Action's Momentous Journey in Indian Film Industry: From Brawls to Nationalism
Indian action cinema has evolved over the years, significantly shaping the portrayal of individual strength, societal change, and patriotic fervor. These films have reflected and influenced broader cultural narratives, serving as vehicles for cultural expression and social commentary.
In the realm of individual strength, iconic characters have been established in Indian action cinema, embodying courage, resilience, and moral fortitude. Films like Sholay (1975) in Bollywood, with characters such as Jai and Veeru, set the stage for archetypes of individual heroism fighting against injustice. In regional cinemas like Telugu, action films in the 1990s and 2000s portrayed strong protagonists entrenched in local socio-political conflicts, exemplifying individual valor and leadership.
Societal change is another theme that Indian action cinema often mirrors. The representation of factional violence and dialects in the Telugu film industry during the 1990s and beyond highlights the cinema’s role in documenting and shaping discourse around regional identity and societal fragmentation. More recently, pan-Indian films like S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali series blend epic storytelling with contemporary issues pertaining to unity and cultural pride, showcasing how action cinema adapts to and catalyzes societal shifts.
Patriotic themes have long been integral to Indian action films, often blended with historical or mythological narratives. Recent cinema projects like Shankar – The Revolutionary Man aim to reawaken spiritual and cultural patriotism by celebrating historical figures and their philosophies that unify and inspire nationalism. Earlier Bollywood action films also embedded patriotic fervor by portraying protagonists defending the nation or community, often against oppressive forces.
Today's Indian action films aren't just about spectacle; they're a canvas for expressing individual strength, societal change, and patriotic ideals. Stars like Ram Charan and Jr. NTR, in RRR, portray fictional freedom fighters embodying real patriotism, while Allu Arjun, in Pushpa, plays a rugged underdog who breaks social hierarchies. South Indian films brought innovation, stylized direction, and strong storytelling that helped redefine the genre across India.
The turn of the millennium brought a shift in Indian action films, influenced by Hollywood blockbusters. Modern Indian action films mix stylized violence with themes of pride, rebellion, and national identity. Sivaji (2007), Enthiran (2010), and Magadheera (2009) set new benchmarks in scale and visual storytelling in South Indian cinema. Amitabh Bachchan redefined masculinity in films like Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975), and Sholay (1975).
In recent years, Indian cinema has captivated audiences with tech-savvy and visually grand films, with elements like VFX-driven storytelling, slow-motion cinematography, pulsating soundtracks, and multilingual releases. The Dhoom series (2004-2013), Don (2006, 2011), and Ghajini (2008) are examples of action films from this era. Shah Rukh Khan is reinventing stardom through action in Pathaan and Jawan.
Action films in India shape culture by making dialogue slang, heroes fashion icons, and music anthemic. Tamil and Telugu industries began experimenting with gritty stories, strong anti-heroes, and hyper-stylized action in the 1980s and '90s. The 1970s marked the rise of the "angry young man" archetype in Indian action films.
South Indian films, particularly those from the Telugu and Tamil industries, have been at the forefront of this evolution. They have redefined what Indian action films could be, paving the way for pan-India action blockbusters like KGF: Chapter 1 & 2, Pushpa: The Rise, RRR (Oscar-winning song "Naatu Naatu"), Pathaan and Jawan. Yash, in KGF, is a gold mafia slayer turned working-class messiah, while Patnaik in Pushpa is a charismatic smuggler challenging the system.
In conclusion, Indian action cinema has contributed a powerful narrative matrix where individual heroism, reflection on social realities, and patriotic ideals are interwoven. These films continue to resonate deeply with audiences, offering a unique blend of entertainment and cultural reflection.
- In the contemporary era of Indian action cinema, stars like Ram Charan and Jr. NTR in RRR portray fictional freedom fighters embodying real patriotism, while Allu Arjun in Pushpa plays a rugged underdog who breaks social hierarchies, demonstrating the genre's canvas for expressing individual strength, societal change, and patriotic ideals.
- Sivaji (2007), Enthiran (2010), and Magadheera (2009) from South Indian cinema redefined the action genre in terms of scale, visual storytelling, and set new benchmarks.
- Amitabh Bachchan, in iconic films like Zanjeer (1973), Deewaar (1975), and Sholay (1975), redefined masculinity in Indian action cinema.
- Social media and entertainment platforms are abuzz with awe-inspiring VFX-driven storytelling, slow-motion cinematography, pulsating soundtracks, and multilingual releases in modern Indian action films, such as the Dhoom series (2004-2013), Don (2006, 2011), and Ghajini (2008).
- Action films in India have significantly influenced lifestyle choices, from adopting dialogue slang to making heroes fashion icons, as seen in the Tamil and Telugu industries' experimentation with gritty stories, strong anti-heroes, and hyper-stylized action since the 1980s and '90s.
