This topic is a very intriguing one. Indian movies are very popular all over the world, with Bollywood producing more movies per year than any other film industry in the world, including Hollywood. Most Indian films have followed the same formula since the 80’s, with a full dosage of action, romance, humor, music, and everything else all put together in every movie. The main difference is that in recent years, many of these films have become very beautifully made.

Before I get to my point, let me first say that I am not a big fan of Indian movies by any mean, I dont mind them, but id rather watch a half decent English movie anytime. On the other hand, my wife is a HUUGE fan of Indian movies, she knows all the actors (she says the reason she married me was bcz i look like her favorite actor!) and actresses. We argue alot about Indian movies, I dislike them because I hate how unrealistic they are, and I dont mean by jumping over walls and fighting 300 ppl while blindfolded with one hand, because that rarely happens in Indian movies these days. What I dont like is how the hero of the movie is a hero in every sense, always handsome, always funny, always smart, always right, and always always wins in the end (with one or two exceptions). I also obviously hate it when in the middle of a normal conversation between two characters, all of a sudden 200 ppl wearing the same thing jump into the scene and all suddenly start dancing and singing in unison with the main actor and actress appear to be changing lightbulbs in midair with both hands. That sort of thing pisses me off!

Ok, my wife’s argument is that most Indian people live in such poor conditions that they need this break from reality and this is their only way to smile or cry by following the fantasy created by Bollywood. As for the dance scenes, her argument is that they are symbolic, since no sex is allowed, this is a way to show that these two characters are intimate. Fair enough, I absolutely agree with these point, but my argument is, realisic portrayals of daily life issues (including sex scenes) would be something that the normal person can connect with more than fantasy. How come ALL of the bollywood films are made that way, there is no such thing as a genre movie, every movie has everything. Comedy films have action, action films have comedy, and so on.

The hero of the movie, the saviour of the day, is everybody’s fantasy. He has no faults! I would love to see an Indian movie where the hero is a normal everyday kind of guy, discussing real issues of the Indian people. For example, instead of having the handsome smart sexy funny hero in a dillema of which of girl to chose driving his fancy car to a fancy nightclub, with a big dance routine inside the club, with all the flash and glitter, wouldnt it be worth trying to have a normal everyday guy as the hero, showing his daily struggle with food, shelter, employment, and so on? Of course, there has to be some sort of hope or optimism in the story, but that also can be realistic. Instead of the guy getting the girl and living happily ever after, they could use an issue that has been important as of late, which is how many US companies are shifting their business to India, and how many small Indian villages are benefitting from this with the creation of jobs and so on. I personally think this story would give more hope and would have more impact on the normal person because it is something they face and connect with.

I do understand and agree with the other point of view, but all im saying is that alternatives should be available. With a population nearly a billion, im sure there will be many people who would appreciate that. Does anybody know if there are independant Indian movies, like the American and European independant or arthouse movies? And what do you think of my idea? should i move to Bollywood yet??