YRF to slow down on fresh talent

Back in 2011, Yash Raj Films announced a new film studio, Y-Films, with an aim to concentrate on introducing fresh talent and making small budget films. But none of the films have created a big buzz at the box office. YRF may now go slow on making small budget and experimental films under the Y-Films banner.

Back in 2011, Yash Raj Films (YRF) announced a new film studio, Y-Films, with an aim to concentrate on introducing fresh talent and making small budget films. Ever since, the production company has produced films such as Luv Ka The End (2011), Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011) and the recently released Mere Dad Ki Maruti (MDKM). But interestingly, none of the films have created a big buzz at the box office.

Ram-Kapoor-and-Saqib-Saleem-in-a-still-from-Mere-Dad-Ki-Maruti

Probably that’s why immediately after the release of MDKM, the trade world is abuzz with talks that YRF, headed by Aditya Chopra, will now go slow on making small budget and experimental films under the Y-Films banner. “YRF has always been tightlipped about everything. So it’s not surprising that we haven’t heard anything from them about it. But as far as we know, they are having a rethink about the future course for Y-Films,” says a trade insider, not wishing to be named.

Interestingly, Y-Films’ future slate is clean with only Virus Diwan (that was supposed to be Arjun Kapoor’s debut acting venture) finding a mention on their official website (Arjun after being launched by YRF in Ishaqzaade in 2012 is currently wrapping another film, Gunday, with Ranveer Singh). “MDKM was promoted heavily but still, the end result hasn’t been very satisfactory. And it won’t be surprising if the banner really decides to go slow on such films. Either way, the next couple of films for them are going to make or break it,” adds the trade insider.

However, when contacted, Rafiq Gangjee, YRF’s spokesperson, denies it all. “This (talk of slowing down) is a lot of rubbish. No such decision has been taken. YRF will always continue to experiment with genres, be it budget or experimental in nature,” Gangjee says.