As the curtains close on the first half of 2025, Bollywood finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. Despite releasing nearly 30 Hindi films in the first six months—many backed by heavyweight production houses and fronted by A-list actors—only six films have truly made their mark, as per trade analysts. The underwhelming performance has sparked conversations across the industry, with insiders now eyeing a strong rebound in the coming months.
Producer Anand Pandit drops a bold industry statement: “Even star power can’t save a film without a strong script”
Among the industry veterans weighing in is acclaimed producer Anand Pandit, who believes the real game-changer lies not in stardom, but in storytelling. “Audiences are far more evolved now and have access to films from all over the globe. They cannot be lured by a flamboyant star cast alone. There should be a strong story, solid script, and an engaging narrative that aligns with their changing preferences. The right combination of talent, story, and execution will decide the fate of upcoming movies,” said Pandit.
With big-budget projects like Ramayana, War 2, Baaghi 4, Welcome to the Jungle, and Dhamaal 4 gearing up for release in the second half of the year, the stakes are higher than ever. But Pandit believes that a few dark horses might emerge too. “We can also expect some films, made on modest budgets, to become surprise hits at the box office purely through the power of word-of-mouth. We’ve seen some of the best examples of sleeper hits in movies like ‘12th Fail’. For that to happen, we need to explore relatable themes that create an emotional connection with the audience,” he added.
Pandit pointed out that past box office successes prove that audiences today are drawn to emotional authenticity more than sheer spectacle. He believes filmmakers must craft stories that resonate at a human level if they want to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. “If a film can stir the audience emotionally, or make them feel invested in the characters, it will work, regardless of star power or budget,” he concluded.
As the industry braces for a crucial second half, it’s clear that the future of Bollywood will be shaped not just by big names and VFX—but by the enduring power of a well-told story.
Also Read: Producer Anand Pandit says, “It’s time to work smarter, not longer” amid 8-hour shift debate
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