Year-ender 2025: Producer Anand Pandit reveals what 2026 looks like for Bollywood | EXCLUSIVE
As 2025 draws to a close, producer Anand Pandit reflects on Bollywood's biggest lessons and looks ahead to 2026. In an exclusive year-ender conversation with TV9 English's Vanshika Singh, he speaks about changing audience tastes, content priorities, and what the industry must fix next. Read the full interview for insights.
New Delhi: As the Hindi film industry prepares to turn the page after a turbulent phase, producer Anand Pandit has shared a candid assessment of what lies ahead for Bollywood in 2026. In an exclusive interaction with TV9 English, he outlined a cautiously optimistic picture.
According to Anand, 2026 is being viewed within the industry as a potential year of recovery after two challenging years. It was pointed out that a major shift in audience mindset, which has been visible in recent times, is expected to continue.
Big star-led releases seen as key to restoring box office momentum
"As we head into 2026, the biggest shift we have seen in recent years, which is the change in audience mindset, is likely to continue,” he said, adding that Hindi cinema is looking towards the coming year as a possible turnaround.
It was noted that several big star-led films are lined up for release, with hopes pinned on them to restore opening-day momentum and stabilise box office collections. Significant investments have already been made in these projects, driven by expectations of a meaningful revival. Anand stressed that star power still matters, saying, "As far as the box office is concerned, star-driven films have historically played a key role in shaping audience behaviour, and that factor still carries weight.”
At the same time, it was emphasised that star value alone is no longer enough. With audiences now exposed to global cinema and a vast range of OTT content, expectations have evolved. "Viewers today are far more aware and selective than they were earlier,” the producer explained. He added that audiences are now demanding stories that feel honest and relevant, rather than being swayed purely by scale or spectacle. As a result, reactions have become immediate, with films being embraced or rejected swiftly based on content.
Producers adopt a more calculated approach to risk
The changing taste of viewers has also influenced the kind of films being developed. It was observed that the 2026 slate reflects a mix of scale, new actor pairings and varied themes, designed to appeal to a more discerning audience base. Films that connect emotionally are expected to perform strongly, while those lacking substance may struggle to sustain interest.
Anand Pandit also addressed the evolving risk appetite among producers, noting that post-pandemic business realities have reshaped decision-making. Greater emphasis is now being placed on securing OTT deals, especially for mid-budget films, as they offer more predictable returns. This shift was described as crucial in an environment where theatrical outcomes can no longer be guaranteed.
In addition, international collaborations are increasingly being explored. A growing demand for Indian-language films in overseas markets, particularly in regions with a strong diaspora presence, has opened up new opportunities for production and distribution. This trend was said to be contributing to a broader, more global outlook for Indian cinema.
When it comes to risk-taking, a more calculated approach is being adopted. "Simply backing expensive, star-driven projects without clarity is no longer the norm,” he said.
Looking ahead, Anand concluded that the films likely to define 2026 will be driven by conviction rather than hype. They will be emotionally grounded, thoughtfully crafted and rooted in honest storytelling. As he summed it up, content, more than anything else, is set to remain the real star.