Rohit Shetty’s Cinematic Time Loop: Stuck in the Past, Ignoring the Future

Rohit Shetty: Trapped in a Time Loop, Refusing to Evolve

Rohit Shetty, one of Bollywood’s most commercially successful directors, is known for his high-octane action, colorful cinematography, and larger-than-life storytelling. With over two decades in the industry, 16 films, and a web series under his belt, one would expect Shetty to evolve with the changing times. However, it seems the filmmaker is stuck in a creative loop, repeating the same formulas that once brought him success.

A Glimpse Into the Time Loop

Rohit Shetty’s films from the Golmaal franchise to his ambitious “cop universe” exhibit a striking similarity in tone, style, and execution. Whether it’s the slapstick humor, exaggerated action sequences, or grandiose sets, the cinematic tropes that worked for him in the early 2000s continue to dominate his storytelling. Despite advancements in filmmaking technology and audience preferences, his recent releases, like Singham 3, reveal an unwillingness to embrace change.

Take Singham 3, for instance. While there’s a 13-year gap between Singham 1 and this latest installment, the action choreography, joke delivery, and even script feel like a carbon copy of the earlier films. Sequels are often expected to maintain the essence of their predecessors while adding something new to elevate the franchise. However, Rohit Shetty’s sequels often feel like bigger-budget replicas of the originals.

A Formulaic Approach to Storytelling

The Golmaal series exemplifies this pattern. The first installment, written by the legendary Neeraj Vora, was a breath of fresh air and instantly iconic. But its sequels, from Golmaal Returns (2008) to Golmaal Again (2017), suffered a steady decline in creativity. Each film recycled the same gags and slapstick humor, relying more on nostalgia than innovation. Despite audience fatigue, Shetty announced Golmaal 5, further cementing his dependence on the franchise’s legacy.

Similarly, the Singham franchise, which began as a gripping cop drama, has devolved into formulaic action spectacles. The latest installment introduced forced religious angles and stuffed the cast with more stars, seemingly to distract from its lack of substance. Instead of crafting compelling narratives, Rohit Shetty’s appears to prioritize grandeur and star power over quality storytelling.

The Cop Universe: A Missed Opportunity

Rohit Shetty’s ambitious “cop universe”, featuring characters from Singham, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi, could have been a groundbreaking cinematic venture. However, it suffers from weak continuity, illogical character arcs, and an over-reliance on star-studded ensembles. The addition of Lady Singham, starring Deepika Padukone, and a rumored role for Tiger Shroff, raises concerns about whether this universe is being expanded thoughtfully or simply for commercial gain.

Unlike Hollywood franchises that interweave characters and narratives with meticulous planning, Rohit Shetty’s universe lacks coherence. Characters are introduced and discarded at will, and plotlines rarely connect in a meaningful way. Even his attempt to explore a different format with the web series Indian Police Force ended up recycling the same old tropes, squandering an opportunity to innovate.

Blaming the Audience: A Convenient Defense

In interviews, Shetty often defends his choices by claiming that his audience prefers “commercial” cinema. While this might have been true in the past, the underwhelming performance of his recent films suggests otherwise. For example, despite massive budgets and star casts, Singham 3 barely broke even, and Cirkus (2022) was a box office disaster. Audiences have evolved, seeking stories that are not only entertaining but also sensible and reflective of contemporary times.

A Call for Reinvention

The problem lies in Shetty’s reluctance to step out of his comfort zone. He hasn’t attempted anything drastically new, so there’s no basis for him to claim that audiences reject his experiments. Bollywood has seen many filmmakers reinvent themselves by exploring new genres or collaborating with fresh talent. Rohit Shetty’s, with his resources and experience, is well-positioned to do the same but chooses not to.

No one expects Rohit Shetty to produce sequel films. However, there’s a growing desire for him to deliver entertaining masala films that feel fresh and sensible. At this point, his audience isn’t rejecting commercial cinema—they’re rejecting stagnation.

The Risk of Irrelevance

If Rohit Shetty continues to rely on nostalgia and outdated formulas, he risks alienating even his most loyal fans. The lukewarm reception of his recent projects is a wake-up call that cannot be ignored. To remain relevant, he must embrace change, experiment with new ideas, and prioritize storytelling over spectacle.

It’s time for Rohit Shetty to break free from his time loop and reinvent himself. If not, his legacy might end as a cautionary tale of a filmmaker who refused to evolve.

What’s your take on Rohit Shetty’s filmmaking approach? Do you think he needs to change, or is his current formula still viable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!