India’s film industry, Bollywood, is undergoing a noticeable shift, with a growing focus on action-packed, politically charged, and nationalist films rather than traditional story-driven cinema. In recent years, filmmakers have increasingly prioritised themes of patriotism, historical conflicts, and ideological narratives in an effort to draw audiences back to theatres.
Instead of experimenting with fresh, character-based stories, many producers are investing in films centred on major historical events, war dramas, and political ideas. According to news agency AFP, industry experts describe this trend as the rise of “event cinema” — large-scale films designed to feel significant and urgent, particularly for Generation Z audiences who are otherwise more inclined towards smartphones and streaming platforms.
This strategy appears to be paying off financially. Renowned film critic Akshay Rathi estimates that the Hindi box office’s net revenue could grow by 45 to 50 percent this year, while the number of young cinemagoers may rise by nearly 25 percent. He believes that 2026 could become a landmark year for Bollywood’s recovery and growth.
The shift comes after Bollywood suffered heavy financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prolonged cinema closures, coupled with the rapid expansion of streaming services and home entertainment, forced filmmakers to rethink their approach. As a result, analysts predict that many films released in 2026 will focus on war narratives, spy thrillers, mythological or satirical tales rooted in ancient traditions, and strong nationalist themes.
However, this transformation has also sparked controversy. Critics argue that an increasing number of Bollywood films appear aligned with the ideological stance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government. They claim cinema’s mass appeal is being used to shape public opinion.
Film analyst and Complete Cinema magazine editor Atul Mohan notes that film themes often reflect the ideology of the government in power. “Filmmakers are investing in elements like Hindutva and propaganda,” he says, adding that not every such film guarantees success.
He points to the 2022 blockbuster The Kashmir Files, which portrayed the exodus of Hindus from Indian-administered Kashmir in 1989–90, as a commercial success. In contrast, The Bengal Files (2025), which focused on alleged political violence in eastern India, failed to attract audiences.
Experts observe that stories centred on geopolitical conflicts, internal enemies, and hyper-masculine heroism now dominate mainstream Hindi cinema. This reflects both the prevailing political atmosphere and the industry’s economic struggle for survival.
One example is the violent action film Dhurandhar, released in 2025, which depicted Indian intelligence agents battling enemies with Pakistani links. Released soon after heightened border tensions with Pakistan, it became one of the year’s highest-grossing films. Its sequel, Dhurandhar 2, is scheduled for release in March.
Despite box-office success, concerns remain over excessive violence and politicised storytelling. Delhi-based senior film critic Arnab Banerjee argues that “today, a film’s success is often determined by its political message rather than its artistic quality.” He believes the national mood has normalised aggressive narratives against Pakistan and other perceived enemies.
Banerjee also criticises the growing dependence on social media hype, noting that the 1971 India–Pakistan war film Akis, released in January, failed commercially despite strong reviews.
On the other hand, director Ahmed Khan maintains that quality ultimately decides a film’s fate. Citing his upcoming project Welcome to the Jungle, along with the successful 2025 romantic film Siyaara and action hit Dhurandhar, he argues that public taste is unpredictable and can shift at any time.
As Bollywood continues to balance commercial survival with creative expression, the debate over ideology, propaganda, and storytelling in Indian cinema shows no sign of fading.