The term Bollywood is a combination of Bombay, the old name for the Indian city of Mumbai, and Hollywood, the American movie capital. Bollywood movies have some unique characteristics that make them exciting to watch. For example, Bollywood movies are famous for their song and dance combinations and dramatic storylines.
What to Expect
Most Bollywood movies are subtitled for English speaking audiences even though English is widely known throughout India. Modern filmmakers and stars have transformed the traditional Bollywood movie into a film that captures the imagination of audiences around the world. Modern Bollywood often incorporate themes from India, such as romanticizing arranged marriages, but some newer movies also encourage the audience to see love and life in a new way. For example, the film “Random Desi Romance” addresses the somewhat controversial themes of premarital affairs among young couples.
Masala
Masala is a term that, when applied to movies, indicates you are watching a traditional Bollywood movie. Movies in India, and many other parts of the world, are anywhere from three to four hours long and include up to a dozen song and dance numbers in the movie. Most international theatres also provide viewers with an intermission. Bollywood movies that are called masala to indicate they are packed with all the most important traditional elements of drama, song, dance and the traditional happy ending.
International Fame
Bollywood is the largest source of movies in most regions of the world. You can find Bollywood dedicated theatres in Asia and there are over 200 theatres in Mumbai. Bollywood is slowly gaining an audience in the United States and the United Kingdom, where the occasional Bollywood movie is shown on the big screen. More recently, movies from India have won fame by winning awards during the Cannes Film Festival.
Awards
Traditional Bollywood is a style that appeals to nearly every audience. Award winning films such as “Salaam Bombay!” tell a dramatic story that is sure to evoke a reaction from the audience. Not all Bollywood movies are upbeat and innocent. Many tell stories of harrowing experiences and show Indian culture in a less than perfect, although very realistic, way. Anyone who loves cinema is sure to enjoy a traditional masala film or a more intriguing story about living in the harsh streets of the city.
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