Bollywood vs South Films: Reclaiming Hopeful Glory in 2026

Bollywood has been the source of entertaining audiences in India and various other countries. Its larger-than-life stories, melodious music, and charismatic actors all were a package of superhit films. From the golden era of Amitabh Bachchan and Raj Kapoor to the 2000s era of Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, Bollywood ruled hearts across India and abroad. However, in recent years, Hindi films has started loosing its charm.

With the rise of South Indian film industries like Tollywood and Kollywood producing blockbuster films with innovative stories, Hindi films is lagging behind. This article explores why Hindi films is struggling today and what steps it can take to reclaim its success.

Decline in Originality and Storytelling of Bollywood Films

The main reason of the downfall of Hindi films is its lack in original storytelling. In the past decade, Hindi films is focusing on making remake of films, sequels, and repetitive plots. While songs, romance, and comedy still have a loyal audience, films often lack depth and fresh ideas.

On the other hand, South Indian films like Baahubali, RRR or Pushpa have original and realistic plots with which people connect more. Audiences now want to see films that are not just visually grand but also related to originality. Hindi films needs to focus on scripts that resonate with modern audiences instead of just relying on star power.

Over-Reliance on Star Power in Bollywood

Bollywood has been dependent on big actors for box office success. While stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Deepika Padukone still attract audiences, but not any more. Young audiences prefer films with some original and powerful rather than watching their favorite celebrity. Now, even films of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan fails to do well at the box office, due to lack of good content.

South Indian industries, on the other hand, often focus on story-driven films. Hindi films has to shift focus from just casting big stars and focus on talented actors. You must have heard the term nepo kids. Most of these nepo kids have turned out to be a major flop in films. Whereas, a talented commoner lack opportunity due to favoritism for nepo kids in Hindi films.

Here are Top 6 Hindi Films in 2025 which managed to earn good profits.

Music and Songs Losing Originality

There was once a time when Hindi films music was popular in India and various other countries. However, in recent years, songs in Hindi films are copied of some other language song. Some of music directors are just running behind remaking the old songs into a disaster music.

South Indian films, however, focuses on creating fresh music which made it popular nationally and internationally. Naatu Naatu songs from RRR is one such great example. Hindi films has to introduce some talented music directors in the industry to survive for a longer time. The original talented singers are also left behind in Bollywood.

Some Hindi films’ actors have started singing their songs which fails to connect the audience. Actors like Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, and Parineeti Chopra are among such actors who sang their songs for their films. Their songs stands nowhere infront of songs of various talented singers like Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, and Udit Narayan.

Competition From South Indian Film Industries

South Indian cinema has become a global powerhouse, producing films that are technically superior, action-packed narratively strong. Movies like KGF, Vikram and Ponniyin Selvan has advanced VFX, strong dialogues and amazing characters that is loved by the audiences.

South Indian films explore diverse genres including historical epics, action thrillers and mythological tales, attracting a pan-India audience. The growing popularity of dubbed South Indian films on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime has further widened their reach.

Hindi films needs to recognize this changing trend and adapt to the tastes of modern viewers to stay competitive.

Necessary Steps Bollywood Can Take to Reclaim Its Glory

Focus on Original and Diverse Storytelling

Hindi films must invest in unique scripts instead of remakes or popular movies. Stories that tackle social issues, contemporary challenges or historical epics can resonate deeply with audiences.

Invest in Young Talent and Directors

Encouraging new actors, directors, and writers will bring innovative perspectives to the industry. Instead of focusing only on star kids, there is an urge to bring some good talent outside from Bollywood. They must understand that various surgeries, weird accent, and expressionless face cannot make you a star. Directors may take you in a few films, but without talent, you cannot make it long in the industry.

Upgrade Technical Quality

High quality VFX, cinematography, and sound design are essential to compete with South Indian films. Bollywood needs to match global technical standards.

Promote Original Music

Original soundtracks with culturally rich compositions can revive Bollywood’s musical charm. Supporting new composers and lyricists can give Bollywood a fresh sound identity. Instead of joining the rat race by making actors sing, the talented singers should sing the songs.

Expand to Pan-India and Global Markets

Bollywood must adopt a Pan-India approach, ensuring films are accessible to multiple language audiences. They should also avoid making rude comments to the audience just like Kareena Kapoor did. The result was failure of her film.

Bringing Back the Bollywood Vibe

Bollywood’s golden era may feel faded, but their is still scope of revival. By focusing on original storytelling, technical excellence, fresh talent, and music innovation, Bollywood can still survive. Give age appropriate roles to seasoned actors so audience can relate to it. Most of the people do not want to see Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan as college going boy or a youngster.

Just giving roles to youngsters for being a star kid is another reason of Hindi films’ failure. Actors like Ananya Pandey, Suhana Khan, and Shanaya Kapoor are often criticised by the audience for their poor acting skills. Audience are smart enough to understand the real talent vs made up talent. It is high time for Bollywood to wake up and focus on real talent.