Subhash Ghai Shares Insights on Changing Trends in Indian Cinema

Mumbai: Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai, known for blending glamour, drama, and compelling storytelling, recently shared his views on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. In a detailed conversation, he discussed the relationship between filmmaking and education, the growing trend of recreating classic songs, and the rising popularity of action films at the box office.

Experience in Cinema and Education

With over 50 years in the film industry and 25 years in education, Subhash Ghai reflected on his journey. He recalled his days as a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, where he studied acting and developed a deep understanding of world cinema. After three years as an actor, he transitioned into writing, directing, and producing films.

Over his career, he has directed around 18-19 films, with 14-15 being successful hits and a few flops. Beyond filmmaking, Ghai expanded his role by taking his company public through an IPO, becoming a distributor and theatre owner, and eventually founding the Whistling Woods International film school.

Explaining the motivation behind starting Whistling Woods, he said, “Many students get lost after coming to Bombay; they don’t know where studios are, whom to meet, or how to showcase their talent. We created this school so students can spend 2-3 years learning from experts, practicing, and then entering the industry with confidence.”

Views on Remakes and Changing Narratives

Addressing the current trend of recreating classic songs and films, Ghai emphasized that every creative work is a product of its time. He cited examples from Mozart and Beethoven to legendary Indian filmmakers like Mehboob Khan, Guru Dutt, and Bimal Roy, noting that every 30 years a new wave of directors and writers emerges.

He explained, “Cinema is a mirror of society. As people and times change, so do the issues, drama, expressions, and storytelling styles. The narrative style of the 1980s and 1990s no longer fits today. With the digital era bringing platforms like OTT, web series, and television, creators now have opportunities to tell diverse stories, big and small.”

Changing Trends in Film Genres

On the popularity of action films, Ghai remarked, “Trends in cinema shift every 20 to 30 years. The 1970s saw a rise in action films with Amitabh Bachchan, while the 1960s focused more on family and social dramas. The 1990s were dominated by romantic love stories. Audiences get bored with one style and look for something new, which is why action films have gained prominence again over time.”

Subhash Ghai’s insights offer a comprehensive understanding of how Indian cinema continuously adapts to social changes, technological advances, and audience preferences, making it a dynamic and evolving art form.