Bollywood, once synonymous with romantic stories, family dramas, and light-hearted comedies, has recently seen a shift toward more intense and violent films. From gruesome action sequences to dark, blood-soaked storylines, this trend has caught the attention of many filmgoers who are left wondering: Why is Bollywood suddenly so fascinated with violence?
This change isn’t limited to Bollywood alone. Other global industries like Hollywood and Korean cinema have also embraced intense violence in their storytelling. However, Bollywood, which has long been rooted in emotional, melodramatic narratives, has seen an especially stark transition, causing viewers and critics alike to raise questions about the current state of cinema.
Bollywood’s Violent Shift: How We Got Here
For years, Bollywood has been associated with love stories, family values, and larger-than-life heroes who often win battles without shedding a drop of blood. In fact, the industry largely thrived on escapism—offering viewers relief from the harsh realities of life. Yet, in the last decade, there has been a noticeable change.
Films like Animal, Kill, and Sector 36 have become popular for their brutal depictions of violence. Gone are the days when fight scenes involved slow-motion punches and exaggerated sound effects; today’s films often portray raw, realistic violence, with blood and gore taking center stage. But why has Bollywood, a powerhouse of colorful musicals and heartwarming family sagas, taken such a dark turn?
Changing Tastes: The Influence of Global Cinema
Much of this shift can be attributed to globalization and the influence of international cinema. Hollywood, for instance, has long been producing films with graphic violence. Directors like Quentin Tarantino are famous for their violent storytelling, with films like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill setting a high bar for extreme, stylized brutality. Korean cinema, too, is known for its violent, action-packed films. South Korean movies like Oldboy and The Man from Nowhere are prime examples of how violence can be intertwined with deep, meaningful narratives.
Bollywood, never one to stay behind global trends, has followed suit. Filmmakers are now pushing the boundaries of violence in their films to cater to an audience that is increasingly exposed to international content through streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The rise of OTT platforms has democratized access to global content, making it easier for Bollywood to incorporate elements from other film industries into its narratives.
Bollywood’s Experiment with Genre
Another reason for this growing trend in violence is the natural evolution of genres in cinema. Bollywood is experimenting more than ever with different styles, stories, and approaches. The traditional romance and family drama are still there, but filmmakers are increasingly interested in exploring new territories. The rise of action-packed, violent films can be seen as a part of this broader creative exploration.
Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, known for his roles in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, stated that cinema evolves with society, and genres change along with it. He pointed out that action films offer a sense of excitement that many viewers find enjoyable. “Action brings an adrenaline rush,” he noted, emphasizing that this excitement is part of the appeal of violent films.
However, it’s not just about entertainment. The use of violence in films today often reflects deeper social themes. Stories of revenge, anger, and survival can be more compelling when paired with intense action sequences. While some viewers may find these depictions uncomfortable, others see them as a necessary evolution of cinema.
Audience Demand: The Attraction of Violence
Bollywood’s move toward violent content also speaks to the changing preferences of its audience. With access to international films and series, viewers are more accepting of diverse storytelling approaches. Violence, in many ways, serves as an emotional outlet, allowing audiences to engage with stories of justice, revenge, or survival in a visceral way.
Deepak Dobriyal, an actor known for his intense roles, commented on this shift. He noted that genres in Bollywood often follow trends, with everyone jumping on the bandwagon when a particular style becomes popular. “Now, the era of such action films is going on. If any family film or relationship drama is released, everyone will start making it,” he said, suggesting that the demand for violent films is likely driving more filmmakers toward this genre.
Desensitization to Violence: A Societal Shift
As violence becomes more prevalent in films, some critics have raised concerns about its impact on society. There is an ongoing debate about whether watching violent scenes can make people more desensitized to real-life violence. A psychiatrist, Dr. Harish Shetty, believes that cinema reflects society’s state of mind. According to him, as incidents of terrorism, crime, and war have increased, society’s primitive emotions like jealousy, hatred, and revenge have been stirred up, influencing what people want to see on screen.
The biggest disadvantage of globalization, Dr. Shetty argues, is the speed at which society is moving. With constant exposure to violence in the media, people become less sensitive to its effects. He explains, “Now so many people died in Bangladesh or Hathras, no one cared because we have been dehumanized.” As a result, viewers who regularly consume violent content may become less shocked by brutal scenes in films, and filmmakers are likely responding to this by pushing the boundaries further.
The Role of OTT Platforms
OTT platforms have played a significant role in this trend as well. With fewer censorship restrictions than traditional cinemas, OTT services allow filmmakers more freedom to show graphic content. Films like Kill and Animal may have shocked audiences, but they’ve also found a platform where such content can thrive. With viewers becoming more accustomed to violent films and series from around the world, Bollywood is catering to this demand by producing similarly intense content.
Freedom of Creativity or Excess?
While many filmmakers defend their right to creative expression, others question whether there is a need for so much violence in films. Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, for instance, emphasized that directors should have the freedom to express their stories in any way they choose. “It is not an Aadhar card that is necessary to get made. You don’t watch what you don’t want to watch,” he said, highlighting that the choice to consume violent content ultimately lies with the viewer.
At the same time, the growing trend of violent films in Bollywood reflects a broader cultural shift. As society becomes more accustomed to violence in everyday life, this desensitization is mirrored in the content we consume. Whether this is a positive or negative development depends largely on personal perspectives, but one thing is clear: Bollywood is no longer shying away from exploring the darker side of human nature on screen.
