Veteran filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has weighed in on the ongoing box office slump in Bollywood, pointing fingers at both the lack of innovation in storytelling and the soaring fees demanded by top Hindi film actors.
Speaking to ANI, Sircar expressed concern over the industry’s reluctance to experiment, stating that filmmakers are recycling old formulas instead of exploring fresh narratives. “There are two very important reasons. First of all, I would say that filmmakers and producers, as creative people, are not taking risks. When it comes to storytelling, you can’t just repeat old stories. You have to take some risks somewhere,” he said.
The director, known for acclaimed films like Piku, October, and Sardar Udham, also addressed the elephant in the room—the exorbitant remuneration charged by Bollywood stars. While he refrained from naming names, Sircar didn’t hold back. “I won’t say much about people’s entourages or what they charge, but I am sure of one thing: popular actors will have to lower their fees. If they don’t, directors will stop approaching them,” he warned.
His comments come at a time when the Hindi film industry is facing a challenging phase in 2025. Even superstar Salman Khan’s Sikandar, released during Eid, failed to meet expectations despite its big-budget production and star-studded cast. Meanwhile, Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, stands as the only notable box office success this year.
Sircar also shed light on his production house, Rising Sun Films, and its consistent approach toward maintaining budget discipline. “We’ve worked with actors who understand that they’re working on a Rising Sun film with Shoojit Sircar, and that the cost will not be too high,” he shared, adding that their strategy has helped them avoid common financial pitfalls.
With Bollywood at a crossroads, Sircar’s candid remarks echo a growing sentiment in the industry—one that calls for introspection, fiscal prudence, and above all, a renewed commitment to storytelling.
Sources By Agencies
