The Hindi film industry is grappling with an uncertain phase as big-budget films struggle to succeed at the box office. Even films featuring top stars are failing to draw audiences, highlighting a shift in audience preferences. At the 7th edition of the Indian Screenwriters Conference (ISC), screenwriter-producer Kanika Dhillon emphasised that the way forward lies in bold and original storytelling.
Kanika, known for films like Manmarziyaan, Kedarnath, Judgementall Hai Kya, and the Haseen Dillruba franchise, spoke at the event hosted by the Screenwriters Association of India (SWA) on Friday. Addressing the evolving dynamics of Bollywood, she remarked, “When I entered the industry, it was a star-driven system. The business dictated what films would be made. But now, even a superstar cannot guarantee footfalls in theatres. The fee structure is breaking down, and we are in a content-driven business. However, we are not making enough films, and nobody really knows what works anymore.”
A Changing Landscape
Despite the challenges, Kanika remained optimistic, stating that change is inevitable. “I prefer to see the glass as half full. The industry’s grammar is changing. Storytelling is now at the forefront, and originality will be the key to survival.” She stressed that while the industry is in flux, this shift presents an opportunity for writers and creators.
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Kanika was speaking during a session titled The Mainstream Reality, where she was joined by Pathaan dialogue writer Abbas Tyrewala, Maddock Horror Comedy Universe writer Niren Bhatt, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 writer Aakash Kaushik. The discussion was moderated by Hitesh Kewalya, writer of Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.
Indian Screenwriters Conference 2025
The three-day ISC, which concludes on Sunday, brings together some of the most influential voices in Indian cinema. This year’s edition features renowned filmmakers and writers, including Kiran Rao, Shoojit Sircar, Nikkhil Advani, Dibakar Banerjee, Biswapati Sarkar, and Anand Tiwari, who will share insights into the evolving storytelling landscape.
With the traditional formula for success in Bollywood proving unreliable, industry experts are looking to fresh narratives and experimental storytelling to reconnect with audiences. Kanika’s call for originality underscores the need for Bollywood to adapt to changing audience expectations and embrace more daring content.