I am using films
as a methodology in my thesis. Discussing this the other night with a friend
made me realise while Indian cinema is now technologically at par with the west
it lacks something fundamentally when it comes to writing stories. This has not
always been the case. Bollywood films have at times toppled the dominance of
Hollywood winning awards and being remembered for telling universal stories
that people could relate to. Between the 1940’s and the present day a lot has
changed, from this noble, uplifting thing we now have a cinema that says
nothing about the human condition but titillates and creates an imagined
India.
The obvious
cardboard sets, painted scenery and hastily put costumes were not a hindrance
when it came to telling the story. Post independence cinema had all the
elements we now consider hallmarks of Bollywood yet they were not mere
entertainment. Even the minor characters contributed in some way. I remember
watching black and white films about challenging the caste system, skin colour,
unwed mothers and so many issues which are still realties. I do not see those
films anymore. The 80’s for me was a decade of films with ear piercing romantic
songs, man woman and lots of synchronised dancing around trees. The 90’s was
about action films. Then the 2000’s saw a return to fluff and over the top
affluence and glamour. I do remember art films but they were too few and in
recent years always are banned. Often because they depicted a sexual scene,
funny as there is worse stuff on mainstream cinema. I have seen mainstream
popular films and frankly, they are not the stuff to watch with your kids or
anyone for that matter. Art films deglamourise sex yet they become contentious.
What has changed
since 1950? Why have we become complacent? We seem to have become a culture
that is content to see women’s bodies being used and abused on screen all in
the name of entertainment. We seem to look at a screen for three hours and not
think or be challenged.
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