Veteran actor Suniel Shetty has reignited a crucial conversation about the shifting dynamics of Bollywood, blaming actor insecurity and inflated star fees for the steady decline of multi-starrer films — once a staple of the Indian box office. In a candid interview with Bollywood Bubble, the 90s action hero opened up about how the film industry has drifted away from its collaborative roots, and why it’s time to bring back the magic of ensemble storytelling.

Insecurity Among Actors Hurting Bollywood’s Unity

Shetty didn’t hold back when discussing why today’s stars are reluctant to share screen space.

“They are insecure,” he said. “This insecurity comes from the fact that the box office isn’t delivering as it used to.”

The actor believes that the fear of overshadowing or being outshined by a co-star is holding back meaningful collaborations. He stressed that actors today often prioritize individual branding over storytelling, which has diminished the creative synergy that defined many of Bollywood’s biggest hits in the past.

“Actors need to regain their confidence and focus on stories that connect with the audience, not just their personal image,” Shetty emphasized.

Skyrocketing Actor Fees Disrupt Bollywood Budgets

Another major factor in the fall of multi-starrer films, according to Shetty, is the exorbitant fees charged by top actors. Producers, he said, are now struggling to balance budgets when more than one big name is involved in a project.

“Actor fees have become so high that it’s almost impossible to make ensemble films without risking massive financial loss,” he explained.

Shetty pointed out that this cost barrier, combined with ego clashes and risk-averse producers, has pushed filmmakers away from large-scale productions that once drew families to theatres in droves.

Nostalgia for the Golden Era of Bollywood Blockbusters

Shetty reminisced about the golden era of the 90s and early 2000s, a time when Bollywood churned out massive multi-starrer hits that brought together big names like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Sanjay Dutt. These films not only created unforgettable cinematic moments but also supported the entire entertainment ecosystem.

“We’ve lost that magic,” Shetty lamented. “Those films didn’t just work at the box office — they sustained theatres, snack counters, and the entire ecosystem of Indian cinema.”

According to Shetty, the industry needs to return to the idea of collective storytelling, where the focus is on delivering wholesome entertainment rather than individual accolades.

Suniel Shetty’s Return: Reviving the Multi-Starrer Legacy

Practicing what he preaches, Shetty is all set to make a strong comeback with Kesari Veer: The Legends of Somnath, an upcoming patriotic action drama directed by Prince Dhiman. The film features a multi-starrer ensemble that includes Sooraj Pancholi, Vivek Oberoi, and newcomer Akanksha Sharma.

This project aims to revive the spirit of ensemble storytelling, bringing together a diverse cast to tell a compelling and emotionally charged story rooted in valor and heritage.

A Wake-Up Call for Bollywood’s Future

Suniel Shetty’s comments resonate at a time when Bollywood is struggling to regain box office dominance, with pan-India films and regional cinema capturing more audience attention. His bold call to action serves as a reminder that the industry must evolve — not just with changing audience tastes, but with a renewed sense of collaboration, humility, and purpose.

In an era of rising competition and shifting trends, Shetty’s advocacy for multi-starrer cinema could offer a blueprint for a Bollywood revival — one where big stars come together for even bigger stories.

Final Thoughts

Suniel Shetty’s insights are more than nostalgia — they are a reflection of what Bollywood needs: unity over ego, storytelling over stardom, and collaboration over competition. If more filmmakers and actors heed his advice, we may just see a return of the multi-starrer blockbusters that once defined Indian cinema’s golden age.