April 20, 2025: Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, known for hits like Ghulam and Raaz, has shared his thoughts on how Bollywood can recover from its recent spate of film failures. Bhatt emphasized the importance of catering to the masses, a shift he believes is crucial for the industry’s revival.
According to Bhatt, Bollywood’s focus on niche films over the past few years has led to a disconnection with a broad audience. He cited the post-COVID shift in viewing habits, with audiences moving away from theaters and filmmakers moving towards content aimed at smaller, niche groups. He explained, “Everyone forgot the masses and went to niche films. During COVID, the audience’s habit of watching films in theatres disappeared. We stopped making massy films. If you see the South industry, it’s flourishing because it always prioritises the mass audience. They still want to see superheroes, want to see Pushpa, want to see Kantara. They still consider the villain a villain, still whistle and clap. Hum toh waisi films banana bhul gaye jise dekhkar audience seeti aur taaliya bajaye.”
Bhatt also highlighted the need for filmmakers to incorporate a sense of “urgency” in their films. Reflecting on his own experience with Tumko Meri Kasam, which received positive reviews but failed to perform at the box office, he stated, “I have learnt it recently only when my film Tumko Meri Kasam did not work. It got very good reviews, but it didn’t work because it was not an urgency film. We have to make films in which there is urgency.” He added that films should make people eager to watch them from the very first day and first show.
Addressing the financial structure of the industry, Bhatt also pointed out that filmmakers need to prioritize content over star cast when making films. He argued that the industry’s financial struggles could be alleviated if music companies, digital platforms, and satellite companies begin to focus on supporting quality content rather than bank solely on star power. “This whole problem can be solved in a minute if music companies, digital, and satellite companies start giving this message that we need good songs, we need good pictures. If you support a good movie, not a star cast, then the producer will not be burdened,” Bhatt concluded.
As Bollywood grapples with the changing dynamics of audience preferences and market conditions, Bhatt’s advice could serve as a timely reminder to return to its roots while adapting to modern needs.