Khans not working anymore? Anil Kapoor’s son Harsh Varrdhan slams Bollywood’s ‘formulaic films,’ ‘star obsession’

Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor, actor and son of veteran actor Anil Kapoor, has launched a sharp critique of Bollywood’s reliance on aging stars and recycled formulas amid a string of box-office disappointments.

Responding to a social media user’s claim that ‘Bollywood is finished,’ the 34-year-old argued the industry’s obsession with legacy stars like Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan, coupled with uninspired scripts, is alienating audiences.

“Bollywood isn’t and shouldn’t be only about stars who’ve been there, done that, and formulaic films,” Harsh Varrdhan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Bollywood isn’t and shouldn’t be only about stars that have been there and done that and formulaic films it’s time for producers and financiers to gamble on low cost high concept films for cinemas without the usual tropes .. prioritise never before seen story telling and keep the… https://t.co/sf4Lk8bQPh

— Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor (@HarshKapoor_) March 31, 2025

His comments come as Salman Khan’s Sikandar flopped, Aamir Khan remains absent from projects, and Akshay Kumar faces criticism for repetitive roles. Even Ranbir Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, hailed as the ‘lone warriors,’ struggle to single-handedly revive the industry’s fortunes.

Films Belonging to the 1980s

Harsh Varrdhan lambasted studios for greenlighting outdated concepts, stating, ‘It’s 2025, and the films getting approved belong in the 1980s—and not even the good ones.’ He emphasised that Bollywood’s refusal to innovate has led to a disconnect with modern audiences.

The actor-producer called for a shift toward “low-cost, high-concept films” with budgets of Rs 8-15 crore, prioritizing original storytelling over star power.

Citing his 2022 Netflix neo-Western Thar—made on a Rs 20 crore budget—he argued, “It looks better than films costing three times more because every penny went into production, not unnecessary expenses.”

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The Offbeat Struggle

Despite his privileged lineage, Harsh Varrdhan revealed the hurdles of making unconventional cinema. “People have no idea how tough it is to do anything offbeat here,” he replied to a critic questioning his selective filmography. “It takes years to make a Bhavesh Joshi or Thar.”

His debut film, Mirzya (2016), and the superhero drama Bhavesh Joshi Superhero were critically praised but overlooked commercially. Yet, he remains determined: “If I’m backed, I’ll deliver unforgettable films. I don’t have endless money, but I have endless passion.”

Producers’ Playbook Needs Rewriting

Harsh Varrdhan urged financiers to take risks on fresh voices, like Thar director Raj Singh Chaudhary, who was unknown before the film. “We backed his vision—that’s how change begins,” he said.

He also dismissed the notion that star kids alone can revive Bollywood, stressing systemic issues. “Even talented filmmakers struggle to get funding. The focus should be on stories, not safety nets.”

Will Bollywood Listen?

While Harsh Varrdhan’s critique resonates with fans tired of formulaic potboilers, the industry’s reliance on tried-and-tested formulas remains. His own career—marked by niche projects like Ray and AK vs AK- reflects the challenges of balancing art and commerce.