Bollywood 2025: A Year of Violence and Sequels

As 2025 comes to a close, Bollywood finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with a concerning trend in its storytelling approach. The year can largely be summed up as one dominated by violent male characters, sidelined women, and an overwhelming number of sequels. Audiences saw a slew of films that either glorified toxic masculinity or rehashed old stories, leaving viewers frustrated and yearning for fresh narratives.

This year, male stars leaned heavily into hypermasculine roles, often portraying characters that were not only violent but also devoid of depth. A notable example is the film "Dhurandhar," which epitomized the year's trend with its male-dominated narrative. Similarly, "Deva," featuring Shahid Kapoor as a sexist cop, set the tone for a year filled with such portrayals. With big-budget films like "Chhaava" and "Maalik," there was a clear pattern of glorifying aggression, making it hard to overlook the lack of nuanced storytelling.

Alongside this, sequels and spiritual sequels became a mainstay in Bollywood. Films like "War 2" and "Housefull 5" raised questions about creativity in the industry. The return of characters from previous hits, regardless of whether they were needed, highlighted a lack of originality. Even comedies like "Mastii 4" continued to perpetuate outdated humor, often at the expense of women. It begs the question: how many more times must audiences endure films that trivialize serious themes for the sake of entertainment?

While love stories made a return in 2025, they often fell flat under the weight of stereotypes and predictable plots. "Saiyyara" emerged as a refreshing exception, resonating with audiences through its heartfelt portrayal of a committed relationship. However, many subsequent romantic films failed to capture that magic, either being clichéd or lacking substance altogether.

Despite the overwhelming negatives, there were some silver linings in the form of films that dared to tackle sensitive issues and showcased offbeat characters. Titles like "Homebound" and "Superboys of Malegaon" provided glimpses of hope for a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape. Unfortunately, many of these films struggled to secure proper screenings, often relegated to OTT platforms.

As the industry reflects on 2025, it stands at a crucial juncture. The hope is that in 2026, Bollywood will embrace creativity and push boundaries, moving beyond fear-driven narratives. It’s time to create space for diverse voices, including women and the queer community, and to tell stories that truly reflect the rich tapestry of Indian society.