Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has recently shared her insights into why middle-class families are increasingly choosing to stay home instead of going to the theaters. With her upcoming film “Nikita Roy” set to release on June 27, 2025, Sinha believes that the issue isn't a lack of engaging or family-oriented films, but rather the growing inaccessibility of the theatrical experience.
Sinha emphasized that there is no shortage of family-friendly movies being produced. The core problem, as she sees it, is the high cost associated with going to the cinema. For an average middle-class family, a trip to the movies has become a significant expense. This includes not only the ticket prices but also the costs of transportation and concessions. With numerous at-home entertainment options available, families are now more hesitant to spend a considerable amount of money on a single outing.
The actress pointed out that the rise of OTT platforms and streaming services has significantly altered viewing habits. Families now have access to a vast library of movies and shows at a fraction of the cost of going to a cinema. This shift has made it more convenient and affordable for families to enjoy entertainment from the comfort of their homes.
"I don't think family stories are missing at all. I feel families are not going—that's a different story," Sinha stated. She believes that while the content is still there, the accessibility of the theatrical experience has diminished, leading families to seek alternative options.
Moreover, Sinha highlighted that people's attention spans have become shorter, making it crucial for films to immediately capture the audience's interest. "I think anything that keeps the audience engaged and interested makes for a good story," she explained. If a film fails to grab viewers from the beginning, they are more likely to lose interest and switch to something else.
The Indian film industry has indeed seen a recovery in recent years, with more people attending cinemas. However, the frequency of visits has declined, indicating that while more people are going to theaters at least once a year, they are not doing so as often as they did before the pandemic. This trend suggests that the industry is becoming increasingly reliant on big-budget, star-driven titles to draw audiences, potentially leaving smaller, content-driven films struggling to find their audience.
Adding to the problem, ticket prices have increased, making the cinema experience even more expensive. The average ticket price is now significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, further alienating a large segment of the population. The lack of theatrical infrastructure catering to those who previously frequented single-screen cinemas also contributes to the problem.
Sonakshi Sinha expressed optimism that her upcoming film, "Nikita Roy," could potentially bring families back to the cinemas. She described it as a film that can be enjoyed with friends and family, offering the thrill, entertainment, and shared viewing experience that a theatrical release should provide.
"Nikita Roy," directed by Sonakshi's brother Kussh Sinha, is a psychological thriller that also stars Arjun Rampal and Paresh Rawal. The film is scheduled to release on June 27, 2025, and is being promoted as a deep dive into the darker corners of the human psyche, aiming to offer a more cerebral and suspenseful experience.
Ultimately, the challenge for the Indian film industry is to create compelling content that appeals to a broad audience and to make the theatrical experience more accessible and affordable for middle-class families. Only then can cinemas hope to regain their place as a regular entertainment option for families across the country.
