Bollywood’s struggle: A flop fest in making?

Over the past decade, Bollywood has been a vibrant mix of cinematic brilliance, cultural shifts, and the emergence of new-age storytelling. However, recent trends have led many to question if the industry is spiralling into a phase where box office flops outweigh successes. While the industry has always been cyclical, the recent state of underperforming films suggests a deeper, more structural issue.

The Indian audience has evolved. With the rise of OTT platforms and global content, the audience now has access to a vast array of high-quality, diverse content at their fingertips. They are no longer content with formulaic scripts, stereotypical characters, and repetitive storylines that Bollywood has long relied on. Movies that once would have guaranteed a full house, merely on the strength of star power or dance numbers, are now being critically assessed for their narrative depth and originality.

Films like Radhe and Liger, which were expected to be blockbusters, floundered at the box office. Audiences criticized them for their lack of substance and reliance on outdated tropes. In contrast, more nuanced and story-driven films like Article 15 and Andhadhun have managed to strike a chord, signalling a clear shift in audience expectations.

Bollywood’s Over-Reliance on Big Names

For years, Bollywood has been heavily reliant on its A-list stars to draw audiences into theatres. However, the recent trend of star-driven movies bombing at the box office has raised concerns. Films featuring big names like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor have underperformed, leading to questions about the sustainability of star power as a box office magnet.

This is not to say that these stars have lost their appeal entirely, but it’s evident that mere presence isn’t enough anymore. Today’s viewers demand more than just a familiar face; they want compelling stories and fresh perspectives. As a result, star-studded films that lack these qualities are increasingly being rejected by the audience.

Script and Content Fatigue

One of the biggest criticisms levelled against recent Bollywood productions is the recycling of scripts and content. There’s a growing sense of fatigue among audiences with the same stories being retold, often with minimal innovation or creativity. Remakes and sequels, once seen as a safe bet, are now perceived as uninspired cash grabs. Films like Coolie No. 1 and Sadak 2 received severe backlash not just for their execution but also for their very existence, as they failed to bring anything new to the table.

The industry’s overreliance on these narratives is leading to diminishing returns. As viewers become more discerning, they’re less likely to invest their time and money in films that offer nothing new. This fatigue is a key reason behind the rise of flops in Bollywood, as audiences increasingly gravitate towards original and innovative content.

The Rise of OTT Platforms

The advent of OTT platforms has been both a boon and a bane for Bollywood. On one hand, these platforms have provided filmmakers with the creative freedom to explore unconventional stories without the constraints of box office pressure. On the other, they’ve also given audiences easy access to a wide range of content, making them less likely to settle for subpar offerings.

During the pandemic, when theatres were shut, OTT platforms became the primary source of entertainment for millions. This shift has had a lasting impact on audience expectations. The success of web series like Sacred Games, Mirzapur, and films like Ludo and Gulabo Sitabo has shown that audiences are willing to embrace stories that break away from the traditional Bollywood mold. As a result, many viewers now prefer the convenience and variety offered by OTT platforms, leading to a decline in theatre footfall and, consequently, box office revenues for many Bollywood films.

The Impact of Social Media and Instant Feedback

In today’s digital age, the success or failure of a movie can be determined within hours of its release. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have given audiences a voice, and their instant feedback can make or break a film. A movie that might have previously enjoyed a strong opening weekend can now see its fortunes plummet if the initial reactions are negative.

The recent failures of films like Thugs of Hindostan and Laal Singh Chaddha were compounded by negative social media buzz. The immediacy of this feedback loop means that word of mouth travels faster than ever, and there’s little room for error. This environment of instant judgment has made it harder for Bollywood to sustain films that don’t resonate with audiences right away.

Bollywood is indeed facing a challenging phase, with a noticeable increase in the number of flops. However, this period of struggle could also be seen as a necessary reset. The industry is at a crossroads, where it must evolve to meet the changing tastes of its audience. This means embracing originality, investing in strong scripts, and being open to new forms of storytelling.

The future of Bollywood will likely be shaped by how well it adapts to these challenges. If the industry can innovate and move away from its reliance on outdated formulas, it has the potential to reclaim its place as a dominant force in global cinema. Otherwise, the so-called “flop fest” could become a more permanent fixture in its landscape.