Bollywood is currently witnessing a dry spell at the box office, with several re-released films performing better than new releases. Addressing the ongoing slump, Randeep Hooda and filmmaker Hansal Mehta shared their perspectives in an interview with The Indian Express.

‘Bhedh chaal’ is driving the industry

When asked why re-releases are working better, Hansal Mehta dismissed it as a fleeting trend, saying, “This is a social media trend. One or two re-released films have done well. It doesn’t mean that everything has done well.”

Randeep Hooda, however, attributed the situation to the industry’s herd mentality. “I would bring it down to bhedh chaal (herd mentality). If one thing works, then similar things start getting made. Sabko wahi banaana hai. Abhi sabko Stree ke baad horror comedy banaana hai. I, as an actor, don’t think that should be a parameter. So, there is a crisis going on because of many things.”

‘There’s little room for experimentation’

The actor also pointed out that Bollywood has become overly formulaic. “There’s a lot of film execution happening now, not filmmaking. We have isolated ourselves in the ivory tower a little. There’s little room for experimentation.”

However, Randeep finds hope in the digital space, though he acknowledges that streaming platforms are also becoming commercially driven. “Experimentation is only possible on OTT platforms now. Although, I think that they are also looking for that kind of cinema because they want more audience and subscriptions. It’s a business-driven thing.”

Randeep praises South Indian cinema

During the discussion, Randeep also applauded South Indian filmmakers for staying true to their cultural roots and focusing on strong characterisation. “Their working is very different. I really admire what they do. They are still trying to make movies about their own culture. Their sensibility is more basic human emotions, which is appealing to a larger audience.”

Comparing mass entertainers from the past to modern hits, he said, “If you look at the big movies that are doing well, a lot of them have the things of commercial movies, like Bachchan sahab’s ‘Main aaj bhi pheke hue paise nahi uthaata hu’, so there’s Pushpa , jhukta nahi hai.”



He also pointed out how South Indian films focus on authenticity, unlike Bollywood’s obsession with superficial aesthetics. “Pushpa doesn’t have six-pack abs, he has a beard and a crooked shoulder. Whereas, the so-called elite filmmakers and actors are busy making abs. They are not going into characterisation and finding the character. They are just not making character-driven films.”

Despite the current turmoil, Randeep believes audiences will continue to consume content across platforms. “People are not going to stop watching movies or OTT, it is going to be a constant thing. We are just in a bit of a shuffle.”

What’s next for Randeep Hooda?

On the work front, Randeep Hooda will next be seen in Jaat, alongside Sunny Deol. He also has a Hollywood film, Matchbox, in the pipeline.