Instead of focusing on compelling stories, many bollywood films often rely solely on star power
The Indian film industry has had a challenging 2024 and start to 2025, with even the most highly anticipated films featuring major stars and enormous budgets some reaching up to INR 4 billion failing to make a mark at the box office. While many attribute this decline to the rise of content-driven films and series on OTT platforms, along with shifting audience preferences for home viewing, another key factor could be the lack of depth in many big-budget productions. Instead of focusing on compelling stories, these films often rely solely on star power, with little emphasis on content quality.
A notable example of this trend is Sikander, the recent Salman Khan starrer, which failed to perform well despite its massive budget. Khan, during the film’s promotional campaign, confidently claimed that his fan following alone would ensure the film’s success, regardless of the script. However, this belief did not translate into box office numbers, and Sikander was deemed a flop struggling to cross even INR 1 billion at box office, with an estimated production budget of INR 2 billion.
Similarly, Ram Charan’s Game Changer and Varun Dhawan’s Baby John have also faced significant setbacks, despite boasting big names and considerable investment. These films highlight the growing disconnect between star power and audience engagement, with many viewers now seeking more than just a familiar face on the screen.
Rise of content-driven cinema
In recent years, the film industry has seen a significant shift towards content-driven films and series, with many actors now exploring new territories in a bid to offer fresh narratives. However, this trend has left many directors and production houses sceptical about the box office success of such projects. As a result, a number of films are being released directly on OTT platforms, guaranteeing a safer path to success rather than risking uncertain theatre numbers.
Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable change in this mind-set recently, with several directors and production houses taking the plunge and experiencing favourable outcomes. One notable example of this emerging trend is The Diplomat, a film starring John Abraham. Despite having a modest budget, this gripping thriller has performed remarkably well at the box office, even outperforming larger, big-budget productions. The film has continued to run in theatres well beyond expectations, with its impressive run lasting 25 days after its initial release.
Another box-office hit is Sky Force, though backed by a renowned name of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar the film was appreciated for its plot and strong character performance, and was a box-office hit.
A standout from 2024 is Madgaon Express, a comedy film that has received positive feedback from critics and audiences alike. While its box office numbers are still modest, the film has generated significant buzz, particularly for its unique narrative and powerful performances.
On the other hand, Laapata Ladies, a 2024 release that explores themes of female empowerment and personal discovery, has been well-received for its heart-warming yet relatable portrayal of its characters. The film, which balances comedy with deeply emotional moments, has gained traction on social media for its strong performances, particularly from the female leads.
While there is a shift in audience preferences, it is important to note that there have been exceptions to this trend. Many big budget films like Pushpa, Jawan, and Pathaan have managed to break through the noise, with impressive box office collections despite following the traditional formula of relying solely on star appeal.