Will Liger Become the Next Flop: Analysis and Insights into Bollywood's Falconing Trend
As the Indian film industry continues to grapple with the challenge of producing content that resonates with audiences and stands out, the film Liger stands at a critical juncture. This critically and commercially successful director's latest venture, despite its promising start, seems plagued with similar issues that led to the flops of recent blockbuster films like Bachchan Pandey Dhaakad, Prithviraj Shamshera, and Laal Singh Chaddha.
The Decline of Cultural Authenticity in Bollywood
One of the recurring themes in recent Bollywood films is a lack of authenticity in storytelling. This is exemplified by the recent movie Prithviraj Shamshera, which, despite being inspired by the historical figure Samrat Prithiv Raj, failed spectacularly in its attempt to introduce a hero figure into the narrative. The movie's reliance on shoddy dialogue and historical inaccuracies ultimately led to a disaster at the box office, failing to resonate with both critics and the audience. Similarly, the film Liger seems mired in a similar crucible.
Liger: From a Dragon in VFX to a Shiva in Myth
The most notable change in Liger is the transformation of its original concept - a movie titled Dragon - into a portrayal of the god Shiva. This change was motivated by the belief that the name Dragon would not resonate well with the audience. However, the shift to Brahmastra, which translates to 'trident,' brings its own set of challenges. The film's songlines, such as 'Fanaa: I give up everything in front of Allah,' indicate a lack of respect for the source material. Given that the movie is inspired by the Sufi poet Rumi, whose real name was Jalaluddin Mohammad Rumi, this escapism into a god figure feels alienating.
The Copying Culture in Bollywood
Bollywood's copying culture has reached new lows, with even the storyline of Liger being heavily influenced by earlier successful films. The director's recent statement that the movie is a trilogy, despite not being a superhit or blockbuster, highlights a trend that undermines creative originality. Other directors, such as SS Rajamouli, have already set precedents with blockbusters like Baahubali, further reinforcing the notion that there is no need to wait for a film's success before planning for sequels. This trend is concerning, as it suggests a lack of faith in the creative process and a reliance on formulaic storytelling.
VFX and Music: A Mixed Bag for Liger
On the plus side, Liger boasts impressive visual effects (VFX) that could elevate the viewing experience. The music, composed by Pritam, has also received some appreciation, though it personal preference. In contrast to Pritam's work in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, the soundtrack for Liger feels less impactful. The director's recent decision to incorporate elements from the Marcin Przybylak costume design, akin to the character of Mouni Roy, who is rumored to resemble Scarlett Witch from the Avengers, further underscores the industry's penchant for copying.
Promoting Authenticity and Originality
The success of a film hinges on its ability to transport audiences into a world that feels authentic and immersive. In an era of widespread content consumption and audience expectations, it is crucial for Bollywood to move away from mere copying and towards creating narratives that are both engaging and respectful of their cultural heritage. Films like Prithviraj Shamshera and Laal Singh Chaddha serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the consequences of failing to balance creativity with due respect for historical and mythological roots.
The fate of Liger remains uncertain, but the industry can learn from the past to ensure that future endeavors aim for greater authenticity and originality. Only time will tell if Liger will be another flop in the annals of Bollywood's faltering attempts at cultural representation.