The recent box office debacle of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Maidaan has sparked concerns about the future of theaters. Both films, boasting hefty budgets and star-studded casts, were anticipated to inject vigor into Bollywood’s recent dry spell at the box office. However, despite having all the ingredients for a blockbuster, the films have faltered, leaving both audiences and theater owners disheartened.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan & Maidaan box office crash affects the industry and distributors
The box office crash of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, featuring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, and Maidaan, featuring Ajay Devgn, has triggered concerns about the survival of theaters, particularly amidst the upcoming election season.
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan was anticipated to be a game changer. The film, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, was created on a budget of $41 million. Similarly, Maidaan, helmed by Amit Sharma, had a hefty budget of $29 million. However, despite the star power and grandiose budgets, both films failed to impress the audiences. Bade Miyan Chote Miyan pulled an estimated $6.7 million net in India after 13 days. Meanwhile, Maidaan managed to collect only $4.3 million.
The poor performance of these films has forced exhibitors and theater owners to take drastic measures. Many have been compelled to reduce the number of shows and slash ticket prices to attract audiences to near-empty theaters. Vishek Chauhan, an exhibitor from Bihar, highlighted the grim situation by stating that theaters are witnessing only 20-30 attendees per show, prompting discussions about temporary closures to minimize expenses.
The upcoming months offer little respite for theater owners, with no major releases coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections. With no major films scheduled until May 10, 2024, and subsequent releases facing delays or uncertainties, theater owners are contemplating shutting down operations to mitigate financial losses. This decision has sparked criticism from industry insiders, questioning the rationale behind the lack of film releases during the election season.
Further contributing factors to the box office debacle
The disappointing performance of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Maidaan underscores broader challenges within the Hindi film industry. The genres, big-budget, star-cast fees, and more are up for reassessment in the wake of it.
For example, the underperformance of these films also raises concerns about the discrepancy between star fees and box office returns. Despite commanding exorbitant fees, actors like Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff have seen their recent films struggle to attract audiences. This disparity has led to calls for a reevaluation of star salaries, especially considering their impact on the overall profitability of films.
Furthermore, the failure highlights the importance of genre relevance and audience preferences. While action films have historically been lucrative for Bollywood, their success is contingent on innovation and relevance. Critics argue that the outdated formula and lack of reinvention contributed to the film’s lackluster performance. Overall, it highlights the need for fresh perspectives.
All in all, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Maidaan’s underwhelming performances serve as a wake-up call for Bollywood, prompting a reevaluation of its approach and priorities.
