Veteran actor Prakash Raj has delivered a sharp critique of mainstream Hindi cinema, stating that the industry has lost its authenticity and emotional connection with audiences, becoming increasingly “fake, plastic, and money-oriented.” His remarks have sparked widespread discussion across the Indian film community, reigniting debates about artistic integrity, storytelling depth, and commercial priorities in Bollywood.
Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival, Prakash Raj contrasted Hindi cinema with Malayalam and Tamil film industries, praising South Indian filmmakers for producing strong, content-driven stories rooted in social reality and cultural depth.
“Hindi Cinema Has Lost Its Soul,” Says Prakash Raj
According to the award-winning actor, contemporary Hindi films often prioritize glamour, profit, and image-building over meaningful storytelling and emotional resonance.
“Hindi cinema has lost its roots. Everything looks beautiful and polished — like plastic. It feels artificial, like a wax museum where there is appearance but no substance,” Prakash Raj remarked, drawing a striking comparison to Madame Tussauds, known for lifelike yet inanimate figures.
He argued that modern Bollywood films increasingly focus on surface-level appeal, distancing themselves from the social, cultural, and emotional narratives that once defined classic Hindi cinema.
Criticism of Multiplex Culture and Commercial Shift
Prakash Raj traced this transformation to the rise of multiplex culture, suggesting that Hindi cinema shifted its storytelling to cater primarily to urban, elite audiences, losing touch with rural and middle-class realities.
“After multiplexes became dominant, films were made only for select audiences. That’s when Hindi cinema drifted into Page-3 culture — obsessed with fame, publicity, and appearances,” he said.
He added that this commercial mindset led to a disconnect with grassroots audiences, particularly in regions such as rural Rajasthan, Bihar, and smaller towns, where cinema once served as a medium for social storytelling and national identity.
Praise for Malayalam and Tamil Cinema
In contrast, Prakash Raj applauded Malayalam and Tamil filmmakers, highlighting their commitment to realism, social awareness, and bold narratives.
“Malayalam and Tamil cinema are telling powerful stories today. Young filmmakers are addressing meaningful subjects — caste, inequality, social justice, and lived realities. That gives me hope,” he stated.
He noted that South Indian cinema continues to experiment creatively, giving voice to marginalised communities and underrepresented perspectives, while maintaining artistic depth and audience connection.
Concerns About Authentic Storytelling and Emotional Impact
The actor lamented that classic Hindi films once played a major role in building emotional unity, national identity, and cultural consciousness — something he believes is now missing.
“Earlier films helped people connect emotionally and socially. They had a sense of responsibility. Today, it feels like many films are made only to make money,” he observed.
His comments reflect a broader sentiment shared by several filmmakers and actors who feel Bollywood has become formula-driven, risk-averse, and overly profit-focused, often sidelining originality and storytelling courage.
Industry Reaction and Ongoing Debate
Prakash Raj’s remarks have sparked strong reactions across social media and film circles. Supporters argue that his critique highlights a genuine creative crisis in Hindi cinema, while others believe commercial success and mass entertainment remain vital to the industry’s survival.
Film analysts say his statements echo a growing industry conversation about reviving meaningful storytelling, reducing over-commercialisation, and restoring authenticity in mainstream cinema.
A film commentator noted, “Prakash Raj is voicing what many artists feel — that storytelling should be rooted in truth, not just box-office numbers.”
A Career Spanning Multiple Film Industries
Known for his impactful performances across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema, Prakash Raj has long been recognised for his outspoken views on politics, cinema, and social issues.
His cross-industry experience gives his perspective added weight, as he has witnessed firsthand the creative evolution and commercial pressures shaping Indian cinema over decades.
A Call for Creative Renewal
Ultimately, Prakash Raj’s critique serves as a call for introspection within Hindi cinema — urging filmmakers to reconnect with grassroots audiences, invest in authentic storytelling, and prioritise meaningful narratives over superficial appeal.
His remarks reinforce an ongoing industry question: Can Bollywood balance commercial success with artistic depth — or has profit overshadowed purpose?
