Mumbai: Despite the surge in political and nationalist films in 2024, theatres are experiencing dwindling expectations, especially after the lackluster performance of recent releases like “Fighter”.
Exhibitors are banking on blockbuster releases featuring megastars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor to revive box office numbers.
“I have low expectations for this year compared to 2023, which was exceptional for Hindi cinema. This year lacks films starring Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, or Ranbir Kapoor,” said Vishek Chauhan, a single-screen exhibitor in Bihar.
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The disappointing performance of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s “Fighter” in the first two months of the year has further dampened prospects, with the film collecting only around Rs 199 crore against a budget of Rs 250 crore.
“This being an election year, many producers are releasing politically themed films, but success depends on the film’s own merits. Films like ‘Uri’ and ‘The Kashmir Files’ had that appeal. I’m not banking on similar films this year,” added Chauhan.
Producer Anand Pandit emphasized that compelling content is crucial for box office success, regardless of the film’s theme.
Upcoming releases include Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency”, “Sky Force”, and “The Untold Story of C Sankaran Nair”, along with Sunny Deol’s “Lahore 1947”.
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However, films like “Main Atal Hoon” and “Operation Valentine”, despite nationalist themes, failed to make a mark at the box office.
“In terms of footfall and occupancy, the numbers will likely remain flat compared to last year due to the absence of tentpole releases,” explained Amit Sharma, Managing Director of Miraj Cinemas.
The absence of blockbuster releases like “Pathaan”, which grossed over Rs 600 crore in India alone, has significantly impacted box office numbers. According to Chauhan, Hindi box office business is estimated to decline by 20 percent, with a similar decline projected for regional films.
Overall, the Indian box office is expected to decline by 30 percent in 2024, attributed to factors such as the Hollywood writers’ strike and a muted pipeline of Hindi films.
“The future looks bleak for the box office in the next six months. Exhibitors are feeling the pinch,” concluded Chauhan.
