To understand where Bollywood is going, we must first acknowledge where it has been. The "Masala" film, a term popularized in the 1970s, was the dominant template. It was designed as a complete meal: romance, action, comedy, drama, and tragedy, all seasoned with seven to eight elaborate musical numbers. Popular media of the era—namely print magazines like Stardust , Cine Blitz , and Doordarshan’s Chitrahaar —acted as gatekeepers. They curated the stars into demigods. Amitabh Bachchan wasn't just an actor; he was the "Angry Young Man" of a nation’s psyche.
In recent years, Bollywood has experienced a significant surge in global popularity, with films like "Lagaan" (2001), "Devdas" (2002), and "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008) gaining international recognition and critical acclaim. The industry's global reach can be attributed to several factors, including:
We will likely see a split:
