Content over stars is back in Bollywood’s discourse. The debate name-drops Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan as proof that star power still drives crowds, but the call remains: films should be judged by craft over fame [1].
Bollywood will progress only if people watch movies for content not stars. Pathaan and Jawan rode Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback to hits, while Dunki flopped, a reminder that superstar pull isn’t a universal guarantee [1]. There’s also a plea to revive the 1990s mix of big charisma and solid storytelling [1].
Post 2 warns fan culture will degrade Bollywood, pushing stars toward safe blockbusters to please fans. It points to outsiders like Pankaj Tripathi and Nawaz taking big films and even TV roles, and it cites Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer as proof that smaller, riskier work can pay off, unlike a fortress of star-led universes in India [2]. The argument: audiences still root for the actor, not the character [2].
On the outsider track, Bhuvan Bam — the mind behind BB Ki Vines — is signing with Dharma Productions for a movie, a rare leap from YouTube to mainstream cinema [3]. Some say he didn’t need the studio, others hail the crossover as a signal that Bollywood may be ready for creator-led storytelling [3].
Bollywood’s tension between stars and stories isn’t solved yet—watch which path the industry leans toward next.
References
Bollywood will never progress unless people watch movies for content not stars
Argues Bollywood must focus on content, not stars; cites SRK and Salman, urges better writers and storytelling, to improve films.
View sourceFan culture will degreade bollywood one day
Post argues fan culture harms Bollywood by rewarding stars over roles; cites actors doing smaller films and TV to diversify.
View sourceBhuvan Bam officially signed Dharma Productions next movie
BB from YouTube to cinema with Dharma; fans mixed, debates over nepotism, outsider risk, and Dharma's prestige in Bollywood circles.
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