Local-language children’s films struggle to find viewers as Hollywood raises bar
NEW DELHI : The underwhelming performance of local-language children’s films such as Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan underscores, once again, the struggles of an underserved genre in India. Trade experts say Indian children, who now have access to Hollywood franchises like the Avengers, no longer fancy substandard fare. The genre, which saw successes such as Chota Chetan, Koi..Mil Gaya and Taare Zameen Par in the 1990s and 2000s, doesn’t command immediate draw as most Indian children watch mainstream films that parents deem appropriate for the entire family.
Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan, a live action superhero film based on a popular TV character, only made around ₹2 crore after hitting the screens in May. On the other hand, Inside Out 2, an American animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures, has earned over ₹9 crore since its mid-June release. Another animated adventure comedy, The Garfield Movie, clocked in over ₹7 crore in May.
“The trend highlights a broader pattern in the Indian film industry, where domestically produced children's films often struggle to capture substantial market share. In contrast, global franchises targeting children have performed much better in the country. Animated movies such as Kung Fu Panda and Toy Story have garnered considerable success, appealing to both children and adults," said Devang Sampat, managing director of Cinepolis India, a movie-theatre chain.
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