The Hindi film industry has long been characterized by its cyclical nature in terms of popular genres and themes that resonate with audiences. Reflecting on the past decade, one can observe distinct shifts that highlight these cycles, influenced by changing audience preferences and industry trends.
The Era of Masala and Action Remakes (2010-2014)
From 2010 to 2014, the Hindi film industry witnessed the unstoppable rise of Salman Khan, whose dominance was marked by a series of masala and action remakes. Films like ‘Dabangg,’ ‘Ready,’ and ‘Kick’ solidified his status as the king of the box office. Akshay Kumar, too, benefited from this trend with hits like ‘Rowdy Rathore’ and ‘Holiday,’ both of which were remakes of South Indian films. This era was characterized by larger-than-life heroes, high-octane action sequences, and over-the-top drama that catered to the masses.
Shift to Small Town Underdog Stories (2015-Present)
Post-2015, there was a noticeable shift in audience preferences towards more grounded, small-town stories that focused on underdog protagonists. This change led to the rise of actors like Rajkummar Rao and Ayushmann Khurrana, who became synonymous with this new wave of cinema. Films like ‘Newton,’ ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi,’ ‘Badhaai Ho,’ and ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ resonated with audiences for their relatability, nuanced performances, and unique narratives. Akshay Kumar quickly adapted to this shift and saw success with films like ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ and ‘Pad Man,’ which addressed social issues and had strong storylines.
The Saturation and Decline of Star Power
Despite this successful adaptation, the journey since then has symbolized a downward trajectory for some big stars. The saturation of appearances, coupled with half-baked attempts at grand roles, has led to a disconnect with the audience. Akshay Kumar, for example, has struggled to connect with the public, except for a few hits like ‘Oh My God 2.’ The failure of ‘Bachchan Pandey,’ intended to be a stylized action film, highlighted this decline and raised questions about the direction of his career.
The Diminishing Appeal of Remakes
The release of ‘Soorarai Pottru,’ a popular Tamil film during the lockdown, serves as a case study for the diminishing appeal of remakes. The Hindi remake, ‘Udaan,’ despite featuring Akshay Kumar, failed to generate excitement. The original film, known for its inspiring story and nuanced performances, was already widely watched and appreciated. This raises the question of whether remakes, even with big stars, can capture the same magic as the originals.
A similar scenario played out with ‘Vikram Vedha,’ the remake of an iconic Tamil film. Despite Hrithik Roshan’s unique take on the character Veda, the remake could not escape the shadow of the original. This pattern suggests that audiences exposed to a variety of regional films during the pandemic are less inclined to watch Hindi remakes of these films.
The Decline of Remakes Post-2021
The pandemic era exposed audiences to a wide array of regional films, leading to a decline in the success of remakes. Of the 15 remakes released post-2021, only two were financially successful: ‘Drishyam 2’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2,’ both starring Ajay Devgn. The rest, including high-profile projects like ‘Bachchan Pandey,’ ‘Bholaa,’ and ‘Laal Singh Chaddha,’ failed to make a significant impact at the box office.
The Future: A Call for Originality
The persistent failure of remakes underscores the need for originality in Hindi cinema. Audiences are craving fresh voices, new stories, and innovative narratives. Successful examples like ‘Monica, O My Darling,’ ‘Mughal Express,’ and ‘Sreekaram’ illustrate the potential for original content to captivate viewers. Producers must recognize this shift and invest in new writers and directors who can bring unique perspectives to the screen.
In conclusion, the cyclical nature of the Hindi film industry is evident in its shifting genres and themes. As the era of remakes wanes, the focus must shift towards nurturing original voices and stories. Only then can the industry hope to regain the audience’s trust and enthusiasm, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic future for Hindi cinema.
