Bollywood is grappling with a box office slump, with only a couple of films achieving success this year. In a recent interview with Indian Express, actor Randeep Hooda addressed the crisis, criticizing the industry’s habit of blindly chasing trends rather than focusing on original storytelling.
Randeep highlighted Bollywood’s ‘bhedh chaal’ (herd mentality), stating that after the success of a few re-released films, the industry falsely assumes that everything is working. He pointed out that Stree’s success led to a surge in horror comedies, proving that filmmakers often follow patterns instead of innovating. He remarked, “There’s more film execution than actual filmmaking, leaving little scope for experimentation.”
While OTT platforms allow some narrative diversity, Randeep acknowledged that they too prioritize mass appeal over creative risks. He hopes to balance mainstream cinema with experimental projects, selecting scripts that deeply resonate with audiences.
Praising South Indian filmmakers, Randeep noted their ability to stay rooted in culture while crafting relatable characters. He cited Pushpa as an example, contrasting it with Bollywood’s obsession with glamour and six-pack abs over authentic character-building. He believes the industry is in a transition phase, and audiences will continue watching both films and OTT content.
Randeep’s next film, Jaat, an action thriller directed by Gopichand Malineni, is set for release on April 10.
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