Bollywood, a term that combines “Bombay” and “Hollywood,” is the popular name for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the largest and most influential film industries in the world.
Bollywood is known for its vibrant, high-energy films, which feature iconic song-and-dance sequences, dramatic storytelling, and musicality. From its early days of black-and-white films like Mughal-e-Azam and Pyaasa, which captured the essence of India’s cultural and social fabric, to blockbusters like Sholay and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Bollywood has continued to evolve with the times. The influence of Bollywood is far-reaching, with Indian diaspora communities worldwide embracing Bollywood films, music, and actors. It has also shaped global pop culture, cementing its place as an iconic and powerful force in the entertainment world.
However, in recent years, the industry has experienced a decline in box office numbers, compounded by factors such as the rise of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which forced theatres to close for extended periods. Audiences, now accustomed to on-demand content, have gravitated toward digital platforms. This shift has led to a restructuring of how films are produced, marketed, and consumed. The focus has now shifted to a more nuanced storytelling, experimental filmmaking, and an exploration of real-world issues, aiming to propel its reach through both theatres and OTT platforms.
In addition to these challenges, Bollywood has faced major controversies, particularly after the tragic suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020. His death ignited widespread discussions about mental health, the pressures of the film industry, and the issue of nepotism. Many pointed to the favoritism shown to industry insiders and the lack of opportunities for outsiders, which led to accusations of a closed and biased system. Furthermore, reports of drug abuse within Bollywood, especially in the aftermath of Rajput’s death, fueled media scrutiny.
So Muslims are not allowed to marry more then once in India and the women are not treated worse then cattle with easy divorce, no maintenance and nikah halala. Shah Bano never happened, Satanic verses never happened so now a ban on a movie to appease again.
Form the web, I find this: The verse in question is Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 223, which reads as follows:
“Your wives are a place of sowing of seed for you, so come to your place of cultivation however you wish and put forth [righteousness] for yourselves. And fear Allah and know that you will meet Him. And give good tidings to the believers.”
There are those who would understand this this merely based on the ‘as you wish’ part and other that would point to the relation of love between a farmer and his fields. Since both exist in society, is it wrong to show the dark side?
Bramhins exploited lower castes (Parinayam). The Indian Army perpetrated excesses on populations of Manipur, Kashmir etc. The British exploited India. Husbands physically abuse thier wives (Darlings). Should films not be made on this?
I think films should be made with an eye on accuracy. Pretending social evils and discrimination don’t exist won’t make them go away. Vilifying evil forces us to take stands on aspects of our culture. What we like, what we don’t and what we are willing to take into the future.