The Power of Film Endings: A Deep Dive into Bollywood's Unforgiving Conclusions

Bollywood, the vibrant and colorful film industry based in Mumbai, India, has produced an enormous number of films that have captivated audiences worldwide for decades. However, while the industry is renowned for its vibrant musical numbers, breathtaking cinematography, and stellar performances, many films are often dismissed due to frustrating or disappointing endings. Let's explore why certain endings in popular Bollywood films have sparked debates among fans and experts.

Why Do Certain Film Endings Resonate with Us?

In the context of cinema, the ending is often the final impression a film leaves with the audience. It can either elevate the film to new heights or diminish it to a disappointing conclusion. In this article, we will dissect several films from the Bollywood roster, each with endings that have sparked significant discussion, and analyze why these conclusions have left a lasting impact on audiences.

Which Film in Bollywood Would You Like to Change Its Ending?

Bollywood films often feature characters with whom audiences develop deep emotional connections. Changing the final moments of these stories can dramatically alter our perceptions and feelings towards the film. Let's take a look at some movies where a different ending could have changed the narrative entirely.

Ghajini (2008)

Is it feasible to believe that Kalpana could have been told the truth about Sachin being Sanjay Singhania, and if so, would the film's structure have remained the same? This question raises interesting possibilities. In the original story, Sachin's mysterious disappearance and subsequent resurrection contribute significantly to the film's intrigue. A different ending might have provided a smoother resolution, but at the cost of the film's suspense. For instance, if Kalpana had known the truth, she might have found closure, but the emotional journey and the dramatic impact of Sachin's reappearance would have been lost.

English Vinglish (2007)

Sridevi's character in English Vinglish had a significant transformation arc, evolving from a shy and socially awkward woman to a confident and assertive individual. If the movie had ended with her settling down with the French guy, what would have been lost? The journey of self-discovery and transformation would have been incomplete, leaving a sense of unresolved narrative and emotional closure for the audience. While this alternative ending may have provided a different sense of closure, it could have also altered the film's core message and impact.

Devdas (2002)

Devdas's passionate yet tragic love affair with Paro culminated in his untimely death. However, if Paro had been given the chance to spend some time with Devdas before he passed away, how would this have changed the story? This ending could have provided a bittersweet resolution, giving closure to Paro's character and adding a layer of poignancy to the narrative. While this might have altered the emotional intensity, it could have also offer a more nuanced exploration of the characters' shared love and loss.

Aashiqui 2 (2013)

The sudden and tragic death of Rahul, Sridevi's ex-husband in Aashiqui 2, seems abrupt and illogical. Considering the care and detail put into the story, his untimely demise feels like a forced closure. While this ending adds drama and emotional weight to the film, a different trajectory could have provided a more satisfying narrative arc. For example, if Rahul had survived and reconnected with Sridevi towards the end, the film could have offered a more hopeful and resolution-driven conclusion.

Life in a Metro (2014)

In Life in a Metro, Shilpa Shetty's character ultimately reconciles with her husband. However, if her character had not returned to him, it could have provided a more complex and gritty narrative. This altered ending might have added layers of conflict, capturing real-life complexities that some films tend to gloss over. It would challenge the audience to consider the nuances of a relationship and its challenges.

Cocktail (2015)

At the end of Cocktail, Deepika Padukone gets the guy. However, it's often speculated that if the film had ended with a more ambiguous conclusion, it might have been more impactful. The ambiguity might have allowed viewers to project their own interpretations onto the ending, potentially increasing the film's thematic depth and emotional resonance.

Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

One of the most iconic films in Bollywood, Kal Ho Naa Ho, leaves many viewers questioning why Aman and Naina couldn't have resolved their issues or why Naina would marry Rohit instead of Aman. A different ending could have provided a more satisfying resolution, potentially resolving their conflicts and offering a more harmonious conclusion.

Kapoor Sons (2014)

The unresolved conflict in Kapoor Sons could have found a more satisfying resolution at the end. The film ends on a cliffhanger, leaving many questions unanswered. Considering the emotional investment in the main characters, a resolution that addresses their issues could have left a more lasting impact on the audience.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

In this timeless romantic classic, the ending could have been more fulfilling if Salman Khan chose to stay with Kajol and leave his daughter in Aamir Khan's care. This alternative ending would have offered a bittersweet resolution, providing closure for the characters, and potentially increasing the emotional depth of the film.

Race 3 (2020)

The film Race 3 stars Salman Khan and centers around his character's journey. If Salman's character and all the other characters died at the end, what would have been the impact? This dramatic ending would have provided a closure that many would find poignant. However, it might also have left a sense of loss, as the film's action-packed and vibrant storyline would have ended abruptly.

The Case for Rockstar (2011)

Rockstar, released in 2011, was highly praised for its cinematography, acting, and musical numbers. The film's open-ended conclusion left many viewers questioning the final narrative. The main character, Dhanush, is tragically killed in an accident, which while emotional, does not fully resolve the story. Had the film ended without Dhanush's death, the narrative would have been more satisfying and possibly more impactful.

Two States (2014)

Two States, which was based on the novel of the same name, saw its ending considerably altered from the book. The movie lost some of the book's humor and unexpected twists. Fans of the book found the film version disappointing because key elements were left out. This discrepancy suggests that certain aspects of the source material should be preserved to maintain the narrative integrity of the story.

Why Twists Can Complicate Endings

The twist in Aashiqui 2 is a prime example of how a sudden change can disrupt the emotional journey of a film. While a twist can be exciting, it can also leave audiences feeling cheated or unsatisfied. The complexity introduced by the twist is a double-edged sword: it can enrich the narrative but may also detract from the story's coherence and emotional impact.

Should Film Endings Reflect Reality?

Some viewers argue that film endings should more closely mirror real-life circumstances, promoting a sense of realism and authenticity. For instance, presenting suicide as a regrettable act and not glorifying it as in Aashiqui 2 aligns with this view. This perspective suggests that films should strive to present more responsible narratives despite potentially reducing their emotional impact.

Conclusion

While a film's ending can make or break its reception, it is often a delicate balance between satisfying closure and creative ambiguity. The films discussed in this article highlight the complexities and emotional weight of a film's conclusion, and how even the most successful films can be open to creativity and alternative endings. As we continue to enjoy and critique these movies, we are reminded of the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of even the most unexpected twists.

Keywords: Bollywood endings, film endings, movie endings