Emraan Hashmi Expresses Concerns Over Theatrical Film Industry's Future

Emraan Hashmi has raised alarms about the declining state of the theatrical film industry, emphasizing that audiences are increasingly favoring blockbuster films over mid-range productions. With a career spanning over 25 years, he is now more selective in his project choices, reflecting on the challenges faced by theatrical releases in the current landscape. Hashmi's insights shed light on the rapid transition to OTT platforms and the implications for filmmakers and audiences alike. His comments also touch on the broader industry trends, including the impact of recent Hollywood films. Read on to discover more about his perspective on this evolving cinematic landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 05:54 IST

Emraan Hashmi's Take on Theatrical Challenges

Emraan Hashmi has voiced his concerns regarding the current state of the theatrical film industry, noting that audiences are primarily drawn to blockbuster films, leaving mid-range productions struggling. This shift has led him to adopt a more meticulous approach in choosing his projects.

Currently starring as a customs officer in the Netflix series 'Taskaree', Hashmi had two theatrical releases in 2025, titled 'Ground Zero' and 'Haq'.

He remarked, "It's become increasingly challenging for theatrical films to find their place. Many concepts seem better suited for OTT platforms due to their nature."

With over 25 years in the industry, Hashmi is cautious about repeating past roles, making his selection process more stringent.

He added, "The current landscape makes it tough for theatrical releases. Everyone is hesitant to choose projects that might not resonate, weighing the potential success against the risks. When a compelling project arises, whether for theaters or OTT, I tend to pursue it... The rejection process has become more detailed."

Hashmi pointed out that the gap between a film's theatrical debut and its OTT release is now just four to six weeks. If a film lacks popular music, romance, or elements appealing to younger viewers, attracting audiences to theaters becomes a challenge.

He commented on Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio's observation about the theatrical industry's struggles, stating, "It is indeed concerning. Take DiCaprio's recent film, 'One Battle After Another'; it underperformed. A decade ago, it likely wouldn't have. Now, it feels more like a film to catch on OTT, akin to an indie project. This shift has made things quite difficult."