Bollywood films are absolutely stunning, fantastic and colorful pieces of art to indulge in. In case you haven't seen any, I felt the need to write this and tell you 6 reasons why you should watch a Bollywood film.
1. Shah Rukh Khan
If I asked you who the biggest movie star in the world currently was, who would you guess?
Most likely big names like Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, or Tom Hanks would come to mind. But no, whatever you guessed was incorrect unless it was none other than Indian Bollywood actor, Shah Rukh Khan. He is not only the biggest movie star in the world currently, but he has been for quite some time now.
In almost every other country he is quite well known, you can even find him in advertisements everywhere. Seriously, they have a cardboard cutout of him in the Swiss Alps for tourists to take pictures with. But, many Americans have no clue who he is.
He is the king of Bollywood, and the best actor out there. He can play anything from the worst criminal to a kind-hearted dad, but most of all he is known for being able to make anyone fall in love with him by watching any of his films. His charisma, dancing, and way of speaking can light up any screen.
2. The Music and Dancing
A common misconception of Bollywood films is that all the music sounds the same, and it sounds ridiculous. This stereotype is extremely common and continues on thanks to viral music videos like "Tunak Tunak Tun" which is not even in the same language as Bollywood films.
Most songs from actual Hindi films contain exquisite lyrics of passion, devotion, and love. Even when they aren't about this, the songs are sure to make you smile.
The dancing alone is enough to make any person question why they haven't been watching these films all along. If you aren't sure about watching a movie yet, just look up any song from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and you'll never go back.
3. The Innocence
I don't know about you, but sometimes I just get tired of going to the movies and having it ruined by a bunch of gross innuendos, graphic sex scenes, or sexist comments that are supposedly funny.
I'm sure there is a time and place for that kind of thing, but sometimes I want to see a love story that is clean without having to watch the cheesiness of the Hallmark Channel. Where two characters can overcome struggles, come out on top with a fantastic film, and keep out any of the typical Hollywood sex hype.
It's gotten so bad that when I come home for holidays and my parents ask which movie I want to see, I have to steer clear of any movie with a love plot because if not I'll end up watching a steamy love scene next to my parents on Christmas.
Yeah, no thanks.
Bollywood movies are all about the pure innocence of falling in love. They capture it as the beautifully messy thing it is without making it about sex, and I really can appreciate that.
4. The Comedy
One thing most people wouldn't guess about Bollywood films is that they can be absolutely hysterical. Even the movies with the most intense dramas are laced with sarcasm and subtle humor. There is always one character in any movie that you'll relate to, and it makes the movie that much better. My friends and I often find ourselves in stitches watching a lot of these movies because the characters are just so real and truly hilarious.
5. The Scenery
I am going to just say this once and for all, India is so gorgeous it would knock your socks off. We are much more than just the Taj Mahal. The colors even seem brighter there, and the atmosphere is absolutely breathtaking.
If you want a real picture of all the astonishing sights in India, look no further. Bollywood is absolutely the best place to see what it actually looks like, not just the stereotypes in American film. It is unfiltered beauty at it's finest, and most movies shoot on location in all different parts of the large country.
6. The Stories
With any culture, there is going to be a lot of things that may seem confusing. As I get older though, I find it is extremely important to learn about other cultures, their stories, and traditions. It makes the world seem smaller and makes it easier to understand others.
The stories in Bollywood films often contain many pieces of information specific to India and it's rich history. They explain almost everything though because so many foreigners happen to watch Bollywood so you won't be lost, I promise.
So there you have it!
Even though I could go on with countless more reasons about why you should watch one of these glorious films, I will let the movies do the talking for me. Be sure to start with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and remember that these films do have subtitles. Happy watching!
