Cinema is more than just entertainment; it's an influential cultural force with the power to shape societal perspectives and even catalyze change. It educates, reflects, and often refracts society’s values, aspirations, and practices, presenting both familiar realities and aspirational ideals. This dual ability to reform and reinforce societal norms gives cinema a pivotal role in embedding new ideologies and validating shared values, making it an undeniable agent of cultural evolution.

The interwoven nature of culture and cinema

According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, culture encompasses “the customs, beliefs, art, way of life, and social organization” of a particular society. This definition underscores that culture isn’t an isolated phenomenon but rather an evolving construct, shaped and reshaped by human experience, much like democracy. In India, a country with an unparalleled plurality of cultures, we see this diversity reflected across artistic, architectural, musical, and scientific expressions. Edward Tylor, in Primitive Culture (1871), eloquently defined culture as “that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.”

India’s culture, much like its diverse communities, serves as a bond that unites people, encouraging peace and coexistence despite regional differences. A common cultural thread—woven through cinema, festivals, sports, and food—fosters a sense of collective identity, sustaining a shared national ethos. Within this fabric, cinema, particularly Bollywood, plays a distinctive role in both preserving and celebrating India’s cultural diversity. Bollywood holds an advantage over other forms of popular culture as it combines multiple elements—music, dance, fashion, architecture, and tradition—into a single frame, becoming an immediate mass influencer.

Iconic films like Devdas (2002) by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which beautifully portray Bengali culture, or Dedh Ishqiya (2014) by Abhishek Chaubey, which highlights Nawabi traditions, serve as cultural artifacts that inspire values of love, respect, and tolerance. Bollywood not only celebrates India’s cultural diversity but also broadens Indian audiences’ horizons by depicting international locales like Europe, the United States, and Spain, making these places aspirational destinations. For instance, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) introduced Spain as a bucket-list destination, capturing the imaginations of young Indians. The film’s story of three friends embarking on a life-changing trip ignited a new trend among Indian youth, sparking a cultural wave of group travel and shared experiences.

Bollywood’s evolution: a mirror of changing social norms

Historically, Bollywood films have often echoed the prevailing social norms, reinforcing traditional values and rigid gender roles. Female characters were frequently portrayed in submissive roles, devoted entirely to their husbands and families, while male characters embodied strength, courage, and authority. Films from the 1980s and 1990s, like Naseeb Apna Apna (1986), encapsulated these ideals. In this film, the protagonist is a devoted wife who seeks validation from her husband despite his infidelities. Such portrayals not only mirrored societal expectations but subtly molded them, fostering a culture where patriarchy and misogyny were accepted, if not celebrated.

This conservative portrayal, while comforting in its depiction of “closed cultural identity,” also fostered a sense of community and belonging. However, it stifled individuality and marginalized nonconforming values, encouraging an “us versus them” mentality regarding Western values. For years, the West was portrayed as “the other,” with Indian cinema presenting the “Western influence” as a cultural threat. Indian cinema often highlighted the virtues of collectivism and close-knit families while depicting Western individualism in a negative light. This bias furthered stereotypes, perpetuating the belief that everything “bad” or morally suspect came from the West.

The need for cultural reform and cinema’s role in transformation

As India’s societal fabric became more complex, cinema adapted, shifting from a vehicle for tradition to an agent of change. The early 21st century marked a seismic shift in Bollywood’s narrative focus, with films that tackled social issues and advocated for change. Movies like Swades (2004) by Ashutosh Gowariker addressed brain drain, encouraging young Indians to return and work in their homeland. Meanwhile, Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) by Rajkumar Hirani rekindled Gandhian ideals, promoting national unity in an increasingly globalized world.

This evolution in cinema has also brought to light themes that were once taboo. Topics such as gender equality, sexuality, caste discrimination, corruption, and LGBTQ+ rights have made their way into mainstream Bollywood films. For instance, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019) sensitively explored a young woman’s journey in accepting her sexual orientation. Such films provided representation and validation to marginalized communities, bridging generational divides and creating a safe space for challenging conversations. The increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ narratives in Bollywood has played a pivotal role in normalizing these identities, contributing to India’s progressive stance on decriminalizing same-sex relationships in 2018.

Bollywood as a catalyst for dialogue and inclusion

Bollywood’s embrace of diverse themes has democratized the cultural landscape, transforming cinema into a platform for dialogue. The portrayal of progressive ideas and complex social issues invites public discourse, encouraging audiences to question societal norms. Through films that critique and challenge stereotypes, Bollywood pushes viewers to engage with emerging cultural ideas. This shift has not only expanded the narrative scope of Indian cinema but has also fostered social inclusion, as exemplified by movies like NH10 (2015), which highlights the brutal realities of honor killings and child marriages in rural India. These depictions bring attention to orthodox practices that continue to inhibit social progress, fostering empathy while pushing for change.

In parallel, Bollywood’s celebration of diverse identities has strengthened India’s multiculturalism. By engaging with stories that speak to marginalized communities, Bollywood has become a unifying force, promoting inclusivity and celebrating cultural pluralism. Movies that once focused solely on traditional narratives now encompass a broader spectrum, paving the way for a more inclusive society. Bollywood has also helped bridge cultural gaps by normalizing conversations about progressive values, pushing Indian audiences toward an increasingly globalized perspective on identity, relationships, and belonging.

Cinema’s continuing role in shaping India’s cultural identity

As cinema continues to evolve, its role in shaping India’s cultural identity becomes even more significant. Films remain a powerful tool for influencing public opinion, challenging societal norms, and celebrating diversity. In an era where Indian audiences are more connected globally, Bollywood’s ability to inspire introspection, adaptation, and cultural appreciation becomes a catalyst for both individual and collective growth.

Bollywood has always reflected the pulse of Indian society, but it now does so with a renewed emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, and global awareness. As new generations seek identities that transcend traditional roles, cinema’s impact grows, enabling Bollywood to redefine what it means to be “Indian.” Today, Bollywood serves not only as a reflection of culture but as an active participant in shaping a more inclusive, self-aware society.