It is an incredible time for movies. The idea that language is a barrier that cannot be overcome is being proved to be a farce now. Take the visual spectacle, RRR, helmed by the mastery of SS Rajamouli for instance. It became a global hit (especially amongst the Western audiences) — and this was totally unexpected but still deserving. And what about the mind-blowing action-packed scenes that elevated Everything Everywhere All At Once to another level altogether? The underlying metaphor for absurdism is brilliant. So what makes these movies more memorable than other action-heavy movies? One word: emotions.
To simply put it, as Rajamouli said:
Over the course of my career, I learned that the stronger the emotions or more basic the emotions, the more people tend to like your movie.
Why do emotions matter
Let me make this clear: RRR is extremely action-packed. I don’t have an issue with that. But the sole reason this movie worked was due to the emotions that drove them. And, no, revenge in its most superficial form is not the only emotion to justify illogical action choreography, seen in most other action movies. RRR worked because it was a global film in its truest sense. While this is a fictional tale of two Telugu freedom fighters joining hands (I mean, it’s literally in the title card that appears 40 minutes well into the film), the treatment of the British resonates amongst the Indian audience and globally, too. That is why it became such a phenomenal hit overseas in places like Africa as well!
And the coda, the end part of [Naatu Naatu], consists of so much stamina, you cannot call it merely a song — it is an action sequence.
The electrifying dance number, Naatu Naatu, took the world by thunder and won the Golden Globe and the song is even nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars! It is an incredible feat for an Indian song. (And it's Telugu!) Rajamouli considered the dance-off between the British and our duo as an action sequence in itself. Wonderful, no?
The entrance scenes of Ram Charan and Jr. NTR are the most spectacular, astonishing and brilliantly-executed scenes that I’ve ever seen. While the former tackles an entire mob of a thousand angry people just to catch one guy, the latter is introduced trapping a tiger in a forest, giving major The Jungle Book feels. Rajamouli’s vision peaked when Jr. NTR roars back at the tiger, clearly upholding his nickname in the home market: Young Tiger. Again, these worked only due to the intense emotions that made the characters’ real-time reactions very plausible.
I recently also watched EEAAO and it was something I’ve never seen before. This genre-bending movie had such memorable action sequences that showed Marvel and DC that you don’t need thousands of millions of dollars to deliver a ridiculously beautiful multiverse movie! Marvel’s Doctor Strange: The Multiverse of Madness was poorly executed but had the same concept of “verse-jumping”. What contrasts EEAAO from any other superhero movie is the strong emphasis on human emotions which make the characters extremely relatable. Michelle Yeoh’s terrific performance as Evelyn, the burnt out laundromat owner was refreshing to watch. I shouldn’t forget to mention Stephanie Hu’s amazing portrayal of Joy/Jobu Tupaki, the depressed verse-jumping antagonist in search for something (or nothing?)
What about other “successful” action movies?
I watched Pathaan on Friday and it was a treat to the eyes to see SRK back on the big screen after 4 years. It is also commendable how technologically-advanced the action scenes were. Truly James Bond-esque. I enjoyed watching the movie to an extent until the constant flying-around-in-futuristic-gliders tired me. I understand that patriotism and the two words, “Jai Hind”, have a profound effect on people (myself included), but there comes a point when the India-Pakistan enmity being the sole conflict isn’t too interesting anymore.
The emotions displayed were so superficial to the point where the chiselled abs and muscles of SRK and John Abraham had more screen time than any real, vulnerable emotions. But movies like Pathaan and Brad Pitt’s Bullet Train, where there are way too many chaotic things happening, were received well at the box office. So, when I say their action sequences weren’t successful, I mean they didn’t strike an emotional chord with me. After all, we remember memorable scenes only because they have deep-rooted emotions, right?
It is no secret that Bollywood is a dwindling industry right now. Compared to South Indian cinema, it isn't as rooted and plot lines are very superficial nowadays. It's sad but there's hope if filmmakers realise that the secret of successful action movies is creating an emotional connection with the audience. In that sense, even clichéd films can get approved by the story-craving audience.
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