Bollywood Aftermath

Late 1940s to the 1960s was considered as the "Golden Age" for Indian Cinema. Some of the most critically acclaimed films were made during this period. It was the time of portrayal of Idealism on Celluloid to establish ideologies that people could imbibe in their real lives.

Then came the time for modern cinema from the late 1960s to early 1980s where the rebellious image of an "Angry Young Man" was established to give people strength to fight for their rights and against injustice.

During the late 1980s to 2000s the pendulum swung back to the family centric romantic musicals where serene love was portrayed with some commercial viability and the soaring box office figures started fascinating the producers.

Bollywood's progress was a parabola facing upwards in terms of content as well as economy. Even without a high pixel density, the cinema had the power to form people's opinion and inject doses of human values and ethics whenever required. But the dimensions of visual media were yet to be explored.

Recently, with the progress of Science & Technology, and the advent of Ultra high Definition Cameras and Retina display, the impact became clearer, quality of sound improved and Virtual Images became indispensable part of our lives.

With the onset of time, as the pixel density of the picture increased, the thought carried by the movie decreased and the "Content" part of the movie was compromised in the race of capitalistic ideas. Films were being appreciated for their reach to a wider audience, over the "thought" they communicated.

As the social media prevailed, success became a chain reaction and a direct link was established for the fans. Selling of underrated, mediocre ideas became much easier due to a flexible market. The content quality was lowered to the requirements of the inferior taste of the audience.

Bollywood's Aim, which could have been to improve the intellectual standards of the people was burnt at the stake and people were served deliberately with abusive language, item numbers, cheap slogans to titillate their minds & bring out the devil hidden inside them. Female were objectified to corrupt people, taking the western culture as a shield. Although Hollywood movies built an audience with patience; Bollywood preferred quick profits over training the masses.

Social Image and market value of celebrities were exploited by the directors and even small achievements were awarded with national awards. Appreciation of work seems a good idea to keep a person motivated. But when it is done at an underachiever level, then comes a problem of falling short of role models. A debutant with a single movie becomes an epitome of success and people aspire to be at that susceptible position. People want to establish their place in industry not by their work, but by their popularity charts. 

Quick success seems a dream for everyone and therefore the long lastingness in the industry becomes difficult. As a result they become a part of a Supply Chain where they are Highly Replaceable thereby turning into a mere Commodity in a Society lacking essential thrust for Excellence.

Criticisms could be unending, but as a consumer we can only learn to appreciate real art over mediocrity.