Bollywood, the most influential film industry in India, significantly shapes the social values, attitudes, and behaviors of the country's youth. As a leading form of entertainment, Bollywood films play a crucial role in identity formation, gender perceptions, career aspirations, and societal norms. This study explores the social impact of Bollywood films on young audiences, emphasizing both their positive and negative influences. On the positive side, Bollywood has been key in raising awareness about various social issues, including gender equality (as seen in Pink), mental health (illustrated in Dear Zindagi), LGBTQ+ rights (highlighted in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan), caste discrimination (addressed in Article 15), and political activism (exemplified by Rang De Basanti). These films have initiated important discussions and motivated young people to engage in social change. However, Bollywood has also faced criticism for perpetuating harmful stereotypes, such as toxic masculinity, unrealistic romantic ideals, the objectification of women, and the glorification of violence and materialism. This research reviews existing literature, audience reactions, and case studies of influential Bollywood films to understand how cinema influences youth perspectives and social behavior. The findings provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and filmmakers to develop more socially responsible storytelling that encourages positive change and critical thinking among young audiences.
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- A. Prabhu (Author), Neha Kunal (Author), Muskan Kalra (Author), Joseph Kagana (Author), 2024, The Social impact of Bollywood films on youth, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1581831
