Either you are a filmmaker. Or you are a brand.
What made Yash Raj Films' (read Yash and Aditya Chopra's) achievement even more applause-worthy was its commitment to passionate film making, even if it was strictly within the commercial realm.
From making lavish albeit wholesome entertainment, they branched out into production, distribution and music sales to setting up a state-of-the-art studio, a la Hollywood.
Somewhere in the middle of this, content took a backseat. Instead, the look of a cast/film gained more priority than the film itself. Increasing mediocrity notwithstanding, the box office was on their side, both in India and overseas.
The arrogance was unmistakable; with the cream of the industry -- actors and technicians -- more than willing to block dates for the seemingly invincible Yash Raj.
Sure, glamorous stars and stunning locations can provide ample eye candy. But a bad film is still a bad film. Yes, even if it makes money.
Now, I love some of their movies -- Kabhi Kabhie, Lamhe and DDLJ are god-level, to quote a friend. But there's no denying that Yash Raj has messed up on quite a few occasions.
For a company that's capable of combining well-fashioned escapist fare with a perceptive soul, to churn outright baloney is simply unpardonable.
Here are my personal un-favourites. Would love to hear about the ones that got your goat.
Also Read: Classics revisited
Text: Sukanya Verma