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India Today
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Blending style with substance: Evolving language of espionage in storytelling
Hindi cinema has recently seen a boom in the spy genre. From Salman Khan's 'Ek Tha Tiger' (2012) kickstarting the origins of Yash Raj Films' spy universe, to Neeraj Pandey's 'Baby' (2015) and 'Naam Shabana' (2017), the espionage saga in films and shows has evolved over the years. With Pandey's grounded storytelling or YRF's 'Mission Impossible'-inspired thrillers with a Bond-like flair in the spy genre, the genre has created a new cinematic wave in Hindi cinema. However, when it comes to films and shows, the audiences have grown to appreciate much more than gadgets, glitz and glamour over the years. Where is this genre heading, though? Is it all style and mass, but no meat? spoke to the industry experts to understand more about the genre and where it is thinking of espionage stories, a larger-than-life spectacle often comes into the picture. There has been a template in terms of storytelling in the genre by blending jingoism with the commercial elements of mainstream Bollywood. These stereotypes have now been broken with the OTT boom. Audiences are now rooting for more grounded and relatable characters and are not going to settle for mere style over recent teaser of Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani's much-hyped 'War 2' has created a lot of buzz since it was launched. The action-thriller from Aditya Chopra's spy universe is a spin-off to 'Tiger 3' and 'Pathaan' while depicting similar chase sequences, hand-to-hand combat, aerial wire-work action, explosions, beach shots and musical sequences. In spite of movie buffs raving about the upcoming grand spectacle, it is worth noting that some previous big-budget films were mounted on the same yardstick. Despite the moderate or disappointing fate of these films, Bollywood filmmakers still stick to similar formulaic storytelling. At a time when not just OTT platforms but social media and podcast channels have also become an alternative to content consumption, it is crucial to retrospect the future of cinema and the much-needed evolution in film genres and the age of algorithms and market economics, where there is a reel for every teaser and trailer, the X-factor in storytelling needs to come from unique, layered characters and relatable stories, irrespective of the genres. With growing conversations around the future of theatrical releases, it is pivotal to also consider the changing preferences and content consumption habits of audiences. Movie lovers exposed to not just Hindi and English shows, but K-Dramas, Iranian and other languages' cinema are not going to have the same approach towards movie viewing as in earlier shows like 'The Family Man,' 'Special Ops,' 'Mukhbir - The Story of a Spy' and 'The Freelancer' paved the way for more nuanced, research-based stories, do mainstream Hindi filmmakers also need to evolve in their storytelling? On being asked whether the Indian audiences have become more discerning towards the spy genre post the OTT revolution, 'Mukhbir' writer Vaibhav Modi says, "In the pre-OTT era, we did not have too much exposure to that genre. A little bit of that kind of storytelling was there in the American shows, but not many people had access to it. But, if you look at that genre over the last few years, starting with 'Special Ops,' 'Bard of Blood' and 'The Family Man.' So, it has definitely given exposure to Indian audiences."advertisementFilmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra, however, feels that the Hindi film audiences haven't been discerning towards spy films as there have been many such stories being backed by studios like YRF. He says, "Spy content is still very popular on films and streaming platforms. There are an entire spy universe content-based films which are coming out.""Even Alia Bhatt and Sharvari are coming up with a spy film ('Alpha'). So, producers wouldn't be willing to back such movies if it were a discerning audience. If you get it right in terms of the flow, you will always enjoy it. The plot needs to be engaging enough for it not to be discerning. As a genre, it will never go out of fashion," he Gul Panag, who has acted in 'The Family Man', feels that there has been a shift in the audiences' ability to filter content since the OTT boom. She says, "Since the last 4–5 years, the audiences have been discerning towards not just spy content but all kinds of genres. They have been exposed to content from across the world. The viewers have been consuming films and shows available in many different languages. There has also been a shift in their ability to filter content dramatically."advertisementWatch War 2 teaser here: The virality of content and the bridging of language barriers in the current OTT era have also shaped how traditional audiences prefer watching films. Apart from engaging storytelling, is it also time for more research-oriented, nuanced filmmaking when it comes to spy genres? In spite of the charismatic on-screen personas of mainstream stars, does the Hindi film audience also expect character-led espionage films? Are producers willing to back such stories?While reflecting on the same, Modi says, "I would think so because one of the trends has been picking stories from real-life incidents. The other thing is making content from published material. There are a bunch of books out there that are based on declassified information from RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) and IB (Information Bureau). This medium allows time to develop research-based content."The writer also feels the long-form format of storytelling in the spy genres gives them more creative freedom in comparison to films. He further says, "This format of telling a story over eight or ten odd episodes gives you the ability to develop more characters and world-building compared to films where you are only going after one plot. Obviously, producers and writers have gone deeper in terms of geopolitical aspects of a story. In 'Mukhbir', we actually had to create the era where India's relationship with Pakistan was a certain way. We did a lot of deep research related to it."advertisementMalhotra, on the other hand, stresses the need to back writers apart from making projects based on big stars. He says, "If it is a real-life espionage story, then it is better. So, you need a big star and a big setup. Instead of backing stories, producers don't back writers in our film industry; they back stars. I am talking about barring Aditya Chopra, there is no other producer who is going to back the writers."Panag, while weighing on the same, feels that the backing has to come from the platforms. She says, "The producers are certainly open. The backing, however, has to come from platforms. At the end of the day, the numbers are on the platform, and they decide which shows to greenlight."The espionage genre in Indian cinema is not just about nationalism and high-octane action, but also concerns cross-border terrorism and geopolitics. With streaming platforms adapting to more realism and current events, it is imperative for mainstream cinema to also consider the changing trends. The cinematic experience doesn't just have to be about stunts and grand-VFX, but also set a narrative that compliments ongoing politics, national security threats, global terrorism and secret service agencies. Will the success of shows like 'The Family Man' or 'The Freelancer' impact the kind of spy films Bollywood greenlights in the next few years?advertisementPanag points out the diversity in the spy genre on OTT platforms and how the success of these shows depends on the audiences' response. She says, "Espionage is not only 007-style spy stories. That is what big blockbusters have been feeding us. But there have been lots of examples on streaming platforms like 'Jack Ryan,' 'Fauda' and others that have handled the narrative differently. There was this show with Sasha Baren Cohen ('The Spy'), based on a true story as well. The success of these stories, however, also depends on how well they have been received by the viewers."Watch Special Ops 2 teaser here: The future of spy stories largely depends on the ever-changing content-consumption pattern of audiences. Will movie-goers be more inclined towards masala entertainers, musical espionage thrillers, blending 'James Bond' with 'Dhoom'-inspired glamour and gadgets? Or has there been a revolutionary change in the cinematic preferences of film lovers?What is the future of spy stories in Hindi cinema? Panag feels there will always be a theatrical market. However, the actor credits OTT platforms for democratising content. She says, "OTT platforms in today's times have democratised content consumption. I will still go and watch Mission Impossible on the 1st day. So, there will always be a theatrical market apart from OTT platforms. And I don't think the two will cannibalise each other. The consumer is now king and the content creators have to work harder to get a piece of their attention. Earlier, the content was skewed in favour of the supply-side films that were released theatrically and, of course, the content we viewed on traditional television. But today there is a much larger choice and so scope for everyone."Theatrical releases are here to stay irrespective of the rise of streaming shows. The espionage genre - YRF's universe or the Bond franchise - will always appeal to the masses. However, the success and longevity of such stories will only be cinematically relevant if they resonate with the evolving mindset of audiences. Both mainstream films and OTT releases will have to bring a certain novelty and uniqueness to storytelling with a combination of realistic narrative apart from visual appeal in order to ensure audience fate of 'War 2,' 'Alpha,' 'Special Ops 2' and 'The Family Man 3' will define the future course of such films and Watch
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
EXCLUSIVE: Special bond with Salman Khan to being scolded by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 7 heartfelt revelations by Sooraj Pancholi
Sooraj Pancholi finally made his acting comeback with the recently released film, Kesari Veer, after a significant gap. Most recently, while speaking exclusively with Pinkvilla's Hindi Rush, the actor opened up about his personal and professional life, while he also reflected on the hardships he faced during his jail term. Here are the top 7 revelations made by him in the interview. 1. Sooraj Pancholi on special bond with Salman Khan Sooraj Pancholi recalled meeting Salman Khan after getting a random call from him. When the superstar asked him what he was doing, he told him about his acting classes. In response to this, the Sikandar star asked him to finish them quickly and offered a meeting with Ek Tha Tiger's director Kabir Khan. "I hope Kabir takes you. I'll make you meet him. So, cross your fingers. If he likes you, he'll take you as an AD. You will learn a lot," he recalled Khan telling him. Interestingly, it was only on the sets of Ek Tha Tiger that the young actor got his debut film offer. During the conversation, Sooraj clarified that the superstar is not his 'call away friend.' 'He is my boss, he is my sir... log bolte hain na hi bolo to gale lag jaate hain, mera attitude nahin hai (If he says hi, people hug him, but that's not my attitude). I know it is his space,' he said. 2. Sanjay Leela Bhansali scolded Sooraj Pancholi on the sets of Guzaarish Sooraj Pancholi was an AD on Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan starrer Guzaarish. He recalled being scolded by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali the most. He shared, "Hrithik sir ki seat pe mujhe hi baithna padta tha unke lighting ke liye mujhe hi baithna padta tha aur unki lighting mein agar aap idhar udhar bhi dekho to mic to nahin... direct file udd ke aati hai wahan se (My job was to sit on Hrithik sir's seat for lighting, and if you look here and there, a file would come flying at you). So, that's his teaching, and I'm glad," he said, further adding how a mother also teaches her son. Watch the full interview here 3. Jackie Shroff's advice to Sooraj Pancholi The Kesari Veer actor mentioned that Jackie Shroff is like a father figure to him. He also talked about the advice he received from him as he shared, "Mera beta picture kar liya na, abhi iska sochne ka nahin, aage badhne ka doosri karne ka fir aage badhne ka, picture ka nahin sochne ka. promotion ho gaya par mind mein doosri picture aage rakhne ka... aage badhte raho kuch bhi kaam aayega lene ka... nahin aayega dhakka marne ka" (My son, now that you are done with the film, don't think about it. Move ahead and do another film. Done with the promotions, keep the second film in the film, and keep doing whatever work you get. Even if you don't, push your boundaries)." 4. Sooraj Pancholi was kept in the same cell as Ajmal Kasab Sooraj opened up about his jail experience and recalled being kept in the same jail where Kasab was kept. He stated that while he was just a 21-year-old boy, he was treated like he had done a bomb blast. 'They put me where they put Kasab. I didn't even have a pillow; I'd sleep on newspapers. I'm not putting up any drama. It was only after four or five years that I understood what I'd been through. It felt like a dream when it was happening. The CBI investigation happened… They kept me in the 'anda cell (solitary confinement)'. It was difficult.' 5. Sooraj Pancholi recalls meeting Sushant Singh Rajput The 34-year-old actor clarified that Sushant Singh Rajput wasn't his 'friend' but an 'industry colleague.' He also recalled their first meeting, recalling, 'Unhone khaali mujhe ek baar unki ek film ki screening ke liye bulaya tha... bas uske baad thodi halki fulki dosti hui thi... hamare beech mein common friends the par kabhi unke saath time spend nahin kar paaye (He invited me once to one of his movie screenings and there on we knew a bit of each other. We had common friends, but never got the chance to spend time with each other).' 6. Sooraj Pancholi wants to have a low-key wedding Sooraj remarked that he would want to have a court marriage or a low-key wedding. "It's going to be me, maybe the girl whom I am going to marry, her small family, my small si shaadi (small wedding), then I'll go for a holiday with her because I don't want to put that money on sangeet, mehendi, and this and that," further exclaiming that he would rather spend that money on a mountain vacation with his wife. 7. Sooraj Pancholi's friends in the industry Sooraj also revealed that he has just a couple of friends in the Hindi film industry, including Tiger Shroff and Krushna Abhishek. "Very, very good friend of mine is Krushna Abhishek. Just warmth, we met each other, one of my biggest supporters. I love him," he said, reflecting on his bond with the actor and comedian. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
When Alia Bhatt was asked about her 'dark side' and her innocent reply still lives rent-free in our heads
Alia Bhatt is one of the most talented and vivacious actresses in Bollywood. While it's always a treat to watch her in the films, she effortlessly holds your attention even with her interviews. This reminds us of Alia's old interview where she was asked about her "dark side" and her innocent reply still lives rent-free in our heads. During an interview with Filmfare, the actress opened up about her family WhatsApp group named The Bhatt Camp and how everybody shares quotes in it regularly. When asked about her dark side, she said everybody has it. But it was the quote that followed that made us her fan all over again. "If there's no darkness, how you gonna appreciate the light," she said. The host was stunned by her reply and said that it was a quote by Mahesh Bhatt. However, Alia Bhatt denied that and shared in her usual innocent and endearing style that it was her only contribution to the "Bhatt Camp" WhatsApp group. She also went on to share how she searched for the quote on Google to later share it with her family. Meanwhile, Alia created global buzz recently with her debut appearance at Cannes Film Festival. From fans to fashion critics, everybody admired her looks. Earlier today i.e. May 28, the actress took to Instagram and shared glimpses from her Cannes visit. In the caption, she also hinted that she will be continuing to attend the prestigious film festival next year. "cannes-dids okay bye, see you next year," wrote the actress. On the work front, Alia is currently busy shooting for her upcoming action film Alpha. Also starring Sharvari and Bobby Deol, it's the 7th YRF Spy Universe movie after Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, Tiger 3, and War 2. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film is slated to release on December 25, 2025. She will also be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated Love & War which will feature her in the lead alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The upcoming romantic drama is being made on a big budget and is slated to hit cinemas in March 2026. Reportedly, Alia is also set to enter Maddock Horror Comedy Universe with the upcoming film Chamunda which is expected to release on Dec 4, 2026. Stay Tuned to Pinkvilla for more Bollywood updates.
Pink Villa
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
EXCLUSIVE: Sooraj Pancholi recalls a random call from Salman Khan that got him THIS role in Ek Tha Tiger
Sooraj Pancholi is currently making waves in the industry for his latest film Kesari Veer. The actor who started his acting career with Salman Khan Films' Hero recently opened up about how a random call from the superstar got him the job of Assistant Director in Ek Tha Tiger. In an exclusive interview with Hindi Rush, Pancholi opened up about working as an AD in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish and Kabir Khan's ETT. Sooraj Pancholi recalled that he was taking his acting classes when he received a missed call from "somebody" during the lunch break. As he called back, he remembered the person asking, "Sooraj, where are you?" When the actor asked who the person was, he was told, "Salman Khan. Come to Yash Raj" before dropping the call. Pancholi ignored the communication thinking it was a prank call and moved on. He recalled receiving call from Salman's sister Arpita Khan Sharma who was his senior in school. She asked Sooraj why he was not calling Salman back. A surprised Sooraj called the superstar multiple times but received no response. He tried looking for the superstar after reaching Yash Raj Films studio, but couldn't find him there as well. Just when he decided to leave, he got a call from Khan who was standing behind him. Sooraj who was wearing a cap at that time was praised for his good looks by Salman who also asked him to take it off. As they continued the conversation, Salman asked Sooraj what was he doing. When he told him about his acting classes, the superstar asked him to finish it quickly while offering a meeting with Ek Tha Tiger's director Kabir Khan. "I hope Kabir takes you. I'll make you meet him. So cross your fingers. If he likes you, he'll take you as an AD. You will learn a lot," Sooraj was told by Salman. Sooraj shared that he was unsure why Salman Khan called him because he wasn't a close friend of his father (Aditya Pancholi) and mom (Zarina Wahab). Talking about his connection to Salman, the actor shared that the superstar had seen him before when he was just 5-7 years old. The Hero actor also recalled asking the superstar multiple times why he called him randomly. "He just smiles. Unka ja chota wala smile hota hai (His usual little smile) he just gives that," said the actor. Sooraj also recalled growing close to Salman on the sets of Ek Tha Tiger and that's how he was offered Hero, his first film as an actor which was produced by the superstar. Hero was directed by Nikkhil Advani and also marked the debut of Suniel Shetty's daughter Athiya Shetty. The film was released in 2015. Ek Tha Tiger was the first film in YRF Spy Universe which featured Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in the lead. The film released in 2013 and proved to be a mighty blockbuster.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sooraj Pancholi says, "Salman Khan did so much for me when I had no scope'
Salman Khan introduced actor Sooraj Pancholi to the world of cinema in 2015 with the film Hero which also starred Athiya Shetty . Salman's unwavering support deeply affected Sooraj, who was then coping with everything that went against him after Jiah Khan's death. He sobbed as he gave Salman a hug during his very first media appearance at the trailer unveiling. Sooraj spoke on Salman's affection and confidence in him and shared recollections of working with him on Ek Tha Tiger in a recent interview. Talking about Salman Khan's 'unconditional' support for him, the actor told Screen, 'He did so much for me when I had no scope of any happiness. He came there as a messiah and helped me. He was there for me unconditionally. I bonded with him on the sets of Ek Tha Tiger. I was the last AD and got a lot of time to spend with him; that's where he got some kind of liking for me. I don't know why. I don't know why he wanted to help me, and he stuck by his words. Today, whatever I am is because of his push.' During the interview, Sooraj also recalled how his debut movie Hero, was offered to him by Salman Khan as a birthday gift. 'During Ek Tha Tiger, we were in Mardin, Turkey, in the mountains. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo It was cold. I had gone to sleep, and at 4 am, there was a knock on the door. My roommate saw through the peephole that Mr Salman Khan was standing outside. So he woke me up. We opened the door, and he asked both of us to come to his room at that very moment. We walked to his hotel, and then he sat me down, made me meet Reshma Shetty, and said she would manage my work from now on,' he shared of the incident. 'He wished me a happy birthday and gave me the contract for my first film. As an assistant director, he had put me on the film. He called me and asked me to come to Yash Raj. There, he made me meet Kabir Khan and asked him to take me as an AD on the film. My father and he aren't friends. They know each other due to the industry, but I don't know why he has this liking towards me. I still question it and ask him sometimes, 'Why me?' And he just smiles,' the actor further added. Sooraj was recently seen in 'Kesari Veer' along with Suniel Shetty . Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
