Can Hollywood reignite its spark in India in 2025? |

The year 2024 was a turning point for Hollywood‘s box office story in India. The year was marked by contrasting performances, franchise dominance, and a glaring absence of fresh new narratives. While established franchises like ‘Deadpool vs. Wolverine’ and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ thrived, the underwhelming reception of animated films and a lack of original content highlighted critical challenges for Hollywood.

The aftershocks of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes were felt throughout the industry this year as it grappled with production delays, affecting studios’ film slate.
As Hollywood gears up for 2025, with an impressive slate of sureshot blockbusters including ‘Captain America: Brave New World‘, ‘Superman’, ‘Avatar 3‘, ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’, and others, the question remains: Can the industry bounce back?
This feature delves into the trends, challenges, and strategies shaping Hollywood’s trajectory in India, offering insights into what the future holds for the film industry in one of its fastest-growing markets.
A Decline in Market Share
The year 2024 witnessed a decline in the performance of Hollywood films at the Indian box office, marking a sharp contrast to the blockbuster successes of previous years. Industry experts attribute this underwhelming performance to a combination of troubles, including increased competition from Indian markets.
Hollywood’s contribution to the Indian box office dropped to 12-13% last year, down from its usual 18-22%. According to Devang Sampat, this decline was “primarily due to the SAG-AFTRA strike impacting the production and release schedule. The lack of compelling content, particularly in popular genres like superhero films, high-octane action movies, and successful franchises, severely impacted audience interest.”
Key Performers and Underwhelming Results

Despite a largely disappointing year, a few Hollywood titles stood out.
‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ emerged as the highest-grossing Hollywood film in India, earning Rs 158 crore, buoyed by its loyal superhero fanbase.
‘Mufasa’, a prequel to “The Lion King”, became a sleeper hit, crossing the Rs 120 crore mark after gaining traction in its second week.
‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ followed with 106 crore, appealing to fans of the monster-verse.
Shift in Audience Preferences
The absence of standout original content further dampened Hollywood’s appeal. Films from established franchises like ‘Venom 3’, ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’, ‘Dune: Part Two’, ‘Moana 2’, and ‘Inside Out 2’ performed decently, but there was a noticeable lack of fresh stories to capture the public’s imagination. Girish Wankhede points out, “Many of these titles suffered from inadequate marketing strategies and a lack of appeal, which ultimately hindered their box office performance. Additionally, the quality of content did not meet the audience’s expectations.”
Comparison to Previous Years

The subdued performance of Hollywood films in 2024 stands in stark contrast to the highs of 2023, a year that saw groundbreaking successes like ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Barbie’ in the country and around the globe. The lack of similarly innovative and culturally resonant films seemingly resulted in an overall decline of approximately 3% in annual collections.
Wankhede adds, “This trend is not limited to the Indian market; rather, it reflects a broader global pattern of underwhelming box office performances for Hollywood films this year.”
Impact on the Indian Box Office
Hollywood’s box office performance was significantly influenced by the interplay of domestic cinema. Indian cinema’s slate of releases added to the challenges, drawing audiences away from Hollywood offerings, particularly mid-budget productions that struggled to find a foothold.
Suniel Wadhwa states, “Many mid-budget Hollywood films from ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ to ‘Dune 2’, underperformed failing to even cross the Rs 50 crore mark and did not manage to draw significant attention to Indian audience due to intense competition from Indian films. The rise of regional cinema makes audiences choose between domestic and international cinema driven by emotional connections and relatable narratives. They face competition even from OTT platforms by offering global content. “

In contrast, Devang Sampat downplayed the impact, citing examples of Hollywood blockbusters thriving alongside major Indian releases. “Blockbusters like ‘Avatar 2’, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, and ‘Mufasa’ have consistently achieved success despite releasing alongside major Indian films,” Sampat said and emphasized that Indian audiences have become more discerning and receptive to international content.
“With globalization, increased international travel, and the availability of foreign-language content on streaming platforms, the Indian audience has evolved significantly. I am confident that the future of Hollywood in India is bright, with continued growth and success,” he added.
Role of Regional Language Dubbing
Regional language dubbing has emerged as a cornerstone for Hollywood’s strategy in India, enabling broader audience engagement. Sampat called this initiative “a great way to expand the total audience base for Hollywood films in the long term.”
Girish Wankhede elaborated on the effectiveness of localization strategies and said, “When popular Hollywood franchise films are dubbed into Indian languages, they gain access to wider audiences, including those in more remote areas. This localization strategy has proven effective, allowing these films to resonate with viewers who may not be proficient in English. The success of films like ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘Mufasa’ in their Hindi dubbed versions underscores the potential for Hollywood films to reach greater audiences when marketed and dubbed thoughtfully.”
The use of talented Indian voice actors, according to Wankhede makes movies, “more relatable and accessible, enhancing their appeal.”

Rather than viewing domestic films as competitors, he adds that the coexistence of Hollywood and Indian cinema is key to box office success. “The question is not about competition but rather about the coexistence of diverse narratives that cater to different segments of the population. Films that possess the power to connect with audiences—regardless of their origin—are likely to succeed in this vibrant market,” Wankhede said.
This is driven by the varied tastes of Indian audiences, who enjoy a mix of Bollywood, regional cinema, and international films. “When films are presented in a manner that resonates with local sensibilities, they can achieve remarkable success. This adaptability is crucial, as it allows Hollywood to tap into the rich tapestry of Indian cinema while also providing audiences with the global storytelling they crave,” Wankhede added.
Lessons from 2024 and Forecast for 2025
The performance of Hollywood films in India in 2024 has provided valuable insights into the preferences and expectations of Indian audiences. As the industry prepares for 2025, these lessons highlight both opportunities and challenges for Hollywood’s continued success in this dynamic market.
Key Trends in 2024
Franchise Dominance
Girish Wankhede observed that all of the top ten Hollywood films in India in 2024 were sequels or part of established franchises, particularly from Marvel and Disney. “With titles like ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’, ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’, and ‘Mufasa’ the overarching takeaway from the performance of Hollywood films in India is that the Indian market remains exceptionally receptive to franchises and sequels from established brands.”
However, this reliance on franchises comes with risks. The absence of fresh, original content left a gap that could have been filled with innovative storytelling.
Underperformance of Animation
Devang Sampat highlighted that while animated films like ‘Inside Out 2’, ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ and ‘Moana 2’ performed well globally, their reception in India was lukewarm. He says, “This suggests lower popularity for animated content within the Indian market. However, established franchises like ‘Kung Fu Panda’, ‘Mufasa’ consistently demonstrate strong performance due to higher audience recognition and familiarity.”
Forecast for 2025

The Indian box office is poised for a stronger Hollywood showing in 2025. The anticipated releases of major blockbusters suggest a rebound in business and position itself as a key player in India’s thriving cinematic landscape.
Anticipated Blockbusters
According to Suniel Wadhwa, the 2025 slate features a robust lineup of sequels and reboots poised to dominate the Indian box office. “We anticipate a strong 2025 Hollywood slate at the Indian box office. The lineup boasts a diverse range of genres, including highly like ‘Avatar 3’ by James Cameron, ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ with Tom Cruise, ‘Jurassic World’, the ‘Superman’ reboot, and ‘Conjuring: The Last Rites’ are expected to perform exceptionally well and demonstrate that 2024 was an anomaly. These films have already deducted fan base creating high box office expectations.”
However, he advises, “Avoid clashing with any major film should be key to secure significant box runs.”

Localized Approaches
Regional language dubbing will continue to be a crucial strategy for Hollywood in 2025. As Wankhede emphasized, “India serves as a fertile ground for films from different cultures, including Hollywood. Over the years, Hollywood has cultivated its own dedicated audience in tier-one and tier-two cities, where the appetite for international cinema has grown significantly.”
The Role of Original Content
The lessons of 2024 underscore the need for Hollywood to complement its franchise releases with original storytelling. The success of ‘Barbenheimer’ demonstrated that Indian audiences are eager for fresh cinematic experiences, particularly those with universal themes or unique narratives.

Girish was of the opinion, “It is essential for Hollywood to prioritize the development of original concepts alongside their franchise offerings. By doing so, they can rekindle the excitement and engagement of Indian viewers, providing a diverse array of cinematic experiences that go beyond the familiar confines of established franchises.”
Sampat added, “There’s a need for the industry to adapt and innovate in order to meet the evolving expectations of audiences in India and around the world.”
While established franchises still hold sway, audiences are increasingly drawn to creative, high-quality content. For Hollywood to regain its stronghold in India, addressing these content and marketing gaps will be crucial.