THE 1980s: Mogambo Khush Hua!

1980s might be called an era, where the Hindi film industry took on a new phase altogether. Although the trend originated in the 70s, it is not surprising to know, that how the typical Hindi ‘Bollywood’ film is often recognised today; as being a mindless yet entertaining piece of cinema,  can be claimed to have become well-established by the 1980s.

Source: Google Images

ATTEMPTS AT APING THE SOUTH

Hindi cinema changed its focus from experimenting with different genres and different storylines, to sticking a common theme; namely the macho hero, fighting away 10 people single-handedly, while also being able to sing and dance and woo the heroine, all by himself! In a more serious approach, the quality of cinema had deteriorated and hence the 1980s is blamed for starting the trend of making movies for the sake of making money. Movies were repetitive, and South Indian films had started being imitated, with the sole aim of entertaining the masses, while over-the-top comedy and a certain aspect of objectification of women also started making its entry in movies. However, the 1980s can be credited for producing some of the most light-hearted movies of the time as well like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron.

THE COMING OF MOVIE PIRACY
What was also visible during the Bollywood of the 80s was the emergence of revolutionary new technology whose flipside became more dominant - like video piracy, audio piracy and the use of stereophonic sound to inculcate alien musical trends like disco, frenetic beats and a certain disregard for lyrics. Legal and illegal watching of films at home saw movie producers catering to the lowest common denominator of audience that could not afford to buy video players and formed the majority of the reduced theatre-going audience.

SOME OF THE SUPERHITS OF THE 80s INCLUDE:

Karz(1980), Lawaaris (1981), Satte pe Satta (1982), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron(1982), Himmatwala (1983), Sharaabi(1984), Mr. India (1987),  Qayamat se Qayamat Tak(1988), Tezaab(1988), Maine Pyaar Kiya(1989)