Bollywood - Let's Make A Change

Let it not be said that Bollywood never brings up hard topics in their films. From interracial love stories to political thrillers, from films that highlight the corruption in India to films that show how religious beliefs can be taken advantage of, from films about terrorism to films about the education system, Bollywood has tackled many an issue that is relevant to the audience. However, there are still a number of issues that we would love to see play on the big screen. We, at BollyCurry, have put together a short list of topics that are at the top of our list.

It is safe to say that same-gender couples are slowly becoming less of a taboo subject. However, there have very rarely been portrayals of gay or lesbian people as main characters in commercial Indian cinema. These characters, these situations, when portrayed on screen, have either been used as props for the main love story or as a punchline to a joke. We would love to see a film which highlights the very real struggles faced by same-sex couples in conservative India.

 

Women are increasingly being shown as highly successful individuals in their fields of choice on-screen. It is great to see that films do not shy from showing female bosses or lady cops, but the uphill battle they fight to get their due respect is generally not shown to the audience. A film which showcases a female actor facing her detractors, winning on her own merits instead of relying on a male hero to save her, and earning the respect of her co-workers and employers would not be remiss in these times. It is something that, in light of films like English Vinglish and Queen, would do very well with the viewers.

 

The sad truth of our current times is that abuse and rapes are still very real and exist in our civilized society, and it is quite rare for Bollywood films to put a victim of either as the main character. But with Bollywood becoming more cognizant of real world problems and making films that attack the truths of the country and the world, it would be wonderful to see a movie that showcases the struggles the victims face due to their trauma and their journey towards breaking free.

 

There have been films in the past with single mothers as leads, with Mother India being the most acclaimed example. However, more recent films have focused less on the stigma and prejudices faced by these mothers and more on the possibility of them falling in love again. However, the difficulties are still present and it is still hard for these women to lead judgment-free lives, and perhaps it is time once again for a film that showcases the stigma present in India against single mothers, and the troubles they face and how they overcome them.

 

There are many more such issues we are sure you wish to see on screen. But this is BollyCurry's short wish list. What are your thoughts? What issues do you wish Bollywood should take up on the big screen? Leave your comments below!

Author: Aradhna K.

Editor(s): Nisha M. and Gunia K. 

Graphics: Shikha A.