Three years ago when India’s most expensive fantasy epic film — Baahubali was finally set to release, a leave letter format reportedly issued by the makers grabbed everyone’s attention, and became viral on the Internet. It is no doubt that fans make an actor a star overnight. It is because of such die-hard fan following, unconditional love and support that the film industry prospers. Hence numerous fans association and dedicated teams work hard around the clock with the only expectation in return being wholesome entertainment. And some individuals stand out with their crazy or unique acts. Recently, a KSRTC driver wrote a letter to his higher officials to grant him a day’s leave to watch the Nikhil Kumar-starrer Seetharama Kalyana, students seeking leave to watch their star’s movie, and some even booking an entire show for themselves, and buying first tickets for a record price is all a part of a fan’s love for movies and their stars. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.
“It only happens in India. One can witness such crazy displays only in a country which is diverse in nature. Insofar as movies go, the extreme relationship of fans and their favourite actors is often talked about. From blindly following an actor, to worshipping him/her like a demi-god status is not a new phenomenon. It holds good even in sports, with cricketers being the most revered. I have heard about students skipping exams to watch an all-important match. It is crazy. Though the level of intensity which existed in the past has lessened, the fans remain besotted, which is why sometimes such crazy requests surface. With social media at its peak, they are unmissable,” says film critic Subramanya.
Big banner movies with star actors usually plan for a release on public holidays, but when it is otherwise, the fans leave no stone unturned to watch their star on the First Day First Show. Recently, a KSRTC driver from Hassan sought a day’s leave to watch Seetharama Kalyana with his family.
Reportedly, Rajesh, the driver was granted leave with a condition that it wouldn’t affect the operations of the bus. “I found it very genuine — it was an honest request. But, the one written by a commerce student who claimed to be studying in Maharani College in Mysuru, seeking leave to watch a movie is quite funny. Some do it just for attention,” says director Prashanth.
In another incident, a fan made headlines for booking every single ticket at Urvashi Theatre to watch his favourite star Puneeth Rajkumar in action. A similar story reported in the past was with regards to Kichcha Sudeepa fans spending lakhs to buy all the tickets of a show at a multiplex theatre.
In the past, actor Srujan Lokesh, a close pal and a great fan of Challenging Star Darshan, bought the first ticket of the movie Mr Airavata for a whopping Rs 1 lakh. “It was an act to encourage the audience to go watch the Kannada movie in the theatre,” he had said.
