Priyanka Tiwari
Share
Amid growing chatter online that Bollywood is in decline, actor Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor has shared his views, emphasizing the need for the industry to evolve rather than cling to its formulaic past. Responding to a viral post that criticized Bollywood’s overdependence on aging stars and predictable filmmaking, Harsh offered a perspective grounded in his own creative journey.
“Bollywood Shouldn’t Be Just About Big Stars,” Says Harsh
Harsh strongly refuted the idea that Bollywood is over, pointing out that the industry’s downfall would only come from repeating outdated patterns. He wrote, “Bollywood isn’t and shouldn’t be only about stars that have been there and done that and formulaic films.”
He argued that Bollywood must move away from its “star-struck” culture and instead prioritize creativity, originality, and storytelling.
Advocates for Low-Budget, High-Concept Storytelling
Highlighting the need for change, Harsh urged producers to invest in small-budget films with unique ideas. “Prioritize never-before-seen storytelling and keep the upfront costs low, and the audience will come,” he stated.
He referenced his own film Thar, produced on a modest ₹20 crore budget, which outperformed bigger productions in visual quality. “It looks visually better than many films that cost 2–3 times that... because every cent went into the making of the film and not unnecessary costs,” he explained.
Slams Outdated Filmmaking Approaches
Calling out the industry’s reluctance to adapt, Harsh said, “It’s 2025 and the films that get green-lit are films that belong in the 1980s and not even the good ones.” He stressed that Bollywood must embrace modern storytelling to stay relevant.
Creative Challenges and Industry Realities
When a critic accused him of wasting his potential, Harsh defended his unconventional path. “You have no idea how difficult it is to do anything that’s offbeat or not conventional in this business,” he replied.
Projects like Bhavesh Joshi Superhero and Thar took years to make, proving how tough it is to bring non-commercial narratives to life. He cited filmmakers like Raj Singh Chaudhary as examples of untapped talent struggling for support.
Passion Over Profit: Harsh's Promise to the Audience
When urged to keep backing low-budget films, Harsh candidly acknowledged financial limitations but reaffirmed his passion. “I don’t have endless money but I do have endless passion and ideas. Filmmaking is a huge undertaking, and if I’m backed, I promise I’ll give you unforgettable films,” he said.
A Vision for the Future of Hindi Cinema
Despite his frustrations, Harsh Varrdhan remains committed to changing the cinematic landscape. Known for Mirzya, Thar, and his upcoming role in the Abhinav Bindra biopic, the actor continues to advocate for originality, fresh narratives, and meaningful cinema that breaks away from the commercial norm.
Read More: Dhanush’s ‘Idly Kadai’ Gets New Release Date: To Hit Theatres on October 1
--Advertisement--
