"Our audience is smarter than we think."
Kareena Kapoor has criticised Bollywood’s tendency to copy successful film formulas, using Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal as an example of how major hits can influence the industry’s creative direction.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal became one of Bollywood’s biggest commercial successes in 2023, despite attracting criticism over its portrayal of violence, masculinity and relationships.
The Ranbir Kapoor-led action drama reportedly earned more than Rs. 900 crore worldwide, turning its controversial reception into a significant box-office victory.
At an event, Kareena discussed the changing Hindi film industry and the growing importance of audience choice.
The actor suggested that filmmakers sometimes follow successful trends instead of developing distinctive stories that offer audiences something new.
She explained: “Our audience is smarter than we think. They know exactly when it’s a good film and they want to watch it.
“So today, it’s not just about a young love story. All these things are very dated, like, ‘There’s violence happening right now, so if Animal worked, let’s all make films with violence’.
“We have a herd mentality, what can I say?
“Then there are filmmakers who want to make something different, who provoke your thoughts and who have their own fan following.
“I feel like things are changing now. The audience will now watch the trailer and say, ‘We want to watch this film’.”
Kareena further highlighted how younger audiences are becoming more selective about the films they watch:
“The young audience will ask the thought provoking questions.
“Now filmmakers cannot go and make a film saying its a comedy so people will definitely watch it!
“Not every film is going to make Rs. 200 crore or Rs. 500 crore. I feel like we are changing it and the audience is helping us.”
Kareena Kapoor’s comments come amid continued discussions around Bollywood’s changing relationship with commercial success and audience expectations.
Animal’s box-office performance demonstrated the financial potential of films featuring darker themes and controversial subject matter.
However, its reception also sparked wider conversations about violence, masculinity and the representation of relationships in mainstream Hindi cinema.
The film’s success has already resulted in plans for a sequel titled Animal Park, which remains in development.
Meanwhile, Kareena is preparing for the release of her next project, Daayra, directed by Meghna Gulzar.
The investigative drama stars Kareena alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, with the pair portraying police officers on opposite sides of an investigation involving juvenile crime.
Inspired by true events, the film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on September 18, 2026.
