Anupam Kher: People in smaller towns have dreams; those in metros, targets

Actor Anupam Kher feels viewers want more realistic stories, and more films are getting shot in smaller towns because of that reason.

Actor Anupam Kher feels connectivity is the reason why many filmmakers are not averse to shooting films in smaller towns. The 62-year-old actor feels another reason why films shot in smaller towns are doing well at the box office is that viewers can relate to such stories.

Actor Anupam Kher has been seen in two films set in Ranchi — Ranchi Diaries and M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (Photo: Amal KS/HT Photo)

“I feel connectivity has made us connect to the heart of India. I believe, personally, that people living in smaller towns have dreams, and people living in big cities have targets. So when you showcase someone from a smaller town with a dream, the audience can relate to them more,” says Kher.

2017 saw a number of Bollywood films such as Lucknow Central and Bhoomi, which were shot in non-metro cities such as Lucknow and Agra. “One way to attract more audiences is to make a big budget blockbuster with mega stars. But times have changed now,” he says.

“The audience is more educated today, and wants to connect with films better, and to identify themselves with the character. In smaller towns, stories are more real, and that’s what most people are interested in,” adds Kher.

The actor shot in Ranchi for both M.S. Dhoni: An Untold Story (2016) and Ranchi Diaries . “People in metros are worried about filing income tax, but people in smaller towns are happy if they have a cup of tea at a dhaba. That’s what people can connect to and there are some great inspirational stories from smaller towns. Look at the many sportsmen and sportswomen who have made the country proud,” he says.

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