Indian cinema is gaining international traction, particularly in Australia, where audiences are responding positively to its themes of hope and optimism. Award-winning director Aamir Khan, often referred to as the George Clooney of Indian film, emphasizes the distinctiveness of Indian storytelling compared to the increasingly cynical narratives prevalent in Hollywood. “There’s a lot happening in Indian cinema right now. It’s going through lots of changes and growth,” Khan noted.
In recent years, Indian films have made significant inroads into the Australian market. For instance, S.S. Rajamouli’s action-adventure film RRR grossed nearly $3.64 million in 2022, while the action thriller Jawan surpassed that figure with earnings of over $4.65 million in 2023. The thriller Pushpa 2: The Rule also performed well, generating $4.29 million in its release year. While these figures are modest compared to major Hollywood hits—such as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which earned over $23 million in Australia—they reflect a growing interest in Indian cinema.
Positive Values and Changing Narratives
The success of these films has prompted Australia to establish a National Indian Film Festival earlier this year, further highlighting the increasing popularity of Indian cinema. The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, now in its 16th year, has also played a critical role in promoting Indian films abroad. Khan, who serves as the event’s chief guest, remarked on the unique qualities of Indian cinema: “It has retained its innocence. It takes you into an imaginary world … It believes in the goodness of human beings, it believes in positive values.”
Khan contrasts the essence of Indian films with the more cynical storytelling often found in contemporary Hollywood productions. He likens Indian cinema to the classic films of the 1950s and 1960s, such as Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, emphasizing a narrative style that champions optimism and human goodness.
While the term “Bollywood” often comes to mind when discussing Indian films, Khan asserts that this label no longer captures the entirety of the industry. The Mumbai-based Hindi-language film sector is known for its elaborate song-and-dance sequences, but Khan points out that many contemporary films are evolving beyond these traditional tropes. “A lot of the films I’ve done use songs almost like a background score as opposed to lip-sync,” he explained. This shift allows for a more nuanced integration of music that enhances the storytelling without overshadowing it.
Emerging Talent and Future Prospects
The dynamic landscape of Indian cinema is also being shaped by a wave of young talent, which Khan finds particularly exciting. These emerging filmmakers and actors are bringing fresh perspectives and narratives that resonate with both domestic and international audiences. “They have their own strong voices,” he stated, suggesting that this new generation will continue to propel Indian cinema into the global spotlight.
As Indian films increasingly capture the imagination of viewers worldwide, their optimistic themes offer a refreshing alternative to the darker tones often seen in mainstream Western cinema. The film industry’s ability to adapt and innovate while remaining true to its cultural roots is likely to sustain its appeal moving forward.
Overall, Indian cinema’s international success underscores its potential to bridge cultural divides and foster a greater appreciation for diverse storytelling methods. As audiences continue to embrace these narratives, the future of Indian cinema looks promising, with Aamir Khan and his contemporaries leading the charge into a new era.
