EntertainmentPosted at: Jun 14 2026 10:24PM


Movies aren't dead; they are going through an identity crisis in India: director Ram Madhvani

Mumbai, June 14 (UNI) "Neerja" and "Aarya" famed filmmaker Ram Madhvani requests audiences and critics to refrain from declaring Indian cinema bereft of life, as it is "going through an identity crisis".
Audience tastes are changing faster than a filmmaker can say "Action!" As a result, the industry seems to be trying to find new voices and avenues for box office success. But Madhvani has one request for its critics, "Don't say the movies are dead. Because they're not. It's just a rough patch."
While acknowledging that harsh criticism and negative reactions can sometimes be frustrating, Madhvani emphasised that constructive feedback remains valuable. He noted that audiences continue to share a deep emotional connection with films, whether to laugh, cry, escape reality or reconnect with themselves, according to Variety India.
Quoting Ryan Gosling's lines, he questioned, 'It is my job to make you come to the movies.' You may or may not want to, that's okay. But at the same time, is it anyone's job to dismiss movies? Is it anyone's job to turn around and say, 'Movies are dead'?"
When asked if there's a way out, the "Dharmaka" director cites insights gained from his work in the advertising industry to offer a plan of action. It begins with understanding the shift in audience tastes and then working backwards from the desired outcome.
He suggested that filmmakers must similarly identify changing audience tastes and tailor their storytelling to remain relevant.
Referencing his acclaimed film "Neerja", Madhvani pondered whether a similar project would resonate with today's viewers, describing it as a question the industry must confront as it navigates a changing cultural landscape. UNI NST CDS
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