Bollywood's future: Taran Adarsh on Ranbir Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan

The potential of Bollywood stars to achieve lasting stardom has been a hot topic, fueled by their box-office numbers and the growing competition from regional cinema. Veteran film critic Taran Adarsh recently shared his views with a leading portal on the potential of Bollywood stars to achieve lasting stardom. Discussing Ranbir Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan, he praised their dedication and box-office pull but emphasized the need for consistent performances and relatable storytelling. Adarsh noted that Bollywood faces tough competition from South Indian cinema, which excels in delivering mass appeal and innovative narratives. He stressed that Bollywood’s future lies in blending star power with fresh, impactful content to captivate diverse audiences.

Ranbir Kapoor: A Star with Potential, but Consistency Needed

When asked about actors with the potential to become the next big stars, Taran Adarsh singled out Ranbir Kapoor. However, he didn’t shy away from critiquing Kapoor’s film choices. “My only request to Ranbir Kapoor is that he should not do subpar films like Jagga Jasoos. Such horrible films will leave a stain on his filmography,” Adarsh stated. Translating his remarks, he said, “The hard work he has put in and the position he has reached today will be undermined by films like these. It’s better if he chooses projects that resonate with the masses and the audience.”

Adarsh explained the importance of connecting with viewers, highlighting that films are ultimately made for the audience. He added, “Who are you making films for? You’re making them for the audience. Ranbir needs to focus on films that take him to the masses, not those that pull him back.”

Kartik Aaryan: A Star on the Rise

Adarsh also acknowledged Kartik Aaryan’s growing appeal, particularly with his performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. “Kartik has taken a step forward and reached out to the masses with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. He’s on the right track, but consistency is key,” he said.

The Importance of Desi Entertainment

Taran Adarsh didn’t hold back in analyzing Bollywood’s struggles in comparison to South Indian cinema. He argued that Bollywood has often strayed from its roots, opting for experimental storytelling that doesn’t always resonate with the Indian audience.
Taran expresses his thought saying, “South Indian cinema is scoring because it gives us our desi entertainment. I prefer desi food. If you give me French, Italian, or Spanish cuisine, it won’t go down well with me. Our Mumbai filmmakers need to understand this. Desi entertainment has always worked and will continue to do so. This is India, and we will watch the kind of films we enjoy—authentic Indian cinema.”

A Call for Audience-Centric Cinema

In his closing thoughts, Adarsh spoke about the importance of creating films that cater to Indian sensibilities. “Most of the audience prefers Indian films, desi films. That’s where Bollywood must focus if it wants to reclaim its dominance.”