{
  "id": 14546048,
  "title": "'Stop blaming audiences for flops'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/stop-blaming-audiences-for-flops",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T22:10:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/10/1555719/stop-blaming-audiences-flops"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nRosyam 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.\n\nEven 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.\n\nRosyam 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.\n\nRosyam stressed that without a proper promotional budget, even well-made films often go unnoticed by moviegoers.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}