Bollywood, the Indian film industry, has long been known for its lavish song-and-dance spectacles which continue to be popular with audiences. However, in recent years, Bollywood has expanded its repertoire to include a wider range of genres, including action and horror.
The emergence of these new genres can be attributed to the changing tastes of a modern audience. Indian cinema-goers are no longer satisfied with just traditional romance, drama or comedy. They crave something more intense, thrilling and unpredictable. As a result, filmmakers are experimenting with new genres and styles of storytelling to cater to this demand.
Action movies are a prime example of this diversification. In the past, Bollywood was notorious for its over-the-top action scenes, where heroes could take on scores of villains single-handedly. However, the newer crop of action films, such as ‘Bang Bang’ and ‘Baaghi’, feature more realistic stunts and choreography, in line with Hollywood standards. Directors are paying more attention to the script and character development, making the action sequences more organic and integral to the storyline.
Horror is another genre that is gradually gaining ground in Bollywood. Indian horror films have traditionally relied on cheap thrills – such as jumpscares and CGI – to scare audiences. However, contemporary horror films like ‘Stree’ and ‘Tumbbad’ have deviated from this formula, offering intelligent and nuanced storytelling alongside spine-tingling scares. These films also incorporate social commentary, tackling themes like gender inequality and superstition.
The success of these new genres has also been helped by improved technology and special effects. Film studios have invested heavily in VFX and CGI, which have enabled directors to create larger-than-life sequences that were once impossible to imagine. This technological advancement has further raised the bar for these genres, resulting in a more engaging viewing experience for audiences.
One of the key challenges for established filmmakers in Bollywood is to stay relevant in a constantly evolving market. The traditional ‘masala’ movies that defined Bollywood for so long are no longer enough to satisfy the modern viewer. Hence, these filmmakers have had to embrace new genres and a fresh approach to filmmaking to stay relevant and appeal to younger audiences.
In conclusion, Bollywood’s diversification into action and horror genres reflects the changing tastes and demands of modern audiences. The industry has made significant strides in recent years, moving away from their conventional films to newer and more innovative genres. Bollywood has not only managed to re-energise the industry, but has also positioned itself as a major player on the global filmmaking stage.