Why is modern cinema losing its emotional core?

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Why is modern cinema losing its emotional core?

Synopsis

In a provocative interview, veteran actor Rakesh Bedi discusses the emotional void in modern cinema and its reliance on visual spectacle. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and emotional depth, providing insights into the decline of true comedy in films today. Bedi’s reflections challenge the current cinematic trends and highlight the need for substance over spectacle.

Key Takeaways

  • Modern cinema is shifting towards visual spectacle rather than emotional storytelling.
  • Emotional depth is essential for creating memorable films.
  • Classics showcase humor through character-driven narratives.
  • Organic humor leads to lasting success in comedy shows.
  • Rakesh Bedi emphasizes the need for strong scripts in filmmaking.

Mumbai, Dec 12 (NationPress) Renowned actor Rakesh Bedi discussed the evolving landscape of contemporary cinema.

In a riveting conversation with IANS, he articulated why modern films often lack emotional resonance, despite their extravagant visuals and superior production quality. Rakesh pondered over the transformation in storytelling techniques over time, emphasizing that emotional depth is vital for creating truly unforgettable films. When prompted about the absence of genuine emotions in today’s cinema, Rakesh Bedi stated, “We are producing less drama these days. The emphasis has shifted towards high production values, grand action scenes, and visual extravagance. Only a select few films today possess rich emotional narratives.”

“Consider Saiyaara, for instance—it was a modest film, yet it succeeded because of its emotional richness. Contemporary cinema often adheres to a formulaic approach: action scenes, glamour, item numbers, and visual spectacles. Without a robust script, nothing truly resonates.”

On the topic of modern comedy films, Rakesh remarked, “If you examine classics like Chupke Chupke, Chashme Baddoor, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, or Padosan, these were authentic comedies that didn’t rely on a specific comedian. Each character was inherently humorous. In our nation, we average about one pure comedy film per decade.”

“Currently, there are two shows—Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah—that showcase natural humor. Coincidentally, I’m part of both. Their enduring popularity stems from their organic humor. Beyond these, few creators are willing to explore comedy.”

Professionally, Rakesh Bedi has recently featured in the action thriller Dhurandhar, where he portrayed Jameel Jamali, a cunning and formidable Pakistani politician. Directed by Aditya Dhar, this spy action thriller starred notable actors including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun. The film premiered in theaters on December 5, 2025.

Point of View

Rakesh Bedi's commentary on modern cinema sheds light on a critical issue. As audiences increasingly gravitate towards visually stunning films, the essence of storytelling and emotional connection appears to be diminishing. Bedi's observations encourage a re-evaluation of cinematic priorities, urging creators to restore the emotional richness that captivates audiences.
NationPress
12/12/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Rakesh Bedi say about modern cinema?
Rakesh Bedi expressed concerns that modern cinema often lacks emotional depth, focusing more on high production values and visual spectacles.
Why are emotional narratives important in films?
Emotional narratives are crucial as they create lasting connections with the audience, making films memorable.
What examples did Bedi provide about successful films?
He cited Saiyaara as a small film that succeeded due to its rich emotional content.
What is Bedi's view on modern comedy films?
He believes that true comedy films should not rely on specific comedians but have humor inherent in every character.
What recent project did Rakesh Bedi work on?
He recently appeared in the action thriller Dhurandhar, playing a Pakistani politician.
Nation Press