Subhash Ghai Says Jawan and Saiyaara Prove India’s Theatre Boom
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has pointed to the massive box-office performances of blockbuster “Jawan” and the newcomer-fronted hit “Saiyaara” as proof that India’s theatrical market is growing stronger than ever. In a reflective note shared on Instagram, the filmmaker said the success of both films demonstrates that Indian audiences are ready to return to cinemas in huge numbers and support diverse releases.
Ghai highlighted that a commercial action entertainer like Jawan collecting over Rs 800 crore and Saiyaara, led by debut actors, crossing Rs 400 crore, signals a powerful shift in cinema-going habits. According to him, these milestones should serve as motivation for filmmakers, actors, writers, and investors to trust the theatrical model with renewed confidence.
Box Office Context and Industry Impact
“Jawan,” directed by Atlee and starring Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role, was one of the biggest theatrical events of recent years. The film broke multiple records, surpassing the already dominant success of SRK’s Pathaan. With a worldwide gross of more than Rs 1,148 crore, it became:
• the highest-grossing Indian film of 2023
• the second-highest-grossing Hindi film in history
• the sixth-highest-grossing Indian film of all time
Meanwhile, Mohit Suri’s romantic drama “Saiyaara,” featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, became a surprising commercial force. The Yash Raj Films production exceeded Rs 5.79 billion worldwide, becoming:
• the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025
• the highest-grossing Indian romantic film ever
Film trade analysts note that the combined performance of the two titles highlights a key trend — both star-driven spectacles and fresh-face romantic dramas can thrive in theatres if backed by strong storytelling and audience connection.
Industry Reaction and Audience Trends
The filmmaker’s observation arrives at a time when theatrical cinema has been widely questioned due to streaming growth, rising budgets, and unpredictable audience turnout. However, recent box-office patterns reflect:
• increased weekend occupancy
• wider family audience participation
• higher repeat-viewing
• stronger Tier-2 and Tier-3 city markets
Cinema exhibitors also claim that post-pandemic audiences have shown a willingness to spend more on premium screens, recliner formats, and high-end sound experiences, boosting per-screen revenues.
Why Ghai’s Comment Matters
Subhash Ghai remains a respected voice in Bollywood, having delivered major commercial hits and shaped mainstream cinema for decades. His statement signals:
• renewed optimism in theatrical revenue
• encouragement for filmmakers exploring large-scale releases
• confidence for investors backing cinema productions
• validation for newcomers entering the industry
Market observers believe that strong box-office indicators could lead to:
• bigger production slates
• faster greenlighting of films
• growth in theatrical distribution circuits
• expansions in overseas markets
Conclusion
The filmmaker’s reflection reinforces the current sentiment that the theatrical business in India is not only surviving but expanding. With blockbusters like Jawan and breakout successes like Saiyaara flourishing side by side, Bollywood appears to be entering a renewed phase where wide-audience cinema continues to thrive.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Cinema halls remain a powerful part of India’s cultural heartbeat, and the growing success of films across genres and star categories proves that theatrical storytelling still holds a strong emotional pull. As big releases and fresh talent continue to draw audiences, the momentum suggests that Bollywood’s box-office future is not fading — it is rising with renewed energy.