Fun! Camera! Action!

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Have you noticed the sheer number of television soaps revolving around teen-centric themes lately? Well, you’re not alone. It’s hard not to be drawn into the fictional — and engaging — world of the young and restless. The wave is swiftly engulfing the film industry, with production houses whipping out teen-centric movies to cater to youngsters
“There is more to these shows and movies than just pretty faces and designer dresses, journeys of self-discovery and tales of love and angst, subjects that are usually dealt with,” says Preethi Choubey, an English literature professor. “The wave is slowly starting to take a calculated turn for the good and catering to the needs and requirements of the present Gen Y.
Fairytale love stories and cheesy fantasies aren’t something that draw youth to theatres anymore,” she adds.
“We are dealing with a far smarter and better informed generation here. The budgets and technologies have changed, and tinsel town has finally zoomed in on its most sizable audience — GenY — and is now all out to make money out of them. It is just a give and take policy — for teens, it’s about a quick escape from treality; and for the makers, it's easy bucks,” says online movie critic and avid blogger Vidhania Singh. With the success of Band Baaja Baraat and F.A.L.T.U, more and more filmmakers are tempted to follow suit. According to Vashu Bhagnani, producer of F.A.L.T.U, success in this genre does not come easy. “Making youth-centric films is very risky and hard to pull off. The subject has to connect instantly with the young audience, and the story has to cater to the young audiences’ needs and demands. Bollywood has finally started to get it right, and the teen genre is picking up pace” he says. With the kind of movies rolling out today, teen entertainment is getting a facelift. The movies are not about illusory, gooey love but carry a strong sense of individuality and independence, a message that Indian teens need above any other.
“Movies have always been fun — but only the ones from international houses; the old-school, feel-good movies like Bridget Jones, or the controversial Juno or mystery thrillers like the Final Destination series. But lately, there have been interesting movies from Bollywood that are catching up with international standards and holding the interest of the younger set. Movies likes Stanley Ka Dabba or Wake up Sid are breakthrough movies,” says Jayesh Taunk, a 17-year -old documentary director.
“Movies aren’t a getaway or just an entertainment package anymore. The directors shoulder a responsibility far beyond what can be comprehended at this juncture. Today’s youth are so media driven that they soak up information and habits off such mediums like a dry sponge,” says Ramya Krishnan, a professor of mass communication. She further illustrates “Shaping them or spoiling them is in the hands of the movie creator. Careful judgment and focusing on societal topics enhancing integrity, social awareness and a national sense of belonging, can communicate the appropriate message to the young generation.”