Filmmaker Vipul Shah opens up about Bollywood's box office struggles, says films are no longer made for the masses

ANI April 22, 2025 220 views

Vipul Shah claims Bollywood has lost touch with mass audiences by prioritizing multiplex-friendly films. He argues the industry's obsession with "cool" cinema alienates small-town viewers. Shah cites examples like Jaat's success in rural markets versus urban dismissal. While most big films struggle, Kesari 2's strong opening offers hope for mass-appeal cinema.

"We have stopped making movies for Bharat. We make movies for a small group watching in selected multiplexes." - Vipul Shah
Mumbai, April 21: The start of 2025 hasn't been smooth for Bollywood. Despite big names and big budgets, several recent films have failed to impress at the box office. Even Salman Khan's much-talked-about Eid release 'Sikandar' couldn't meet expectations. As this trend continues, several voices from within the industry are speaking out.

Key Points

1

Shah criticizes Bollywood's focus on niche multiplex audiences

2

Notes disconnect from small-town India's preferences

3

Highlights success of mass-appealing films like Jaat

4

Points to Akshay Kumar's Kesari 2 as positive exception

Filmmaker Vipul Shah has now shared his views on the situation. He believes there are many reasons behind the current phase that the film industry is going through--and it's not something new.

Speaking to ANI, Shah said, "I feel there are many reasons for this, and we are going through a phase which has lasted for quite some time..."

He further pointed out that the core problem is that filmmakers have stopped making movies for the larger Indian audience.

"The first issue is that we have stopped making movies for Bharat. We make movies for a small group of people watching in 25, 50, or 100 selected multiplexes. Our expectations are that only those people should like our films," Shah said.

He went on to explain how the industry has distanced itself from the mass audience. Giving an example, he said, "A film like Jaat was well appreciated, and it performed very well in small towns, lekin use fir log uncool bol dete hain. This obsession with making so-called 'cool' films has led to many in our audience being disappointed. That is why the reach of our films is shrinking," Shah added.

Meanwhile, amidst the struggle, 'Kesari 2,' starring Akshay Kumar, seems to be a bright spot. The historical courtroom drama that released last week opened to strong reviews and earned Rs 7.84 crore nett on its first day, according to the makers.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally someone said it! Bollywood has become so elitist these days. They only care about multiplex audiences in big cities. What about the rest of India? 🤷‍♂️
P
Priya M.
I think Vipul Shah makes a valid point but oversimplifies the issue. It's not just about target audience - content quality has declined too. Too many remakes and sequels with no original ideas.
A
Amit S.
Kesari 2 doing well proves that good content still works! More power to films that respect our history and culture 🇮🇳
S
Sanjana P.
The "cool" factor is so real! My cousins in small town loved Jaat but my Mumbai friends wouldn't be caught dead watching it. This divide needs to go!
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Vikram D.
Respectfully disagree with Shah. The problem isn't making films for multiplexes - it's making BAD films for multiplexes. When was the last time we got a truly great urban story?
N
Neha T.
OTT platforms have changed everything! Why pay 500rs for mediocre cinema when I can watch better content at home? Bollywood needs to up their game 💯

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