Kareena Kapoor: Hindi cinema's herd mentality under fire

Kareena Kapoor recently criticized the Hindi film industry for its susceptibility to trend-following, citing the immense success of "Animal" as a prime example. She observed that such triumphs can tempt filmmakers to replicate violent themes rather than pursue originality, characterizing this as a 'herd mentality.'

Kapoor emphasized that the audience is increasingly sophisticated, capable of distinguishing quality films and seeking out diverse storytelling beyond simple love stories or repetitive action. She believes filmmakers can no longer rely on genre alone, as audiences are now more discerning, as evidenced by their trailer-viewing habits and demand for thought-provoking content.

The discussion comes as Kapoor prepares for her upcoming investigative drama, "Daayra," directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film, scheduled for a September 18, 2026, release, sees Kapoor and Prithviraj Sukumaran portraying police officers on opposing sides of a juvenile crime investigation.

"Animal," directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Ranbir Kapoor, was a major commercial success in 2023, grossing over ₹900 crore worldwide. Its success has led to plans for a sequel, "Animal Park."