The Evolving Taste of Today’s Audience

Excessive action and violence seem to be the trending formula for a hit film. Recent examples like Kabir Singh, Animal, and Pushpa-2 highlight this pattern. Critics heavily criticized these films, pointing out flaws and moral concerns. Yet, all of them turned out to be massive successes. This disconnect between critical reviews and audience reception reveals a significant shift in viewer preferences.

Today's audience isn’t swayed by critics’ reviews. Instead, they connect with specific elements in a movie, often described as intense or violent. High levels of on-screen violence have seemingly become a formula for box-office success. However, violence alone isn’t enough; additional factors like stunning visuals, a powerful background score, and the hero’s mass appeal play pivotal roles.

The modern viewer isn’t seeking logic or deeply engaging narratives. Instead, they want cinematic magic that holds their attention. Directors like Sukumar, known for meticulous storytelling, are now catering to this demand by incorporating intense action sequences. Despite lengthy runtimes, audiences remain glued to their seats if the film delivers the expected thrills.

Unlike critics, who evaluate movies with traditional standards, audiences today approach films with a more immediate, entertainment-driven mindset. If a scene drags, the modern viewer is quick to pull out their phone. The goal for filmmakers now is to keep the audience so engaged that they forget their gadgets, which is the true test of a hit movie.

Movies like Pushpa-2 reflect this changing dynamic. Critics may label the film as disjointed, but the audience embraces its raw appeal. Unique dialogues, signature moves, and a high-energy climax overshadow narrative inconsistencies. For the audience, entertainment reigns supreme.

Films such as Kabir Singh and Animal faced backlash for their portrayal of women and excessive violence, yet their commercial success proves they struck a chord with viewers. Similarly, the Pushpa franchise thrives on its larger-than-life style and mass appeal. The combination of intense moments, visual grandeur, and memorable music draws audiences to theaters.

This isn’t an indictment of any specific movie, but rather an observation of how the audience’s taste has evolved. Today’s viewers prioritize instant gratification through thrilling visuals and emotional highs, often making violence a central element of their cinematic experience.