Why is modern cinema losing its emotional core?
Synopsis
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.