‘Officer on Duty’ star Kunchacko Boban says box office performance is not his ‘ultimate priority’

Kunchacko Boban is a familiar face in the Kerala cinema scene, and he has been since his debut in the late 1990s. A man of great talent willing to take up versatile roles, Kunchacko recently starred in two hit Malayalam films back-to-back: as a doctor/loving husband in the psychological thriller flick Bougainvillea and a cop in the crime action film Officer on Duty.

His performances in both films earned critical acclaim and decent earnings at the box office. Now, in a recent interview with Hindustan Times, the 48-year-old reflected on the art of storytelling and revenue from the film, weighing his opinion on what matters more. When asked if the commercial achievement of the film matters to him, the Nayattu actor replied, “Of course, box office success matters. It will be a lie if I say otherwise. Anyone who makes a movie does it for the audience to accept it – not to watch it by themselves.”

Although Kunchacko does acknowledge the monetary benefits of the film, he does not see it as the ultimate priority, emphasising that how the audience receives the film matters more. “We want the audience to come to the theatres, watch it, accept it, and get entertained... As an entertainer, the audience's reactions matter. Awards do count but I value the acceptance of the audience more.”

“Whether the movie still remains in the hearts of the audience or whether it can bring about a good change in the society, that matters more. Box office numbers are an additional bonus,” he continued.

Riding high on the success of both his recent hits, Kunchacko will be seen next in Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval directorial Oru Durooha Saahacharyathil.

Entertainment