*1985, Mumbai, India*
Raj sat behind the heavy wooden desk in the office of Karma Productions, the stack of files neatly divided into two piles: one for rejection, towering high with doomed projects, and the other, a slim pair of folders containing *Pyar Kiya* and *Love Train*. His heart raced with the certainty the ROI system provided.
These two films, despite their unconventional premises, were his ticket to turning his modest inheritance into a fortune. But first, he had to convince Shyam Rao, the seasoned manager who had been his father's right-hand man for over a decade.
The door creaked open, and Shyam Rao entered, his greying hair slicked back, his face etched with concern. He adjusted his thick glasses and sat across from Raj, his hands clasped tightly. "Raj, have you made a decision about the production house? I heard you were planning to sell it. Is that true?"
Raj leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but determined. "Uncle, I've decided to keep the production house running for now. I've gone through the files, and I want to invest in two projects: *Pyar Kiya* and *Love Train*."
Shyam's eyebrows shot up, and he leaned forward, his voice tinged with disbelief. "*Pyar Kiya* and *Love Train*? Raj, are you sure? These scripts… they're not like the masala entertainers ruling the box office.
*Pyar Kiya* is a romantic drama with a new director, Anil Sharma, who's barely made a short film. And *Love Train*? It's some experimental love story set on a train journey with a debutant director, Priya Menon. No big stars, no action, no melodrama. The industry is all about formula films right now—family revenge sagas, angry young men, or musical blockbusters. These two? They have a 90% chance of flopping!"
Raj smiled, unfazed. He tapped the files on his desk, his confidence bolstered by the system's predictions.
"Uncle, I understand your concerns. The stories are different, and the directors are new. But that's exactly why I think they'll work. The audience is ready for something fresh. They're tired of the same old tropes. *Pyar Kiya* has a raw, emotional love story that'll connect with the youth. And *Love Train*—it's unique, a journey of self-discovery wrapped in romance. People will talk about it."
Shyam shook his head, his frown deepening. "Raj, you're young, and I know you want to make bold moves, but this is risky. Your father, God rest his soul, lost a lot of money chasing risky projects. These films need at least 80 lakhs combined, and we don't have that kind of cash to throw around. If they flop, Karma Productions is finished. Why not sell the company, take the 30 lakhs, and start fresh in America like you planned?"
Raj leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with conviction. "Uncle, I'm not gambling blindly. I've studied these scripts, and I have a gut feeling about them. Look at *Pyar Kiya*—it's got a tight script, relatable characters, and a climax that'll leave audiences in tears. *Love Train* is bold, yes, but it's a visual spectacle with a story that'll stay with people long after they leave the theater. We don't need big stars when the story is the star. And I'm willing to bet 80 lakhs from my inheritance to make it happen."
Shyam rubbed his temples, clearly torn. "Gut feelings don't pay bills, Raj. The market is unpredictable. What if these new directors can't deliver? What if the audience doesn't show up for these offbeat stories?"
Raj paused, choosing his words carefully. He couldn't reveal the ROI system, but he could appeal to Shyam's experience. "Uncle, you've been in this industry longer than I've been alive. You've seen trends come and go. Remember when *Sholay* came out? Everyone thought a curry western would flop, but it redefined cinema. Sometimes, taking a risk on something new is what sets you apart. I'm not saying these films are *Sholay*, but I believe they have the potential to surprise everyone. And I'm not asking you to trust me blindly—I'm putting my own money into this. All I need is your expertise to make it happen."
Shyam sighed, leaning back in his chair. He studied Raj's face, searching for a trace of doubt, but found none. The young man's confidence was infectious, stirring memories of Raj's father in his early days, full of ambition and fire. "You sound just like your father when he started Karma Productions,"
Shyam said softly. "He took risks too. Some paid off, some didn't. But you're right—sometimes the biggest wins come from the boldest moves."
Raj seized the moment. "Exactly, Uncle. Let's make these films our big move. I'll handle the funding, but I need you to oversee production, talk to the directors, and make sure we keep costs tight. With your experience and these scripts, we can't fail."
Shyam hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Alright, Raj. I'll trust you on this. But we need to be smart—tight budgets, no overspending, and we'll need to market these films cleverly to draw crowds. I'll call Anil and Priya tomorrow and set up meetings. We'll need to finalize casting and schedules fast."
Raj grinned, relief washing over him. "That's all I ask, Uncle. Let's make *Pyar Kiya* and *Love Train* the talk of the town."
As Shyam stood to leave, he paused at the door, turning back with a faint smile. "You've got your father's fire, Raj. I hope you've got his luck too."
Once Shyam left, Raj leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. The ROI system's predictions gave him an edge no one else had, but convincing Shyam had been his first real test. He glanced at the two files on his desk, the system's glowing text still vivid in his mind: *Pyar Kiya*—1 crore in 1.5 years; *Love Train*—5 crore in 1.5 years. A total of 80 lakhs invested for a 4.2 crore profit.
But it will take time to make money from films i have to make quick money with my legendary ROI system.
Maybe i can try stock market but i have to careful not draw much attention. I can also make money from gambling like horse race, world cup, etc but these are not possible in india. It seems i have to make a trip abroad also.