The once unwavering enthusiasm for action-packed cinema, characterized by high-octane stunts and valiant protagonists, appears to be dissipating amongst audiences. A recent example is the cool reception of the large-scale production “Bade Miyan Chotte Miyan,” directed by Ali Abbas Zaffar and headlined by action stars Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. This prompts an examination of whether audiences are experiencing action movie fatigue.
The year 2023 marked a peak for the action genre, with films like Shahrukh Khan’s “Pathan” and “Jawaan” soaring past 1000 crores at the box office, and Ranbir Kapoor’s “Animal” following closely with 912 crores. However, as we entered 2024, this trend began to show signs of slowing down. Action movies such as “Fighter” and “Yodha” failed to maintain their momentum, and the lackluster performance of “Bade Miyan Chotte Miyan” added to the speculation that the action genre’s allure might be waning.
A film critic points out that directors are investing massive budgets into filming elaborate action sequences but often neglect the imperative task of character development. The most thrilling experiences originate from seeing relatable characters in life-or-death situations, engaging in brutal combat and tactical confrontations. When these characters lack depth, backstory, or significant consequences for their actions, the excitement is diminished. Current cinematic trends indicate a particular neglect in this area, resulting in films with bewildering editing and an overemphasis on action. This phenomenon is not isolated to Bollywood; Hollywood franchises are also feeling the impact of over-saturation, as seen with recent entries in the “Mission Impossible” series.
Trade analyst Sumit Kadel comments on the multifaceted nature of success for action films. Overexposure of actors can tarnish their allure and lead to a general weariness among viewers. Kadel notes that while blockbusters like “Pathan,” “Jawan,” and “Animal” achieved enormous success and “Tiger 3” opened well, its inability to sustain itself was due to a weak storyline. In contrast, audience fatigue with repetitive casting choices affected “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.” Nevertheless, Kadel is optimistic about the future of action cinema, provided the films are well-crafted and headlined by stars with enduring appeal.
Unexpectedly, the spotlight has shifted to moderately budgeted movies led by less prominent actors or newcomers, evidenced by the triumph of titles such as “12th Fail,” “Madgaon Express,” and “Lapaata Ladies.” Noted actor Manoj Bajpayee analyzes their success: Audiences crave stories that reflect their own struggles and triumphs. Films that offer this connection inspire hope, especially during turbulent times.
The industry insight is clear: an investment in high-quality writing that resonates with audiences is essential. Lavish locations and A-list stars are less impactful when the story fails to engage emotionally. As one exhibitor remarks, in an age searching for hope, cinematic narratives must offer meaningful content to motivate theater attendance.
Looking ahead to 2025, action films are far from obsolete. Anticipation is already building for major releases like Shahrukh Khan’s “King,” Hrithik Roshan’s “War 2,” and Salman Khan’s “Sikander.” The key to sustaining audience interest will be maintaining star power while ensuring robust storytelling that captures both the thrill of action and the depth of human experience. Action cinema should evolve beyond pure spectacle, incorporating stories that evoke emotion and reflection, ultimately ensuring that the genre retains its capacity to awe-inspire and entertain.
