'Stop blaming audiences for flops'
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Veteran Malaysian actor and producer Datuk Rosyam Nor has called for an end to the blame game when a film fails to meet box office expectations. The 59-year-old managing director of Suhan Movies and Trading urged filmmakers to take a closer look at their own production standards, marketability and marketing tactics, rather than directing frustration towards the audience.
Rosyam argued that viewers are the customers who are entitled to well-crafted, high-quality content, regardless of the film's genre. He stated that audiences deserve to be served delicious food beautifully presented, and will do so if provided.
Even epic films must possess high commercial value, he noted. Are the cast members bankable? Who is directing the project as its director? These are key questions in the film industry.
Rosyam pointed out that only a small fraction of weekly local film releases manage to become breakout hits. The success of a film is not determined by its genre but rather by marketing and quality. To support his argument, he cited director Chiu Keng Guan's rally-themed film "Terbang". Despite Chiu's prior success with the blockbuster "Ola Bola", the niche appeal of rally racing and the lead actor's lack of mass appeal made the film struggle at the box office despite its cinematic quality.
Rosyam stressed that without a proper promotional budget, even well-made films often go unnoticed by moviegoers.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
