From Live In Relationships To Cross Dressing: How New-Age Bollywood Movies Cater Social Messages

As Vidya Balan quoted in ‘The DIrty Picture’, ‘FIlmein sirf teen cheezo ki vajah se chalti hai; entertainment, entertainment aur entertainment’ (the only reason a film is successful is because of entertainment, entertainment and entertainment). Bollywood movies have always been known for their entertainment factor. From fancy sets and shimmery costumes to banging dance numbers and catchy choreography, Bollywood movies are a full package of entertainment.

However, the Bollywood movie scenario now has been a little divergent from this previous concept. The world of cinema came into being as a medium to spread important messages and educate people. Thankfully, the trend is returning. In the last few years, Bollywood has shifted to a medium of catering important social and emotional messages with an entertainment angle to keep the audience enticed.

Bollywood Movies Talking About Important Issues

An intelligent person once said that every fictional story is an inspiration from a hundred real stories. Many of the recent bollywood movies have moved past their fully fictional plotlines to being highly inspired by reality. There are movies, like Jawan (2023), which are boldly questioning the faults in our system. Then there is the unconventional concept of cross-dressing that has been challenged by Dream Girl 2 (2023) along with it smashing the regular gender stereotypes.

Through Mimi (2021), we learn the story of a surrogate mother, and Lukka Chhupi (2019) highlights the concept of live-in relationships (Reasons Why Live-In Relationships Good). Jayeshbhai Jordaar is about a man from patriarchal backgrounds, learning to empower women (2022) and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) is a movie centred around a salesperson's life and career. While there are OMG (2012) and OMG 2 (2023) which educate us about the real essence of faith and religion.

Further, Thappad (2020) put in light the act of physically assaulting your spouse and its consequences, while, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan focused on homosexual love and marriage.

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OTT Releases That Send A Message

Not only bollywood, but OTT (Must Watch OTT Releases To Watch This Week) has an upper hand when it comes to making films that educate us on important subjects. Alia Bhatt’s debut movie as a producer, Darlings (2022) talked about domestic violence with a hint of dark humour. Bulbbul (2020) was Anushka Sharma’s production which went intense with women and their power and position in the society.

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One of the most unconventional themes was followed in Pagglait (2021) where a woman’s husband dies but instead of grieving, she finds herself and the real purpose of her life. Another eccentric movie was Qala (2022) which talked about regrets and mental health in the shadow of fame.

Image courtesy: IMDb