From Rana Naidu to Animal: How cinema has evolved to embrace violence, expletives and gore

Entertainment trends, like those in social media, often follow fads that last for a year or two. From slapstick comedies, patriotic films, and biopics to action films and now violence, cinema has consistently evolved through various trends.

Securing box office success has become a Herculean task for filmmakers and producers today, as most new releases tend to fizzle out within a single weekend. This contrasts sharply with earlier times when films would remain in theaters for weeks, or even months, continuing to draw audiences.

The Impact of OTT Platforms and Changing Tastes

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Blame it on the OTT services or changing tastes of the audience, mainstream cinema has seen a major downfall in the last few years.

Amid the gloom, a few movies managed to stand out, often by exploring genres that were previously deemed unlikely to succeed. One notable example from last year is Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role, which created significant buzz despite its unconventional genre.

Controversial Themes and Bold Portrayals

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While the debate over whether the film is problematic or not is a separate discussion, Animal received praise for its bold portrayal of violence in the context of family dynamics. Its extensive use of blood and gore was unprecedented in commercial cinema, as such content was previously frowned upon by society for potentially sending the wrong message and challenging established moral norms.

It's not as though intense scenes were entirely absent from Indian films. They mostly comprised of action sequences rather than films centered around serial killers or gruesome murders. For instance, even Sholay faced a censor cut for the depiction of the villain Gabbar¡¯s death. However, with the rise of OTT platforms, creators have gained the freedom to push beyond traditional censorship boundaries and fully explore their creative visions.

Web Shows Like Tandav, Aashram, Paatal Lok And Rana Naidu Among Others Have Ruffled Many Feathers.

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Acceptance doesn¡¯t come very naturally to us, does it? When creators ventured into exploring extreme themes free from censorship, they faced significant backlash and accusations of corrupting youth and defaming influential figures. Tandav serves as a classic example of how sensitive audiences can be, often reacting vehemently and unexpectedly. Similarly, Bobby Deol's acting comeback as a controversial spiritual guru attracted threats and lawsuits. Despite these challenges, the experimentation by creators has continued, albeit at a measured pace.

Last year, when Rana and Venkatesh Daggubati launched their pan-India series Rana Naidu, there was considerable uproar over the show's rowdiness, slurs, and foul language. Many viewers struggled to accept that the series delved into the complex world of celebrities intertwined with convicts, goons, and other societal outcasts. The backlash was so intense that Venkatesh, an icon of Telugu cinema, had to step in and issue a public statement, promising to tone things down for the second season. Despite this, the show was so well-received that fans eagerly demanded another season.

Also Read: All 'Gaali-Galoch' Aside, 12 Actors That Uplifted Rana Naidu With Jaw-Dropping Performances

Arshad Warsi¡¯s Interesting Take On What Should Be The General Expectations From Films

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After months and years of consistent determination, we finally get to see a large variety of films and movies, and there¡¯s something for everyone. Of course, an occasional controversy brims every now and then, but viewers do extend support to shows and movies that they genuinely like. Interestingly, Arshad Warsi shared a thought-provoking perspective in a recent interview. In conversation with Samdish Bhatia on his YouTube channel, he emphasized that it's time for everyone to recognize that films aren't meant to be educational. According to Warsi, the primary purpose of cinema is to entertain, and having excessively high expectations from them is a misguided approach.

Recent silver screen releases like Kill and Raayan have raked in substantial box office earnings, much higher than films that stuck to traditional norms and approaches.

Deleted Scene from Animal Surfaces Online, Sparking Internet Frenzy

not gonna forgive @imvangasandeep anna for removing this scene in the movie, it's a pure display of Ranbir showing his silence and agony after k*lling his brother, especially that lifting off at the end ?#RanbirKapoor pic.twitter.com/XDl0TMjjgL

¡ª ? ?? (@RKs_Tilllast) August 7, 2024

In conclusion, change is the only constant, and it will be fascinating to see how the Indian film industry continues to push the envelope and compete with Hollywood and other entertainment industries around the world.

What are your thoughts on the same? Tell us in the comments section below.