Mumbai, April 23: Acclaimed Indian filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has weighed in on the remarkable box office performance of 'Dhurandhar' and 'Saiyaara', stating that their runaway success is clear proof that Indian audiences are ready and willing to return to cinema halls — but only when the content justifies the ticket price. Ali made these remarks during the promotional campaign for his forthcoming film 'Main Vapas Aaunga', scheduled to release on June 12, 2026.

Ali's Take on the Unexpected Box Office Surge

Speaking to IANS, Ali expressed genuine delight at the theatrical success of both films, noting that each victory for any filmmaker is, in essence, a collective win for Indian cinema. He emphasised that the audience — not industry trends or trade analysts — ultimately decides what kind of cinema thrives.

"Firstly, as a filmmaker, I'm very happy when a film does very well. I'm very happy, especially when people come to the theater, perhaps again and again to watch it. It's the people that choose the kind of cinema that they want," Ali told IANS.

He pushed back firmly against the notion that one genre's success spells doom for another, a belief that has long circulated in Bollywood trade circles. Drawing a historical parallel, he referenced the legendary skepticism that surrounded 'Sholay' before its release — a film that went on to become one of the greatest blockbusters in Indian cinema history.

Debunking the 'Only One Genre Can Win' Myth

Ali pointed out that before 'Dhurandhar' released, industry observers were raising doubts about its commercial viability — echoing the same unfounded pessimism that preceded 'Sholay' in 1975. Similarly, before 'Saiyaara' arrived, the prevailing narrative was that love stories — particularly those featuring newcomers — could no longer pull crowds.

"Then people were like, love stories won't work. Love stories are not working, that too with new people — but then there's 'Saiyaara'. So the point is, people want to watch good cinema," he said.

This observation carries significant weight in a post-pandemic Indian film industry that has been grappling with shifting audience behaviour, the rise of OTT platforms, and escalating multiplex ticket prices. Both 'Dhurandhar' and 'Saiyaara' defied these headwinds, suggesting that content quality — not franchise loyalty or star power alone — remains the most decisive factor at the box office.

The Bigger Picture: Rebuilding the Theatre-Going Habit

Ali framed the success of these films not merely as individual box office victories but as milestones in re-establishing the cultural habit of cinema-going among Indian audiences. He credited 'Dhurandhar' with drawing audiences back to multiplexes and single screens alike, and expressed equal admiration for every film that has contributed to this revival.

"We are bringing people closer. 'Dhurandhar' brought people closer to the theatre and I'm very glad about that. Saiyaara did the same and so many films did the same. And I'm very glad for all of the films that succeeded," he said.

This sentiment reflects a broader truth about the current state of Indian cinema: the theatrical experience is not dying, but it is evolving. Audiences are increasingly selective, demanding films that offer an experience worth stepping out of their homes for — something streaming platforms, despite their convenience, cannot fully replicate.

About 'Main Vapas Aaunga'

'Main Vapas Aaunga' is produced by Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal of Applause Entertainment, in association with Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films. The film marks another chapter in Imtiaz Ali's storied career, which includes beloved titles such as 'Jab We Met', 'Love Aaj Kal', 'Rockstar', and 'Highway'.

With 'Main Vapas Aaunga' set to hit cinemas on June 12, 2026, all eyes will be on whether Ali's own upcoming project can capitalise on the renewed audience enthusiasm that films like 'Dhurandhar' and 'Saiyaara' have helped generate across the country.