Abhishek Bachchan Champions Bollywood's Unique Strength and Global Dominance
In a powerful statement at the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2026, actor Abhishek Bachchan declared that Bollywood does not need to copy or compete with other film industries. He emphasized his unwavering faith in Indian cinema, addressing frequent comparisons to global hits like Korean dramas.
Bachchan Highlights India's Unmatched Cinema Scale and Audience Numbers
Abhishek Bachchan proudly highlighted India's dominant position in the global entertainment landscape, reminding attendees that the country leads the world in film production and audience size. He argued that focusing on foreign standards is unnecessary, given India's colossal reach.
During his speech, Bachchan said, "Our numbers are just so large that I think it's erroneous for us to say, 'Oh, when are we gonna create our Squid Game? We make Dhurandhar. Look at the numbers. Look at the amount of tickets sold. That's gonna outshine any other show, any other movie. So it's a matter of numbers.'"
Comparing Korean Content with India's Film Industry
While acknowledging the growing worldwide influence of Korean dramas and films, Bachchan stressed that the scale of India's cinema industry remains unparalleled. He appreciated the creativity of the Korean industry, calling their work "amazing," but questioned their viewership metrics.
He added, "What is their viewership? What are those numbers? They'll pale in comparison to Indians going to movies. So we have the numbers already, so what kind of numbers are you trying to achieve to become that fad? I don't think we want to be a fad."
Support for Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' and Its Sequel
Abhishek Bachchan expressed strong support for Ranveer Singh's film 'Dhurandhar,' which was released in theatres on December 5. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the movie features a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi. It is produced by B62 Studios and Jio Studios.
Work on 'Dhurandhar 2' has already commenced, with the sequel scheduled to hit theatres on March 19. Recently, behind-the-scenes clips from the Mumbai sets, showing Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt in a serious scene, have generated significant buzz. Reports indicate that the new installment will focus on Hamza Mazhari's revenge and unveil the identity of the mysterious 'Bade Sahab,' a character widely believed to be based on gangster Dawood Ibrahim.
Abhishek Bachchan's Upcoming Project: 'King'
Following his last appearance in 'Kaalidhar Laapata,' Abhishek Bachchan is preparing for his next major release, 'King.' Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Rani Mukerji, Deepika Padukone, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma. Backed by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix, this highly anticipated film is set to release later this year.
Bachchan's remarks underscore a broader narrative of confidence in Bollywood's capabilities, urging the industry and audiences to celebrate its unique achievements rather than seeking validation through international comparisons.
