"Bollywood is in recession": Kalki Koechlin on re-releases, small actors not getting work, teams getting fired

In a candid and hard-hitting conversation on the podcast Aleena Dissects, actress Kalki Koechlin shed light on the troubling state of Bollywood today. Calling it nothing less than a “recession,” the acclaimed performer did not mince her words when describing the creative and financial slump gripping the Hindi film industry.

Kalki pointed out that the effects are visible to those within the industry, yet few are ready to talk about it openly. “There is a Bollywood recession, that’s why they are re-releasing everything,” she said. According to her, fresh scripts aren't working, audiences aren't connecting with new content, and projects are being indefinitely stalled. “There is no content. Whatever they are making is not working,” she added, explaining why older films are being brought back to theatres in the hope of engagement.

The actress highlighted that there’s a visible sense of confusion and helplessness among industry professionals. “Nobody knows what’s working or not. There are no clear predictions anymore. Everything is stuck.” She also revealed how creative teams are being fired and rehired, with production houses unable to figure out the right path forward.

What’s more worrying, Kalki said, is that the issue affects everyone from the biggest filmmakers to struggling actors. “From top to bottom, I’ve spoken to people. Big-budget films worth crores are unable to find a release platform, while smaller actors have been out of work for years,” she shared.

She also pointed to a concerning sense of denial in some corners of the industry, where people are unwilling to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. However, despite painting a grim picture, Kalki offered a glimmer of hope.

She believes that change is inevitable and that the film business will eventually find its way. “Formats will change. People will always need stories, it's just about how and where they consume them,” she said, drawing parallels with how live performances and theatre have also seen ups and downs over the years.

In an industry known for its glamour and grandeur, Kalki Koechlin’s brutally honest take serves as a much-needed reality check and perhaps, the beginning of an overdue conversation.