Making headlines recently, the women-centric film Laapata Ladies has surpassed the viewership numbers that Animal had on Netflix, suggesting a changing tide in the content viewers are choosing to engage with. Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, broke box office records last year, grossing over 900 crore rupees (approximately 107 million US dollars). Despite its commercial success, the film sparked controversy and debate due to its portrayal of male behavior and its representation of women, drawing mixed reactions from audiences.

In stark contrast, Laapata Ladies delves into themes such as patriarchy, domestic abuse, and arranged marriages, providing a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with contemporary viewers. This achievement on a major streaming platform signals a potential shift in audience preferences, especially considering the majority dominance of male-led films like Pathaan and Jawan at the box office.

What does this change in audience tastes mean? Has there been a significant shift in just six months?

It's unlikely that Laapata Ladies would have outperformed Animal in box office numbers, given the historically lower threshold for women-led films to be deemed successful. Films like Secret Superstar have achieved comparable box office collections, but most women-led hits, such as The Kerala Story, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Hichki, hover around the 200+ crore mark (approximately 23 million US dollars). However, the achievement on Netflix is still noteworthy in other ways, especially when we partake in the recent discussions of what films should be released in theaters versus going straight to streaming.

The primary difference lies in the target audience. Box office releases need to appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers. With 25% of India's population being illiterate and about 15% living in poverty, according to the Multidimensional Poverty Index, escapist films tend to dominate. Historically, during times of economic hardship, audiences gravitate towards films that provide a means of escape rather than those that challenge societal norms.

Streaming platforms cater to a different demographic, primarily targeting Millennials and Gen Z, who are generally more liberal and socially aware. Streaming subscriptions, being a monthly expense, are more accessible to higher-income individuals. Furthermore, platforms like Netflix facilitate the global distribution of films like Laapata Ladies, extending their reach to audiences in the US, UK, and beyond.

So, where does this leave us? While the success of films like Animal might be disheartening to some, the rise of Laapata Ladies offers hope. It suggests that younger generations are more inclined to consume and celebrate content that encourages critical thinking about societal traditions. This shift towards more thought-provoking entertainment could pave the way for a future where diverse and meaningful narratives are celebrated and mainstreamed.

By recognizing and supporting such films, we can encourage a more inclusive and reflective cinematic landscape.

We are constantly looking for skilled writers and are open to publishing original pieces on our blogs, if you'd like to contribute email swati.chakraborty@kahanidigital.com.