Bollywood’s Creative Crisis: Randeep Hooda Calls for Originality Over Trends
Actor Criticizes Industry’s ‘Herd Mentality’ and Praises South Indian Cinema’s Authenticity
Renowned for his compelling performances in films like Highway, Sarbjit, and the recent Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Randeep Hooda has established himself as a formidable talent in Indian cinema. At the sixth edition of The Indian Express’ Expresso event in New Delhi, Hooda candidly addressed the ongoing challenges within Bollywood, particularly highlighting the industry’s tendency to chase trends at the expense of originality—a practice he termed “bhed chaal” (herd mentality).
Hooda expressed concern over Bollywood’s increasing reliance on formulaic approaches, where filmmakers replicate past successes rather than fostering innovative storytelling. He cited the surge in horror comedies following the success of Stree as an example of this trend-driven mindset. “I would bring it down to bhed chaal. If one thing works, then similar things start getting made,” Hooda remarked. He lamented that this approach has led to a crisis in the industry, resulting in films that lack creativity and depth. “There’s a lot of film execution happening now, not filmmaking. We have isolated ourselves in the ivory tower a little. There’s little room for experimentation,” he added.
In contrast, Hooda praised South Indian cinema for its commitment to cultural authenticity and character-driven narratives. He noted that filmmakers in the South remain rooted in their own culture, focusing on fundamental human emotions that resonate with a broader audience. “Their working is very different. I really admire what they do. It is also because they are still trying to make movies about their own culture. Their sensibility is more basic human emotions, which is appealing to a larger audience,” Hooda observed.
Despite his critiques, Hooda remains optimistic about the future of Bollywood. He emphasized the need for individuals within the industry to take a stand and champion experimental projects that connect with a wider audience. “There needs to be somebody who puts down their foot, hopefully that’s me because I want to do both of them. I am trying to do something experimental enough and choosing a subject which connects with a larger amount of people,” he stated.
Hooda’s insights serve as a call to action for Bollywood to break free from its cyclical patterns and embrace originality, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve and engage audiences with fresh, authentic storytelling.
