India’s entertainment sector is experiencing a significant transformation, with live concerts and music festivals taking the spotlight. As audiences flock to see global stars like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Diljit Dosanjh, traditional cinema, particularly Bollywood, is witnessing a decline in box office performance. In this analysis, ETimes delves into the rapid expansion of India’s live entertainment industry, its economic implications, and whether this trend indicates a permanent shift in consumer preferences away from Bollywood films.

A Booming Live Entertainment Landscape

In 2024, India’s live entertainment sector saw impressive growth. BookMyShow, a prominent ticketing platform, reported hosting over 30,687 live events across 319 cities, reflecting an 18% increase from the previous year, as noted by EventFAQS.com. This surge isn’t limited to major cities; Tier-2 locations like Kanpur, Shillong, and Gandhinagar experienced an astonishing 682% growth in live events, showcasing a democratization of entertainment access throughout the nation.

The trend is further highlighted by the increasing number of fans traveling to different cities for concerts. For example, over 477,393 fans reportedly traveled for live music events, with Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ World Tour in Ahmedabad attracting attendees from more than 500 cities and 28 states, according to EY.com.

Is there a concern that stars might prioritize live tours over traditional film projects? Music entrepreneur, actor, and film producer Jackky Bhagnani shared with ETimes, “Not really, because theatrical releases are what create stars in the first place, especially in India. Unless you’re a singer or pop star whose fame is built outside of cinema, most performers become household names through films. That theatrical presence is what gives them the platform to do live shows, tours, or appearances. So it’s not an either-or situation; both go hand in hand and complement each other.”

Star-Studded Performances Captivate Audiences

This year was marked by high-profile music festivals and concerts featuring both international and domestic artists. Notable events included:

Lollapalooza India 2024

Featuring the Jonas Brothers, Sting, OneRepublic, and Anoushka Shankar, this festival attracted massive crowds to Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

Ed Sheeran and Diljit Dosanjh’s Collaboration

This unique blend of global and local talent set new records and elevated the standard for cross-cultural performances in India.

Maroon 5’s Weekday Concert

The band’s performance in Mumbai on a Tuesday filled the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, demonstrating that weekday concerts resonate with Indian fans.

These events highlight the magnetic allure of live entertainment, drawing diverse audiences and nurturing a vibrant music tourism culture across India.

Economic Impact and Consumer Willingness to Spend

The live music industry in India is projected to become a ₹1,000 crore business by 2025. This growth is driven by an increasing number of concerts and a willingness among consumers to invest in premium live experiences.

According to an EY report, ticket prices for concerts vary significantly, with some premium experiences costing upwards of ₹75,000. For instance, Arijit Singh’s concert in Kolkata offered tickets ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹75,000, depending on the seating category. The demand for such events underscores the booming growth of the Indian concert industry and consumers’ prioritization of memorable experiences.

Jackky commented on balancing investments, stating, “I think concerts and theatrical releases are completely different mediums and need to be viewed that way. As a group, we’ve diversified ourselves—beyond films, we’ve ventured into large-scale events like Entertainer No.1 in Qatar and the IL T20 opening ceremony. This is just the beginning for us. We’re exploring all formats of media and entertainment, but one doesn’t take away from the other. Each serves a unique purpose, and the investment depends on what the format demands.”

Bollywood’s Struggles Amidst Changing Preferences

While the live entertainment industry flourishes, Bollywood is facing challenges. In 2024, Hindi cinema’s box office collections fell from ₹5,380 crore in 2023 to ₹4,679 crore, marking a 13% decline.

Factors Contributing to This Slump

According to Ormaxmedia.com, several factors are at play:

Over-Reliance on Dubbed Films

Dubbed versions of South Indian films accounted for 31% of Hindi box office collections, highlighting a dependence on external content.

Decline in Original Hindi Films

Original Hindi-language films saw a 37% drop in collections, indicating a growing disconnect with audiences.

Reduced Footfalls

Attendance for Hindi films decreased by 16% in 2024, totaling 23 crore compared to 27.5 crore in 2023. Additionally, rising production costs and a lack of compelling storytelling have led to cautious, formulaic content from many filmmakers.

As a producer, Bhagnani remarked, “We’re now more focused on stories that bring spectacle, emotional depth, and cultural relevance—projects that transform a film into a full theatrical experience. That shift is already happening and will only grow stronger.”

The Shift in Entertainment Consumption

The data reveals a significant change in entertainment consumption patterns in India, particularly among Gen Z and millennials. This shift is driven by:

Desire for Unique Experiences

Live concerts provide immersive experiences that traditional cinema often struggles to replicate.

Access to Global Talent

International artists like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Maroon 5 touring India have opened new avenues for fans.

Social Media Influence

Sharing live event experiences on platforms like Instagram and YouTube enhances the appeal and creates viral moments.

Jackky shared his insights on the evolving demand for theatrical experiences, stating, “I believe we’re definitely moving in that direction. Especially post-pandemic, there’s been a noticeable shift in audience behavior; they want to be at places where there is an experiential event. Whether it’s a concert, a film, a restaurant, or even a day out, people want to invest their time in something immersive and memorable. Concerts, of course, rank high on the experiential scale, which is why we’re seeing such rapid growth in that space. But cinema is catching up. Filmmakers are increasingly focused on whether a film can offer that larger-than-life experience, and we’re already witnessing that shift. I believe this trend will only grow stronger in the near future.”

Conclusion

The rise of live entertainment in India marks a transformative era in the country’s entertainment landscape. While Bollywood continues to be a significant cultural force, the increasing preference for concerts and live experiences indicates a clear diversification of audience interests. For Bollywood to regain its prominence, innovation, audience engagement, and bolder storytelling will be crucial.

As we approach 2025, the dynamic between Bollywood and live entertainment is not about replacement but coexistence—audiences are now seeking more meaningful, memorable, and diverse forms of entertainment.