Bollywood romance genre struggles to resonate with younger audiences: filmmaker

Shakun Batra, known for his work in Hindi cinema, has highlighted a significant gap between how romance is depicted in Bollywood films and the expectations of younger audiences. The filmmaker contends that the romantic narratives prevalent in mainstream Hindi cinema continue to deviate substantially from contemporary reality, potentially explaining diminished engagement from Gen-Z viewers.

Batra's observation reflects broader industry discussions about evolving audience preferences in India's entertainment landscape. As streaming platforms and international content have expanded viewing options, younger demographics have increasingly gravitated toward storylines that mirror their actual social experiences and relationship dynamics.

The filmmaker's commentary comes amid a period of transition in Hindi cinema, where traditional romantic formulas face competition from content that explores more nuanced, realistic portrayals of human relationships. Industry analysts suggest that productions failing to adapt to these shifting preferences may continue to struggle with audience retention across younger demographic segments.

Batra's perspective underscores ongoing debates within Indian film production about the need for creative evolution in established genres. The challenge for filmmakers, according to this view, lies in crafting romantic narratives that maintain entertainment value while incorporating elements of authenticity that resonate with contemporary viewers' lived experiences and social realities.