Bollywood assumes audience is dumb, says Ram Gopal Varma, applauds Mission: Impossible for challenging viewer intelligence

Bollywood assumes audience is dumb, says Ram Gopal Varma, applauds Mission: Impossible for challenging viewer intelligence

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has once again made waves with his candid remarks on the state of Indian cinema. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the controversial director voiced his opinion on the growing disparity between the standards of filmmaking in Bollywood and Hollywood. Varma specifically highlighted Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which he lauded for challenging the intelligence of its audience, something he feels is sorely lacking in Bollywood films today.

In his post, Varma sharply criticized the approach of Indian filmmakers, writing, “The difference between them and us is they assume the audience to be intelligent and push their intelligence further up, by making films like #MissionImpossibleTheFinalReckoning. On the contrary, we assume the audience to be dumb and we push their dumbness further down in the hope of even reaching the dumbest of the audience by making films like ____________.” Although Varma left the blank open, the sentiment behind his words was clear: Bollywood has become increasingly formulaic, catering to the lowest common denominator with films that lack complexity and depth.

His remarks, though bold, have not gone unchallenged. Many social media users pointed out the inconsistency of Varma’s statement, especially in light of his own recent track record, which includes films like Agyaat, Aag, D Company, Department, and Sarkar 3. These films were generally panned by both critics and audiences, leading some to argue that Varma’s current criticisms might carry an ironic weight. One user aptly commented, “We Indians have a habit of downgrading our own creations while overhyping mediocre content from the international market.”

Varma's sharp critique is not new. Known for his unfiltered opinions, the filmmaker has consistently voiced his concerns about the direction of Indian cinema, particularly its obsession with CGI-heavy action sequences at the expense of solid storytelling. This time, however, he has drawn a direct comparison between the grandiosity of Mission: Impossible and the perceived shortcomings of Bollywood films, particularly those focused on commercial success rather than narrative depth.

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While Varma’s opinions may fuel online debates, it’s impossible to ignore the growing influence of Hollywood on global cinema. The Mission: Impossible series, helmed by Christopher McQuarrie, has become synonymous with high-stakes action and intricate plotting, qualities that many Hollywood films—especially blockbusters—prioritize. With Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning anticipated as Tom Cruise's last appearance as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, the film is expected to wrap up the saga with intensity and intelligence.

The movie hit Indian theaters on May 17, 2025, and features a star-studded cast, including Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, and Ving Rhames. Whether Varma’s critiques spark a meaningful discussion or simply stir up online chatter, it remains to be seen. However, his comparison of Bollywood's approach to that of Hollywood certainly sets the stage for a debate about the future of Indian cinema and its relationship with global standards.