THE REEL GENERATION

WITH 382 MILLION GEN ZS HOLDING THE KEYS TO THE BOX OFFICE, BOLLYWOOD IS FINALLY LEARNING TO SPEAK. THEIR LANGUAGE

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Understanding your audience is paramount in cinema.

Now, making the film you want to make isn't foolhardy, it just increases the uncertainty in an already unpredictable business. To minimize the risk of box office failure, it really helps to understand the demographics you're catering to.

In recent years, like in many sectors, focusing on Generation Z (born between 1996-2010) has become a major trend. Why is this so? This is because this generation will be tomorrow's key consumers. So here's the million-dollar question: Are Hindi filmmakers making enough films for Gen Z audiences? Let's dive in and find out.

THE GEN Z UNIVERSE

Before we explore whether Hindi filmmakers are creating content for Gen Z, we need to understand just how massive this audience is. Is it even worth targeting them? The numbers paint a remarkable picture.

As of 2025, India has close to 382 million Gen Zs - that's 26% of the country's total population. Together with millennials (born after 1981), they make up over 50% of India's population, a proportion expected to stay above 50% through 2030. This isn't just about headcount though.

Gen Z contributes 43% of household consumption, adding about $860 billion (₹72 lakh crore) annually, with spending projected to hit $1.8 trillion by 2035.

The work landscape tells an equally compelling story. Around 27%-35% of Gen Z participates in gig or freelance work, with over 50% interested in freelancing. They represent 88% of investors under 30 and, along with millennials, dominate 86%-90% of India's tech workforce. By the end of the current year, Gen Z is expected to make up 27% of India's overall workforce.