Has the Indian Audience finally started to accept unconventional movies?

Bollywood has seen major changes ever since it came into existence. From the silent movies to black and white and finally the coloured ones, it has been a long way and with every turn, the audience was introduced to a new and never seen before thing. After the initial discomfort, audience accepted the changes and appreciated them. Same can be said about the content of the movie.

Although the dance and dreaminess, which came with the romantic couples, was preferred by the viewers, they created space for the unconventional and reality based stories and not-so-appealing cast, too. The conventional cinema still remains unbeaten but, every now and then, it is challenged by the movies which bring a new point of view and ideas.

Over the years, we have witnessed a slow yet steady change in the preferences of the directors and other creative heads associated with the industry. R. Balki emerges as the leader of the new, thought-provoking flicks. With Cheeni Kum, he tried to fade away the existing age barriers while with Paa, we witnessed a rare relationship between father and son. English Vinglish portrayed the dominance of a language over relationships and showed a way to remove the differences english brought in along with the problems it created for a mother and wife. Ki and Ka and Shamitabh also fall in the same category. To sum it up, Balki is re-defining the existing relationships with a hint of modernism.

It can be said that the list of unconventional movies is, now, a long one. While R. Balki is casting the well-known faces which attract audiences, some directors are working with new, almost unknown people to showcase their ideas. Udaan, Margarita With a Straw, Aamir and Stanley ka Dabba proved their metal without any popular or well-established artist and yet gained managed to grab everyone’s attention and became critically acclaimed movies of all time.

Irfan Khan is giving one phenomenal performance after the other in these unusual movies. Without flaunting his six pack abs and heart melting smile, he is making a mark in the industry with movies like The Lunchbox, Maqbool, Paan Singh Tomar, Talvar etc.

Maanjhi denoted the caliber and incredible acting skills of the average looking actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

The idea of romance is also re-established. Gone are the days when people were content with the girl next door characters and complicated yet happy ending movies. Now, the viewers like to witness a realistic version of these love stories. Shudh Desi Romance, Cocktail, Ishqiya, Love Aaj Kal and 7 Saat Khoon Maaf have successfully fulfilled their appetite and left them demanding for more! Barfi and Guzaarish stands out of all and successfully managed to create a special place in the hearts of the audience and gave new dimensions to love.

The scheme of intimacy and sex underwent major reconstructions. No one seems to employ the flowers which once denoted the intimate encounters of the characters on-screen. People are much more comfortable in talking about it without any qualms. Vicky Donor brought in the idea of sperm donations and, surprisingly, people welcomed it with open arms and minds. The Dirty Picture openly portrayed the life of Silk Smitha, one of the most erotic actresses of the industry, and Vidya Balan received National Film Award for her splendid performance.

With movies like Fan, Sultan and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, A-listers of the industry are also experimenting with this genre of the movies.

Clearly, the tolerance level of the audience towards unconventional movies is increasing and they’re supporting it openly. Initially, such movies failed to make any worth mentioning amount and remained with the title of the critically acclaimed movies, with time, this is also changing. They’re making money and bringing change in the mindsets of the people making it a win-win situation for all.


Written by Priyanka Chauhan
A bibliophile and an aspiring writer who lives with a  dream to travel the world.