Hook: When an actor says a whole genre can't be reduced to a "formula," he's defending more than box-office math — he's defending feeling. Vicky Kaushal pushed back against the notion that patriotic hits like Chhaava and Dhurandhar are produced by a factory line, calling the idea "an insult to the emotion," and his words reveal why audiences keep showing up for films that move them[3]. Vicky's point in one line - Vicky Kaushal rejected the claim that patriotic films of 2025 are simply a replicable commercial formula, arguing that patriotism and the emotions such films evoke can't be reduced to a production checklist[3]. Why his reaction matters - Cultural context: 2025 saw multiple big-ticket films with patriotic themes — notably Chhaava and Dhurandhar — perform extremely well at the box office, prompting industry chatter about whether there's a repeatable template for that success[3]. - Artistic defense: By calling the "formula" label an insult, Kaushal shifts the conversation from commerce back to craft and audience connection, reminding creators and critics that emotional authenticity is central to how stories land[3]. - Industry implications: If filmmakers and producers internalize a "formula-first" approach, scripts risk becoming predictable; Kaushal's stance is a nudge toward preserving nuance even while pursuing commercial viability[3]. What the box-office buzz says (quick snapshot) - Chhaava and Dhurandhar were widely discussed as among the notable hits of 2025, fueling debate about why patriotic narratives resonated so strongly with viewers that year[3]. How to read Kaushal's comment as a viewer - Look for nuance: Instead of asking whether a movie follows a successful template, ask what the film adds to the emotion — new perspective, deeper character work, or a fresher storytelling voice[3]. - Feel over formula: A film that genuinely moves people can generate word-of-mouth that outpaces even big marketing budgets; Kaushal's point is that emotion — not a checklist — drives that outcome[3]. A short checklist for readers who want to judge a film beyond "formula" - Does the story give characters room to be complex? - Are the stakes emotionally clear (not just patriotic spectacle)? - Does the film invite empathy rather than demand applause? - Would the film still land if stripped of big setpieces or star power? Embedded image (free, relevant) - Use this HTML tag to embed a free, relevant image (replace the src with any free-image URL you prefer; example uses a generic free image provider placeholder):
Call to action - What do you think — are patriotic hits in 2025 the result of a repeatable formula, or do they work because they genuinely move people? Comment below with your take and share this post if Vicky Kaushal's defense of emotion over formula resonates with you[3].Citations
1.https://www.koimoi.com/box-office/box-office-most-profitable-indian-films-of-2025-vicky-kaushal-dethroned-pushed-to-2-guess-who-claimed-the-top-spot/
2.https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/vicky-kaushal/box-office/
3.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/vicky-kaushal-reacts-to-films-like-chhaava-and-dhurandhar-being-box-office-hits-in-2025-saying-it-is-a-formula-is-an-insult-to-the-emotion/articleshow/126105655.cms
4.https://jang.com.pk/en/55363-vicky-kaushal-shares-honest-take-on-patriotic-films-in-bollywood-news
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