TV & MOVIES
Box Office Blues: The Decline of Bollywood Films and the Challenges They Face in a World of OTT Content
The current state of Bollywood films at the box office has been a matter of concern for the industry for some time now. With a decline in footfalls to cinemas and a lack of compelling content that is suitable for the big screen, Bollywood has been struggling to draw audiences back to theaters.
Harry Johal, the Content Chief of Carry On Harry, media company, has shared his views on the reasons behind this trend. According to Johal, one of the primary reasons for the decline in box office collections is the competition from OTT platforms. With the rise of OTT platforms, viewers have access to a vast array of content options, including international films and web series, making it difficult for Bollywood films to attract audiences to the theaters.
Johal further explains that the lack of event films, which draw people to the theaters, is another reason for the decline. Many films that are being made today lack the potential to become event films, as they do not have the right combination of compelling stories and big-screen visuals. This makes it difficult for them to compete with other forms of entertainment.
The stories that these films deal with are also available on several OTT-based international films, which again contributes to the competition. The non-appealing faces that are being cast in these films are also failing to draw audiences to the theaters. Johal argues that even films like Pusha did not have big openings and gradually gained momentum due to word of mouth.
Despite these challenges, Johal believes that Bollywood can still regain its shine and draw audiences back to theaters. He suggests that the industry needs to focus on creating compelling content that is suitable for the big screen, casting appealing faces that can draw audiences to theaters, and differentiating itself from the content available on OTT platforms.
Rising trend of remakes ? Does this affects footfalls at box office
The availability of the original South Indian film on YouTube is certainly a factor that affects the box office performance of a Hindi remake. With the increasing accessibility of the internet and the popularity of online streaming platforms, viewers have more options for entertainment than ever before. This has led to a trend of Hindi remakes of successful South Indian films, which often have a built-in audience due to the popularity of the original.
However, the success of a Hindi remake also depends on factors such as the quality of the adaptation, the star power of the actors, and the marketing strategy. In the case of the Hindi remake of the South Indian film Karthi, titled Bhola, the film’s performance at the box office could have been affected by factors such as competition from other releases, the quality of the adaptation, and the star power of the cast.
While the availability of the original South Indian film on YouTube may have provided an alternative viewing option for some viewers, it is not necessarily the sole reason for the box office performance of the Hindi remake. Box office success is determined by a multitude of factors, and while the availability of the original film may have some impact, it is not the only factor at play.
In conclusion, the decline of Bollywood films at the box office is a complex mix of factors, including competition from OTT platforms, a lack of event films, availability of similar content on OTT-based international films, and non-appealing faces. However, with the right approach, Bollywood can still regain its shine and draw audiences back to theaters.
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In a remarkable display of cinematic success, ‘Dhurandhar,’ starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, continues its reign at the box office, setting new benchmarks. Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, who portrays politician Jameel Jamali in the Aditya Dhar-directed spy-action thriller, shared his insights on the film’s overwhelming reception. He recalled a prediction he made prior to the film’s release, stating, “‘Dhurandhar’ is not going to raise the bar, it is going to break the bar.” The film’s performance seems to validate Bedi’s bold statement.
Bedi also recounted an enthusiastic fan reaction on Instagram, illustrating the audience’s deep engagement with ‘Dhurandhar,’ where a fan expressed impatience for the sequel’s release.
In a video shared on Instagram, Bedi expressed his excitement, stating, “Friends, ‘Dhurandhar’ is showing no signs of stopping; it continues to run and run. Before the film’s release, I made a statement that ‘Dhurandhar’ is not going to raise the bar, it is going to break the bar, because people are going to see this film repeatedly, continuously, and that is exactly what is happening.”
He further added, “People are showering so much love, it’s like a tsunami. I would say this film is like my friend’s restaurant in Delhi, Juggernaut.”
Bedi expressed his gratitude for the widespread acclaim the film has received. He highlighted a particular fan’s reaction, recounting, “One lady told me that after watching the film, she was angry about why it ended. And after watching the film, she felt like she should go to sleep and wake up directly on March 19, when its next part will be released. Isn’t that amazing?”
He extended his appreciation to the director and the production team, noting, “This film has become an international rage, which I believe has never happened in Indian cinema history. Such rage, such love, such a big tsunami. I thank JioStudio, the entire team of ‘Dhurandhar,’ and especially the director Aditya Dhar. Hats off to you, Aditya. Love you, brother.”
As per Sacnilk, ‘Dhurandhar’ has amassed ₹517 crore net in its first 16 days. The film further garnered ₹38.5 crore net on a recent Sunday, elevating its domestic total to ₹555.72 crore. ‘Dhurandhar’ has surpassed the lifetime collections of Sunny Deol’s ‘Gadar 2’ (₹525 crore net), Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Pathaan’ (₹543 crore), and Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Animal’ (₹553 crore).
According to Comscore, ‘Dhurandhar’ ranked among the top five global releases in its second weekend. With an overseas gross of $18 million, the film has exceeded ₹750 crore worldwide as of Friday and is projected to join the ₹800-crore club imminently.
December 22, 2025
Gurinder Chadha Champions ‘Homebound’ for Oscars, Jests About Karan Johar’s Influence
Acclaimed filmmaker Gurinder Chadha is optimistic about Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ potentially winning an Oscar at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, which is India’s official selection, has made it to the shortlist in the International Feature Film category. Chadha hosted a special screening in London as part of the film’s promotional tour. Karan Johar, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa also attended the screening.
Chadha expressed her support for ‘Homebound,’ hoping it will bring the Oscar home and make India proud. During the media interaction, Chadha mentioned her long-standing friendship with Karan Johar, recalling how he asked her to host the London screening, to which she readily agreed.
Chadha praised ‘Homebound’ for its universal quality, noting how it reflected the shared experience of connection during the coronavirus pandemic. She lauded Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for backing a film like ‘Homebound,’ acknowledging it as a significant move. She jokingly asked Neeraj Ghaywan if Karan had ever interfered with his vision by suggesting the inclusion of music from ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’.
Chadha fondly recounted her decades-long friendship with Johar, tracing it back to the Cannes International Film Festival where she met him and his father, Yash Johar. She humorously described their Punjabi connection, recalling Yash Johar’s encouraging reaction to ‘Bend It Like Beckham’.
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