Bollywood's Political Obsession and Creative Crisis Examined in Mumbai
A twelve-week stay in Mumbai gave one observer a close look at current Bollywood blockbusters. The impression: Indian cinema is loud, brutal and nationalist, and it is mired in a serious creative crisis. Dark political thrillers and historical films dominate, with the industry fixated on politics and history. At the same time, competition for stardom in Bollywood is fierce and not always fair, raising the question of how one actually becomes a star in Hindi cinema. Despite the grim diagnosis, the account notes there is also hope. The report was published by the Swiss newspaper NZZ.
Key facts
- An author spent twelve weeks in Mumbai watching current Bollywood blockbusters.
- The observer describes Indian cinema as loud, brutal and nationalist.
- Bollywood is said to be in a serious creative crisis.
- Dark political thrillers and historical films dominate current output.
- Indian cinema is described as obsessed with politics and history.
- Competition to become a Bollywood star is hard and not always fair.
- The report was published by NZZ.
- The account also identifies reasons for hope.
Entities
Institutions
- NZZ
Locations
- Mumbai
- India