have changed the way we consume stories now, where they're not just passive viewers but active participants 
