A viral social media post recently sparked debate by claiming that Kriti Sanon has become trapped in what it described as the “Janhvi Kapoor pandemic”. The statement drew attention because it raised questions about how female stars are promoted in Bollywood today.
At the centre of the discussion is the belief that appearance often receives more attention than performance. While the phrase itself is controversial, it has reignited conversations about whether actresses are being marketed for glamour rather than their acting abilities.
The debate comes at an interesting time in Kriti Sanon’s career. Over the years, she has worked to establish herself as a credible performer and has earned recognition for taking on challenging roles across different genres.
One of the strongest examples is Mimi, a film that largely depended on Kriti’s performance. The film was well received by audiences and critics alike, eventually earning her the National Award and strengthening her reputation as an actress.
Despite these achievements, conversations around Cocktail 2 have often focused on a different aspect of her public image. Much of the online discussion has centred on styling choices, photoshoots, promotional appearances, and glamour-oriented marketing campaigns.
This trend is not limited to Kriti Sanon alone. Many actresses in the industry continue to be presented through glamorous visuals, sometimes overshadowing discussions about their performances and contributions to a film.
The larger question is whether this approach is driven by the actresses themselves or by an industry facing increasing pressure to attract audiences to theatres. The changing dynamics of the theatrical business have made film marketing more challenging than ever.
Mid-budget films are struggling to secure strong box office numbers, and star power alone is no longer enough to guarantee success. Marketing teams are competing for attention in a digital environment where audiences consume vast amounts of content every day.
As a result, visually appealing promotional material often becomes the quickest way to generate engagement. A glamorous image can spread rapidly across social media, while appreciation for a performance usually develops after audiences watch the film.
However, recent box office trends suggest that glamour alone does not ensure success. Several heavily promoted films have failed to connect with viewers despite extensive marketing efforts and strong visibility.
At the same time, many films with modest promotional campaigns have emerged as major successes through positive word of mouth. These examples indicate that audiences continue to value compelling storytelling and strong performances.
This is why criticism of Bollywood’s marketing strategies continues to resonate with some viewers. Many believe that performances deserve greater attention during promotional campaigns instead of being overshadowed by image-driven publicity.
The viral post may have exaggerated its point for effect, but it has highlighted an ongoing industry debate. Whether Kriti Sanon is truly affected by this trend remains open to interpretation, but the conversation reflects broader questions about how female stars are positioned in Bollywood.
