Bored of sex comedies?

‘Sex sells’ is a truism that has modelled several filmmakers’ business strategies. While many take it as a challenge for writing, most notably Woody Allen, sex comedy as a genre in India has often managed to miss the territory of sleaze by the skin of its tooth. But it seems Bollywood is currently avoiding sex comedies.

B-town actors who have been doing sex comedies are staying away from being a part of that genre. Sanjay Dutt has walked out of Total Dhamaal. Despite him sending out a statement clarifying that his film Total Dhamaal was not an adult comedy, Sanjay Dutt remained unconvinced and chose not to sign up. “The film is a family entertainer, just like Dhamaal and Double Dhamaal,” says Indra Kumar, the director. He adds, “It’s true that we have parted amicably with Sanju for the film,” Indra says, adding that Riteish Deshmukh has been roped in as a replacement. While the past crop of films like Masti, Grand Masti and Delhi Belly have been money-spinners at the box office, many others drew flak from critics, fans and feminists. So, are sex comedies dying a natural death?

Sanjay Dutt

“I am okay doing it (sex comedies) and it is a personal choice. Not many actors are doing them anyway,” says Riteish. The actor is one of the few who has perhaps been in some of the most (un)popular albeit successful sex comedies. In 2016, his film Great Grand Masti garnered the desired attention. “I think adult comedies are fun to do. Although there are certain things that might cross the lines; but that we could always delete,” he says.

Another actor who after having a promising start, but soon ended up in essentially roles diversified within binaries — raging cops or sex-deprived maniac — is Vivek Oberoi. “I don’t see anything wrong in doing adult comedies but again it is a very individual thing. Riteish and I were discussing that there is a fine line in doing something naughty and something offensive. I think sometimes you borderline in being naughty and offensive. Going ahead in my career, I don’t want to do what will offend people; but naughty, yes!” explains Vivek.

But except a few bold men, there aren’t many interested in the genre. Could it mean that the audience is bored of such content?

“People usually do these (sex comedies) depending on how they want their public image to be promoted. Sanjay probably walked out because he doesn’t see himself in that sort of a role. While Riteish and Vivek have made name from these movies,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh. He insists that the genre has not lost its audience. “Sex comedies have an audience, and the thing is, they always work. I think youngsters, college going students go to watch these movies. Honestly speaking, if the movie is good and funny, even families will watch the film. It all depends on the content. The content of a sex comedy can very intelligent if made properly. But the opposite could make it unbearable to watch,” he says. Perhaps a lot of the viewers are still recuperating from the unbearability of Humshakals, which proves that sometimes the royals could also make mistake.

However, in an industry where work is sacrosanct, no one looks down upon any role. “Sex comedies is something I can enjoy watching but, somehow I tend to shy away from doing sex comedies but, never say never because I might end up doing one in future so you never know,” says Sharman Joshi, hinting at the uncertainty of his profession.

But women have often raised concerns and rightly so on the male gaze and objectifying female bodies. Dia Mirza explains, “It’s not about being  ‘C-grade’ cinema, it’s about a certain mindset in the society that we are backing.”

She points that the onus is on the film industry to send the right message to the society. “At what cost are you willing to entertain? We should stop encouraging this.

“Barring one film none of the sex comedies did well, last year. Instead, the films that have made money had substantial content to engage the audience and gave out a message,” she concludes, hinting that the times perhaps are a-changing.

— With inputs from Uma Ramasubramanian