Indian Films And Their Amazing Cliches!

A cliché, defined as an overused phrase or opinion lacking original thought, pervades our daily lives. In this exploration, our focus shifts to clichés in Indian cinema—captivating elements that, despite repetition, hold entertainment value. Indian films boast a captivating array of clichés, contributing to their unique storytelling. While clichés are not exclusive to Indian cinema, today, we delve into the distinctive clichés that characterize our movies.

Analyzing Clichés: More Than Just Repetition

It’s not just about identifying the most frequently used clichés; we aim to understand why these clichés persist. Exploring the prevalence of clichés in mass masala films and examining how screenplay writers inadvertently fall into clichéd patterns. Mass masala films often embrace clichés, drawing audiences with familiar tropes. We’ll explore the reasons behind this trend and how clichés contribute to the appeal of this genre.

Decoding Screenplay Writers and Clichés

Understanding the intricacies of screenplay writing and how writers navigate the challenge of avoiding clichés. What leads them to incorporate clichéd elements, and how does this impact the overall storytelling? With an intricate web of clichés shaping our cinematic experiences, this exploration aims to unravel the reasons behind their persistence. From mass masala films to the choices of screenplay writers, clichés offer a unique lens into the dynamics of storytelling in Indian cinema.

Unraveling the Tapestry of Indian Film Clichés

The most common cliches that we find in the movies will be the following and interestingly most of them are found in the section of ROMANCE!

1. The wind always blows against the heroine’s face and if it’s her introduction, then rain accompanies with slow motion!
2. If one of the leading pair is a rich character then they will definitely find their soulmate in a pauper, and of course we can’t blame them, opposites attract you know!
3. If the hero is a police officer then his wife/girlfriend is destined to die! (You will find that poor soul only in the flashback.)
4. The dying person will die only after finishing a three minutes (at least) long speech! (Mostly they will ask the hero to promise that he will lead a peaceful life ahead.)
5. The heroine will be the most beautiful girl in the city but her first love will be the hero, she may have a lot of stalkers or even a fiance but eventually she will find her love in the hero!
6. The villains gang will never have an intelligent guy! Yes, if you are a goon or a henchman you have no brain! And I expect there is no need to say that our hero is the most intelligent guy in the planet! He knows how to fool everybody!
7. The hero will have a strict father, an innocent mother and a mischievous sister! That’s his family!
8. Want to sweep off a girl’s feet? Stalk her! It’s as simple as that!
9. Size doesn’t matter (no pun intended)! The villain may be as huge as the mountain but our thin hero will hit him down in the climax!
10. Rain! Enough said!

The Role of Clichés in Filmmaking

Are clichés completely unacceptable in films? Not necessarily. A well-crafted script and a good film can overshadow clichés, making them go unnoticed. At times, clichés are inevitable to propel a story forward. Mass films, particularly those featuring big stars, often lean towards stereotypical storylines. Excuses like meeting fan expectations and preserving a Super Star image contribute to repeated plots. Sometimes, the overuse of formulas hinders creativity, emphasizing commercial success over original storytelling.

The era of Hindi cinema once revolved around lost-and-found siblings, showcasing how certain formulas dominated the industry. While the scenario is slowly changing, money-grossing mass films still predominantly focus on male heroes, leaving limited scope for varied roles for female characters.

Evolving Movie Preferences Across Generations

Each generation of moviegoers possesses distinct sensibilities and intelligence. The current era seeks movies that transcend mere entertainment, sparking debates on whether this shift is beneficial or detrimental. Certain overused elements in films, like the predictable rain after a character waits outside someone’s residence, have become tiresome. While filmmakers who avoid clichés are applauded, there’s also appreciation for those who skillfully incorporate them. Even the protagonist’s victory at the end is a cliché, but it remains an unavoidable aspect of storytelling.

Balancing Clichés for Future Cinematic Experiences

As movie enthusiasts, there’s a desire to see certain clichés vanish from films, creating space for innovative storytelling. Yet, there’s an acknowledgment that clichés, when used creatively, can still be enjoyable. The hope is for directors to experiment with clichés in unique ways, offering a fresh perspective on familiar elements in future cinematic endeavors.