Given the numbers that Dhurandhar: The Revenge has earned, and how action thrillers have recently become the new favourite among moviegoers, films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani or Saiyaara don’t come that easily. But what is the reason behind this sudden shift, with the box office rewarding action thrillers while rom-coms and romantic dramas barely find space? Film producer and eminent trade analyst Girish Johar believes it is the ‘lack of content’.
While several films, including Param Sundari, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, and Tu Mera Main Teri, couldn’t get a strong grip, Johar doesn’t feel that the “genre is failing.” Instead, he believes the “audience is awaiting the right film.” He adds that post-pandemic, audience preferences and decision-making
when it comes to watching films in theatres have changed. “They now have multiple avenues to watch content in the palm of their hands, OTT, laptops, phones, and even large in-house TVs. As a result, they prefer watching larger-than-life content on the big screen.”
Another trade expert, Akshaye Rathi, believes that rom-coms are no longer suited for the theatrical experience, as they don’t offer anything compelling enough to draw audiences to cinemas. “Most rom-coms we see today offer a similar viewing experience, whether watched in theatres or at home. They lack a distinctive big-screen appeal or an immersive cinematic experience. As a result, audiences prefer consuming rom-coms in the comfort of their homes or on their phones. In contrast, genres like action, thrillers, horror, or even epic romance perform better in theatres because they offer a larger-than-life experience,” Rathi shared while speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha.
Girish is quite positive that if a “big-scale rom-com is presented to audiences, one that has breathtaking visuals, grandeur, songs, and music, they will come to theatres.” Rathi added, “Recent romantic comedies have music that feels more like jingles. Music needs to be elevated, well-orchestrated, and backed by strong production values to draw audiences to cinemas. While not a rom-com, we saw this with Saiyaara. It didn’t have a massive cast or huge production values, but its music was so theatrical in nature that people wanted to experience it on the big screen, which drove strong footfall in theatres.”
While there are not many romantic comedies in the pipeline right now, Johar is hopeful about Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer Cocktail 2. “Cocktail 2 is one, and there is another film releasing on April 24, Ginny Weds Sunny 2, which is also a romantic comedy and a mass entertainer. It is tracking quite decently. So, it all depends on timing, how compelling the film is, and how the audience feels at that point. I believe it is just a matter of time. Lately, yes, larger-than-life films are doing wonders,” Johar shared.
While star power can still pull audiences to theatres, it can only ensure strong numbers on Friday, Girish added. “If the content does not deliver, audiences do not want to spend their money. The audience has matured a lot. They have options left, right, and centre. To draw them to theatres, the film has to be compelling enough for them to spend three to four hours watching it.”
