Why is reaching Oscars benchmark for Indian films, asks Balki
Feb 03,2015
Mumbai, Feb 3 (IANS) Filmmaker R. Balakrishnan, popularly known as Balki, says the aim of Indian movies must be to entertain their audiences with good content, rather than constantly trying to vie for the Academy Awards.
Balki, acclaimed for directing movies like “Cheeni Kum” and “Paa”, was present at the Rotary Club of Bombay's WOW District Conference 2015, when he was asked whether he feels his next film “Shamitabh” could make the cut for Oscars.
To that, he said: "I firmly believe that the goal of a film is not whether it reaches the Oscars or not, because I don't think they (the jury at Oscars) understand a lot of things we do. I just believe that our films should be damn good for us.
"Why is our benchmark reaching the Oscars? Why isn't our benchmark that what we think is damn good.”
Citing the example of the 1977 film "Amar Akbar Anthony", he said: "There are fantastic movies ... can you imagine a film that entertained us phenomenally, which is like say 'Amar Akbar Anthony'. I mean why shouldn't it reach the Oscars?
"I would rather not have one Oscar, and instead have five 'Amar Akbar Anthony' movies."
Balki, who has also been part of the ad world, says he's often asked where India stands according to world standards.
His answer is: "We are far away from the world standard. The world cannot understand us. The Oscars need to understand us, we don't have to try to make it to the Oscars."
Balki's next film is “Shamitabh” which is set to hit the screens Friday. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush and debutante Akshara Haasan in lead roles.
Top Stories
Mushtaq Khan Death: Rajpal Yadav Reveals What Happened During Their Final Meeting
Sep 25,2026
Recently, news emerged from Bollywood that left fans heartbroken. Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan—famous for delivering the iconic dialogue "Meri ek taang nakli hai, main hockey ka bahut bada khiladi tha..." (I have a prosthetic leg; I used to be a great hockey player...) in the Nana Pa
'Udta Teer' Trailer Out: Ayushmann Khurrana’s quirky spy comedy with Sara Ali Khan features an India-Pakistan twist.
Sep 23,2026
The trailer of Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan's upcoming spy comedy Udta Teer is out. Ayushmann plays Bilal, a Pakistani spy who lands in India on a covert mission but loses his memory after an accident, leading to a bizarre case of mistaken identity.There has been considerable buzz
Govinda-Rani Swarnkar Relationship: Actor Visits Lalbaugcha Raja Without Sunita, Here’s What He Has Said
Sep 23,2026
Govinda and Komal Rani Swarnkar were spotted together at Mumbai's iconic Lalbaugcha Raja on Tuesday night, September 22, where the actor sought blessings and participated in the final aarti. Their appearance comes amid ongoing speculation about Govinda's equation with his Roopa co-star a
Parineeti Chopra Reacts to Katrina Kaif’s Weight Trolling: “Why View It Negatively?”
Sep 22,2026
Parineeti Chopra has come out in support of Katrina Kaif after the actress faced online trolling over her appearance following the birth of her son. Calling the criticism “uneducated and bizarre,” Parineeti questioned why physical changes experienced by women after childbirth a
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Sanjay Dutt, Ananya Panday, Sunny Leone Seek Blessings at Lalbaugcha Raja
Sep 22,2026
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai have once again brought Bollywood celebrities to the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. Several stars have visited the revered Ganpati idol during the ongoing festivities to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.Among the celebrities assoc
Salman Khan Viral Video: Bhaijaan Stops After Child Is Pushed, Scolds Driver Over Fan’s Foot
Sep 18,2026
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s appearances during Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have once again attracted significant attention online. From visiting the Ambani family’s residence and celebrating with his family to seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessing
King vs. Avengers: Doomsday – Shah Rukh Khan says "The father will come first," anticipating a Christmas box office clash.
Sep 15,2026
Shah Rukh Khan has once again shown why he is known as Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’. During his latest #AskSRK session on X, the superstar gave a witty response when a fan asked him about the much-discussed box-office clash between his upcoming film King and Marvel Studios&rsq
Salman Khan’s Ganesh Chaturthi Look Goes Viral: Tilak and Angavastram Steal the Show
Sep 15,2026
Salman Khan's appearance at the Ambani family's Ganesh Chaturthi celebration has become a talking point on social media. A video showing the Bollywood superstar offering prayers to Lord Ganpati at Antilia has gone viral, with fans praising his traditional festive appearance and the momen
Entertainment News
King vs. Avengers: Doomsday
Sep 15,2026
Salman Khan’s Ganesh Chaturt
Sep 15,2026
Shatrughan Sinha on Sonakshi S
Aug 18,2026
Emraan Hashmi’s Iconic Heart
Aug 18,2026
Batwara 1947 Review: Sunny Deo
Aug 14,2026