PremiumVivek Agnihotri slams Bollywood says it is in shambles: ‘The monster they built is ready to swallow them’
Vivek Agnihotri on his X handle shared a long post where he spoke about Bollywood failing according to him and how it is the best thing.
Vivek Agnihotri Slams Bollywood
Last Updated: 08.27 PM, Mar 08, 2025
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, known for his hit film The Kashmir Files, is no stranger to making headlines. Never one to mince his words, he has consistently voiced his opinions without hesitation, often sparking debates. In his latest remarks, Agnihotri has taken aim at Bollywood, claiming that the Hindi film industry is failing. However, he believes this downfall is a necessary step in rebuilding the industry with fresh ideas and new talent.
Vivek Agnihotri Slams Bollywood
In his latest post on X (formerly Twitter), Vivek Agnihotri wrote: "Bollywood is in shambles. And that’s good for the industry. To erect a new building, you must demolish the old one. This is that time. Today, Bollywood has hardly any independent producers. No new producers. No fresh ideas. No innovative distribution or marketing strategies. A few years ago, there were a dozen studios—now just two or three remain, and they too are monopolistic and here for reasons other than filmmaking. The passion for cinema has been replaced by corporate greed and agenda-driven content."
Expanding on his critique, Agnihotri pointed out that the industry is experiencing a shortage of new films, forcing a reliance on re-releasing old movies. He noted that filmmakers who could make a difference have given up and succumbed to OTT platforms.
He also addressed the lack of new promising stars, arguing that star-actors are essential for the survival of the business. He expressed concern that if one were to cast someone between the ages of 21 and 35, there are very few options available. According to him, many of the young actors today struggle to speak Hindi, are more focused on Instagram than their craft, and come with an entourage of managers, social media teams, and trainers—despite having achieved little.
The Box Office is a "Hoax Office"
Agnihotri also criticized the current state of film funding, distribution, and marketing, highlighting how difficult it is for outsider actors from humble backgrounds to secure opportunities.
He stated: "If you choose to cast unknown, outsider actors from humble backgrounds (like I do), you stand no chance of getting funding, distribution, or marketing. The box office, once the ultimate test of a film, has now become a hoax office. You can publish any figure, give away free tickets, arrange corporate bookings, manipulate BookMyShow—do whatever you want. It’s a free-for-all. Everyone’s screaming about box office numbers, but their films have nothing to say. There are no genuine critics, no real film magazines or tabloids. Anyone can pay and get anything written."
The filmmaker did not hold back in his condemnation of Bollywood’s reliance on manipulation and corruption, arguing that those who built this broken system are now falling victim to it. "No wonder, as always, Bollywood chose the easy way out: manipulation and corruption. The irony? The mighty ones who created this corrupt chakravyuh are now playing the victims. The monster they built is ready to swallow them. And I’m happy. I hope it does. I hope it devours them, so they can reincarnate—this time as pure film creators, not monster-makers."
Agnihotri expressed hope that small-town, vernacular storytellers and filmmakers will now get their chance to shine, just as his team from The Delhi Files consisted of young talent from modest backgrounds. He believes that if the old, corrupt system collapses, these emerging filmmakers will be able to create meaningful cinema.
In conclusion, Agnihotri urged middle-class, young storytellers and filmmakers to take charge and rebuild Bollywood with sincerity and dedication. He warned that if they fail to do so, Bollywood will inevitably become ‘Instawood’—driven by social media rather than genuine artistry.
Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and everything happening in the world of films and entertainment.