The Evolution of Indian Cinema: Are Middle-Class Heroes Disappearing?

Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar 2' has made waves at the box office, raising questions about the fate of the middle-class hero in Indian cinema. As pan-India blockbusters dominate, the traditional relatable protagonist seems to be fading. This article delves into the evolution of Indian cinema, examining the economic and cultural shifts that have led to the rise of spectacle-driven narratives. It also explores the migration of middle-class stories to OTT platforms, suggesting that while the middle-class hero may not be dead, he is certainly marginalized. Join us as we analyze the future of storytelling in Indian cinema.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 16:57 IST

Dhurandhar 2's Box Office Triumph

Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar The Revenge, featuring Ranveer Singh, has achieved remarkable success, amassing over Rs 587 crore nett in India within just a week of its release. This film is on track to surpass the lifetime earnings of its predecessor, Dhurandhar, which debuted last year. It's noteworthy to consider how a film centered around a middle-class family, embodying relatable values, has achieved such financial success. The triumph of films like Dhurandhar 2 signifies more than just box office numbers; it reflects a significant shift in Indian cinema. The emergence of pan-India blockbusters, characterized by grand spectacles and exaggerated masculinity, has transformed audience expectations regarding heroes. This raises an intriguing question: is the era of the relatable, middle-class protagonist gradually fading?

The Rise of the Pan-India Superstar

The Age of the Pan-India Superstar

To comprehend this transformation, one must trace the origins of the pan-India star phenomenon, often attributed to Prabhas. Following the monumental success of Baahubali, Prabhas set a new standard for stardom that transcends language and cultural boundaries. His appeal is rooted not in relatability but in the grandeur of storytelling, featuring epic narratives and larger-than-life action. This model quickly became the gold standard, with films crafted for nationwide audiences rather than regional ones. They began to release in multiple languages simultaneously, aiming for bigger narratives and heroes. The success of South Indian films has accelerated this trend, with many overtaking Bollywood in revenue due to their adeptness at the pan-India format. Films like Pushpa, RRR, and KGF exemplify this shift.

Spectacle vs. Substance

Spectacle Over Substance?

To decode the prevalent spectacle formula in the film industry, one must recognize its reliance on scale—epic action sequences, stylized violence, and heroic myth-making. The protagonist is no longer an everyday man but an unstoppable force. This shift indicates that it is not the storytelling that has evolved, but rather the emotional essence of Indian cinema. Earlier films by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, for instance, focused on middle-class dilemmas—jobs, family, love, and societal pressures. Movies like Gol Maal, Chupke Chupke, and Bawarchi are prime examples of this genre. However, the trend began to wane around 2018, with few major films targeting theatrical releases, except for Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan's Zara Hatke Zara Bachke in 2023. It appears that relatability has increasingly been supplanted by aspiration, leading to heroes who are idolized rather than identified with.

The Vanishing Middle-Class Hero

The Curious Case Of The Disappearing Middle-Class Hero

Historically, Indian cinema has mirrored the middle class, reflecting their aspirations and attitudes. However, this reflection is becoming distorted. In a postmodern context, blockbusters prioritize broad appeal over specificity, stripping away the nuances of class and everyday life. This results in a homogenized hero who fits everywhere yet belongs nowhere.

Economic Factors Behind the Shift

Economics Driving the Change

It's essential to recognize that the decline of the middle-class hero is not merely a creative decision but also an economic one. Pan-India films demand substantial budgets, extensive marketing, and stars with nationwide appeal. In this high-stakes environment, producers are often reluctant to invest in smaller, character-driven narratives. Additionally, the economics of cinema have shifted, making it less accessible for the middle class, with rising ticket prices being a significant barrier. As fewer people attend theaters, filmmakers aim to maximize impact with event cinema—films designed for the big screen. In this competitive landscape, the intimate, middle-class hero struggles to find a place.

The Influence of South Indian Cinema

The South Indian Influence On Cinema

The rise of pan-India cinema is closely linked to the success of South Indian film industries. Films like Baahubali, RRR, and KGF have successfully balanced rooted storytelling with universal themes, appealing to audiences across linguistic divides. However, the trend often leans towards heightened masculinity and spectacle, with the 'violent hero' archetype taking center stage. Gone are the days of the simple man; today's heroes are intense, brooding, and physically dominant.

The Middle-Class Hero in the OTT Space

Is the Middle-Class Hero Truly Dead? The OTT Space

The middle-class hero is not entirely extinct; rather, he has migrated. Today, he is more likely to be found on streaming platforms than in theaters. OTT platforms have become the new haven for smaller, grounded stories. For instance, R Madhavan's Aap Jaisa Koi on Netflix exemplifies the middle-class hero and his aspirations. Another notable example is Sanya Malhotra's Pagglait, which beautifully explores middle-class values. This shift indicates a bifurcation in Indian cinema—one that is spectacle-driven and star-led in theaters, while digital platforms focus on intimate, character-driven narratives. The middle-class hero is not dead; he has simply been pushed out of mainstream theatrical cinema.

The Impact of Dhurandhar 2

The Dhurandhar 2 Effect

Films like Dhurandhar 2 epitomize these trends, crafted as cinematic events. Their success reinforces the notion that this formula is effective. However, what occurs when cinema ceases to reflect the everyday lives of ordinary people? Will audiences continue to crave larger-than-life heroes? Are event films merely a reflection of a turbulent reality? Indian cinema has thrived on its ability to connect with diverse audiences, from the working class's struggles to the middle class's dreams. If the balance shifts too far towards escapism, cinema risks losing its emotional foundation.

Looking Ahead

The Road Ahead

The future of the middle-class hero hinges on the industry's ability to find a balance. There is a growing acknowledgment that emotional depth and relatability cannot be entirely forsaken. Films like Gaurav Madan’s Barah By Barah, which thrived in independent circuits before securing a theatrical release, demonstrate this potential. The challenge lies in integrating these elements into the grand framework of pan-India cinema. Ultimately, scale alone cannot sustain cinema; while audiences may currently cheer for invincible heroes, it is the relatable ones who leave a lasting impression. The rise of pan-India stars and spectacle-driven cinema has reshaped Indian filmmaking, expanding its reach while sidelining the relatable middle-class hero. Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 reflects this shift, prioritizing scale over subtlety and aspiration over relatability. The middle-class hero is not dead, but he is no longer the face of mainstream Indian cinema, and perhaps a middle ground is necessary.