From ‘Seven Samurai’ to ‘Top Gun’: How international cinema shaped the story of Bollywood with films like Sholay, Fighter and more

As a movie buff, it’s fascinating to see how Bollywood weaves international influences into its storytelling, creating colorful fictional tales that resonate not just in India but around the world. Take a look at the journey of Bollywood absorbing global inspiration and turning it into his own cinematic magic, blending its cultural elements into the story. The fusion of Bollywood and global cinema is truly a cinematic journey, with each inspiration serving as a stroke on the canvas of the Indian story.

The influence of international films on Bollywood

You can’t trace the history of Bollywood without knowing about the iconic film Sholay, which was inspired by legendary Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai. Sholai’s rugged landscapes, complex character dynamics, and blend of drama and action testify to Kurosawa’s undeniable influence on world cinema. But Bollywood was more than just imitation. He transformed these inspirations into stories that resonated with Indian audiences and left a lasting impact on the country’s film industry.

Fast forward to the early 2000s and we witness another interesting film crossover with the release of Kaante. This gritty tale of friendship and betrayal takes a page from Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. The stylized violence, non-linear storytelling, and soundtrack pulsating with energy are all borrowed from Tarantino’s script. But Bollywood didn’t just copy. Injecting and reinterpreting it with its own cultural flavour, dance sequences and emotions, it provides an unforgettable cinematic experience.

All the talk right now is about Hrithik Roshan’s new movie “Fighter,” which takes inspiration from Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun: Maverick.” It’s not that Bollywood copies Hollywood. It’s about the evolution of Bollywood. Rather than shying away from global impact, the industry is rising to the challenge of delivering heart-pounding action scenes featuring fighter jets. It’s about adapting, not replicating.

While these examples demonstrate Bollywood’s mastery of borrowing, adapting, and transforming, it is essential to examine other instances where the industry’s representation may have faltered. Films like Shah Rukh Khan’s My Name is Khan, which tackled the sensitive subject of post-9/11 racial profiling, were criticized for oversimplifying a complex issue. . This requires a nuanced approach to global influence to ensure that important stories are not diluted in Bollywood’s pursuit of international appeal.

That’s not all. You will be surprised to know that some of the most iconic films like Aamir Khan’s Dil Chahta Hai and Sriram Raghavan’s Andhadhun also take inspiration from world cinema. The camaraderie, friendship, road trip and introspective moments captured in ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ reflect the spirit of classics like ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘The Breakfast Club’ doing.

bollywood’s secret sauce

Although Bollywood is often perceived as an industry that relies on copying other famous films, it still stands as a unique player, blending diverse influences to create a distinctly unique film. creating things. It’s not a question of preserving tradition or embracing modernity. It is a graceful dance between two people. Bollywood has become a cultural alchemist, crafting stories that resonate with audiences across borders and offering a cinematic experience without limits.

Rather than labeling Bollywood as a copycat, let’s appreciate its ability to absorb, adapt, and redefine what the world is exposed to. We’re looking forward to the release of the fighter, but it’s about more than just witnessing combat in the skies. It’s about witnessing the evolution of a storytelling tradition that continues to captivate people around the world. Cheers to a cinematic journey in Bollywood where the language of storytelling transcends boundaries.