Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 22: Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is set to return to the big screen with her upcoming thriller Nikita Roy, recently opened up about changing audience behavior and the challenges of drawing families back to theatres.
In a candid conversation, the Dabangg star shared her thoughts on why regular families are opting to stay home despite a steady stream of family-oriented films being released. According to Sonakshi, it’s not a lack of quality storytelling but the growing inaccessibility of the theatre-going experience that is keeping audiences away.
“There’s no shortage of good content or family-friendly films,” she said. “But the problem lies in how expensive the theatre experience has become. For an average family, a movie outing can be quite costly now. Also, with so many entertainment options available at home, it's no surprise that families are hesitant to head out.”
Sinha clarified that storytelling in Bollywood hasn't lost its family-friendly charm, but the dynamics around how people consume content have changed drastically. “The stories are being made. The films are definitely out there. It’s just that people are not going to theatres like before. The content is not the issue—it’s the experience and the affordability.”
On her upcoming film Nikita Roy, Sonakshi expressed optimism that the project has the potential to bring audiences back to the big screen. “It’s the kind of film you enjoy with your friends and family. It delivers the thrill, the entertainment, and that shared viewing experience that a theatrical release should offer. I truly believe it has something that can attract groups back into cinema halls,” she added.
The 38-year-old actress also weighed in on what defines a compelling story in today’s fast-paced world. With attention spans dwindling, Sonakshi emphasized the need for stories to hook viewers from the very beginning.
“A great story is one that grabs your attention early and doesn’t let go,” she said. “Whether it's a thriller, drama, or emotional tale, the connection must be immediate. Today’s audiences won’t wait around—they need that engagement from the start.”
Nikita Roy, which marks the directorial debut of Kussh Sinha, features an ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, and Suhail Nayyar. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 27, 2025.