When Shoojit Sircar, director unveiled his latest drama I Want To Talk starring Abhishek Bachchan, lead actor, the buzz was louder than the opening‑night applause. The film, which debuted in theatres on after a brief postponement, has now crossed over to Amazon Prime Video. Rent it for ₹349 today, and mark your calendar – on it becomes free for every Prime subscriber.
Box‑Office Struggles and Critical Acclaim
Despite a heartfelt premise, the movie’s theatrical run was a hard sell. In its first eight days the box office tallied roughly ₹1.95 crore, and by the end of its run estimates hovered between ₹1.25 crore and ₹2.16 crore, according to multiple trade trackers. Yet critics, from Film Companion to Times of India, lauded the film’s nuanced storytelling and Bachchan’s restrained performance. The contrast between modest earnings and glowing reviews sparked a familiar debate: can a strong narrative find its audience post‑theatre?
From California Story to Indian Screens
The screenplay, penned by Ritesh Shah, screenwriter, is rooted in real life. It follows Arjun Sen – a marketing executive based in California, USA – who battles a rare laryngeal cancer that later spreads to his colon and stomach. Shooting wrapped in sunny California, giving the film an authentic expatriate feel that resonates with NRI audiences. Production was helmed by Rising Sun Films in partnership with Kino Works.
The trailer, dropped on , hinted at a poignant father‑daughter bond. In the film, Bachchan’s character Arjun, a single dad, wrestles with the looming reality of just 100 days left, trying to repair his fractured relationship with his seven‑year‑old daughter Reya, played by Pearle Dey, actress. Ahilya Bamroo delivers a quiet yet powerful supporting turn as Arjun’s confidante.
Streaming Timeline: Rental to Free for Prime Users
Initially, the digital rights were snapped up by Amazon Prime Video shortly after the theatrical close. As of now, the platform offers a pay‑per‑view model: viewers—subscriber or not—can rent the film for ₹349. Industry chatter suggested a free‑to‑watch window, and the platform confirmed that after roughly a month of rental availability, the title will be unlocked for all Prime members on . That’s a classic “window‑theatre‑digital” strategy, banking on early‑adopter rentals before widening the audience.
For those with the ad‑supported tier, the film appears under the same rent‑price banner, but a free stream will still require the full‑price Prime membership. This tiered approach mirrors recent releases like Jersey and Gangubai Kathiawadi, where studios test the waters before committing to a blanket free release.
What Viewers and Critics Are Saying
On I Want To Talk theatrical releaseIndia, audiences reported a "warm" feel despite the chilly premise of terminal illness. One reviewer on IMDb noted, “The film gives a sense of warmth amidst the chilly winter breath, restoring your trust in bonds and relationships.” Another piece from Times Now News highlighted the “heart‑wrenching yet hopeful” tone, pointing to the film’s 7.1/10 rating from roughly 2,400 users.
Industry insiders say the streaming debut could revive box‑office numbers in the form of digital sales, a trend observed with previous under‑performing dramas that later found cult status online. The film’s eight Filmfare nominations—including Critics’ Best Film, Critics’ Best Actor, and a nod for Ahilya Bamroo’s supporting turn—add a prestige boost that may sway hesitant viewers.
Looking Ahead: Awards and Legacy
At the 70th Filmfare Awards, the film secured eight nominations, a remarkable feat for a movie that barely scraped ₹2 crore at the box office. While the final outcomes are still pending, the sheer number of nods signals industry respect for Sircar’s direction and Bachchan’s comeback performance. If the film garners wins, streaming traffic could spike, echoing the post‑award binge patterns seen with titles like Badhaai Ho.
Beyond accolades, the true legacy may lie in its representation of NRI struggles and terminal illness—topics seldom explored with such intimacy in mainstream Hindi cinema. As more viewers discover the film on Prime, its message of resilience and the importance of conversation may resonate far beyond the initial theatrical run.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I Want To Talk be free on Amazon Prime Video?
The film will become free for all Amazon Prime subscribers on , after a month of rental availability at ₹349.
How did the movie perform at the box office?
Box‑office reports vary, but the film earned roughly ₹1.95 crore in its first eight days and between ₹1.25 crore and ₹2.16 crore over its entire theatrical run, making it a commercial under‑performer.
Who are the main cast members?
Abhishek Bachchan leads as Arjun Sen, with Pearle Dey playing his daughter Reya, and Ahilya Bamroo in a supporting role.
What awards has the film been nominated for?
At the 70th Filmfare Awards, I Want To Talk received eight nominations, including Critics’ Best Film, Critics’ Best Actor for Bachchan, Best Actor, Best Female Debut for Dey, and Best Supporting Actress for Bamroo.
Is the story based on a real person?
Yes. The plot is inspired by the real‑life experience of Arjun Sen, an NRI marketing executive from California who survived multiple surgeries for laryngeal cancer that later spread to his colon and stomach.
Rohit Chaturvedi
I am Rohit Chaturvedi, a seasoned journalist and content creator with expertise in news, small business, sports, and travel. My passion lies in sharing stories from the rich and diverse Indian landscape, covering everything from local news to cultural insights. As a well-traveled writer, I enjoy exploring unique perspectives on Indian life, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the people and places I encounter. I take great pride in bringing authentic and engaging narratives to my readers, fostering a deeper understanding of the incredible tapestry that is India.
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