Neetu Chandra slams Bhojpuri cinema's lack of vision, calls for quality over quantity
Synopsis
Neetu Chandra has directly challenged Bhojpuri cinema's structural collapse — absent theatres, no OTT footprint, and a production model built on quantity over craft. Her call for at least one quality film per filmmaker isn't nostalgia; it's an indictment of an industry that has watched Marathi, Gujarati, and Konkani peers ascend to global platforms while it remains trapped in a low-quality loop.
Key Takeaways
Neetu Chandra questioned Bhojpuri cinema 's future viability, citing lack of theatrical releases, OTT presence, and quality narratives.
She urged filmmakers to make at least one quality film in their lifetime that families can watch with pride.
Marathi , Gujarati , and Konkani films have achieved international recognition and Oscar submissions, contrasting sharply with Bhojpuri cinema's trajectory.
Chandra emphasised that audiences deserve quality cinema regardless of socioeconomic background.
Chandra is currently working on Aakhri Sawaal , featuring Sanjay Dutt and Sameera Reddy .
Actress Neetu Chandra has launched a forthright critique of Bhojpuri cinema's structural decline, questioning the industry's viability in its current form and urging filmmakers to prioritise meaningful storytelling over volume-driven production.
Speaking to IANS in an exclusive conversation on 30 April, Chandra highlighted the absence of theatrical infrastructure, OTT representation, and quality narratives as critical impediments to the industry's growth. Her remarks underscore a widening gap between Bhojpuri and other regional film industries that have successfully scaled to global platforms.
The State of Bhojpuri Cinema
Chandra posed a series of pointed questions about the industry's operational foundation: "There is nothing in Bhojpuri cinema. What future? Who is making films, how many are releasing, which theatres are running them, and where is the OTT presence? What industry is this?" Her observations highlight the fragmentation of distribution channels, with theatrical releases dwindling and digital platforms offering minimal Bhojpuri content.
The actress noted that unlike Marathi, Gujarati, and Konkani film industries — which have cultivated a mixed portfolio of commercial and critically acclaimed films — Bhojpuri cinema has failed to establish a sustainable ecosystem balancing both commercial viability and artistic merit.
A Call for Accountability
Chandra made an impassioned appeal to producers and directors: "I request all Bhojpuri filmmakers to at least make one film in their lifetime that their family can sit and watch with respect. At least we can proudly tell people that even if 100 bad films were made, at least one very good movie too existed."
She emphasised that audiences — regardless of socioeconomic background — deserve access to quality cinema. "Even those who work all day and watch films in the evening deserve good cinema. With due respect to every audience, filmmakers should also take responsibility," she said.
Regional Cinema's Global Ascent
Chandra drew explicit comparisons with neighbouring regional film industries that have achieved international recognition. Marathi, Gujarati, and Konkani films have increasingly featured in international film festivals, including submissions to the Oscars, demonstrating that regional cinema can achieve both commercial success and critical acclaim when backed by disciplined storytelling and production standards.
This trajectory stands in sharp contrast to Bhojpuri cinema, which has historically prioritised rapid production cycles over narrative coherence or production quality.
What Lies Ahead
Chandra is currently working on the upcoming film Aakhri Sawaal, which also features Sanjay Dutt and Sameera Reddy. The film is presented by Nikhil Nanda and Dhanraj Nathwani, produced by Nikhil Nanda and Sanjay Dutt, and co-produced by Puneet Nanda, Dr. Deepak Singh, Gaurav Dubey, and Ujjwal Anand. Her participation in this project may signal a shift toward more structured, quality-conscious productions within the Bhojpuri space.
Point of View
Without digital platforms, without a quality threshold, it cannot survive the streaming era. The comparison to Marathi and Gujarati cinema is damning because those industries proved regional cinema can scale globally. Bhojpuri's failure is not cultural; it is a failure of institutional discipline. Until producers link incentives to craft, not just box-office churn, Chandra's plea for 'one good film' will remain a plea.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Neetu Chandra say about Bhojpuri cinema's future?
Neetu Chandra stated that Bhojpuri cinema lacks a viable future in its present form, questioning the absence of theatrical releases, OTT presence, and meaningful content. She said: 'There is nothing in Bhojpuri cinema. What future? Who is making films, how many are releasing, which theatres are running them, and where is the OTT presence?'
What appeal did Neetu Chandra make to Bhojpuri filmmakers?
She urged all Bhojpuri filmmakers to make at least one quality film in their lifetime that their families can watch with respect and pride, arguing that even if 100 bad films exist, at least one good film should exist to represent the industry credibly.
How did Neetu Chandra compare Bhojpuri cinema to other regional industries?
Chandra highlighted that Marathi, Gujarati, and Konkani film industries have evolved and achieved global recognition, including Oscar submissions, while maintaining a balance between commercial and quality films. She contrasted this with Bhojpuri cinema's failure to create meaningful content.
What is Neetu Chandra's upcoming project?
Neetu Chandra will be seen in the upcoming film Aakhri Sawaal, which also stars Sanjay Dutt and Sameera Reddy. The film is produced by Nikhil Nanda and Sanjay Dutt.
