Dear All,
The 3 Idiots story credit issue has been making some noise now. The
news is coming out in bits and pieces, and I think it is important I
clarify a few things. Yes, clearly, the makers of the film have been
unfair and thousands of my readers have been saying so. I am aware of
this, and this is not an issue that has 'just come up'. I've been
grappling with it for two years, but kept silent about it.
The only reason it has surfaced after the movie's release is because
Five Point Someone has a few million readers, and when you copy a
popular story claiming it as 'original' and 'completely different',
people are going to find out. People did, and so did a lot of media
journalists.
The case is as simple as the makers claiming the story as their own,
and clearly it is not. Pre-release, the makers made press statements
like the movie is only 'very loosely', '2%-5% inspired by the book'.
After release, those who have read the book and seen the movie (and
frankly, I think those are the only people who have the right to
comment) find the film to be an adaptation of Five Point Someone. The
setting, characters, plotline, dramatic twists and turns, one-liners,
theme, message – almost all aspects that make up the story are from
FPS. Yes, there are some changes, any adaptation requires that – but
it is no way an original story. Leading movie critics have privately
admitted to me that the film is 70% the book. Still, don't take my
word for it – go read the book, watch the film.
I, frankly, was shocked to see this. This is because I was also fed
'this is an original movie' line a lot. I wanted to see the final
script – it was never shown to me. I wanted to see the film before
release – it was not shown to me (even though trials had been done for
people). What's more, the makers had called me to their office and
pressured me several times to withdraw my 'Based on a novel by'
credit, which was by contract. They told me they'd replace it with
something like 'initiated by' – a credit that doesn't exist anywhere
in the world. I still told them that if the film is indeed original,
I'll happily withdraw the credit, but somehow the promos don't tell me
so. I asked them to show me the film and they fell silent.
Soon, they started doing media promotions for the film, and kept me
completely out of it (you'll never find me in an interview with them).
Crores was poured into publicity on shutting me out and cementing the
fact that 3 Idiots is not based on Five Point Someone. However, the
book had been read by millions of people and the FPS buzz just did not
die down.
Ten days before the release, I was called into their office. They said
'we should be friends now'. I said I am always up for friendship, and
the success of the film is good for me as well. They also said, and I
quote verbatim 'even though this is an original film, we have given
you a great credit, right upfront. After all, we love writers and a
king should treat another king with respect. You are family'. I
believed them.
I called my family before release, and told them all not to expect
FPS. I even gave a few interviews where I said don't expect FPS.
Then I went for the premiere. My family sat in the theatre shocked, as
sequence after sequence came from the book. 2%-5% means 3-6 minutes,
and I had told my family to look for the few FPS moments and note
them. However, there were so many that it became impossible to keep
track. The plot line was same – people meet at ragging, the first
class with definition of machine, the friends separate, Alok (Raju)
moves with Venkat (Chatur), Ryan (Rancho) helps Alok's father, Alok
rejoins group etc etc. From Alok (Raju) jumping to stealing the
papers and calling out from Cherian (Virus') office – the book came
alive on screen. I was surprised and happy that FPS has made it in
such a grand way.
However, my family had not spotted my credit in the beginning (there
was none) and they were feeling let down. A screenplay associate
credit to VVC had a prominent upfront placement. The story credit was
not shared with me. And yes, all the office talk of a 'king treated
like king' was a white lie.
I knew they had played with me, and that 'based on a novel by' credit,
which they were legally bound to give would be hushed away at the end
– with the clear intention of making sure people miss it. And indeed,
it came after the junior artists and still photographer of the movie,
and zoomed away fast. My own mother missed seeing my name, and for
that she cried after seeing the film. I told her it doesn't matter, as
people know FPS. But yes, that hurt me a lot.
I went up to the makers after the premiere, and they said it is a hit
so chill and forget about it. I guess I could, but it is hard. Only a
writer or a creative person knows how this feels. I am one of the
lucky ones that people have read FPS. Imagine the fate of other
writers in Bollywood. Anyway, I came home and thanked God for making
my story reach so many people.
Upon the film's release – my mailbox and twitter account, literally
became flooded. Fans and readers wrote stunned mails. They had seen
the makers' interviews which had denied FPS links and they missed
seeing the credit on screen. I kept quiet, though I did send a message
to the makers telling them audience reactions. They did not respond.
Soon media journalists saw the film. They called me and said they have
to do a story on this as they are on my side. I tried my best to avoid
them. However, many have helped me in the past and I can't avoid their
call forever. One HT journalist from Delhi called, and asked me how I
felt about the credit. I used one word – I said 'strange'. And that's
when the news exploded.
This my friends, is the story. Meanwhile, the makers have accused me
of seeking fame – when clearly it is the other way round. They've
taken my story to make fame for themselves, and shut me out of it. I
know my readers will spot it immediately. However, the film also
reaches millions of other people who do not read books – and they
deserve to know who wrote the story. And that is why I am talking
about this issue (and I admit for people who've read the book, they
may wonder it's so obvious so why I am going on about it).
I hope my explanation helps. I do have a few additional points to make.
This has nothing to do with Mr. Aamir Khan – while the makers are
fronting him to talk about the issue (as he has the credibility), this
is not about him at all. I am a big fan of Aamir and he has made my
story reach people. However, he was told by the makers not to read the
book, and he hasn't. Thus, he cannot comment on the issue in a
meaningful manner. The media should stop questioning him. When I met
him, both of us were told that the movie is original and not the book.
He was asked not to read the book – and I wasn't shown the script. Go
figure.
I don't need this kind of fame – It doesn't do anything for me. Like I
said, I am lucky to have channels to express my opinion. Other writers
don't. I can't tell you how much it hurts when this happens. Imagine
someone takes your child, dresses him up and tells the world it is
theirs. I've felt the pain for two years on this issue but I kept
silent on it. I can't help it if millions have read the book and see
the movie upon release and spot the issue themselves.
I don't want anything from them – They've taken the story credit. Let
them keep it. All Bollywood award functions have an award for 'story',
apart from other categories. They'll collect it all year around and
feel good about it. I didn't write the story for awards. I wrote it as
I felt I had something to say about the education system and the race
for grades. I have my fans' love and I am more than happy with it.
The odds - They have an army of people to promote their side of the
story, crores of media budgets and are sparing no efforts to bring me
down. The only thing I have is my fans, and the truth. But then, the
truth is Krishna, and the Pandavas had only that while there was an
army on the other side. Remember who won that battle?
Some people have told me that I should keep silent. I did try to be
silent but didn't work. Also, people say this is how Bollywood works.
Sorry, I disagree. Not all Bollywood works like this. There are a lot
of good people too. And every event like this helps change things for
the better. And that is what I am all about anyway.
I urge you to not believe me at face value. Read the book, see the
movie – and like the movie says – think for yourself and decide.
I want to thank the media journalists who are supporting me. Yes, the
makers on the other side have a lot of stature – but truth comes above
stature – that's the first rule of journalism. I salute you for having
the courage to stick to that. Our country does have free press, and
thank God for that.
Like I said, I don't need anything. Even if I have no more movies made
on my stories or nobody wants to read my books and columns, I'll
happily join ISKCON and dedicate my life to Krishna.
But I will not shy away from the truth – ever.
Blessings,
Me
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