At the recently held WAVES 2025 summit, veteran actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan addressed a packed audience as he discussed the pressing issues that, in his view, continue to prevent Indian cinema from achieving greater international success. Known for his thought-provoking films and candid insights, Khan used the platform to raise critical points about the structural and creative limitations within the Indian film industry.
During his speech, Khan said that while Indian films have achieved commercial success and popularity domestically, there remains a significant gap when it comes to competing with global cinema in terms of storytelling depth, technical quality, and global appeal. He emphasized that the industry often prioritizes formulaic content and box office numbers over originality and substance.
Lack of Institutional Support
Khan highlighted the absence of strong institutional support for filmmaking in India. He pointed out that unlike in countries such as France or South Korea, India lacks state-sponsored programs or well-funded national institutions dedicated to film education and innovation. According to Khan, this gap directly affects the quality of screenwriting, direction, and production.
He added that creating a robust ecosystem for nurturing talent—from screenwriters to technicians—would allow Indian cinema to move beyond its current limitations. “We have immense talent in India, but it needs the right training and opportunities to evolve,” he noted.
Need for Global Collaboration
In his address, Khan also spoke about the importance of international collaboration. He encouraged Indian filmmakers to engage with global production houses, attend international festivals not just as participants but also as learners, and embrace diverse storytelling techniques. “We need to understand global audiences without losing our cultural essence,” he said.
Khan advocated for bilingual or multilingual filmmaking to help Indian films reach broader audiences. He also encouraged the use of advanced filmmaking technologies and deeper research in content development.
Appeal to the Government and Industry
Khan made a direct appeal to both the government and the Indian film industry to invest more in infrastructure, training institutes, and funding programs that prioritize creative risks over commercial guarantees. He suggested that tax incentives for artistic films, grants for indie filmmakers, and government-backed film labs could pave the way for significant growth.
He concluded his address by saying, “If we want Indian cinema to be a true global force, we must first recognize the gaps, then work together to bridge them.”
Conclusion
Aamir Khan’s remarks at WAVES 2025 have sparked widespread discussion across the film industry. As an influential figure with decades of experience, his comments serve as a reminder of the work still needed to elevate Indian cinema to global standards. Whether the industry and government will respond to his call for reform remains to be seen, but the conversation he initiated appears timely and necessary.
