Have International Films Stolen Our Thunder, Asks Bollywood Actor Suniel Shetty

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty spoke up about the recent box office struggles of Bollywood films, questioning whether international movies are now dominating the Indian market.

"English films are running... Our films aren't doing business even worth Rs 1.5 million (Dh65,100). So, where did we go wrong?" he asked. "Have we allowed them to take away our business?"

Shetty also pointed to multiple issues affecting the industry, from expensive popcorn to the falling number of theatres across the country.

"Look, we will have to reduce the prices. If the price of popcorn is higher than the ticket price, then it becomes very, very difficult. You know, the number of theatres has to increase," the veteran actor said. "The number of theatres has to multiply by 5x."

Shetty recalled how earlier producers were deeply involved in every part of a film's release.

"In our time, when a producer used to make a film, his life used to be tied to that film because he had to pay for it himself or take a loan to make it. For him, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were make-or-break days."

He also criticised the corporate culture that now dominates the film industry. "And on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, if you call a corporate house, they'll say, 'I'm out for the weekend.' Our business is a weekend business."

Several Bollywood movies, including Salman Khan's recent Eid release Sikandar, have failed to draw large crowds to theatres.

Shetty will next be seen in Kesari Veer, which also stars Vivek Oberoi. Directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanu Chauhan, the film is set to release on May 16.

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