The ever-shifting dynamics of Bollywood box office expectations have sparked a conversation about what defines a "blockbuster" today. Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who directed Kal Ho Naa Ho starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, recently reflected on the lasting legacy and financial metrics of his iconic 2003 film. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama , Advani explained that Kal Ho Naa Ho , which was made in Rs 32 crores, has had a profound cultural and financial impact equivalent to thousands of crores in value today.
Shifting Standards: The Blockbuster Benchmark Advani expressed concern about the growing focus on numbers over narratives. "Three or four years ago, there was hope for middle-of-the-road cinema, which has vanished now," he explained. According to him, the present industry climate focuses almost entirely on major blockbusters with box office earnings in the Rs 600–800 crores range.
“Either you make a blockbuster that earns Rs 800 crores, or you’re not doing anything,” Advani remarked, while voicing his hope for a return to films like those of Ayushmann Khurrana's genre, which showcased stories for all audiences. A Look Back at Kal Ho Naa Ho's Cultural Impact Reflecting on Kal Ho Naa Ho , Advani shared that the film’s significance far surpasses its financial aspects, as it remains celebrated for its story, iconic performances, and memorable soundtrack. "Earlier, we could make a Kal Ho Naa Ho and no one used to care about how much it co.
