Zoya Akhtar is spilling the beans about the realities of focus group screenings. The director, who often appreciates audience feedback, has admitted that this feedback helps improve her films.
Opening up in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Zoya recalled a funny incident during a screening of ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara‘, where a producer’s uncle yelled at her as he did not like a scene.She mentioned that while she doesn’t always take every piece of feedback to heart, this experience stood out as the elderly gentleman criticized the film as ‘rubbish’. Zoya realized the film wasn’t meant for him and felt there was little she could do to change his mind.
Fortunately, younger viewers in the group defended the movie, which sparked a debate, allowing her to quietly step away from the situation.
Zoya made her directorial debut with ‘Luck By Chance‘, starring Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen Sharma in lead roles. Her second film, ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, featured an ensemble cast including Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin, and Deepti Naval. The story revolves around three childhood friends Arjun, Kabir, and Imran who embark on a three-week road trip to Spain. During the journey, Arjun falls in love with Laila, who helps him break free from his workaholic tendencies. Kabir faces misunderstandings with his fiancée, Natasha, while Imran seeks closure by meeting his biological father, an artist. The road-trip comedy-drama was released on July 15, 2011.
The director also received harsh criticism for her film ‘The Archies‘ that served as a launchpad for debut Bollywood stars like Suhana Khan, Vedang Raina, Agastya Nanda and Khushi Kapoor, among many others.
Vicky, Katrina, and Isabelle have a blast with Zoya Akhtar
