Aamir Khan has brought crucial attention to a growing concern within the Indian film industry, revealing the reasons he believes Bollywood is falling behind South cinema. Speaking in a recent interview, the veteran actor pinpointed significant flaws in Bollywood’s film-making and business strategies, suggesting that urgent change is needed if Hindi cinema is to regain its former dominance. According to Aamir Khan, the timing and methods of film releases have contributed to declining audience interest, while South cinema’s approach is yielding superior results.
Addressing the issue candidly, Aamir Khan stated that producing high-quality films should be the top priority for Bollywood. He emphasized the need for directors, writers, and producers in the Hindi film industry to improve their craft and adapt to evolving audience expectations.
Aamir Khan explained, underlining his belief that foundational changes in storytelling and production are essential for Bollywood’s revival.
In his assessment, the acclaimed star drew attention to Bollywood’s business model, which he described as unusual and counterproductive. Aamir Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the prevalent strategy of calling viewers to theaters and then quickly releasing the same films on streaming services when box office numbers fall short. He remarked,
By releasing movies on Over-The-Top platforms shortly after their theatrical run, Aamir Khan suggested, the industry discourages many fans from buying tickets or prioritizing the cinema experience.
Tracing the origins of this predicament, Aamir Khan pointed out that habits shifted dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, when direct-to-OTT releases became commonplace out of necessity. Viewers, he observed, have since grown accustomed to the comfort of home viewing, further undermining the traditional theater-centric model. Aamir Khan voiced his recommendation clearly:
He called for an intentional delay in streaming availability, believing this would motivate more people to attend theaters and bolster box office returns for Hindi films.
Despite his criticisms, Aamir Khan clarified that he harbors no resentment towards OTT platforms. On the contrary, he acknowledged their positive influence on the industry, noting that many talented artists have finally found opportunities to showcase their skills because of these new channels. Aamir Khan stated,
This balanced perspective reveals his belief that digital release platforms are an important part of the cinematic ecosystem, even as they pose challenges to conventional models.
The urgency in Aamir Khan’s statements reflects the current state of competition between Bollywood and South cinema. Industry analysts and audiences alike have witnessed a surge in the popularity and box office dominance of South Indian films in recent years. These films are often praised for their innovative storytelling and dedication to the theatrical experience, an approach Aamir Khan insists Bollywood must learn from if it wishes to recover. His observations place pressure on Hindi filmmakers to adapt and address both creative and commercial shortcomings before losing further ground to their southern counterparts.
As discussions sparked by Aamir Khan’s remarks continue across social media and industry circles, many are beginning to ask whether Bollywood will implement the structural changes he has recommended. The industry now faces a critical turning point: retaining traditional methods could risk continued decline, while embracing new strategies might restore audience enthusiasm and elevate the overall standards of Hindi films. It remains to be seen whether the decision-makers of Bollywood will heed Aamir Khan’s call for reform or if South cinema will continue to set the pace for Indian filmmaking in the coming years.
The implications of Aamir Khan’s insights are significant for both artists and audiences. If Bollywood successfully addresses these challenges, it could lead to better films, stronger box office performances, and a renewed cultural impact across India and beyond. Otherwise, the gap between Bollywood and South cinema may continue to widen, leaving Hindi cinema at a crossroads where the next steps will determine its future relevance and success. The demand for change has never sounded more urgent, and as Aamir Khan makes clear, the responsibility now rests with those who shape the industry’s next chapter.
