The Impact of 'Item Numbers' in Bollywood Films: Essential or Superfluous?

Are item numbers crucial for Bollywood movies, or are they just a superfluous addition with no real value? Any film can be viewed from two perspectives: artistic and commercial. Let's explore how important item numbers are in the context of both perspectives.

From the Artistic Perspective

From an artistic standpoint, an item number does not have any intrinsic value. Song-and-dance sequences, often referred to as item numbers, are frequently unnecessary from an artistic viewpoint. In fact, they are often omitted in art films, which prioritize narrative depth and thematic relevance over such elements.

A classic example is the film Sholay (1975), where the song “Mehbooba Mehbooba” by Helen in her memorable dance sequence, popularly known as the Item number, was seen as the cherry on top, adding an extra layer of brilliance to an already perfect film. This sequence made Helen a legendary figure in the industry due to her dance skills.

From the Commercial Perspective

From a commercial standpoint, item numbers can significantly influence a film's success. They serve as a draw for audiences, enhancing the movie's appeal and often boosting its box office collections. Below are some examples that illustrate this point.

Sheila Ki Jawani - A Film with a Good Item Number: This movie, which is generally considered boring, managed to do quite well at the box office thanks to one outstanding item number.

Tees Mar Khan - An Item Number that Made a Movie Legendary: Despite its overall quality being questioned, the movie Tees Mar Khan became legendary due to a single item number starring Hrithik Roshan.

Kajra Re - An Item Number that Reseemed a Lifeline: The movie Bunty Aur Babli received a significant boost in popularity and commercial success due to the item number featuring Achala Sachdev.

Maiya Maiya - An Item Number that Added Appeal: Even the legendary director Mani Ratnam had to rely on the charm of Mallika Sherawat to increase the audience's interest in his film Guru. The item number in particular brought in many additional viewers, giving the film a commercial twist.

Exceptions in the Industry

While item numbers often contribute to a film's success, there are notable exceptions where such sequences are not critical to the movie's overall impact. For instance:

Dance Basanti - An Item Number that Couldn't Save a Lackluster Film: The song in the film Ungli was not enough to save the shoddy film, which was overshadowed by its item number.

Krazzy 4 - An Item Number That Destroyed a Good Film: The twin item numbers by Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan ruined the overall quality of the film Krazzy 4, which was otherwise a decent film.

Conclusion

In summary, while item numbers are not necessary for the artistic value of a Bollywood film, they often play a crucial role in its commercial success. They can enhance a movie's appeal, making it more commercially viable, especially for films that might be otherwise criticized or less appealing to audiences. However, their presence can also detract from a film's quality if they overshadow the plot and overall narrative.

Some films have benefited significantly from their item numbers, whereas others have been negatively impacted. It is a balance that studios must carefully consider when planning to include such sequences in their films.