Why Indian Audience like PUSHPA So Much

Summary

The video script discusses the enduring formula behind blockbuster Bollywood films, focusing on the similarities between iconic movies like 'Deewaar', 'KGF', and 'Pushpa'. It highlights the recurring themes of crime, smuggling, anti-heroes, syndicates, and family dynamics, tracing their origins back to the 70s. The script emphasizes the role of formula-based films in modern cinema, illustrating how they create massive box-office success. The presenter breaks down a potential film formula involving characters like Mahesh Babu, Prabhas, and Yash, suggesting a storyline with a government antagonist, multiple star-crossed heroes, and an evolving cinematic universe. The script concludes with a reflection on how these formulas are not direct copies but inspired adaptations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The formula used in modern Bollywood films, like Pushpa, KGF, and Salaar, is rooted in older films like Deewaar, where themes of crime, syndicates, and family dynamics are central.
• 😀 There is a recurring trope of rags-to-riches stories, with criminals in lead roles smuggling for wealth, a formula that has persisted for decades.
• 😀 The shift from traditional heroes (like the 'Angry Young Man') to anti-heroes is evident in modern films, where protagonists are often morally grey, living with crime rather than fighting it.
• 😀 The role of the mother remains a key emotional anchor in commercial films, representing one of the most powerful themes in storytelling, from past to present.
• 😀 The commercial success of Bollywood films often relies on formulaic elements such as catchy dialogues, memorable hook steps, and unique hairstyles, which resonate with mass audiences.
• 😀 Earlier films would focus heavily on the parents' backstory, but today, films are centered more around the protagonist, with songs serving to advance the narrative rather than just entertain.
• 😀 Formula-based films tend to have a shelf life of about 10-12 years before they fade, with cycles where the formula disappears only to return later.
• 😀 The movie Agneepath is presented as a precursor to modern films like KGF and Pushpa, with similar plot elements such as the syndicate, ego conflicts, and multiple villains.
• 😀 The 'multi-starrer' approach is key in modern formula films, where multiple heroes and villains contribute to creating larger-than-life narratives and enhancing box office appeal.
• 😀 A potential formula for a blockbuster involves three heroes: a government official (Mahesh Babu), a grey character seeking revenge (Prabhas), and a member of the syndicate (Yash). Their rivalry can captivate audiences with a climactic battle against a corrupt government, with a strong focus on action and drama.
• 😀 The strategy of building a cinematic universe with individual character origins, such as Yash and Prabhas, and releasing their stories in separate films, can maintain audience excitement and set up a grand finale in a third part, ensuring massive box office returns.

Q & A

What is the central theme discussed in the video script?

The central theme of the video script revolves around the evolution of formula-based films in Bollywood, especially those influenced by the 'Angry Young Man' genre that began in the 1970s, with particular focus on how elements from classic films like *Deewaar* have shaped modern blockbusters such as *KGF*, *Pushpa*, and *Salaar*.

How does the video script connect the 1970s film *Deewaar* with modern-day blockbusters?

The script highlights how *Deewaar* established a formula involving two brothers, one a policeman and the other a criminal, set against the backdrop of family and syndicates. This formula has evolved but remains at the core of modern films like *Pushpa* and *KGF*, which similarly feature characters engaged in smuggling, law enforcement, and syndicate wars.

What are some of the key emotions and themes that formula films play on, according to the script?

The key emotions and themes that formula films play on include family bonds, particularly the mother’s role as a powerful figure, revenge, and the fight against corruption. These emotional elements resonate with the mass audience, which is why they have been consistently used in films over the years.

What major shift in character archetypes does the script mention regarding today's heroes?

The script notes a shift from traditional 'Angry Young Man' heroes, who were depicted as black-and-white characters fighting corruption, to modern-day anti-heroes or grey characters. These newer heroes, like those in *KGF* and *Pushpa*, not only fight against crime but often coexist with it or have morally complex motivations.

What example does the script provide to illustrate the evolution of the 'Angry Young Man' archetype?

The script uses *Agneepath* as an example, where Vijay Dinanath Chavan's character, played by Amitabh Bachchan, mirrors the complex egos and motivations seen in modern films like *KGF*. Despite *Agneepath* being a flop initially, it laid the groundwork for the modern grey character archetype.

How does the script describe the role of the villain in modern Bollywood films?

The script explains that in modern Bollywood films, the villain is no longer just a single antagonist but can represent larger systems, such as the government or powerful syndicates. This shift adds layers to the villain's role, making them more complex and tied to the larger societal issues the heroes are fighting against.

What formula does the script propose for a successful modern multi-starrer film?

The proposed formula involves casting three stars—Mahesh Babu as a government official, Prabhas as a grey anti-hero, and Yash as a syndicate member. The plot revolves around their rivalry, eventually culminating in them teaming up to fight the corrupt government. This structure is designed to appeal to a mass audience and maximize box office revenue.

How does the script suggest handling the release of the proposed trilogy?

The script suggests releasing the trilogy in parts, with the origin stories of Prabhas and Yash shown in the first two films, building excitement. Mahesh Babu's cameo should be included in both films to tie the story together. The final film would feature the heroes' battle, with a resolution where they join forces against the government, creating a satisfying conclusion for the audience.

Why does the script emphasize the importance of multi-starrers in modern Bollywood films?

The script emphasizes the importance of multi-starrers because they increase the potential for higher box office earnings. By featuring multiple big stars, the film can appeal to a broader audience and create more excitement, especially when pitting popular actors like Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, and Yash against each other.

What comparison does the script make between the formula-based films of today and older films like *Kala Patthar*?

The script compares modern formula-based films to older films like *Kala Patthar* by noting that both share similar themes of complex relationships, multiple villains, and the presence of a larger system of power. It asserts that modern films are not direct copies but are instead inspired by the same underlying formula, which has been adapted for contemporary audiences.