A Whirlwind of change in Hindi cinema

The mainstream cinema in India has been undergoing a change from the last few years when it comes to the main theme and genres. Hindi cinema or better know as Bollywood has been mostly associated with musical genre blended with drama, romance, comedy or crime. Nearly 1000 (not consistently) films are made each year which is approximately double from Hollywood, films produced and directed in United States or perhaps the film industry followed around the globe. Bollywood, the multimillion-dollar film industry is no doubt one of the largest cinema hubs in the world and after gaining tremendous popularity the content layout has drastically improved.

To start with, movies like Vicky Doner, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Article 15, Dream Girl, Bala, Uri – surgical strike, Toilet, Mission Mangal, Panga, Chhapaak, are relatable and inspired by true stories. They are steamed with a common connection, that is, real essence in situations and circumstances showcased in the movie scenes. Unlike in the past, or even now and then when we are presented with Alia wearing Gucci or Parada in every scene or else driving BMW & Audi in another, normal middle-class family unit is unable to relate to these kinds of happenings each day. However, these low budgeted, subject centric movies are refreshing and are gaining more eyeballs that usual, of course, bursting in popularity. The reason being the society is shifting and is being more progressive than before.

It was great to see characters like Bala, where male pattern baldness is depicted as a social problem and has a clear message of acceptance at the end. Vicky Donor's main lead plays a character of sperm donor, who by doing such act is bringing joy and happiness in life of parents who can’t have their own child. Article 15, where living conditions are showcased along with the atrocities meted out to Dalits and women in a village called Laalgaon due to caste system and gender discrimination. Shubh Mangal Saavdhan has practically shown the scenario that happens in an Indian household related to weddings yet not failed to bring out its prime topic on erectile dysfunction. Inspired by the novel A Damsel in Distress by P.G Wodehouse, director Shelly Chopra Dhar carefully keeping in mind a conservative Punjabi family unit, has shown how Sonam Kapoor (Sweety) is under pressure to get married to a man in a traditional ceremony. However, the stark reality is that Sweety is in love with Kuhu played by Regina Cassandra in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga.

The upcoming flicks like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, ’83, Gunjan Saxena, to name a few are something to keep a close watch on. The changing scripts topped with excellence in acting by new and our lengendary actors in the industry are the driving force behind the much-needed change, the only thing constant!

-Vritti Parasher