Hindi Cinema Fails to Impress: Anupam Kher Calls for Industry Reboot

Mumbai, March 15, 2024 - In a candid statement, veteran actor Anupam Kher has expressed his disappointment over the poor box office performance of Hindi films in 2024. Kher, who recently celebrated four decades in the industry, attributed the struggles to the lackluster storytelling quality of modern Hindi cinema.

"You go to the movies with your family expecting a good experience," Kher stated, highlighting the need for filmmakers to raise their standards and compete with the plethora of entertainment options now available. "Cinema must be more than just a film experience – it's an event. With streaming platforms taking over the scene, the industry needs to innovate and focus on original content that captivates audiences."

Kher pointed out that India is blessed with rich stories waiting to be told, yet Hindi cinema often resorts to recycled narratives. He believes embracing its roots and creating fresh content will reignite passion for cinema.

The veteran actor, however, is cautiously optimistic about the impact of over-the-top (OTT) platforms on Indian cinema. "Every time a new medium emerges, people predict the demise of cinema," Kher said, recalling his four decades in the industry. "Yet, films have consistently proven resilient. OTT has created opportunities and improved content quality – it's not a replacement for cinema."

On an personal note, Kher recently took to the big screen in 'Vijay 69', starring as Vijay, a 69-year-old man who dares to defy societal expectations by training for a triathlon. The film explores themes of aging and self-discovery as Vijay sets out to find fulfillment.

Kher's remarks come at a time when Hindi cinema is grappling with declining audiences and stagnant box office numbers. With Kher now more than 40 years into the industry, his opinions are met with attention from fans, filmmakers, and critics across the Indian film fraternity.