Veteran Pakistani actress Sania Saeed has sparked discussion online after sharing her candid views on the current state of Indian cinema and the growing influence of social media on the entertainment industry. The acclaimed actress believes that filmmakers today are struggling to understand changing audience preferences and the evolving dynamics of cinema.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Sania said that the Indian film industry appears to be going through a period of uncertainty.
“Right now, Indian media and cinema seem completely lost. They themselves are struggling to understand what they are doing. Many big-budget films are flopping, while smaller films are becoming hits.”
She explained that content focusing on women's independence, autonomy, and sexuality is receiving strong appreciation on OTT platforms. However, she noted that success in the digital space does not necessarily translate into box-office success.
“A film that becomes a superhit on OTT is not guaranteed to become a superhit in cinemas. The economics and dynamics of cinema have become extremely complicated, and even filmmakers are finding it difficult to figure out what works.”
Sania further remarked that if larger industries like Bollywood are facing such challenges, Pakistan's entertainment industry is even further behind in adapting to these rapidly changing trends.
In another clip, the actress reflected on how social media has transformed television and entertainment. She observed that the industry has become increasingly dependent on online popularity and follower counts.
“The entire medium has changed. Television is now heavily dependent on social media. Producers feel they need actors with large followings because they believe that is what drives viewership.”
Despite this trend, Sania emphasized that social media fame should not be mistaken for acting talent. According to her, genuine craft comes from skill, experience, and dedication rather than online popularity.