Death of Bollywood: Beyond Dynasty and Formula

Bollywood, the largest film industry in India, and the industry that churns a major part of the economy’s revenue is facing stagnant growth. It was once the heartbeat of Indian cinema, now we can see it struggling to maintain its place in the entertainment industry. The factors responsible for this decline include nepotism, the rise in the OTT market, and other digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, etc. 

Bollywood and Nepotism

Earlier, there were no other alternatives available and there were high barriers to entry in this industry. This has seen a gradual change with the coming in of content creators and other digital influencers. Social media has become a powerful filter for talent, offering people an equal opportunity to showcase their skills while allowing the audience to decide who they want to watch and support thus making it difficult for the filmmakers to connect with the audiences.

The presence of nepotism is one of the biggest criticisms that Bollywood faces. It means that the industry has been dominated by some of the influential families in Bollywood such as the 'Kapoors' and the 'Khans'. People argue that the star kids get easy access and limelight without much struggle. On the other hand, newcomers always seem to be treated as outsiders thus making it difficult for them to make a successful career. 

This has led to an environment where talent can be seen through blurry lines. Sushant Singh Rajput, after gaining fame in the television industry, entered Bollywood and acted in some amazing films. His death raised a huge question mark on how Bollywood treats outsiders. Fans and critics took out their frustration over the favoritism within the industry. It takes a lot of struggle for an outsider to even get a fair opportunity to showcase their talent. On the other hand, the star kids easily get multiple chances despite repeated failures. With nepotism and overshadowing of raw talent, there is a growing concern that Bollywood is losing its creative edge. The big-budget films are often criticized for their poor scripting, performance, and lack of originality. Audiences have therefore started promoting regional films that produce engaging content and this highlights Bollywood stagnation.

The main reason can also be contributed to meaningless content

Another critical problem is that of high barriers to entry for performers who don’t have any industrial connections. Aspiring and talented actors, directors, and writers often find it very difficult to prove themselves as most of the production houses often prefer to work with familiar faces. Even after getting an entry into the industry, the struggle doesn’t end there. Many challenges are put in front of outsiders as they are given fewer opportunities to prevent them from truly making their mark. Bollywood has become an industry that is limited to the same names leading to repetitive content and lack of fresh perspectives.

Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have provided the inclusivity that the Bollywood industry failed to provide. Content creators from across the country have this democratized space for raw talent to flourish and thus these creators can flourish without having any godfather or big production house backing them. The audiences who once waited for big-budget Bollywood films to release now wait for original content on platforms like Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime, etc. Creators like Bhuvan Bam, and Prajakta Koli, who started as YouTubers have gathered fame and love, proving that the audience is more interested in fresh content or originality.

The Bollywood industry must realize what the Indian audience expects from it. It must welcome real talent with open arms providing them with the opportunity and fame they deserve. They should prioritize merit over the legacy of the same renowned names. The writers must focus on unique and compelling stories that keep the audience engaged. Instead of barring digital creators, the publishers should collaborate with them to integrate fresh faces into the industry. The filmmakers need to pay attention to the feedback given by their audience and create content that resonates with them. Bollywood must make changes, treat talented people equally, and write distinct stories to grow further. The future of cinema lies in talent, inclusivity, and diversity, not in inherited privilege.