A Week of Disappointment: Why Did ‘Jugnuma’, ‘Love in Vietnam’, and Other Friday Releases Fail to Make an Impact?

Mumbai, September 14, 2025 – The Indian film industry is facing a tough time. Another Friday has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of disappointment. This week, several new movies hit the big screen.

Films like ‘Jugnuma’ and ‘Love in Vietnam’ were among them. But they all failed to create any magic. They did not attract enough people to the cinema halls. The box office collections were very low. It seems like a new trend. Why are so many films failing? What is going wrong?

Jugnuma: A Film for Critics, Not for the Masses

‘Jugnuma’ was a much-awaited film. It had a big name, Manoj Bajpayee. People know him for his great acting. The film was an arthouse movie. It was about a man who could fly. It had a unique story. The critics loved it.

They gave it good reviews. They said the cinematography was beautiful. The story was deep and poetic. But the average moviegoer did not come to watch it.

The film’s subject was too different. It was not a typical Bollywood masala film. It did not have the usual songs and dances. It was slow-paced. Many people found it hard to understand. They were looking for something more entertaining.

The film was also released with little promotion. It did not get the kind of buzz that big commercial films get. This shows a big problem. Good reviews do not always mean box office success. Films need to connect with the common person.

Love in Vietnam: A Predictable Romance

Another big release was ‘Love in Vietnam’. This was an India-Vietnam joint production. It was a romantic film. It starred new faces like Shantanu Maheshwari and Avneet Kaur.

The film was shot in beautiful locations in Vietnam. The visuals were stunning. People said the film looked like a travelogue. The music was also praised. But the story was a problem.

The plot was very simple. It was a classic love story. But it was also very predictable. The audience has seen this kind of story many times before. The script was weak. The characters were not well-developed. The film dragged in the first half. The ending was rushed.

There was no emotional connection with the audience. People are now exposed to global content on OTT platforms. They want fresh stories. They are tired of old, repeated formulas. ‘Love in Vietnam’ failed to offer anything new.

The Bigger Picture: What is Causing These Failures?

The failure of ‘Jugnuma’ and ‘Love in Vietnam’ is not a one-time thing. It is part of a larger trend. Many films are struggling at the box office. This is happening for several reasons.

1. Rise of OTT Platforms: The biggest reason is the rise of streaming services. People can now watch a lot of good content at home. They have access to films and shows from all over the world. They can watch Korean dramas, Hollywood films, and regional cinema.

The quality of content on these platforms is very high. People don’t want to spend money on movie tickets for a film that is just “okay”. The gap between a film’s theatrical release and its OTT release is also very short. People know they can watch the film at home in a few weeks. This makes them less likely to go to the cinema.

2. Lack of Good Storytelling: Bollywood has lost touch with its audience. Many films have weak scripts. They rely on old formulas and star power. But the audience has changed.

They want content that is original and relatable. They want strong characters and a good story. They are not interested in just watching big stars. If the story is not good, the film will fail.

3. Unsustainable Budgets and Star Fees: The cost of making films has gone up. The fees of big actors are very high. This puts a lot of pressure on a film to earn big money. But if the film’s content is not strong, it will not succeed.

The focus has shifted from good storytelling to making a star-driven project. This is a bad business model.

4. Disconnect with the Audience: The film industry needs to listen to the audience. They must understand what people want to see. The industry often seems to be in its own bubble. They make films that they think will work. But they do not connect with the real people.

Films that are called “propaganda” or that take one side of an issue also get rejected by a large section of the audience. People want to be entertained, not preached to.

5. Competition from Regional Cinema: South Indian films are doing very well. They are making films that are big and exciting. They have strong stories and great action.

Films like ‘Pushpa’ and ‘RRR’ have become big hits all over India. This has shown that a good story can travel across language barriers. Bollywood is facing tough competition.

Whats Next

The film industry is at a crossroads. It needs to change. It must focus on good scripts and new ideas. It should not rely only on star power. The budgets need to be more realistic. The industry must connect with the audience again.

Only then will films be successful. The failures of ‘Jugnuma’ and ‘Love in Vietnam’ are a big wake-up call. The industry needs to wake up and take notice before it is too late.