Nirjher Kumar Patel
Unity in Diversity is the powerful mantra of our nation. Films and cricket are two of the most formidable forces that bind us together, regardless of age, ethnicity and religion! Majority of Indians are known to immerse themselves in the magic of both in their daily lives. Cinema, in particular, holds a mirror to our society, while simultaneously shaping or reshaping various aspects of it. From the rise of the angry young man in the 1970s to today’s blockbusters, movies leave a lasting impact on us, one that’s hard to erase. When an ordinary person steps into a theatre, burdened by life’s struggles, they are transported to a world of wonder, where they are all able to forget all their worries, even though momentarily.
Indian cinema often delivers stories that may not always resonate internationally but connect deeply with Indians. However, over the years, there have been elements in these movies that can be outright ridiculous—though it can also be said that they are part of what makes our films so entertaining.
Here are five of the most absurd things that happen only in Indian movies.
1. You start dancing on the street, and everyone starts dancing with you.
During the late seventies, the film industry witnessed the rise of actresses like Helen, who played a pivotal role in popularizing songs aimed at grabbing the audience’s attention with a sensuous appeal. These kinds of songs effectively boosted the fame of movies and helped in generating publicity, though they often had no relevance to the main storyline. Back then, this strategy made sense as it enticed audiences to flock to cinemas. However, in today’s age, where audiences prioritize compelling and engaging stories, the practice of including such songs seems outdated, but many movies still stick to this old concept.
A notable example is the movie Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan, released this year. The film revolves around the Air Force of India. Despite the film’s serious theme, it incorporates songs that not only disrupt the storyline but also seem a bit absurd. In contemporary mainstream cinema, the practice of shooting such songs in advance, even if intended for post-credits, has evolved into a marketing ploy. Sometimes, these songs don’t even make it into the final cut. Yet producers can be seen investing in them merely as a marketing exercise to compensate for a lacklustre product. Does this seem justifiable? Maybe no.
2. A common schoolteacher or a regular shopkeeper can fight like a superhero
It’s fascinating how Indian movies have evolved over the years. In the past, it was common to see ordinary characters displaying extraordinary abilities, such as taking on hordes of goons without even messing up their hair or effortlessly expressing love to the heroine of the film, while performing incredible stunts. These exaggerated scenes added a sense of charm and humour to the films. Indian movies often blurred the lines between a common regular protagonist and a superhero, and maybe because of this, the characters resonated with the audiences. While it may seem unrealistic, there’s a certain childhood nostalgia and admiration for these larger-than-life heroes that many of us can relate to.
3. Villains don’t just seem to die
Characters like Mogambo in Mr. India and Arjun Rampal’s Ra.One in Ra.One are often depicted with grandiosity. Their theatrical nature makes them memorable and adds to the film’s entertainment value. In films like Baaghi or K.G.F., action sequences feature characters executing perfectly timed punches and kicks in slow motion, often with dramatic background scores. This enhances the spectacle, making ordinary fights feel extraordinary. Despite being totally unrealistic, these kinds of characters can make a film memorable. Villains are also depicted as nearly indestructible, much like demons from ancient mythology.
One prime example of this can be seen in the iconic film Sholay (1975), where the antagonist Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan, engages in multiple confrontations again and again, and miraculously survive, becoming a legendary villain in Indian cinema. Similarly, in Karan Arjun (1995), to beat the villain played by Amrish Puri, the main characters had to reincarnate. And who can forget Mogambo in Mr. India? Despite being eccentric and ridiculous, Mogambo became one of the most iconic villains of Indian cinema.
4. You go to a foreign country and meet your close friends and relatives accidentally!
In many Indian movies, there are dozens of improbable coincidences that occur within the film. For example, in Chennai Express, the hero and heroine meet under absurd circumstances, such as on a train journey, and despite the hero’s attempt to get away, he just keeps on running into her again and again.
In Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, characters frequently encounter each other in dramatic settings, such as at weddings or through chance meetings in foreign countries. These coincidences often lead to emotional confrontations and reconciliations which may be essential to the plot, but they rarely happen in real life.
5. Love can do anything!
The “power of love” trope is frequently used in Indian movies. In such stories, the hero may be on the verge of defeat, but a sudden flashback to a loved one gives them the strength to rise again and triumph. These films often depict characters going to extraordinary lengths in the name of love, setting logic aside in favor of emotion. The protagonists are shown to overcome the most life-threatening situations, and make extreme sacrifices, all for the sake of “love” or through the power of “love”.
The latest example is the film Brahmastra, which initially seemd to have a very interesting story revolving around the ancient Indian concept of astras. But everything was ruined by the ending where they tried to show “love” as the ultimate astra, which kind of nullified the entire concept of Brahmastra. Critics often feel that the film should probably have been renamed as “Premastra”.
In many movies, the idea that love can heal emotional or psychological wounds is often portrayed absurdly. For example, in Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, the protagonist’s love is depicted as the ultimate solution to all conflicts. There is nothing that love can conquer, as per Indian cinema!
These are just a few of the ridiculous things still prevalent in our films. However, with the rise of OTT platforms, new creators, and international content, boundaries are being pushed by both filmmakers and audiences, and with shows like Asur and Criminal Justice, we can see the entertainment landscape is changing, giving us content that is not just engaging and more realistic, but but also breaking away from traditional Indian movie stereotypes.
