Bollywood is currently grappling with a box office slump, with re-released films often outperforming new releases. At the sixth edition of The Indian Express’ Expresso series in New Delhi, actor Randeep Hooda and filmmaker Hansal Mehta discussed the ongoing crisis in Hindi cinema.
Hansal Mehta on Re-Releases
When asked why older films are drawing bigger crowds, Hansal Mehta dismissed the trend as temporary. “This is a social media trend. One or two re-released films have done well. It doesn’t mean that everything has been done well.”
Randeep Hooda on Bollywood’s Crisis
Randeep Hooda believes the industry’s reliance on trends is a key factor behind its struggles. “I would bring it down to bhedh chaal. If one thing works, then similar things start getting made. Sabko vahi banaana hai. Abhi sabko Stree ke baad horror comedy banaana hai. I, as an actor, don’t think that should be a parameter. So, there is a crisis going on because of many things.”
He further criticized the formulaic nature of filmmaking today, stating that “There’s a lot of film execution happening now, not filmmaking. We have isolated ourselves in the ivory tower a little. There’s little room for experimentation.”
Hope in OTT Platforms
Despite the challenges in Bollywood, Hooda sees potential in streaming platforms. He acknowledges that while OTT platforms allow for experimentation, they are also becoming increasingly commercialized, driven by audience engagement and subscriptions. He stressed the importance of balancing creativity with mass appeal and shared that his own approach is to “choose experimental projects that still resonate with a wider audience.”
Bollywood vs. South Cinema
Hooda also praised South Indian filmmakers for staying true to their cultural roots and storytelling traditions. “Their working style is very different, and I truly admire what they do. They continue making films that reflect their own culture, focusing on basic human emotions that appeal to a wider audience.”
Comparing South cinema’s storytelling to Bollywood’s past, he noted, “If you look at the big movies that are succeeding, many incorporate the essence of traditional masala films, like Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic line, ‘Main aaj bhi pheke hue paise nahi uthata,’ and now we have Pushpa’s ‘Jhukega nahi.’ That kind of larger-than-life appeal is making a comeback.”
Hooda also pointed out that South Indian filmmakers prioritize strong character development over aesthetics, contrasting this with Bollywood’s focus on style and sculpted physiques. He believes that “characters like Pushpa, with his rugged appearance and distinct mannerisms, feel more authentic compared to Bollywood’s emphasis on glamour.”
While he acknowledged the industry’s current struggles, Hooda remains optimistic, seeing this as a transitional phase. He believes audiences will continue to engage with films and streaming content as the industry evolves.