Why Bollywood is Struggling: The Answer May Lie in Tehran
For Bollywood to evolve, it should recognize the value of constraints as a driving force for creativity and return to a more authentic, story-driven approach to filmmaking.
The state of Bollywood cinema, particularly in recent years, has been a topic of much debate. A contrast between Bollywood and Iranian cinema may serves us a solution to this problem.
While financial resources can certainly enhance production value, true cinematic brilliance often emerges from a place of struggle and adversity. For Bollywood to evolve, it should recognize the value of constraints as a driving force for creativity and return to a more authentic, story-driven approach to filmmaking.
Here are few points that the powers that matter in Bollywood may find interesting.
1. The Complacency of Wealth in Bollywood: Overreliance on grandiose sets, elaborate costumes, and big-name actors can lead to a situation where the storytelling becomes secondary to the spectacle.
Focus on commercial success has led to a homogenization of content. Films are made with a primary goal of maximizing box office returns, which often means catering to the lowest common denominator. This results in a glut of films that prioritize entertainment over substance, diluting the artistic value of cinema.
When money is abundant, the urgency to innovate diminishes, leading to a stagnation in creativity.
2. The Power of Constraints in Iranian Cinema: In stark contrast, Iranian cinema has thrived under conditions of extreme adversity.
Filmmakers in Iran operate under strict censorship laws and limited financial resources, yet they have managed to create some of the most poignant and thought-provoking films in contemporary cinema. This is partly because constraints often fuel creativity. When resources are scarce, filmmakers are forced to think outside the box, finding innovative ways to tell their stories.
For instance, the lack of access to expensive special effects or high-end equipment in Iranian cinema means that filmmakers must rely heavily on strong narratives, character development, and the exploration of profound themes. The necessity to convey complex ideas within a restricted framework often results in a depth and subtlety that is rarely seen in more commercially driven cinema.
3. Adversity as a Catalyst for Brilliance: Adversity, whether in the form of financial limitations or external restrictions, can be a powerful catalyst for artistic brilliance. It compels filmmakers to dig deeper into their creative reserves, leading to the production of content that is both innovative and emotionally resonant.
Iranian films, for instance, often explore themes of human resilience, social injustice, and moral dilemmas — topics that resonate universally but are handled with a nuance and sensitivity born from the filmmakers’ own experiences of adversity.
For Bollywood to reclaim its artistic credibility, it may need to revisit its roots. Some of the greatest works in Hindi cinema, such as the films of Satyajit Ray, Guru Dutt, and Raj Kapoor, were made on relatively modest budgets but have stood the test of time due to their powerful storytelling and deep social relevance. These films succeeded not because of their financial might but because of the creative vision behind them.
This might mean reducing reliance on star power and spectacle and instead investing in strong scripts, nuanced performances, and innovative direction.
Here is the best of Iranian Cinema for your weekend viewing:
1. A Separation (2011): A gripping exploration of morality and family dynamics in contemporary Iran, unravelling the complexities of truth and justice.
2. Children of Heaven (1997): A touching tale of sibling love and resilience, where a pair of lost shoes leads to a journey of hope and sacrifice.
3. Offside (2006): A sharp, humorous critique of gender discrimination in Iran, seen through the lens of young women trying to enter a soccer match.
4. Close-Up (1990): A fascinating blend of documentary and fiction, where a man’s impersonation of a famous filmmaker reveals the blurred lines between reality and identity.
5. Life and Nothing More (1992): A poignant reflection on life’s persistence in the aftermath of tragedy, set against the backdrop of the 1990 Iranian earthquake.
6. Persepolis (2007): A visually striking, autobiographical animation that captures the tumultuous journey of growing up during and after the Iranian Revolution.
7. About Elly (2009): A suspenseful, emotionally charged drama that delves into the social expectations and hidden truths of Iranian middle-class life.
8. Where Is the Friend’s House? (1987): A simple yet profound story of a boy’s determination to return his friend’s notebook, symbolizing responsibility and kindness.
9. The Cyclist (1987): A powerful depiction of desperation and endurance, as a man cycles non-stop to pay for his wife’s medical treatment.
10. Ten (2002): A raw and intimate exploration of Iranian womanhood, told through ten conversations between a female driver and her passengers.
11. Taste of Cherry (1997): A meditative, existential journey as a man search for someone to assist him in his planned suicide, questioning the value of life.
12. The Color of Paradise (1999): A heart-wrenching story of a blind boy’s deep connection with nature and his struggle for acceptance in his family.
13. A Moment of Innocence (1997): A semi-autobiographical, meta-cinematic reflection on the intertwining of memory, regret, and reconciliation.
14. Through the Olive Trees (1994): A delicate exploration of life and art, where the lines between a film set and reality blur in a rural Iranian village.
15. The Runner (1984): A visually striking portrayal of a young boy’s relentless pursuit of dreams amidst the harsh realities of life in post-revolution Iran.
