We have all witnessed the rise of mythological stories in Indian cinema, with films spanning various genres and languages. This trend includes Ayan Mukherjee and Ranbir Kapoor’s Brahmastra, Prashant Varma’s Hanu-man, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, the latest blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, and a series of upcoming films like Nikhil Siddharth’s Swayambhu and Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu. These films, deeply rooted in the history and mythology of India, are capturing the hearts of audiences not only in India but also worldwide. Much like Hollywood’s DC and Marvel films, which draw from Greek and Norse mythology, Indian films are finding immense success with mythological and historical themes.
The Global Appeal of Mythological Films
India has always been a significant contributor to the box office numbers of Hollywood films, especially the superhero genre. For instance, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness grossed Rs 126.96 crores in India within three weeks of its release. The 2019 Avengers: Endgame crossed Rs 442.30 crores in India, while Captain Marvel, released the same year, earned Rs 103.60 crores. These figures highlight the strong appetite for well-crafted, larger-than-life stories among Indian audiences.
The Mythological Blockbusters of 2024
In 2024, Tollywood has produced two major blockbusters rooted in mythology. The first, Hanuman, featuring Teja Sajja and directed by Prasanth Varma, blends mythological elements with contemporary themes and has grossed over Rs 300 crore. The second, Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin and based on the Mahabharata but set in a futuristic world, has grossed around Rs 400 crore. These films demonstrate the enduring appeal of mythological stories and their ability to draw massive audiences.
The Streaming Challenge and the Theatre Experience
While Indian cinema is experiencing a resurgence in mythological storytelling, the industry is also grappling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of streaming platforms. With the lockdowns, audiences became more accustomed to the convenience and variety offered by streaming services. Platforms like JioCinema, which acquired Warner Bros.’ catalog from Disney+ Hotstar, provide a vast array of content at affordable subscription rates, making it challenging for theatres to lure back regular moviegoers.
The Impact of Ticket Price Hikes
Another factor affecting theatre attendance is the rising ticket prices. For example, the Andhra Pradesh government increased ticket prices by ₹75 for single screens and ₹125 for multiplexes during the first fourteen days of a major film’s release. Similarly, the Telangana government imposed a ticket price hike of ₹70 in regular theatres and ₹100 in multiplexes for the first eight days of a film’s run. These hikes, while contributing to record-breaking opening day and first-weekend box office collections, can discourage regular moviegoers from visiting theatres due to the higher costs and crowded conditions.
The Cults Bay Concludes.,
The resurgence of historical and mythological storytelling in Indian cinema seems to be a winning formula, drawing massive audiences and creating blockbuster hits. Films like Hanuman and Kalki 2898 AD have proven that audiences are eager for engaging and innovative takes on ancient stories. However, the industry must balance this success with the challenges posed by streaming platforms and rising ticket prices. The fate of these mythological blockbusters, while promising, hangs in the balance as filmmakers and theatres navigate the evolving landscape of audience preferences and market dynamics. The future of Indian cinema will depend on its ability to adapt and continue delivering compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
