Why does Indian cinema struggle to build a thriving superhero genre? |
Superhero films have evolved into a distinct genre of their own globally. However, despite having a vast and enthusiastic audience, the Indian cinema industry has faced challenges in capitalizing on the superhero market. This is surprising, given the success of international superhero films in India and the country’s rich cultural heritage, which offers a wealth of mythological and folklore characters that could be adapted into making some creative superhero movies.
Cultural and mythological potential
India has a rich cultural and mythological background, with characters like Hanuman, Shaktimaan, and Krrish already in people’s minds. These characters have been featured in various forms of media, including films and television shows, but their potential as full-fledged superheroes remains largely untapped. The success of films like ‘Hanuman’ in 2024, which became the second-highest-grossing Telugu movie of the year despite a modest budget of 40 crores, demonstrates the audience’s appetite for such stories.
Challenges in production and marketing
One of the primary problems facing Indian filmmakers is the high cost of producing superhero films. These movies require significant investment in special effects, action sequences, and marketing, which can be daunting for Indian producers. Films like ‘Brahmastra Part 2: Dev’ and other films might face stiff competition from Hollywood blockbusters that have a global reach and more advanced technology.
Though it is not about that, these projects require a large budget. The superhero released earlier just ends up being yet another masala film where it feels like the film has become yet another rom-com film. These movies often blend elements of romance, comedy, and family drama and do not focus on the core superhero narrative. While this approach may appeal to a broad audience, it fails to deliver a focused and engaging superhero experience.
However, there are signs of change. Films like ‘Hanuman’ and ‘Minnal Murali‘ have shown promise in the superhero genre. ‘Hanuman’ leveraged its mythological roots to create an engaging narrative, while ‘Minnal Murali,’ a Malayalam superhero film, received critical acclaim for its storytelling and visuals. ‘Minnal Murali’ particularly stood out for its blend of humor, action, and character development.
While speaking to the Hindustan Times, Prasanth Varma shared his passion for making superhero films. He said, “People told me that superhero films don’t work in India, that they’re not bankable. But I’ve wanted to do superhero films all my life because I’ve probably seen all the movies in the genre. I didn’t even like Batman before Christopher Nolan took over; I thought he was boring. When it was time to write something of my own, I knew it couldn’t just be vigilante justice; there needed to be magic.” He also added, “My interest in reading up on Indian mythology pushed me to write these stories, to base my superheroes on Gods.”
Competition from Hollywood
Hollywood superhero films have a strong presence in India, with movies like ‘Avengers’ and ‘Spider-Man’ enjoying massive success. These films benefit from global marketing campaigns and cutting-edge visual effects, making it difficult for Indian productions to compete. The Indian audience is accustomed to the high standards set by these international films, which raises the bar for local productions.
Films like ‘Krrish 3’ and ‘A Flying Jatt’ have faced criticism for various reasons. ‘Krrish 3’ was accused of copying elements from international superhero films, while ‘Flying Jatt’ was criticized for its weak storyline and poor execution.
Lack of consistent franchises
Unlike Hollywood, which has established franchises like Marvel and DC, India lacks consistent superhero franchises. While characters like Shaktimaan and Krrish have been popular, they have not been developed into long-running franchises with multiple films and spin-offs. This inconsistency makes it challenging to build a loyal fan base and maintain audience interest over time.
Future films
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for growth. To capitalize on this, Indian filmmakers could focus on developing unique stories that blend mythology with modern superhero elements, appealing to both domestic and international audiences.
Moreover, collaborations with international studios could help improve production quality and global reach. This strategy has been successful for films like ‘Brahmastra,’ which has garnered international attention and investment. By leveraging India’s rich cultural heritage and partnering with global talent, Indian cinema can create compelling superhero narratives that resonate worldwide.
The development of ‘Krrish 4’ offers an opportunity for improvement over previous installments. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rakesh Roshan announced his decision to step back from directing ‘Krrish 4.’ He expressed his desire to pass on the baton while he is still actively involved, ensuring that the film is made correctly.
