TV
Social media is often ablaze with outrage over nepotism in Bollywood. Users passionately argue that outsiders don’t get fair opportunities, while nepo kids dominate the industry, regardless of merit. But a closer look at recent box office trends paints a different, somewhat ironic picture.
Take the example of Dhadak 2, starring Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi—both self-made talents with proven acting chops. The film received positive reviews for its content, storytelling, and stellar performances, yet failed to draw crowds to theatres. Despite its quality, Dhadak 2 opened to a lukewarm response.
In contrast, Saiyaara, featuring Ahaan Pandey, a clear beneficiary of star lineage, is breaking box office records. There is not an iota of doubt that Saiyaara is one of the best movies of this year. The debutants have done a tremendous job in the film.
However, Dhadak 2 equally deserved a lot of love. Triptii Dimri, who gained fame through strong performances in Qala and Animal, and Siddhant Chaturvedi, who rose to fame with Gully Boy, have both earned critical acclaim. Yet, that hasn’t translated into commercial success. The same audiences who chant “Boycott Nepotism” online seem absent when it comes to actually backing outsider-led films in theatres.
This reveals a deeper contradiction: the support for outsiders is often performative, loud on social media, but silent at the box office. If viewers truly want a more merit-based industry, the change must go beyond hashtags; it must show up in ticket sales.
Until then, the industry will continue to be shaped not just by filmmakers but by the choices audiences make.
