Is YRF going the Factory way?

What's ailing Yash Raj Films? Critics and audiences are panning their latest release, Tashan. The film is high on hype and style but pathetically low on substance. Just like Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chuneri Mein Daag and Aaja Nachley was.

YRF has access to the biggest stars. They have tons of money (which is why Yash & Aditya Chopra have refused private equity from Mukesh Ambani and investment bankers) . So then what is the problem?

If people who have worked with YRF are to be believed, the trouble lies solely with Aditya Chopra. He seems to have lost focus and objectivity. He is making movies like Ram Gopal Varma used to do during his infamous Factory days--sometimes based on a single USP (lets make a film showcasing Madhuri's return to India) or a promo (Amitabh Bachcan singing in a Johnny Depp costume in JBJ) or an idea (lets do a contemporary version of Aaina as LCMD). The bunch of writers that YRF has, save Jaideep Sahni, are too much in awe of Adi to suggest anything otherwise.

If you look at what's on the rest of YRF menu this year, there's no hope. Kunal Kohli's Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic, Sidharth Anand's Bachna Ai Haseeno offer only deja vu and nothing new. Roadside Romeo may work 'cos of its animation novelty factor. I pray Chopra's own Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is not Cheeni Kum meets DDLJ.

Another reason for Chopra's loss of objectivity is the influence of Rani Mukherjee. Ram Gopal Varma made many films in the Factory that defied explanation. They were purely meant as ode to Antara Mali (Mr Ya Mrs) or Nisha Kothari (Go).

Is Rani Mukherjee Aditya Chopra's Antara Mali?