Films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Tumbbad, and Veer-Zaara have been re-released, with audiences returning to theatres to enjoy them once again. Vijay 69 actor Saanand Verma says this is a testament to the fact that audiences will always cherish timeless content.
“Good content always has repeat value, and that’s a key to success in our industry. Iconic films like Sholay and Mughal-e-Azam are examples of movies that people love to watch multiple times. For true cinema lovers, watching a great film more than once is a delightful experience. However, I feel that in our country, the number of cinema lovers and movie buffs has decreased, which is a worrying trend I’ve noticed,” he says.
He adds, “Another issue is the increasing scale of films. Nowadays, films are made with budgets of hundreds of crores, especially those featuring stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, or Prabhas. These are huge, big-budget extravaganzas. For instance, a film like Stree 2 broke the box office record of a big-budget movie like Jawan. While Stree 2 performed extremely well at the box office, it’s concerning that there is so much focus on big-budget films alone. In filmmaking, whether it’s big-budget or small-budget, the key lies in making a good film. A well-crafted story, excellent direction, strong performances, and timely release combined with good marketing can make any film successful in theatres.”
Verma stresses that content needs to be king. “It seems that the industry is overly focused on grand, big-budget productions, forgetting that smaller, well-made films, if properly marketed, can also do great business, especially in tier 1 and tier 2 cities. In these cities, audiences still prefer a well-made, well-marketed film in theatres. That’s why, when a big-budget film releases, it often dominates the box office. But it’s equally important to give well-made smaller films their due, as they can also perform well with the right release strategy.”
He adds, “Our country, being a young nation, has a vast audience that connects with cinema on a deep level. If a film resonates with the audience, especially the younger generation, it will definitely do well, regardless of the budget. As for the future, I believe well-made films will always be successful, regardless of changing trends. While the rise of OTT platforms and home entertainment offers many options, theatres will continue to thrive as long as good content is made. Both mediums—OTT and theatres—have their own space, and high-quality films will continue to succeed in both.”
