Hollywood Films Gain Traction in India with Horror and Drama, Shifting Away from Superheroes

Hollywood is finding a significant resurgence in the Indian market, driven by a strategic shift towards genres like horror and drama, moving away from the saturation of superhero and action films. Movies such as 'F1: The Movie', starring Brad Pitt, which garnered over ₹102 crore, and 'The Conjuring: Last Rites', earning over ₹82 crore, exemplify this new trend. These successes come after a period marked by repetitive sequels and industry disruptions like the Hollywood strikes.

Experts suggest that Indian audiences are seeking novelty and are perhaps fatigued by overdone genres. Emerging popular categories include horror and sports dramas, which offer familiar yet underexplored narratives. Hollywood's market share in India reached 10% in the first six months of 2025, marking a return to double digits last seen in 2022. This performance was bolstered by films like 'Dune: Part Two' (₹27.86 crore) and 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' (₹106.42 crore).

Denzil Dias, managing director for India at Warner Bros. Pictures International, noted that genres like horror, action, and family adventure resonate well across all tiers of Indian cities, emphasizing the need for innovative marketing and localization.

Rahul Puri, managing director of Mukta Arts and Mukta A2 Cinemas, highlighted that recent Hollywood successes are built on strong brand recall, whether from established franchises or recognized themes like motor racing. He also pointed out the global issue of superhero film oversaturation.

Theatre owners observe that price-sensitive Indian consumers are increasingly discerning, especially concerning the higher ticket prices often associated with Hollywood releases. Films offering grand scale and perceived value for money, particularly when shown in premium formats like IMAX, are attracting audiences willing to pay more.

Impact: This trend indicates a potential for increased competition within the Indian film exhibition sector and may influence production choices for both Hollywood and Indian studios. It also suggests a growing demand for diverse cinematic experiences among Indian viewers, potentially opening doors for more varied storytelling. The success of these films directly impacts the revenue streams of Hollywood studios and their distribution partners in India, while also benefiting Indian cinema chains that screen these international productions. The overall box office ecosystem in India becomes more dynamic and competitive. Rating: 7/10

Difficult Terms: Sequels: Films that continue the story or feature the same characters from a previous film. Franchises: A series of related films, books, or other media, often based on a common set of characters or themes. Box office collections: The total amount of money earned by a film from ticket sales at cinemas. Tier-two and tier-three towns: Cities or urban areas in India that are smaller and have less economic development compared to major metropolitan cities (tier-one). Brand recall: The extent to which consumers can identify a brand or product when prompted. Exorbitant tickets: Tickets that are considered excessively or unreasonably expensive. Single-screen cinemas: Traditional movie theaters with only one screen. Premium luxury formats: Advanced cinema viewing experiences, such as IMAX or 4DX, which offer enhanced visual, audio, and sometimes physical effects, often at a higher price point. IMAX: A high-end cinema format known for its large screen, advanced projection, and immersive sound system.