27th July 2023, Mumbai: Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” the live-action drama centered around the iconic Mattel doll, generated significant buzz prior to its release. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the film garnered attention and admiration worldwide. However, despite the excitement surrounding its debut in Indian theaters, the movie seems to be facing challenges in sustaining momentum at the box office. With criticisms from viewers and a gap in earnings compared to its competition, “Barbie” is navigating both praise and controversy.
Struggles at the Box Office
As it reaches its sixth day in theaters, “Barbie” has accumulated Rs 2.3 crore in India according to industry tracker Sacnilk. This brings its total collection over six days to Rs 25.5 crore. While the film has been well-received globally and surpassed $400 million in earnings, it appears to be struggling with audience engagement within the Indian market.
Oppenheimer’s Dominance
In contrast, Christopher Nolan’s biopic “Oppenheimer” has experienced resounding success in India. The film has amassed an impressive collection of Rs 67.94 crore within just six days—more than double that of “Barbie.” On a global scale, “Oppenheimer” has also achieved a remarkable $220 million in earnings, showcasing its widespread appeal.
TheFilmyCharcha Review on Barbie
In this tale of personal growth and empowerment, “Barbie” takes audiences on a journey of independence and self-discovery in the matriarchal society of Barbieland. Director Greta Gerwig brings a fresh perspective to the iconic doll, shedding light on the essence of Barbie and her numerous transformations that have captivated the public’s imagination over time.
Ryan Gosling delivers an exceptional performance as Ken, adding depth and captivation to the film’s narrative. Margot Robbie shines as Barbie, effortlessly bringing the character to life with natural and authentic interactions, reflecting her deep understanding of the persona.
The film’s soundtrack, featuring pop heavyweights like Lizzo, Charli XCX, and Dua Lipa, creates a vibrant and flamboyant musical experience that complements the narrative perfectly. The cartoonish editing style adds a creative touch, seamlessly guiding the audience through the captivating story.
Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s writing brings thought-provoking themes to the forefront, addressing overlooked aspects of Barbie’s world and providing a refreshing cinematic experience. While “Barbie” exhibits wild ambition and excitement, there are moments of unevenness, but overall, the film is a brilliant exploration of empowerment and self-discovery.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (Minus half a star due to Warner Bros’ release decision)
The Backlash from Indian Audiences
Despite the initial excitement and anticipation surrounding “Barbie,” a portion of the Indian audience has expressed disappointment with the film’s treatment of serious themes such as patriarchy and sexism. The movie, which was expected to be a lighthearted entertainer, seems to have fallen short of certain expectations. Some viewers felt surprised and let down, leading to criticism and negative word-of-mouth. “Barbie” experienced 21.15 percent occupancy in English-speaking markets. Evening shows proved to be the preferred choice, followed by night, afternoon, and morning screenings. While the film has found some viewership, the lower occupancy numbers reflect the challenges it faces amidst mixed reviews.
TV Actors Share Their Thoughts
TV actors Juhi Parmar and Jay Bhanushali openly expressed their disappointment with “Barbie.” Juhi criticized the film for its “inappropriate language and sexual connotations,” while Jay described it as a painful experience regretting taking his daughter to watch it. He expressed shock and dismay over the film’s content and its misleading promotion as a children’s movie. As “Barbie” continues its box office journey, it grapples with both praise and criticism from Indian audiences.
While receiving international acclaim and commendable earnings worldwide, it encounters challenges within India’s market—especially when compared to Oppenheimer’s success. The criticism concerning how the film handles serious subjects serves as a reminder of aligning content with audience expectations. As its theatrical run unfolds, only time will tell how “Barbie” will fare in the long run and whether it can overcome backlash to win over Indian moviegoers.
By Yashika Desai.