Bollywood's 2025: A Year of Gritty Narratives and Unflinching Violence

In 2025, Bollywood films have taken a bold turn, reflecting the turbulent times with narratives steeped in violence and historical themes. Major releases like Chhaava and Dhurandhar not only showcase intense storytelling but also challenge the audience's perceptions of heroism and morality. These films delve into India's past while mirroring contemporary political ideologies, creating a cinematic experience that is both shocking and thought-provoking. As the industry grapples with its identity amidst changing viewer preferences, these blockbusters reveal a deeper commentary on society's current state. Explore how these films are reshaping Bollywood's landscape and what they signify for the future of Indian cinema.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 11:44 IST

A Reflection of Turbulent Times

The current era is marked by harsh realities and turmoil, so it’s no wonder that some of Bollywood's top films in 2025 reflect this unsettling nature.

Among the year's highest-grossing films, two shared a common thread: Akshaye Khanna portraying the antagonist, and both aimed to delve into deep-seated issues, extracting every ounce of emotion from them. Films like Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara challenged the notion that Bollywood is losing its audience to dubbed regional films or streaming platforms.

Exploring Dark Themes

Chhaava and Dhurandhar took this exploration further, amplifying themes of anger and revenge against both real and imagined adversaries. While employing engaging storytelling techniques, these films diverged from the conventional entertainment formula.

They presented themselves as serious examinations of Indian history, both ancient and contemporary, effectively narrowing the divide between reality and fiction, thus captivating viewers.

A Story of Pain and Truth

These films conveyed a message: 'We will narrate a story that may be uncomfortable and hard to believe, but trust us, it is rooted in reality, and we will reveal what has been hidden from you.'

The narratives echoed the hardline ideology of the current government, presenting a selective view of history and a no-mercy approach to politics. Unlike the past, where government films were often dull documentaries, today's Bollywood aims to jolt audiences into awareness and compliance.

Violence and Valor in Cinema

Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava, which depicts the brutal execution of Maratha emperor Sambhaji by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, brings a level of brutality reminiscent of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ (2004). Utekar, like Gibson, uses shock to create awe, showcasing Sambhaji's bravery amid horrific torture, igniting outrage over Aurangzeb’s cruelty even centuries later.

Audiences have embraced Chhaava, while Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar is poised to shatter box office records.

Authenticity and Controversy

Dhurandhar enhances its narrative with a pulsating soundtrack and a claim to authenticity, blurring the lines between fact and fiction, particularly concerning its portrayal of Pakistani characters.

The film incorporates real news footage of terror attacks and recordings of conversations between terrorists and their handlers, presenting a documentary-style perspective on actual events while maintaining the essence of a typical undercover agent thriller.

The Evolution of Heroism

In Uri: The Surgical Strike, a character inspired by Ajit Doval tells the prime minister that it's time to retaliate, emphasizing the need to strike at the heart of the enemy.

The phrase 'Ghar mein ghuskar maarenge' has evolved from a line in Yash Chopra’s Deewar (1975) into a rallying cry for terrorism-themed films, showcasing a shift towards a more aggressive and unscrupulous approach in spy thrillers, with Dhurandhar exemplifying this trend.

A New Kind of Hero

The rage-filled, bloodied protagonists in Chhaava and Dhurandhar redefine the Angry Young Man archetype, now embodying the prevailing social and political order rather than rebelling against it.

These characters are not disillusioned skeptics but rather aggressive champions of the status quo, appealing to audiences who find solace in their raw power and brutality.

Romantic Obsession and Dark Themes

The theme of the incensed hero extends beyond these films. In Aanand L Rai’s Tere Ishk Mein, Dhanush plays Shankar, a working-class student leader who believes he has a claim over Kriti Sanon’s character, Mukti, regardless of her feelings.

This unsettling portrayal raises concerns, especially in a society where acid attacks are alarmingly prevalent, yet the narrative frames Shankar's obsession as romantic.

Revisiting Classics

Even classic films are not immune to this trend. Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay was re-released with enhanced visuals and its original ending restored, marking its 50th anniversary.

The film's return in a year characterized by anger and vengeance feels eerily timely, as it showcases a narrative that resonates with contemporary sentiments.