Kareena Kapoor Khan has questioned Bollywood’s tendency to chase formulas after the success of a film, arguing that the Hindi film industry can no longer assume audiences will automatically embrace a particular genre simply because it has worked at the box office. The actress believes viewers, particularly younger audiences, have become more discerning about the stories they choose to watch and are increasingly willing to reject films that feel repetitive or derivative. During a recent townhall interaction with Yuvaa, Kareena discussed how the relationship between filmmakers and audiences is changing and suggested that creative decisions can no longer be driven solely by prevailing trends. Referring specifically to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 2023 blockbuster ‘Animal’, she questioned the tendency to replicate successful elements, including violence, simply because they have delivered commercially.
Kareena Kapoor Khan calls out Bollywood’s ‘herd mentality’
Speaking about the Hindi film industry’s changing approach to storytelling, Kareena Kapoor Khan said filmmakers need to recognise that audiences are capable of making informed choices about what they want to see. Kareena’s comments highlighted her view that filmmakers cannot simply follow a trend and expect audiences to respond in the same way. According to the actress, viewers are increasingly assessing a film on its own merits rather than automatically following what is currently popular.“Our audience is smarter than we think. They know exactly when its a good film and they want to watch it. So today it is not just about a young love story. All these things are very dated, ki abhi violence chal rahi hai… ki abhi Animal chal gayi toh chalo sab violence kar lete hai. (That right now violence is in fashion… that just because Animal became a hit, everyone thinks, ‘Let’s all jump on the violence train.’) We are herd mentality, what to say? Then there are filmmakers who want to make something different, who provoke your thoughts and who have their own fan following. I feel like things are changing now. The audience will now watch the trailer and say that we want to watch this film.”
Kareena Kapoor Khan points to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’
Kareena specifically brought up ‘Animal’ while discussing how Bollywood tends to replicate commercially successful formulas. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the 2023 action drama starred Ranbir Kapoor as Ranvijay Vijay Singh and Rashmika Mandanna as the female lead. The film became a major box-office success while its depiction of violence, masculinity and complicated relationships sparked considerable debate. Kareena’s reference to the film was made in the context of what she described as the industry’s tendency to imitate elements of a successful movie rather than pursue distinct creative ideas.
Kareena says younger audiences are asking tougher questions
The actress also emphasised the growing influence of younger moviegoers, saying they are increasingly prepared to question filmmakers rather than accept familiar commercial formulas at face value.“The young audience will ask the thought provoking questions. Now filmmakers cannot go and make a film saying its a comedy so people will definitely watch it! Not every film is going to make Rs 200 crore or Rs 500 crore. I feel like we are changing it and the audience is helping us.”Kareena also pointed to theatrical trailers as an important factor in the audience’s decision-making process. She suggested that viewers now assess the material before deciding whether a film deserves their time and money.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s recent films
Kareena Kapoor Khan was last seen theatrically in Rohit Shetty’s action drama ‘Singham Again’, which released in 2024. She was also part of ‘Crew’, the heist comedy co-starring Tabu and Kriti Sanon. The film emerged as a successful theatrical release.The actress also headlined Hansal Mehta’s mystery drama ‘The Buckingham Murders’ in 2024. In the film, she played a British-Indian detective investigating a case while dealing with personal grief.