Bollywood faces challenging times after big-budget films fail.
The Hindi film industry seems to be encountering setbacks after witnessing dismal returns on major April releases. Where Pathaan had revived prospects earlier this year with Rs. 500 crore collection, the second quarter began disastrously for stakeholders.
Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff-led Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Ajay Devgn starrer Maidaan emerged as massive flops, collecting a mere fraction of their substantial Rs. 350 crores and Rs. 250 crore budgets, respectively, according to trade sources.
The twin failures in a single week are estimated to have led to over Rs. 250 crore losses, dealing a severe blow to ongoing recovery efforts.
While the makers of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan hope tax rebates can offset damages, overall losses are projected to remain substantial with over Rs. 300 crore said to be sunk in the two productions.
Exhibitors, too, expressed concern over the dismal patch. They observed that Lone Success Fighter mainly buoyed first-quarter returns, and overall business has worsened since the pandemic.
Industry insiders now discuss corrective measures around budgets, remunerations, and promotions with an eye on making films bankable once more. Limited audience interest in delayed projects is also thought to be an issue.
As the setback pushes recovery further away, sustainable solutions seem imperative for Hindi cinema’s financial health.
