What a great crash! Fitoor, the Valentine’s release this year was one of the most awaited films of the year. The trailer and the songs heightened our err… expectations from the Abhishek Kapoor directed romance that was based on Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Katrina looked breath taking and Aditya, super-hot. The release coincided with the announcement of her unfortunate break-up with Ranbir which increased the interest in the film.
Personal woes aside, Fitoor was also important for Katrina professionally as it was her first big release after a long time where she wasn’t paired with a superstar like Salman, Hrithik or Aamir. The movie was, in a way, a test to her abilities to pull in the crowds and impress the critics and audiences with her acting chops in an intense, performance-oriented role. Alas! Things didn’t exactly turn out the way it should have. Nearly two weeks after its release, the verdict is clear – the much-hyped film hasn’t impressed critically or commercially.
WHY KATRINA WILL BE IMPACTED
While it is a setback for Aditya, Abhishek and UTV (the banner that produced it), Katrina will also be deeply affected professionally. She had a fabulous run from 2009 to 2012 with a string of hits but the disappointing performance of Bang Bang and Phantom has taken that sheen away from her.
Thus far Kat has benefitted greatly from associating with a big hero (Salman Khan, Ek Tha Tiger) or big banner (Yash RajDhoom:3) or a multi-starrer (Hrithik, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) but unlike a Deepika or a Priyanka, she hasn’t exactly been able to make an impact in a film where the focus is entirely on her. But all is not lost; Katrina is a hugely popular and a few remedial steps will probably bring her back into the race. Here are a few tips.
• Don’t let go of the important roles
Katrina had apparently been offered films like Bajirao Mastani and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani but she turned it down for reasons best known to her. Instead she chose films like Bang Bang and Dhoom:3. The results are there for all to see. Sometimes, it’s wise to do author-backed , risky roles instead of ‘box-office safe’ ones which give you little credit if it works.
• Leave the professional and personal side aside
Senior journalist Subhash K Jha, in an article, revealed that she refused Yeh Jawaani… because at that point of time she wanted to stay away from Ranbir. Even now, Jagga Jasoos, her much-discussed film with Ranbir is suffering because innumerable delays and the primary reason is the break-up. Well, if Deepika and Ranbir could work together after their split, perhaps Kat too can figure out a way to do it.
• Improve her performance
Unfortunately, even after all these years in the industry, Katrina isn’t known for her acting abilities. In Fitoor, she had a great opportunity to silence her critics who had been questioning her diction, emoting capabilities etc but while some reviewers have praised her performance, majority of them have been harsh. Unlike the previous years, the spotlight (thankfully) of late, has been on strong performances too so Kat has some work to do in that arena. With Fitoor, she has started choosing roles that are not merely an appendage to the main star but she has to match up to the challenge of being the lead.
• Broaden her horizons
Priyanka Chopra and now Deepika Padukone have set the bar really high for Bollywood actresses by moving westwards. We aren’t suggesting Katrina does the same but she can definitely look beyond borders to create a buzz. Reinvention is the name of the game these days.
• Be more media-savvy
The attention on her personal life has been intense and Katrina has been remarkably composed and dignified. However, where she is losing ground to her competitors is in the media perception game. Having a strong social media presence, making headlines (for the right reasons), being accessible to fans etc go a long way in building the image which at times, helps in taking attention away from films.
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