Mumbai, July 1: As the first half of 2026 comes to a close, the Hindi film industry faces a pressing question: Are audiences still flocking to theaters, or have their preferences shifted? Two experienced cinema operators share their insights on this critical issue.
Manoj Desai, owner of the historic Gaiety Galaxy cinema in Mumbai, remarked on the performance of films released in the first six months. “Very few Hindi films have performed as expected during this period. Aside from a few like ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘Border 2,’ most films have struggled to draw audiences to theaters. This situation is concerning for the film industry, as viewers now have numerous options to watch films from home. Attracting audiences to theaters has become significantly more challenging than before.”
He added, “The rising influence of OTT platforms has posed a major challenge for cinemas. Previously, a successful film would run for weeks, but now, if a film performs well for even a week, theater operators breathe a sigh of relief. This shift has changed the entire business landscape, and every new film faces the daunting task of proving itself.”
Desai cited the example of Akshay Kumar’s film ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ stating, “Despite the presence of such big stars, the film failed to keep audiences engaged for long. Big names or a large cast do not guarantee a film’s success. If the audience doesn’t connect with the story, they won’t come to watch it.”
When asked whether actors or storylines are more crucial to a film’s success, Desai emphasized, “The story holds the utmost importance. Audiences no longer buy tickets solely based on a big actor’s name. Today, people want to see films with fresh narratives. A film’s music also plays a vital role in its success. Good songs increase audience curiosity and motivate them to visit theaters.”
Desai noted, “In a city like Mumbai, South Indian films often outperform Hindi films. Audiences prioritize good storytelling and better presentation over language.”
On the other hand, Abhishek Chauhan, a cinema operator from Purnia, Bihar, described the first half of the year as satisfactory. “In my experience, this has been a good time for the film industry. Films like ‘Dhurandhar,’ ‘Border 2,’ ‘Bhoot Bangla,’ and ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ have performed well across different regions. If a film meets audience expectations, they will definitely come to see it on the big screen.”
Chauhan added, “Filmmakers are returning to stories that resonate with audiences nationwide. Previously, the focus was primarily on viewers in big cities, but now producers are incorporating themes that reflect the lives and emotions of ordinary people. Audiences can easily connect with these films.”
He expressed surprise at the success of ‘Haunted,’ while noting that Imtiaz Ali’s film ‘Main Wapas Aaunga’ had a slow start, as it was primarily aimed at urban audiences. “Good and entertaining films still draw audiences to theaters today.”
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