Kareena Kapoor Says ‘Herd Mentality’ Is Driving Rise of Violent Films After Animal’s Success

Kareena Kapoor Khan has called out Bollywood’s tendency to follow box-office trends, saying the industry’s “herd mentality” needs to change as audiences become increasingly selective about what they watch.

Speaking to Yuvaa, Kareena discussed how filmmakers often rush to replicate the success of a hit film. She pointed to Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal as an example, saying the success of a film can encourage others to immediately chase similar themes and genres.

Kareena Kapoor On Bollywood’s ‘Herd Mentality’

Kareena said filmmakers should not assume that audiences will automatically turn up for a particular genre simply because it has recently delivered a box-office hit.

“Our audience is smarter than we think. They know exactly when it’s a good film and they want to watch it,” she said.

The actress added that Bollywood often reacts quickly to successful formulas.

“So today it is not just about a young love story. All these things are very dated, ki abhi violence chal rahi hai ki abhi Animal chal gayi toh chalo sab violence kar lete hain. We are herd mentality, what to say?” Kareena said.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal featured Ranbir Kapoor as Ranvijay Vijay Singh, a man caught in a complicated and deeply troubled relationship with his father, played by Anil Kapoor.

Released in 2023, the film became one of the year’s biggest commercial hits, earning more than Rs 900 crore worldwide despite generating intense debate over its violence and content. Its sequel, Animal Park, is currently in development.

‘The Audience Will Watch The Trailer And Decide’

Kareena also acknowledged filmmakers who continue to pursue original ideas instead of simply copying the latest successful trend.

“There are filmmakers who want to make something different, who provoke your thoughts and who have their own fan following. I feel like things are changing now,” she said.

According to the actress, audiences are increasingly making their own choices before deciding whether to watch a film.

“The audience will now watch the trailer and say that we want to watch this film,” she added.

Kareena believes younger viewers, in particular, are becoming more questioning and discerning. As a result, filmmakers can no longer assume that attaching a popular genre label will guarantee a theatrical hit.

“The young audience will ask the thought-provoking questions. Now filmmakers cannot go and make a film saying it’s a comedy so people will definitely watch it! Not every film is going to make Rs 200 crore or Rs 500 crore,” she said.

Kareena added that the relationship between filmmakers and audiences is changing, with viewers themselves playing an important role in pushing the industry towards greater variety.

“I feel like we are changing it and the audience is helping us,” she said.

Kareena Kapoor’s Next Film

Kareena is now gearing up for Daayra, an investigative drama directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film also features Prithviraj Sukumaran in a key role.

The project marks another different outing for Kareena, who continues to explore varied roles across genres.

Daayra is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on September 18.