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In the recent years, the incredible storytelling in Bollywood films is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by evolving trends and the dynamic demands of modern audiences. Digital platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have revolutionized the way Indian films are produced, distributed, and consumed.
Moreover, there is a noticeable shift towards diverse and socially relevant narratives. Contemporary Indian cinema is increasingly embracing stories that address pressing social issues, celebrate varied cultural identities, and challenge traditional norms.
Bollywood films known for their vibrant storytelling
1: Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, “Raman Raghav 2.0” delves into the twisted relationship between a serial killer, Raman (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), and a drug-addicted cop, Raghav (Vicky Kaushal). The film is inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav who terrorized Mumbai in the 1960s. The storytelling of this movie is amazing.
Plot:
Anurag Kashyap, a master of dark and gritty narratives, crafted “Raman Raghav 2.0” without an interval to maintain its relentless pace and psychological intensity. The film’s 127-minute runtime is a continuous exploration of the macabre minds of its protagonists, leaving no room for the audience to disengage. The absence of an interval amplifies the film’s tension and enhances the immersive experience, ensuring that the viewers remain on edge throughout.
2: The Sky Is Pink (2019)
Director: Shonali Bose
Genre: Biographical Drama
Synopsis: “The Sky Is Pink” is the heart-wrenching true story of a young girl, Aisha Chaudhary (Zaira Wasim), who suffers from a terminal illness, and the impact of her condition on her family, particularly her parents, played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Farhan Akhtar. A must watch film with astounding storytelling.
Plot:
Shonali Bose chose to present this deeply emotional narrative without an interval to preserve the continuity of the family’s journey through love, struggle, and loss. The uninterrupted format allows the audience to remain emotionally connected to the characters, enhancing the film’s impact. The narrative’s emotional highs and lows are more profoundly felt when not disrupted by a break, making the storytelling more powerful and poignant.
3: Andhadhun (2018)
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Genre: Black Comedy Thriller
Synopsis: “Andhadhun” revolves around Akash (Ayushmann Khurrana), a blind pianist who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a series of murders and deceit. The film masterfully combines suspense, dark humor, and unexpected twists.
Plot:
Sriram Raghavan’s “Andhadhun” is a rollercoaster of suspense and dark comedy, designed to keep viewers guessing. By opting for a continuous narrative, Raghavan ensures that the film’s intricate plot twists and suspenseful moments retain their impact. The absence of an interval helps in maintaining the narrative’s unpredictability, as each scene seamlessly builds upon the last, creating a cohesive and gripping thriller. You need to watch this film that has a great storytelling experience.
4: Mukkabaaz (2018)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Genre: Sports Drama
Synopsis: “Mukkabaaz” tells the story of Shravan Singh (Vineet Kumar Singh), an aspiring boxer who battles societal and political obstacles to achieve his dreams, while also dealing with personal struggles.
Plot:
Anurag Kashyap’s decision to forego the interval in “Mukkabaaz” complements the film’s raw and realistic portrayal of a boxer’s life. The storytelling of this film is fantastic. The uninterrupted narrative mirrors the relentless nature of Shravan’s journey, emphasizing his determination and the constant challenges he faces. The film’s pacing and emotional intensity benefit from the continuous format, keeping the audience deeply engaged in Shravan’s fight against the odds.
5: Trapped (2016)
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Genre: Survival Drama
Synopsis: “Trapped” features Shaurya (Rajkummar Rao), who finds himself accidentally locked in an empty apartment without food, water, or electricity. The film chronicles his desperate struggle for survival.
Plot:
“Trapped” is a claustrophobic survival drama that relies heavily on its uninterrupted narrative to convey the protagonist’s isolation and desperation. Vikramaditya Motwane’s choice to avoid an interval heightens the tension and immerses the audience in Shaurya’s harrowing ordeal. The continuous narrative mirrors the inescapable situation of the character, enhancing the film’s emotional and psychological impact.
6: October (2018)
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Genre: Romantic Drama
Synopsis: “October” follows the life of Dan (Varun Dhawan), a hotel management trainee whose life changes when his colleague Shiuli (Banita Sandhu) falls into a coma. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
Plot:
Shoojit Sircar’s “October” is a meditative and contemplative film that benefits from a seamless narrative flow. The absence of an interval allows the audience to fully absorb the slow, unfolding story and the delicate emotions of the characters. This continuous approach suits the film’s reflective nature, providing an uninterrupted space for viewers to engage with the nuances of Dan’s evolving feelings and Shiuli’s condition.
7: Badhaai Do (2022)
Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Synopsis: “Badhaai Do” deals with the story of a marriage of convenience between a gay police officer, Shardul Thakur (Rajkummar Rao), and a lesbian PT teacher, Suman Singh (Bhumi Pednekar), as they navigate their lives while concealing their true sexual orientations from their families and society.
Plot:
Harshavardhan Kulkarni’s “Badhaai Do” uses its interval-free format to highlight the continuous and unrelenting pressures faced by the protagonists as they navigate their complex personal lives. The uninterrupted narrative enhances the comedic and dramatic elements, allowing the characters’ struggles and triumphs to unfold organically. This format underscores the realism of their journey, offering a more immersive and authentic viewing experience.
