Universal Themes of Bollywood Movies

Universal Themes

A theme is the central idea of a story or a plot that depicts the whole story. When the theme of the story is according to the living styles of the viewers, it can appeal the minds of them. Though, to fulfill this purpose, the Bollywood industry has created many movies with universal themes to appeal the minds of the audience. Through this genre, the people can relate themselves to the stories and feel comfort to release the anxiety.

The director of the movie wants to convey messages or lessons for all and sundry. The theme which is related to the human nature, is easy to understand for everyone. The movie with a universal theme, illustrates the feelings and emotions of a common man.

It is important for the directors to make such movies that are related to the stories of the people and have the central ideas. Talking about the novels or dramas of the previous era, there are various names that come in our mind such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Rape of the Lock, Othello, King Lear, The Return of the Native etc.

The most famous tragic story of Shakespeare’s play, ‘Macbeth’ has also universal appeal. The theme of the play depicts about the blind ambition that leads a person towards destruction. While the other play of Shakespeare is ‘Hamlet’ that narrates the story about the secret death of the late king and the troubles which his son Hamlet has faced. After knowing the truth, Hamlet has decided to take revenge from his father’s murderers. One of his famous soliloquies, “to be or not to be….”, represents the modern dilemma of a man. In the modern era, everyone is stranded with anxieties and stress and that’s why they have a mental conflict in their minds.

The heroic story of the plays or dramas based on the classical as well as the nature of human. The Bollywood industry prefers to make the films that are based on the story of these plays. Recently, Vishal Bhardwaj has made three movies that are based on Shakespeare’s Plays. Besides these movies, other movies have also made up with universal themes  and for this reason, the Hollywood stars are constrained to appreciate Indian movies and the songs as well. An American superstar, John Trovolta has shared his feelings while saying that he is the biggest fan of Indian films as he found the Bollywood movies, ‘very original and full of life’. He has articulated,

“I liked Slumdog Millionaire which wasn't a Bollywood film but somewhat reflects India. I recently saw Ram-Leela. I find Hindi films very original and full of life, they capture your attention and have universal themes, so yes, I am a big fan of Hindi films."

He further exposed his inner wish with this statement, “I think Bollywood has no inhibitions and that reflects in their movies. It'll be great to watch the same in Hollywood films.”

When he was asked by the questioner that which Bollywood girl you like to work with then he answered, “I like the girl in Ram Leela. She is amazing. She is great. I’ve also watched 3 Idiots, Lagaan and Krrish.”

In this way, it is clear that although Indian movies’ basic themes are love, fight, romance, adoption, or anything else but despite all these they have earned worldwide popularity. The movies like Haider, Maqbool, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Mary Kom, Phantom, and many other movies have universal themes that are worth appraising.

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About Universal Music

This is Mawra Ali, a content writer and the student of International School of Screening Acting. I write and illustrate the major topics related to the Bollywood industry. I am not a perfect writer at all but trying to be… I hope all these articles will be fine and useful for you.