Is Bollywood Running Out of Ideas?

Bollywood, known for its colourful movies and captivating stories, has entertained audiences for decades. From timeless hits like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to recent favourites like Gully Boy, Gangubai it has always been a hub of creativity. But lately, there’s a growing concern that Bollywood might be running out of fresh ideas. With so many remakes, sequels, and repetitive themes, we all are beginning to wonder if originality is taking a backseat.

Too Many Remakes

One of the biggest signs of Bollywood’s creative slump is its increasing reliance on remakes. These days, it feels like every other movie is either a copy of a South Indian hit or a Hollywood adaptation. Take an example of Drishyam 2 it was a remake of a Malayalam movie that had already been a success.

Bollywood has also been taking ideas from Hollywood. Movies like Laal Singh Chaddha (adapted from Forrest Gump) attempted to recreate global classics but didn’t always hit the mark with audiences. Instead of creating something new, Bollywood seems to be playing it safe by retelling stories we’ve already seen.

Sequels Everywhere

If remakes weren’t enough, the industry is also churning out sequels at an unprecedented rate. Franchises like Hera Pheri, Singham, and Golmaal keep returning with new instalments, but the originality is often missing. For instance, Singham Again continues the same cop-versus-criminals saga, and while fans enjoy the action, the stories feel repetitive.

Even Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, despite its success, didn’t bring anything significantly fresh to the table. It relied on the popularity of the original and some over-the-top comedy to draw crowds. While sequels can be fun, overusing them risks turning Bollywood into a recycling machine.

Repeating the Same Formulas

Bollywood also tends to stick to the same stories. Whether it’s love triangles, revenge dramas, or cop verse , the themes often feel overdone. Audiences today are looking for something different, but mainstream movies often avoid taking risks. For instance, while movies like Hera Pheri became iconic for their humour, repeated attempts to revive the magic in newer instalments feel forced and stale.

OTT Platforms Raise the Bar

The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime has made audiences more aware of what global cinema has to offer. Indian viewers now watch a mix of Korean dramas, Hollywood thrillers, and independent films from around the world, raising expectations for fresh and innovative stories.

Some Bollywood films on OTT, like Tumbbad or Sardar Udham, have shown that Indian cinema can be bold and original. But such examples are still rare compared to the larger industry output dominated by remakes and sequels.

Bollywood needs to embrace change. Films like Article 15 and Tumbbad have proven that when filmmakers step away from formulas, they can create magic. Encouraging new directors and writers, exploring diverse themes, and moving beyond the obsession with star power can help Bollywood reconnect with its creative roots.

While Bollywood still produces entertaining movies, its growing dependence on remakes and sequels is a worrying trend. Audiences today crave fresh, relatable stories, and the industry must rise to the challenge. If Bollywood wants to stay relevant and exciting, it needs to take risks and start thinking outside the box. Only then can it continue to be the heart of Indian cinema.

With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies