What is the most common thing that happens repeatedly in every second Bollywood movie?

 The biggest cliche or a common thing in nearly every second Bollywood movie is the love story/romantic track of the central characters.

Bollywood creates a movie on power of Astras called Brahmastra- and we have Shiva played by Ranbir Kapoor’s love story with Alia’s character. Even their so called love astra/prem astra defeats Brahmastra in the climax

credit - Google images

Bollywood chose an invincible warrior - Bajirao Peshwa, who has not lost even a single battle, rather than showing his warrior and strategic skills as it acclerated the growth of the Marathas, however, showcased him as a Devdas kind of lover stuck between Mastani and his family ( Bajirao Mastani ).

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RAW spies while serving country have been playing cupid with Pak’s ISI in Bollywood’s Spy universe ( Tiger series, Pathaan ). A romantic track is a must in a Spy movie and for love the spy is ready to fight his own country’s agency and even stablize the govt of Pakistan ( Tiger Zinda hain and Tiger 3 respectively).

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Samrat Prithviraj movie could have shown the aura and greatness of Prithviraj Chouhan, however, considerable part of the movie focussed on the love story with Santogita’s character and aftermath leading to Jaichand giving Supari to Mohd Gori, to attack Prithiraj. Seems the love story angel escalated the war

credit - google image

Sports drama’s like MS Dhoni, 81 had forced love stories. While it was briefly shown in what goes in Dhoni’s mind - but it too less shown- how he calculates real time match situation, but - movie focussed on romantic track-1 with Disha and romantic track -2 with Kaira’s character.

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Padman has linear track and an issue to be showcased, and then makers added not so required - brief romantic track of Akshay and Sonam Kapoor.

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Their are few exceptions- movies like Chak De, A Wednesday, Baby which did not had any love story as a central theme and they were an amazing watch. Good movies can be created without adding forced romantic track.

What makes Tollywood movies so appealing to audiences, and how do they manage to create successful commercial films?

 

Right now, I’m stuck on my ship waiting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and honestly, Telugu cinema is one of the things helping me keep my sanity intact. 😄

Obssessed with Sankranthiki Vasthunam.

For me, movies are primarily about entertainment.I don't go to a theatre expecting a serious social lecture or something that will make me feel depressed after a hard day of work.I watch movies because I want to forget everything for two or three hours,relax,laugh,enjoy some action,listen to good music and come out of the theatre feeling refreshed.

And in that sense, I personally feel Telugu cinema is the best in India right now.

I'm not saying other industries don't make good movies.Tamil cinema has made some fantastic entertaining films. Malayalam cinema has its own strengths and produces excellent films.Kannada cinema has also made some very good movies.Every industry has its own style.

But if you ask me which Indian industry consistently understands pure theatrical entertainment,my answer is Tollywood.

What I appreciate most about Telugu cinema is that they don't seem embarrassed about making a movie simply to entertain people.They understand that people have jobs,stress,family problems,financial pressures and all kinds of things going on in their lives.People simply want to sit in a theatre and enjoy themselves.Give me a good hero introduction,great music,comedy,action,beautiful visuals,strong villain,family sentiment,a few goosebumps moments and a satisfying climax—I am happy.

I don't need every movie to be realistic.

I don't need every movie to teach me something.

I just want to have fun.

For me, the story of Telugu cinema becoming popular outside Andhra and Telangana didn't start with Baahubali.

Long before Baahubali, Telugu movies were reaching Hindi-speaking audiences through dubbed versions on television and YouTube and two names that immediately come to my mind are Brahmanandam and Allu Arjun.

I remember a time when people who had never watched a Telugu theatrical movie were happily watching dubbed Telugu films simply because they were entertaining.That audience didn't necessarily care about which industry the movie came from.They trolled it initially but started loving them.They just wanted a good movie and Telugu cinema gave them that.

Today, everybody talks about pan-India cinema.But I think Tollywood deserves enormous credit for showing that an Indian film doesn't have to be made primarily in Hindi to become a nationwide blockbuster.

I don't think Telugu cinema should change just because other people criticize it.

Infact there should also be more room for pure commercial entertainment.

So, for me, Telugu cinema is number one.

I'm not saying every Telugu movie is great.Obviously there are bad Telugu movies too.I'm also not saying Tamil, Malayalam or Kannada cinema doesn't make great films.They absolutely do.I'm simply talking about my personal preference.

And honestly, I hope Telugu filmmakers continue exactly in this direction—making big,ambitious, entertaining movies that can be enjoyed not only in Telugu-speaking states, but across India and eventually across the world.

What Bollywood movies are commercial flops/average but are admirable films?

 Paresh Rawal's popular Gujarati suspense play, ‘Maharathi’ which has been running for almost 21 years now and has already had 700 successful stage performances, opened on the big screen with a stellar cast in 2008.

The film Maharathi 2008 was based on this Gujarati language play of the same name which itself was based on James Hadley Chase novel “There’s always a price tag”.

I happened to watch the movie because of good star cast of Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Boman Irani and Om Puri. All excellent actors.

Needless to say, the expectations were sky-high, especially since Bollywood doesn't really boast of too many taut thrillers of late. Maharathi doesn't disappoint, although the bindings of theatre do keep it more of an indoor affair where people play out their crimes and misdemeanors and keep the viewer guessing with their mercurial shifts in mood and passion.

I can't believe it turned out to be such an amazing suspense thriller. Even though the film was a disaster at the box office.

There are enough turns and twists in the plot to keep you in nail-biting mode, although the film does take time to build up towards a thrilling second half. Almost all the actors play out their roles to perfection.

Initially, the first 10-15 minutes appeared to be an art film, but it suddenly shifts gears. The movie suddenly goes into the murder mode. After the first murder happens, the movie drifts towards a gripping story and plot.

I really enjoyed this unique story and thriller.

If Naseeruddin renders a copybook act of a success-gone-sour story, then Paresh is matchless as the man with a million moods, most of them being fake. Boman Irani, minus his exaggerations, is eminently watchable, but it is Neha Dhupia who seems to be growing after association with alternate cinema.

If you want a taste of a desi version of the spellbinding English play turned film, then watch Maharathi. The story may be different; but the edge of danger is almost similar.

What are some of the strangest facts about famous movies?

Saving Private Ryan, is one of those war movies, which doesn’t glorify war. Instead it shows us the war, as it is. It shows us, how the bravest of the people, shudder, when a machine gun, stationed atop, sprays bullets at them.

But the brilliance of this movie comes out in this one particular scene.

This is just after the Americans penetrate the German defenses and move forward.

In this scene, two Nazi soldiers, drop their arms and try surrendering to these two American soldiers.

But instead, the Americans shoot them, after yelling ‘What ? What ? I am sorry, I can’t understand you’

Now, the master touch to this scene is that these two soldiers were NOT GERMANS.

What they were actually saying was “We are not German, we are Czech !”.

This is indeed a fact that many Czech POWs (Prisoners of War) were forcefully enlisted in the Nazi Army for aiding the war effort.

This scene without even making it evident, truly justifies the saying that
“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers”.

What are your top 5 favourite Hollywood movies of all time?

 Matrix ;

The Red pill and Blue pill terminology. Blue pill if taken will extend the existing slave life.

Red pills if consumed makes you a rebel in matrix.

Tetminator 2 : The amazing Liquid Metal Villain is

a new experience

Enter the Dragon;

The unbelievable flying kick of Bruce Lee:

Raiders of the lost Arc:

The boulder chases You.

Total recall 2:

Your wife is employed to spy on you.

I had lived with English movies for a very long time in my life from the age of 12–50. It is one of the reasons Tamil movies don’t impress me except very few.

What movies had the most brutal, but realistic, endings?

Satyakam (1969) is one of the best movies.

Truth : Satyakam played by Dharamedfra is a truthful engineer.

He has been raised by his ascetic grand father (Ashok Kumar)

Satyakam marries a victim of sexual abuse (Sharmilla Tagore)

Tough : Well, Satyakam has To suffer the brutal realities of life.

He faces severe opposition from all for being honest.

His wife bears a child ; who is not his biological son.

Finally , Satyakam becomes afflicted with a fatal disease.

Realism : On his death bed, he is approached by a dishonest contractor.

Satyakam wants to sign a contract for better future of his wife and son.

But, his wife tears the official papers and reminds Satyakam of his truthfulness.

Acceptance : His stoic grandfather wants to perform the last rites because he doubts the paternity of Satyakam’s son.

Satyakam’s son reveals that he knows that he is not the biological son of his truthful father.

Acceptance : It shakes orthodox grandfather, who acknowledges real meaning of being “truthful”

Well : "Everything can be sacrificed for truth, but truth cannot be sacrificed for anything.": Swami Vivekanand

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

What are some best movies of South Indian actor Dagguvati Venkatesh?

 Best movies of Dagguvati Venkatesh :

1. Nuvvu Naaku Nachav

Nuvvu Naaku Nachav is a cult-classic of Telugu Cinema. Directed by K. Vijaya Bhaskar, the movie is a joyous ride from the beginning till end. The movie is famous for its one-liners, which were penned by Trivikram Srinivas. Venkatesh was at his best vintage form, making it a memorable film of his career. According to the statistics, it is also one of the highest re-watched of Telugu Cinema.

2. Malliswari

Malliswari is the biggest blockbuster of the actor till date. The film also marked the debut of the bollywood diva, Katrina Kaif, into the tollywood market. Venkatesh is an unmarried bank employee, who is waiting for the girl of his dreams. Katrina is the princess of Mirzapur, who owing to her problems, is in the hideout. How the protagonist solves her problems and wins his love forms the crux of the story. Highly entertaining and emotional at the same time, the film is famous for its witty dialogues penned by Trivikram Srinivas. Are you bored? Watch Malliswari again and again.

3. Raja

Raja was aimed at family audiences, Venkatesh’s stronghold. Starring Venkatesh and Soundarya in lead roles, Raja is a heart-warming tale of a thief who helps an ailing singer in her problems. Directed by Siva, Raja opened to strong response from critics and audiences alike, making it a huge blockbuster.

4. Aadavari Maatalaki Ardhale Verule

Selvaraghavan’s family drama, Aadavari Maatalaki Ardhale Verule is another feather in Venkatesh’s cap. Alike all the director’s previous films, he tugs the heartstrings of the audiences with pitch-perfect emotions. A family drama, with heavy doses of emotion and humor, AMAV is the story of a recently employed person who falls in love with his boss. After a series of events that ruin his life, he is on criss-cross with his life and love. A blockbuster music album by Yuvan Shankar Raja ensured a massive Box-office opening.

5. Bobbili Raja

Bobbili Raja was Telugu Cinema’s western action drama. Set in the forests of Bobbili, the movie is a tale of love and revenge. The movie also marked the debut of Divya Bharati. The one-liner “Ayyo Ayyo Ayyayo” mouthed by the protagonist was a phenomenon. And who can forget the Ilaiyaraaja’s classic song, “Balapam Petti’? There is also a fight scene on a train, which was critically acclaimed. It was also the biggest hit of its time.

6. Kalisundham Raa

Kalisundham Raa was the biggest industry hit that Telugu cinema had seen at its time. Directed by Uday Shankar, Kalisundham Raa is a family drama dealing with reunions. An old couple invites their estranged son and his family to reconcile. A series of events and flashbacks, soon he realises that all is not well. The movie worked heavily due to the chemistry between the lead pairs, Venkatesh and Simran, and some heart-warming scenes.

7. Premichukundham Raa

Premichukundham Raa was the movie that made Venkatesh the darling of family audiences. Directed by Jayant C. Paranjee, the movie opened to blockbuster response and raked in lots of moolah. Venkatesh later revealed that the success of the movie inspired him to tread on a spiritual journey that he still follows.

8. Ganesh

Any Time, any place, any center, Single Hand. Ganesh”- is one iconic dialogue that is still nascent in the memories of Telugu audiences. Ganesh is a crime drama directed by Thirupathiswamy and was produced by the actor’s brother, Suresh. The protagonist loses his family due to medical negligence and is now on a mission to fight to the corruption in the industry. The movie was critically acclaimed and the actor was conferred with the Nandi Award for Best Actor.

9. Swarna Kamalam

When Venkatesh was at the brink of ascent to stardom, he acted in a classical movie, Swarna Kamalam. The movie is considered a cult-classic in Telugu Cinema. Directed by the genius, K.Vishwanath, the movie deals with the story of a woman brought up in family of dancers, and her hatred towards it. The movie is famous for its themes of classical dance and its importance in society. It was also garnered with prestigious awards across various film festivals.

10. Chanti

A remake of Tamil film, Chinna Tambi, Chanti is one of the most memorable performances of the actor till date. His acting as an innocent guy oblivious to the worldly affairs was critically acclaimed. The music by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja was a chart-buster. The movie was later remade into Hindi as Anari, and also marked the Bollywood debut of Venkatesh.

11. Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu

SVSC is a modern-classic. It also opened up the trend of multi-starrers in Telugu Cinema. Starring Mahesh Babu and Venkatesh in the lead roles, SVSC is a family drama that deals with the feuds between brothers. The movie was critically acclaimed for its perfect portrayal of middle-class nuances. Directed by Srikanth Addala, SVSC is one of the highest grossing Telugu movies at the box-office.

12. Drushyam

No spoilers! The remake of the Malayalam classic, Drishyam, Drushyam was as intense and captivating as its original. Venkatesh reprisal of the lead character was praised for its intensity. An edge-of-the-seat thriller, the movie was raved by the critics. Exhilarating performances, terrific screenplay and breath-taking suspense made it a blockbuster. Watch it if you haven’t seen the movie!

Which is your favorite thriller movie in Bollywood?

 Here are some of my favorite bollywood thriller movies

What are the top ten iconic villian performances in Bollywood movies?

 List of top 10 iconic villain roles performance in Bollywood Movies which are less discussed, but That Left a Strong Impact on the Film.

1. Sanjay Dutt in Agneepath (2012)

2. Sunny Deol in Fox (2009)

Starring Arjun Rampal and Sunny Deol

Sunny Deol rarely act in Villain role, but this is his iconic villain role.

3. Suniel Shetty in Main Hoon Na (2004)

4. Aamir Khan in Fanaa (2006)

Aamir Khan too, Mr Perfectionist who acts in Diverse Role,

Twist is in Fanaa Movie he acted first as the protagonist Rehan Qadri / Rehan Khan and also the primary antagonist. This is more like Anti-Hero role, but end up in Villain character.

While the movie positions him initially as a charming tour guide, the core narrative relies on the twist that he is a radicalized, undercover terrorist. This is must watch film for Action genre lovers if you love him as an antagonist role.

5. Ajay Devgn in Khakee (2004)

6. Bobby Deol In Animal (2023)

7. Akshaye Khanna in Humraaz (2002)

While Akshaye Khanna has recently received widespread appreciation from audiences, especially for his performance in Dhurandhar (2025), many people may not know that he has also portrayed notable villainous roles in Bollywood around 2002 peak time, this is must watch movie if you have not seen him villain role in 90s time.

8. Abhishek Bachchan in Ravan (2010)

9. Emraan Hashmi in Gangster: A Love Story (2006)

10. Kunal Khemu in Malang (2020)

There are countless actors who have played memorable villainous roles. So choosing just top 10 list is not easy. DC simply my personal selection focusing mainly on performance that are less discussed or often overlooked. I am sure many deserving actors have been missed, because there are far too many great villain performances to fit into a single Top 10 list.

Honourable mention:- Vivek Oberoi in Krrish 3, Akshay Kumar in Ajnabee (2001), Saif Ali Khan in Ek Hasina Thi (2004), Shahrukh Khan in Darr (1993)