Why Most Indian Films Are Musical: A Deep Dive

The Indian film industry, often referred to as Bollywood, has long been synonymous with musicals. This article explores the historical reasons, creative choices, and cultural impacts behind the prevalence of music and songs in Indian films, along with recent trends towards change.

Historical Context and Viewer Expectations

The roots of the musical element in Indian films can be traced back to the early days of the industry. When Bollywood first began producing films, they quickly realized that their audiences had a deep-seated preference for music and dance. This preference stems from the cultural and theatrical traditions that are prevalent in the region. Indians had long been familiar with performance arts, including music and dance, through theatrical performances, which made the inclusion of these elements in films a natural and expected delight for the audience.

Creative Choices and Storytelling Techniques

While the inclusion of songs and dances can be attributed to audience expectations, there are also several creative and practical reasons for their prevalence in Indian films. Some filmmakers deliberately use musical numbers as a way to divert attention away from weaker plotlines or underdeveloped scripts. Music and dance serve as an artistic and narrative device that can distract from a less-than-perfect storyline. In essence, the inclusion of songs is a strategic move to ensure that audiences leave the cinema feeling satisfied and entertained, rather than being overly critical of the narrative.

Examples and Trends

The trend of including songs is not uniform across all films. Certain iconic movies, such as Bombay Roja, set a trend that subsequent films followed. This is an example of a technique used to distract from less-than-stellar storytelling. However, it is important to note that some directors are beginning to change this trend. For instance, Kaithi and Super Delux are two blockbusters that have gained critical acclaim for their strong storytelling and minimal reliance on songs. These movies stand out as exceptions in an industry where music and dance often take precedence.

The Impact on Music and Culture

The dominance of songs in Indian films has had both positive and negative impacts on the music industry. On one hand, it has fostered a culture where music is an integral part of filmmaking, leading to the creation of many high-quality musical performances. However, on the other hand, it has also led to a situation where people are overexposed to mainstream, often formulaic music. This has resulted in a lack of exposure to a wider range of musical styles and artists. Additionally, there is a fear among some artists that the music industry is becoming too centralized, with a few artists dominating the scene and potentially stifling the growth of independent artists.

Conclusion

The prevalence of musical numbers in Indian films is a complex phenomenon, stemming from historical, creative, and cultural factors. While this trend continues, recent movies like Kaithi and Super Delux demonstrate that it is possible to create successful films that prioritize content and storytelling over music. As the industry evolves, it will be fascinating to see how the balance between music and narrative continues to shift.