Richa Chadha on Bollywood’s big problem: Why filmmakers won’t take risks on newcomers?

The debate and conversations surrounding how Bollywood industry and films are tanking has been quite in the buzz lately. From filmmakers to actors, everyone has been chiming in their views on the issue and talking about how we need to revive it with fresh talent, fresh content and rooted stories. While Hansal Mehta recently shared a post about how he feels certain actors and actresses should be given a chance to shine on the spotlight, actors like Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol have also pointed at the fact that how South movies work and have a different model with the budget and production to make their films work.

Amid this, actress Richa Chadha who recently produced a film 'Girls Will be Girls' with husband Ali Fazal also voiced her opinions on the same. She talked about introducing fresh talent and giving the new comers a chance.

The Fear of Taking Risks

The film business operates on a high-stakes model where massive investments are involved. According to Richa, even established filmmakers tend to stereotype actors, limiting opportunities for fresh talent. This reluctance to take risks is fueled by the unpredictable nature of the box office. “Somewhere, the math of the business doesn’t allow us to take chances,” she explained, indicating that the industry's financial dynamics play a major role in shaping casting decisions.

One of the key reasons for this growing hesitation is the underperformance of big-budget films featuring popular stars. When a much-anticipated movie fails to meet expectations, the industry moves toward a more conservative approach, relying on formulaic content rather than experimentation. Richa pointed out that filmmakers start prioritizing commercial elements like item songs and action sequences over fresh narratives and new talent. This, in turn, creates a repetitive cycle where new actors find it difficult to break into the mainstream.

Lessons from the South Indian Film Industry

Bollywood’s cautious approach contrasts sharply with the South Indian film industry, where actors and filmmakers frequently experiment with unique storytelling. Richa emphasized that the Southern industry thrives by maintaining affordable ticket prices and focusing on storytelling rather than just star power. They make sure that they make films for their own fans, they make sure the ticket prices are low, and they keep things affordable, she noted. This strategy ensures a steady influx of audiences in theatres, reducing financial risks and allowing room for innovation.

For Bollywood to sustain its legacy and evolve, it needs to embrace fresh talent and innovative storytelling. While big names continue to dominate, there must be a conscious effort from producers, directors, and other stakeholders to nurture new actors. Lowering ticket prices, experimenting with diverse narratives, and giving newcomers a fair chance could help create a more dynamic and inclusive industry.