Bollywood Faces Major Flops in 2025: A Call for Change

The Current State of Bollywood

While the film Saiyaara has sparked some optimism at the box office, many prominent stars are struggling with a series of failures in 2025. Notable flops include Shahid Kapoor’s Deva, Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency, Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force, Salman Khan’s Sikandar, Sunny Deol’s Jaat, Ajay Devgan’s Raid 2 and Son Of Sardar 2, along with Akshay Kumar’s Housefull 5, Kajol’s Maa, Rajkummar Rao’s Maalik, and Hrithik Roshan’s War 2.

The Illusion of Success

Some films may have been perceived as successful due to the marketing strategies employed by production companies, including bulk bookings at theaters. Unfortunately, manipulating box office collection figures has become a common practice among major studios.

Industry Insights

Roshan Singh, a prominent film exhibitor from Bihar, expressed his concerns: “Producers in Mumbai are celebrating the success of films that have resulted in significant losses for distributors this year. For instance, Yash Raj Films has compensated the Telugu producer of War 2 for his losses. What about the distributors in North India?”

Struggles of New Talent

The younger generation of actors has not fared much better. Star kids like Aamir Khan’s son Junaid in Loveyappa, and Saif Ali Khan’s Ibrahim in Naadaniyan have also faced setbacks. Despite the backing of well-known production houses, these films have failed to make an impact.

Concerns from Industry Experts

Trade expert Taran Adarsh has voiced his worries about the declining box office numbers. He noted, “Bollywood has experienced fluctuations over the years, but 2025 has seen numerous films underperform despite featuring big stars, high budgets, and aggressive marketing. The industry must urgently address these issues.”

Proposed Solutions

According to Taran Adarsh, the focus should shift to content quality: “Today’s audiences are rejecting weak narratives, regardless of star power. Strong storytelling is essential. Additionally, filmmakers should explore new ideas rather than relying on clichés and formulas. Reinventing star personas can also attract audiences, as seen with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan and Ranbir Kapoor in Animal. Furthermore, managing budgets wisely and connecting with a broader audience beyond metropolitan areas is crucial. Investing in memorable music and avoiding overhyping mediocre films will also help. Finally, nurturing new talent in directing, writing, and acting is vital for the industry’s revival.”