Indian Entertainment in 2024: A Year of Changes and Challenges

2024 was a unique year for Indian entertainment. Fewer films hit the theaters, but those that did were either massive hits or big flops. People were pickier about what movies they watched in cinemas. The COVID-19 pandemic played a part in this, as habits formed during lockdowns stuck. Franchise films like "Pushpa 2: The Rise" did exceptionally well, earning much more than their predecessors. South Indian films, with their larger-than-life heroes, also performed well in Hindi-speaking markets. In the streaming world, big changes happened. Companies like Disney and Reliance merged, while other deals fell through. This led to a slower market, with even major platforms like Netflix and Prime Video taking a step back. Streaming services are now looking to attract more subscribers by offering more popular, commercial content. Sports, especially cricket, remained important for both TV and streaming. But keeping viewers engaged between events is crucial to prevent them from canceling their subscriptions. Overall, 2024 was a quiet year, with more business-to-business activity than consumer-focused initiatives. However, 2025 looks promising, with more movies and stars returning to the big screen. The streaming market is also maturing, with popular shows getting new seasons.