The Decline of Bollywood: What’s Really Going Wrong?
Mumbai, September 24, 2025 – Bollywood was once celebrated for its powerful storytelling, timeless music, and cultural influence across the globe. But in recent years, the industry has faced a credibility crisis. From weak scripts to nepotism and formula-driven films, the “bad” side of Bollywood is becoming more visible, leaving audiences disappointed and critics frustrated.
1. Lack of Strong Scripts
Film critics like Taran Adarsh and Komal Nahta have repeatedly highlighted that Bollywood suffers from a “first draft is good enough” attitude. Instead of refining scripts, producers often rush into production, leading to flat, uninspiring stories. (Moneycontrol)
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has also slammed the industry for relying heavily on formulaic content, calling out the lack of originality and depth. (Outlook India)
2. Unoriginal Content and Copy-Paste Culture
Another issue is the over-dependence on remakes and “inspired” content. Many Hindi films today are remakes of South Indian or foreign films. Instead of celebrating fresh voices, nepotism and reliance on the “star system” keep Bollywood in a loop of recycled ideas.
3. Star Salaries vs. Production Budgets
One of Bollywood’s biggest flaws lies in its budget imbalance. Leading actors demand astronomical fees, sometimes eating up half the film’s budget. This leaves little room for investment in high-quality scripts, set design, or technical improvements. The result? Glossy but hollow films that fail to resonate with audiences. (New Indian Express)
4. Pressure from OTT Platforms
With the rise of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar, audiences now have easy access to diverse, high-quality global content. This has made Bollywood’s shortcomings more obvious. Even when films release in theaters, many are quickly moved to OTT platforms, reducing theater footfalls. Industry veterans believe Bollywood must evolve to compete with this new wave. (India Forums)
5. Paid Reviews and PR Manipulation
Another dark truth is the business of paid reviews. Several reports suggest that positive reviews can be “bought,” distorting audience perception and killing genuine feedback. This not only damages credibility but also prevents deserving films from gaining recognition. (Al Jazeera)
6. Irresponsible Content and Social Impact
Bollywood has also been criticized for ignoring social responsibility. Scenes promoting smoking, drinking, or unsafe behavior often appear without proper disclaimers, sending wrong signals to young audiences. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently raised concerns over an e-cigarette scene in a series featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Aryan Khan. (Times of India)
The Way Forward
While Bollywood’s problems are real, solutions exist:
- Encourage fresh writers and filmmakers rather than relying only on “film families.”
- Focus on content quality — stronger narratives, character depth, and tighter scripts.
- Reduce over-dependence on star power; let the story be the hero.
- Promote transparency in film reviews and audience feedback.
- Follow social responsibility guidelines to ensure content doesn’t negatively influence viewers.
Bollywood’s golden age was built on innovation and authenticity. If it wants to regain global respect, the industry must correct its course and return to storytelling that entertains, inspires, and represents the true diversity of India.
Suggested Links
External Links:
- Bollywood’s dirty secret: Paid reviews are killing the industry – Al Jazeera
- Why are Bollywood movies flopping? Lack of good scripts – Moneycontrol
Internal Links (you can link to your own site/blog pages):
Bollywood has also been criticized for ignoring social responsibility. Scenes promoting smoking, drinking, or unsafe behavior often appear without proper disclaimers, sending wrong signals to young audiences. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently raised concerns over an e-cigarette scene in a series featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Aryan Khan. (Times of India)
The Way Forward
While Bollywood’s problems are real, solutions exist:
- Encourage fresh writers and filmmakers rather than relying only on “film families.”
- Focus on content quality — stronger narratives, character depth, and tighter scripts.
- Reduce over-dependence on star power; let the story be the hero.
- Promote transparency in film reviews and audience feedback.
- Follow social responsibility guidelines to ensure content doesn’t negatively influence viewers.
Bollywood’s golden age was built on innovation and authenticity. If it wants to regain global respect, the industry must correct its course and return to storytelling that entertains, inspires, and represents the true diversity of India.
