Senior actor Anupam Kher opened up about the massive success of Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan and said that there was no #BoycottBollywod trend, but it was the effect of the Covid pandemic.

Anupam Kher released his latest movie Shiv Shastri Balboa on February 10. During the promotion of the movie, the actor spoke about the #BoycottBollywod trend and said it failed to damage the film Pathaan, which has collected more than Rs 850 crore gross at the worldwide box office in 12 days.

In an interview to the DNA, Anupam Kher said that “No one gets influenced to watch a film by a trend. If you liked the trailer of the film, you want to watch it. If the film is well-made, no one has the power to sabotage it. People even go for the film with a feeling of vengeance against the hate trend.”

He added “The film audience never boycotted cinema. We had gone through the Covid pandemic, there was a lockdown, and people were asked to sit in their houses. This has happened after 100 years or so. During this phase, audiences look out for other means of entertainment. The OTT platforms saw a boost, and they started watching the films with their ease. To bring them out of fear takes some time.”

Ever since the death of Sushanth Singh Rajput, several actors and their kids have faced a lot of backlashes and their movies bombed at the box office. Many thought that their failure was the result of #BoycottBollywod trend. But Anupam Kher said with public started going back to the cinema post the Covid pandemic, he is hopeful that “the upcoming films will continue entertaining the audience.”   However, Shiv Shastri Balboa has received positive response. A viewer named Anju Gupta tweeted, “Watched #shivshastribalboa! Hats off to @AnupamPKher @Neenagupta001 @NargisFakhri @ajayanvenu After ages such a refreshing masterpiece! A simple story which so relatable & so inspirational and esp. for senior citizens ❤️ Must Must watch with family!! #PositiveBollywood #cinema.”