An all-India survey by research organisation C fore for the fifty-seventh anniversary issue of Screen shows nearly 2 out of 5 moviegoers between the ages of 18 and 35 enjoy mindless comedies the most. Romantic and action films are next: favourites with 34% and 16% respectively. Overall, new-generation multiplex flicks are overwhelming winners (73%) over Eighties’ arthouse cinema (27%).

Aamir Khan (28%) whose ‘Taare Zameen Par’ carries India’s hopes at the Oscars — pips Akshay Kumar (23%) as the actor who best represents the changing face of Bollywood. Among actresses, fresh-faced Katrina Kaif edges out veteran Aishwarya Rai 29% to 26%.

Every fourth moviegoer feels Ranbir Kapoor is the next superstar — just ahead of Shahid Kapur (23%) and Deepika Padukone (22%).

Yet, performance isn’t all. A majority (57%) thinks actors’ personal lives are more interesting than their work. However, 65% believe actors should stick to acting, and not endorse products or dance at people’s weddings.

Putdowners for Rakhi Sawant and Emraan Hashmi: item numbers and on-screen kisses make 48% viewers uneasy. Saving grace: 45% enjoy the hot stuff.

Hot finds India

Enjoys mindless comedies the most (38%)

Thinks Ranbir is the next big thing (25%)

Believes we should vie for Oscars (54%)

Wants to know stars' personal lives (57%)

Spends Rs 200-500/family/month on films (41%)

Finds kisses, item songs objectionable (48%)

Prefers multiplex movies to art films (73%)

Feels ads affect mystique of stars (65%)

Will watch subtitled regional films (51%)

Changing Bollywood’s male face Aamir Khan (28%)