The Unrealism of Bollywood Movies: A Deep Dive

Bollywood, the vibrant and culturally rich film industry, often creates a fantastical world for its audiences, but this often means that many elements in their productions can be seen as unrealistic. While there are exceptions, the majority of mainstream Bollywood movies have drifted far from reality, particularly in terms of storylines, costumes, dialogues, and special effects. This article explores some of these unrealistic aspects and their impact on the viewing experience.

Unrealistic Storylines and Dialogues

Many Bollywood films are criticized for their implausible storylines and dialogues that stretch the bounds of logic. These stories often involve characters who defy the natural laws and societal norms, making them hard to believe. For instance, it's not uncommon to see a single male protagonist unarmed fighting off twenty men with weapons at the same time, a trope that was once common in the yesteryears but has now become increasingly absurd.

Expensive Dance Sequences and High-Speed Car Chases

Two significant aspects that are often deemed unrealistic are the expensive dance sequences and high-speed car chases. These usually serve to entertain the audience for a few minutes but impose no real plot progression. In a way, these scenes can be considered as 'fluff' that often ends up distracting from the main narrative. While such sequences can be visually appealing and provide some spectacle, their focus on entertainment over substance can be a point of critique.

Unrealistic Background Dancers and Actor-News Performances

Another common criticism is the background dancers who mirror the steps of the lead actor or actress. This can be jarring and unrealistic, especially when the scene is set in a natural or historical backdrop. Additionally, the unrealistic performances of actors in romance and thriller scenes, such as a villain surviving multiple gunshot wounds or a love interest suddenly changing their mind after a single act of kindness, can also be seen as a departure from reality.

Item Numbers and Stereotypical Portrayals

Item numbers, specific dance numbers that usually star a female lead and are used to showcase her skills and attractiveness, have gained a reputation for being particularly unrealistic. Critics argue that these scenes often depict women as mere objects of male admiration, which can be problematic and objectifying.

Unrealistic Scenarios and Gender Stereotypes

Moreover, the portrayal of love and romance in these films often follows unrealistic tropes. Women are often depicted as being stalked by a psychopathic admirer, and they eventually fall prey to his 'efforts' due to persistence. This portrayal can be unhealthy and misleading, reinforcing negative stereotypes and narratives.

Stereotypical Role Portrayals

Another issue is the strict gender stereotypes perpetuated by many Bollywood films. For women, there is an unrealistic expectation of being fair, virtuous, and submissive, with an ability to survive torture and rehabilitate abusive men. For men, they are often portrayed as tall and handsome, muscular, and emotionally challenged or even abusive, reflecting societal fixations on gender roles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Bollywood continues to be a globally recognized and culturally rich film industry, the trend towards unrealistic content can be seen as a significant concern. As viewers, it is essential to critically evaluate and appreciate these films, recognizing that they often prioritize spectacle over substance. However, as media consumers, we can also strive to support and promote more realistic and socially responsible storytelling.

References

Ahit. (Year). Personal opinion on the realism of Bollywood movies. [webpage]. Retrieved from [URL]