In recent months, Bollywood has witnessed a curious trend — re-releases of classic Hindi films are drawing audiences back to cinemas with surprising success. From iconic hits like Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) to modern classics like Jab We Met (2007) and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), these films are seeing a resurgence, bringing audiences of all ages to the theaters once again. Despite their age, these re-released movies have collectively garnered around Rs 50-60 crore, according to a report from India Today, offering Bollywood a much-needed boost in an otherwise slow year.
The appeal of these re-released classics, many industry observers say, lies in a mix of nostalgia and a craving for shared cinematic experiences that are distinct from on-demand streaming. In an era where big-budget movies like Maidaan, Fighter, and Bad Newz have struggled to leave a mark at the box office, the nostalgia-driven allure of classic Bollywood seems to be bridging a gap for audiences and producers alike.
Nostalgia and the return to cinematic rituals
Re-releasing films taps into a powerful nostalgia, particularly for those who originally saw these films during their initial release. For long-time fans, the chance to relive moments that shaped their memories is irresistible, while for younger audiences, re-releases provide a rare opportunity to experience Bollywood classics as they were meant to be seen — on the big screen. The experience of re-watching films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Veer-Zaara in theaters becomes a communal event, where fans, both old and new, can appreciate the art of cinema together.
Anthropologist Arjun Appadurai, in his essay “The Ready-Made Pleasures of Déjà Vu: Repeat Viewing of Bollywood Films,” delves into the pleasure of watching a film repeatedly. He describes repeat viewing as an act of connoisseurship, where cinephiles revisit favorite films not for sameness but for the nuanced experiences each viewing offers. This phenomenon, according to Appadurai, reflects a deeper appreciation of cinema where fans engage with films in almost ritualistic terms. Bollywood buffs, for example, take pride in memorizing iconic scenes, knowing behind-the-scenes trivia, or spotting details in films they have seen multiple times.
Escaping OTT fatigue and rediscovering bollywood magic
There’s also an element of OTT fatigue at play. With the explosion of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, audiences have become accustomed to consuming content on personal devices, often in isolation. However, a shared movie-watching experience offers a different kind of fulfillment, one that OTT platforms can’t replicate. Film critic Anupama Chopra points out that despite the comfort of watching movies at home, “the big screen creates an irreplaceable atmosphere for iconic movies to shine and truly come alive.”
This isn’t a phenomenon unique to India. The recent re-release of classic Hollywood films such as Home Alone and Jurassic Park in the UK saw impressive box office performances, with earnings of £875,000 (Rs 9.5 crore) and £542,000 (Rs 5.89 crore) respectively. These numbers illustrate the universal appeal of nostalgic re-releases and the timeless allure of revisiting beloved stories in cinemas.
A cost-effective strategy for film studios
For producers, re-releases are an easy way to boost profits with minimal investment. Most of these films require only modest digital remastering or promotional efforts, making them an efficient and low-risk strategy in a challenging market. The unexpected success of re-releases has even spurred studios to reconsider sequels for popular classics. A case in point is Tumbbad (2018), a horror film that earned nearly Rs 40 crore after being re-released in October this year, now prompting the production of a sequel.
The box office performance of these re-released films also highlights Bollywood’s gradual recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian film industry, valued at Rs 191 billion in 2019, saw its value plummet to Rs 72 billion in 2020 as theaters shut down. Although it has slowly rebounded, it has yet to reach its former glory, with projections indicating it may exceed Rs 200 billion this year. Re-released films are proving to be a lifeline, helping cinema owners and producers to recover from the financial losses of the pandemic.
More Read
Looking back to move forward: The cultural significance of repeat viewing
French philosopher Gilles Deleuze’s theories of “repetition and difference” offer insight into why audiences enjoy re-watching films. Appadurai uses Deleuze’s ideas to explain that rewatching a movie is not a mere repetition of the past experience but a “repetition of difference,” where the familiar music, dialogues, and visuals evoke a fresh sense of joy and comfort. Fans relive scenes and songs with renewed appreciation, which often reveals previously unnoticed details or emotional nuances.
Ultimately, the re-release trend underscores Bollywood’s powerful cultural hold on Indian audiences. For fans, re-watching these films is like revisiting old friends; each experience is unique and layered with new meanings. As Bollywood navigates a challenging market, this nostalgic re-release strategy has been a successful experiment that not only celebrates its storied past but also holds out a lifeline for its future.
The enthusiasm for re-released classics demonstrates that while Bollywood may look back, it has the potential to move forward by capitalizing on its legacy — a path that could well serve as an inspiration for future cinematic projects.
