Comedy in cinema has evolved over the years. It isn’t limited to just moments of light comic relief, but has evolved as a multi-faceted genre. From slapstick humour in Hera Pheri to the dark spoof in Delhi Belly, there’s a new wave of change in comedy in Indian cinema.
But it seems veteran comic actors are not happy with the new crop of comedy films. Recently, actor Om Puri, who has starred in many comedy films including the classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, said present day Bollywood comedies are full of sub-standard jokes and punches. “Such movies do not have a proper plot or story and fail to deliver any message to the masses.”
Have Indian comedy movies grown as a genre or are they by and large limited to the old mould of mindless laughs?
Actor Amol Palekar, who has done popular comedy films like Chhoti Si Baat and Baton Baton Mein, agrees with Puri. He says, “The Indian comedy film has not grown up to its adult form. In fact it’s stooping to further lows. The content, ideas are not original. They are third-rate carbon copies of mediocre foreign films. Every time people ask me why I don’t work in present comedy films, they themselves correct their question and express happiness that I’ve maintained my dignity by keeping myself away from these films. It’s sad that we don’t have a healthy perspective towards comedies as a genre today.”
But contemporary actors and directors feel otherwise. Younger filmmakers say that different kinds of comedies are being made today. Stand-up comedian Vir Das believes the fate of a film depends on its script. “There are good and bad comedy scripts, so it will be very judgmental to compare old comedies with new ones. I think comedy as a genre has over the years earned an intellectual side to it. It’s open and satirical, matching today’s times. Comedy as a genre has redefined humour to new degree. There is nothing wrong in it,” he adds.
Director Sajid Khan’s Housefull 2 proved a success at the box office. Sajid finds Puri’s statement baseless. “His comedy films Buddha Mar Gaya or Mere Baap Phele Aap are full of vulgar jokes. Comedy films depend on the director’s skill. From satire to straight comedy, humour in films works differently for different people. What is great comedy for you might not interest your friend. Comedy films have survived and are exploring new dimensions. Nowadays, even romantic comedies are doing good business. The best comedy films are ones that the entire family enjoys,” he sums up.