Shilpa Shetty on Hungama 2 and Nikamma not working

• Shilpa Shetty Kundra, 47, feels fortunate to be starring in a multilingual film.
• She cites Pathaan, which has collected over ₹1000 crore, as an example of why film business has become unpredictable.
• She also shares that she never planned to take up so much work after a hiatus.

Audiences have shown a growing interest in exploring regional language films following a string of Hindi films that have failed to impress them or bring in the money. Additionally, 47-year-old actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra considers herself fortunate to be starring in a multilingual film as the pan-India phenomenon continues to gain momentum.

Shilpa said that it’s unfair to compare Bollywood films to films made in regional languages when asked about the ongoing debate. “It is a very difficult time for films, in general,” she says. You can’t say that Hindi films are better or worse than those made in other languages. From my point of view, there are a lot of movies being made, and people are getting a little more picky. In addition, the South’s fans are a little bit more fervent, so they really will travel there, and the prices for tickets are much lower there.

She uses Pathaan, which has made over 1000 crore, as an example to explain why the film industry has become so unpredictable. It has surpassed all previous records. Therefore, you really have no idea what will entice audiences and bring them to theaters. Everywhere you look, actors are just trying their hardest to impress the audience. The actor asserts, “We will still end up making good films as long as that is the intent.” Following a hiatus, he returned to film with Hungama 2 (2021) and Nikamma (2022).

The mother of two makes an interesting admission that she never intended to work so much after her break.

I had planned to appear in maybe one film or web series every two years. However, the opportunities for women are awe-inspiringly challenging. I’m still moving slowly. “I’m really looking forward to the audience’s warming up to yet another time,” says Shilpa, who will next be seen in the film Sukhee and the web series Indian Police Force. “This year it’s going to be an interesting gamut of emotions, characters, and movies.”

But does it affect her that both of her comeback movies were poorly received by audiences and critics? I don’t just think about it. Simply put, I am aware that each film has its own destiny. Also, nobody said, “Oh, Shilpa was bad in the movie.” She quips, “Also, once I finish my job as an actor, I forget about the film. As long as that doesn’t happen, I’m fine.” I do not accept that burden or the pressure of the box office performance. The child was delivered by you. Now, whatever that child becomes, you must unconditionally accept it because it is still your child.

That being said, Shilpa declares that how the manner in which she responded to analysis during the 90s to now has changed a ton as movies, yet when crowds have developed with time, and they have an assessment on films and the exhibitions they watch on screen.

“I take criticism to heart. I’m someone who always wants to reinvent myself and become a better actor and person. I also use social media to my advantage and welcome constructive criticism. Some of these keyboard warriors are there because they want to cause us some unhappiness because they are so unhappy in their lives. I tell them, “Bring it on,” even to them. I’m even willing to take that in stride if it makes you happy. Yet, productive analysis is something that I am continuously ready to focus on and pursue improving myself. Throughout these three decades, it has been extremely challenging, but the greatest high is remaining relevant. She concludes, “I am happy with just that because it’s a big check on my list.”