Is Anurag Kashyap right to quit Bollywood? Latest Indian cinema analysis says yes

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap announces his exit from Bollywood, citing its toxic environment. He believes South Indian cinema offers better creative scope. Trends show Hindi films struggling as South dominates.

Is Anurag Kashyap right to quit Bollywood? Latest Indian cinema analysis says yes

Anurag Kashyap

time

Anurag Kashyap, known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur, has reportedly announced his departure from Bollywood, calling the industry “too toxic.” The filmmaker has criticized the growing obsession with Rs 500-800 crore box office targets, stating that storytelling has taken a backseat to profit-making.

Now, Kashyap is likely shifting his focus to South Indian cinema, which he believes offers a more stimulating creative environment. But is his decision justified? Recent box office trends suggest so.

Hindi Cinema’s Decline vs. South’s Rise

According to the 2024 Ormax Box Office Report, Hindi cinema has been struggling as its overall collections dropped by 13% compared to 2023, with a steeper 37% fall in earnings from original Hindi films.

Alarmingly, 31% of Bollywood’s total box office revenue in 2024 came from Hindi-dubbed versions of South Indian films, highlighting Bollywood’s increasing dependence on Southern hits.

Meanwhile, Malayalam cinema has doubled its market share, surpassing ₹1,000 crore in earnings for the first time.

Tamil and Telugu films have maintained their stronghold, with Pushpa 2: The Rule emerging as the highest-grossing film of the year at ₹1,403 crore. Such a shift signals that South Indian films are not just outperforming Bollywood but are also setting new industry benchmarks.

ALSO READ: Anurag Kashyap quits Bollywood calling it 'too toxic,' now headed to South India

Kashyap’s Move Reflects a Larger Trend

Kashyap isn’t the only one looking beyond Bollywood. Several filmmakers and actors have begun collaborating with the South, drawn by its creative liberty and box office consistency. The Hindi industry’s reliance on a few tentpole releases like Stree 2, suggests an unstable ecosystem.

Further, with Bollywood footfalls dropping by 16% and ticket price hikes being the primary revenue driver, the industry faces an existential challenge.

For Kashyap, the South represents what Bollywood once was—bold, experimental, and story-driven. If trends continue, his exit may not be an isolated case but a glimpse into Bollywood’s uncertain future.

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