Next Superstar?

Multiplexes offer a wonderful cinematic experience. Superior visual and audio qualities, along with comfortable seating, offer an immersive experience. For the hardworking corporate class as well as the hardworking non-corporate class of the country, a weekend trip with family is an outing that children and parents enjoy together. For a family of four, an average weekend movie viewing costs a few thousand rupees. Ticket prices are high, and popcorn and beverages are charged at a premium. After 3 hours of watching a movie, many families prefer eating dinner or lunch in the same mall or shopping complex that houses the movie theatres.

​Yet, behind this shiny picture of modern movie-watching, a quieter problem has emerged: India has failed to produce a superstar among the younger lot of actors and actresses. A fixation with old-timers and their constant urge to improve and adapt as per changing demands could be one reason. Another prominent reason could be the disappearance of cinema talkies in the tier-2 cities of the country. Mofussil towns continue to host the odd cinema theatre or talkie even today, while rural India still does not have a cinema hall, or if it does, the number is negligible. Economics and marketing play a role in deciding whether to set up a movie theatre.

​It is worth noting that almost every superstar of the past has credited the talkies as a major factor behind their success. Yes, a good storyline, with soulful Bollywood numbers and a perfect masala entertainer, is an important ingredient as ever, but the disappearance of talkies seems to be the biggest contributor towards the non-appearance of a superstar in the Indian film industry.

​You see, talkies provided a connection with the masses that expensive multiplexes simply cannot replicate. Successful movies would run for an extended period of time in these talkies. The black marketing of tickets would further create that buzz. People dancing and throwing coins in the cinema halls have given way to a much more sophisticated and aesthetic style of movie-watching in today's time. A superstar is created when people watch more of her and him. With other entertainment options available to the masses, the charisma of superstardom seems to be finally diminishing from the Indian landscape.

Where art thou?

​The southern side of India still offers the charm of the old, and perhaps that is the reason why we continue seeing the emergence of superstars down south. Their movies continue to engage with the electorate as well. The emergence of Vijay in the politics of Tamil Nadu stands as testament to this fact. In a political landscape dominated by the two Dravidian parties, the AIADMK and the DMK, even the national parties found it hard to make a breakthrough. But in less than a couple of years, a stylish and popular actor didn't just end up challenging them; he defeated their old style of politics.

​Perhaps Bollywood could learn a trick or two from the southern states and make sure they give us a superstar. Since 2010, quality Bollywood movies have been few and far between. Remakes have taken precedence. Propaganda films have been doing the rounds. Cheap VFX has also made the viewing experience below ordinary. Imitating top Hollywood directors has been detrimental to us. The emergence of OTT platforms has also cost Bollywood. Producers make pre-release deals with such platforms so that they can at least break even in case the movie flops.

​As a true lover of Bollywood, I hope and pray everybody—and India as a whole—gets its next superstar soon.