In recent years, Bollywood has experienced a surge in film failures, with many movies struggling to make a mark at the box office. The reasons behind these failures are multi-faceted, but renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt believes that the industry has lost its way. According to Bhatt, Bollywood’s shift from mass-appeal films to niche movies has led to a disconnect with its core audience, and it’s time for the industry to rethink its approach. In an insightful conversation with ANI, Bhatt shared his perspective on the struggles of Bollywood films and offered valuable suggestions for a course correction.
The Changing Landscape of Bollywood Cinema
Bollywood films, once known for their ability to captivate large audiences, have been grappling with poor box office performance. Vikram Bhatt, known for films like Raaz and Ghulam, pointed out that the industry’s focus has shifted from mass-appeal content to niche genres that cater to a smaller, more specific audience. This shift, he believes, has contributed to the downfall of many recent films.
“Everyone forgot the masses and went to niche films,” Bhatt remarked. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the audience’s habit of watching films in theaters disappeared. The entertainment landscape changed drastically. The shift toward niche films, which cater to smaller groups, alienated the wider mass audience that Bollywood once thrived on.”
This change, according to Bhatt, has led to the decline of the traditional Bollywood blockbuster, where larger-than-life storytelling, catchy songs, and dramatic performances were the staples. Today, filmmakers are focusing more on stories that appeal to smaller, more intellectual audiences, losing sight of the larger demographic that used to fuel the success of Bollywood films.
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The South Indian Cinema Difference
One of the reasons Bhatt identifies for Bollywood’s struggles is the continued success of South Indian cinema, especially films from the Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada industries. These films, Bhatt argues, continue to prioritize mass appeal while delivering high-energy action, larger-than-life characters, and a sense of fun and excitement. Films like Pushpa and Kantara are perfect examples of the mass-appeal content that audiences are craving.
“They still want to see superheroes. They still want to see films like Pushpa and Kantara. They appreciate the villain as a villain, and the audience reacts by whistling and clapping. But we have forgotten how to make such films. We’ve stopped making films that make the audience cheer and clap,” Bhatt said.
In essence, the South Indian film industry has managed to keep its focus on the mass audience, ensuring their films resonate with the larger public, leading to both critical acclaim and box office success.
Urgency and Audience Engagement
Another key point that Bhatt emphasized is the need for Bollywood films to invoke a sense of urgency. According to the filmmaker, Bollywood needs to make films that people feel compelled to watch, films that create a buzz and anticipation. Bhatt shared a personal anecdote from his own career to highlight this issue.
“I learned this the hard way with Tumko Meri Kasam. The film received positive reviews but failed to make an impact at the box office,” Bhatt revealed. “The reason it didn’t work was that it wasn’t an urgent film. There was no sense of urgency for the audience to watch it right away.”
For Bhatt, creating a sense of urgency means making films that people are excited to see on opening day, films that make the audience feel like they can’t afford to miss them. In today’s competitive cinema landscape, where audiences have many options to choose from, films need to stand out and create a buzz.
The Importance of Content Over Star Power
Bhatt also stressed the need for Bollywood filmmakers to focus more on content rather than relying on big star power to draw in crowds. While star-studded films have their appeal, Bhatt argues that the content should always come first. He believes that if music companies, digital platforms, and satellite channels shift their focus to supporting good content rather than just promoting big names, the entire industry could be revitalized.
“If we focus on making good films with strong content, instead of depending solely on the star cast, we can reduce the financial burden on producers,” Bhatt explained. “The financial support from music, digital, and satellite companies can make a huge difference. If they promote content-driven films, the audience will be more likely to show up at the theaters.”
By promoting content that resonates with the masses, rather than prioritizing star power, Bollywood could see a significant shift in how films are received. Content-focused films are often more relatable and have the potential to build a loyal fan base.
Addressing the Core Issue: Mass Appeal
At the heart of Bhatt’s argument is the idea that Bollywood needs to reconnect with its audience. Films that engage the masses, entertain them, and offer something for everyone—whether it’s action, drama, or music—are the key to reviving Bollywood’s fortunes. Bhatt firmly believes that the industry’s focus on niche films has caused a disconnect, and it’s time for Bollywood to return to its roots.
The filmmaker’s message is clear: Bollywood needs to prioritize mass-appeal films that captivate audiences and offer them the larger-than-life experience they crave. Whether it’s through exciting action sequences, catchy music, or compelling stories, Bollywood must tap into the collective energy of its audience once again.
Vikram Bhatt’s comments shed light on the current state of Bollywood films struggling at the box office. The industry’s shift from mass-appeal content to niche films has alienated its core audience, leading to poor box office performance. Bhatt advocates for a return to films that cater to the masses, with a focus on urgency, content, and the emotional connection with the audience.
To turn things around, filmmakers must focus on creating films that people feel compelled to watch on opening day. Additionally, shifting the focus from star power to content-driven films can reduce the financial burden on producers and bring in wider support from digital and music companies. If Bollywood takes these lessons to heart, the industry can once again thrive and produce films that resonate with the audience and succeed at the box office.
