When the Spotlight Fades: Bollywood's Identity Crisis

 By Sienna Shibu, SYBA

College events with Bollywood themes almost always draw inspiration from the nostalgic,

iconic films of the 1990s to early 2010s. The same nostalgia explains why re-releases of

classics still attract crowds. Audiences keep returning to them since contemporary cinema

struggles to evoke the same connection. Films then gave us characters, music, and stories

that became part of cultural memory, while today’s offerings rarely leave behind anything

lasting.

Although recent gems like 12th Fail and Laapataa Ladies prove that meaningful cinema is

still being made, they remain confined mostly to streaming platforms. The films that

dominate the big screen today are overwhelmingly star-studded, high-budget productions

built on predictable plots and overused tropes. Thanks to catchy songs and flashy

promotions, they achieve financial success at the box office, but the stories and characters

themselves are rarely memorable.

Bollywood, once the heartbeat of culture and a symbol of India on the global stage, is now

increasingly reduced to formula. Cinema is at the risk of becoming a temporary weekend

distraction rather than an art form that resonates with people. By chasing numbers, the

industry overlooks what gave its classics their power - the ability to stir emotions and remain

timeless.