New Delhi: A new report by Ormax Media paints a concerning picture for the Hindi film industry, with a significant portion of its audience feeling Bollywood lacks originality compared to South Indian and Hollywood films.
The report, titled “The Bollywood Image Report 2024,” surveyed Hindi theatre-goers and found a staggering 70% believe Hindi films fall short in the originality department. This perception could be a major factor contributing to the success of South Indian films across the country.
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South Cinema Steals the Show
The report dives deeper into audience preferences. Only 11% of respondents felt Hindi films were superior to South Indian ones, while a significant 46% favored South cinema. The remaining audience (23%) found both industries equally good.
The report highlights a crucial takeaway: a large portion of the audience believes South Indian films boast better stories. This perception has emerged as a key reason why viewers are increasingly drawn to these films.
The Baahubali Effect and Beyond
The report credits the Baahubali franchise as a turning point, opening a nationwide market for South Indian films. The success of this epic saga was followed by a string of recent blockbusters like K.G.F: Chapter 2, RRR, Pushpa: The Rise, and Kalki 2898 AD, further solidifying South cinema’s hold on audiences.
Bollywood Needs a Story Reboot
In contrast, the Hindi film industry has witnessed a string of big-budget flops featuring A-list stars. This, coupled with the perception of a lack of originality, paints a worrying picture for Bollywood.
Ormax Media suggests that the industry needs a course correction. To regain audience trust and compete effectively, Bollywood must prioritize compelling stories over formulaic narratives.
