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Post by MrB on Oct 27, 2016 8:36:08 GMT
Very interesting thread - this is something I wonder about as well. MrsB and I used to see about 20 BW releases in the cinema each year, and this year it's down to three so far. We started watching maybe 15 years ago, and I see the same changes you mention, especially the change in tone to a more Western or cynical (for want of better words) style.
I don't feel the changes are all bad, by any means. For example, Kapoor & Sons is an excellent film, which would never have been made in the old days; while Delhi Belly is one of my favourite films from any country, and neither is the sort of thing that attracted me to BW originally. Part of the change is in me: I'm older than before, and have different interests. But there's also been a significant change in the audience addressed by the typical BW film. Masala films, intended for everyone, are in decline, and films now have much narrower themes and target audiences: youth, action, gross-out comedies, Punjabis beating each other up with hockey sticks, etc. While this means there are now a lot more niche films, independent film companies, and films addressing audiences who were never served before, it's been at the expense of people who liked the masala films made in the past.
So, like you, I keep an eye on BW films, and watch them selectively - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is a must-see for example - but it's a much smaller part of my life than before.
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Post by dancelover on Oct 27, 2016 16:35:03 GMT
Ten years ago - 2006 - I was hardly aware that Bollywood existed, and had never yet seen any of their material.
I discussed my education in this matter in a post in BW Anonymous.
Dancelover
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filmilibrarian
Guest appearance
Posts: 102 
Favorite actor: Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor
Favorite actress: Vidya Balan, Rani Mukherjee, Anushka Sharma, Konkona Sen Sharma, Deepika Padukone
Upcoming release you're most excited about: Padmavati, A Gentleman, Lucknow Central, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Mubarakan, Simran, Chef, Ittefaq
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Post by filmilibrarian on Oct 28, 2016 2:49:38 GMT
That is a great question!
I've been watching for just about 8 or so years and, at first, I watched everything I could get my hands on to learn the world and the players, but now I'm definitely more discerning. But I'm still encountering new things and trying new genres within Bollywood, like my first real Hindi horror/thriller with Phobia.
Now that I've "caught up" with contemporary Bollywood from basically 1995 to the present, I do a lot more re-watching (something I rarely do with non-Bollywood films) and I'm more interested in the regional industries (where I find new stars with filmographies to mine).
I have definitely appreciated the filmi references better as time has gone on and I do think I pick up on cultural/religious subtleties much more (thus rewatching is rewarding in multiple ways).
I don't find that I'm disenchanted with the current releases (in fact, I used to be obsessed with watching all of the Oscar films and current Hollywood releases and now I only have the time and energy to focus on the Bollywood releases). I do see that the balance of traditional masala films is shifting toward more multiplex-friendly films. The Westernization issue is one that I see in some films (especially in the dramedies like Piku, Queen, English Vinglish, Kappor & Sons). I don't miss the dancing around trees songs from the 90s and 00s. Occasionally I will enjoy one as an exercise in nostalgia (ie SRK/Kajol in Dilwale).
I've been thinking a lot about the future of star power in the new generation...I think we are seeing the ending of the hero-driven industry. The Khans all are playing more age appropriate roles (even if they are easing into it in roles which they portray the character at two different ages). I think generationally the younger male stars like Ranveer, Arjun, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Sid are all more comfortable being co-leads. I think that feminism is changing the industry (Deepika's box office draw, Sonam's tendency to pick films where she's the true lead, Anushka's producing, Kangana's general outspoken, take no shit demeanor, and the unique indie presence of Kalki Koechlin). I think it's an exciting time in Bollywood, but I don't want it to lose its inherent character either. I do believe that movies reflect the society they portray as well as influence it.
Just some rambling thoughts...
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Post by filmcrazy on Dec 22, 2020 19:25:42 GMT
I love the films that are being made now. BW films have changed a lot and most of it is for the better. Here are some of the things I miss in movies being made today:
-I miss watching Indian dances with a classical influence. I wish more actresses had classical training of some kind because that seeps into their expressions and movements. You have the occasional Bhansali film that features elaborate dance numbers but you don't see them in regular films anymore.
- I miss the old world romance. I prefer the no-kissing rule and weird love scenes that make me cringe.
-I miss the days when porn stars were not part of mainstream BW films. Indian films are usually made for family viewing and it is weird to see Sunny Leone show up for a dance number.
- I miss people romancing in the Swiss Alps or some other exotic location. Movies today are set in the hinterland which is not a bad thing but I just miss the variety.
-I miss the masala films which were fun and often nonsensical without being vulgar. I am a little tired of watching films that are based on true events or some kind of social issue.
-I miss the gorgeous looking actors who were probably models before they entered films. Today's actors are relatable and look normal which is not a bad thing but I no longer look at an actor male or female and go WOW.
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