The ?Dhaansu? Clan: Bollywood Masala Culture

Posted by swapnil jukunte on September 9th, 2018

Whistles, woo-hoo’s, wah-wah’s – that is when you know that the movie is a HIT.

Such is the enigma of the core “MASALA” culture of Bollywood where dialogues become a part of your everyday life, the songs sync with your moods, and the hero-heroines become regulars in your dreams.

So, what is that “X” factor of these films which hooks the millions of Indians? Let’s roll in the camera, shall we?

Lights – Camera – Action: 10 Masala Bolly Flicks of 2017-2018

Raees

When the Bollywood badshah is on the large screen romancing, fighting thugs and emerging as a quintessential hero – then, golly does the audience love a movie. Released in 2017, the audience loved Nawazuddin Siddiqui as a righteous cop, Shah Rukh Khan as the ‘Hero’ and Mahira Khan as a heroine. Hooking viewers with his singular tone, Shah Rukh Khan nailed the “baniya ka dimaag miya bhai ki daring”.

Tiger Zinda Hain

An Eid special Bhaijaan movie is the exact masala flick you want. Moreover, the duo of Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan romancing in snow-clad mountains, their action-packed scenes where they are no less than a James Bond, made a huge impression on audience’s mind. Imbued with sentiments, filled with Bhaijaan’s signature dialogues and encounter scene with a wolf truly grabbed everyone’s eyes.

Badrinath ki Dulhania

A coming-of-age film where Varun Dhawan romances Alia Bhatt showed chirpy, funny scenes touched with sarcasm and irony for the patriarchal Indian society. The fun chemistry of this hit-pair onscreen came live showing them romancing, dancing off to item songs and portraying the evergreen Bollywood “pyaar”.

Baadshaho

A Milan Luthria film is bound to be packed with fierce dialogues coming from the brooding, sexy Ajay Devgn. Moreover, guns and jam-packed action scenes showing Vidyut Jamyal and Emraan Hashmi’s super-thrilling encounter hitched viewers right away. 

Kaabil

A blind man seeking revenge against a foul politician as his wife had been raped and killed – a perfect plot to grasp the audience. This film starring Hrithik Roshan, Yami Gautam and Ronit Roy portrayed powerful action scenes ensuring a gripping story and catchy item song.

Golmaal Again

A Rohit Shetty film shows the right masala culture which the audience loves. Action scenes with numerous cars and Johnny Lever’s comedy - what more do you want?

A multi-cast film including Ajay Devgn, Kunal Khemu, Tushaar Kapoor (as the mute) and Arshad Warsi, Golmaal Again became a super hit for the right reasons.

Bareilly ki Barfi

This film was not the “typical” masala flick but had all the elements of being a hit. Showing a small town girl Bitti’s journey to find her true love, it had humour and charm to sweep the audience off their feet.

Baaghi 2

Grossing a box-office collection above 100 crores in 2018, this sequel to the hit movie Baaghi was only about Action, action and ACTION. Tiger Shroff as the hero portrayed marvellous marshal art skills as he overtook villains, and his onscreen romance with his real-life love, Disha Patani worked great too.

Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety

Another 100 crores plus movie of 2018, this one had everything to be a masala hit. Quirky songs, hooking dialogues, fun side of Delhi culture and the best friend bond of two boys made it the most-watched movie of this year.

Stree

Horror and comedy - two of the most entertaining factors loved by viewers. This movie released recently and has already become a ‘hit’. Rajkumar Rao’s superb acting and a haunting plot centring on witches have essentially shown the appeal factor.

Entertainment, entertainment and entertainment

Even though noir and parallel movies like Omerta, Newton, Hindi Medium, Mom are being made and loved by the audience, the masala culture has its charisma. Their zesty flavour is what drives millions of moviegoers to the halls. A nasty villain, a larger than life plot is what hooks the viewers for the 2-hour long film. That is perhaps why there is a new movies channel dedicated purely to Masala Bollywood movies today. The “suddh” desi romance and tadka of “fight scenes” become the “X” factors.

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swapnil jukunte

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swapnil jukunte
Joined: November 4th, 2015
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