|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Introduction: Where Did the Laughter Go?
There was a time when Bollywood comedies ruled our hearts.
From Hera Pheri to Andaz Apna Apna, Chupke Chupke to Dhamaal, the genre was pure joy full of wit, characters we remembered forever, and laughter that stayed long after the credits rolled.
But today, ask someone: “What’s the last Bollywood comedy you genuinely laughed at?”
Most will go blank.
Because something has changed.
Bollywood’s comedy engine seems broken with forced jokes, recycled ideas, and awkward writing. In a time when laughter is much needed, why is Bollywood failing to deliver?
The Golden Era of Comedy
Before diving into the current crisis, let’s rewind.
The Classic Comedies That Worked:
- Hera Pheri (2000) – Timeless characters, clever plot, situational comedy
- Chupke Chupke (1975) – Wordplay, subtlety, and class
- Andaz Apna Apna (1994) – Absurd yet lovable humor
- Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) – Heart with humor
- Welcome (2007) – Over-the-top yet balanced madness
These films had soul. They didn’t try too hard. And they trusted the script.
What Went Wrong in Modern Bollywood Comedy
1. Lazy Writing, Over-Reliance on Slapstick
Modern comedies often repeat the same loud dialogues, overacting, and toilet jokes.
The humor feels forced, not earned.
2. Overuse of Star Power
Many films bank on a star’s charm instead of actual comic timing.
But without a solid script, even the biggest names can’t save a bad joke.
3. Outdated Tropes
- Men dressing as women
- Fat-shaming and racism used for laughs
- Mocking accents or disability
What was once tolerated is now rightly questioned. But writers haven’t evolved.
4. Copying Instead of Creating
Too many films are either:
- Sequels (Housefull 4, Golmaal Again) with weaker plots
- South remakes that lose flavor in translation
Fresh, original humor is missing.
How OTT Changed the Game
OTT platforms brought in a new wave of comedy:
- TVF Tripling, Gullak, Panchayat, Pitchers – relatable, grounded, and witty
- Stand-up specials like those by Zakir Khan, Anubhav Singh Bassi, Kenny Sebastian built humor around everyday experiences
These shows feel real, not loud. They connect with modern audiences without trying to be “funny” all the time.
What Audiences Want Now
- Relatable humor
- Witty writing over slapstick
- Situational comedy, not forced punchlines
- Strong characters who feel human
- Humor with meaning, not just noise
Social media comedy (memes, reels) has also raised the bar people are consuming smarter, quicker, sharper jokes every day. Films need to match that level.
Some Recent Exceptions That Worked
A few films have brought back smart humor:
- Bareilly Ki Barfi – Charming, character-driven
- Stree – Horror comedy with social subtext
- Dream Girl – Conceptual humor that connected
- Badhaai Ho – Comedy from awkward reality
These films respected the audience’s intelligence. That’s key.
Comedy Is Evolving Bollywood Needs to Catch Up
Today’s India is not the same as 2000s India.
We’re global, meme-aware, socially conscious, and language-diverse.
Comedy has become:
- Faster
- Smarter
- More honest
Bollywood needs writers who understand this shift.
The Way Forward
- Invest in Good Writing
Hire young, observational writers. Let comedy come from situations, not punchlines. - Avoid Stereotypes
Audiences no longer laugh at jokes that offend. Respect sensitivity. - Build Real Characters
Make characters who struggle, fumble, laugh naturally. Not caricatures. - Learn from OTT and Stand-Up
Tap into India’s new comedy voice raw, real, and relatable. - Give Fresh Faces a Chance
Not every comedy needs a superstar. Some of the best laughs come from actors who live the role, not perform it.
Parting Thoughts
Laughter is still the best medicine. But only if it feels real.
Bollywood has the talent, legacy, and audience for a comedy comeback but it needs to stop treating comedy like a side dish and give it the love it deserves.
The next Hera Pheri is waiting to be made. But it won’t come with lazy writing, loud acting, and borrowed jokes.
It’ll come when we go back to what made us laugh in the first place: truth, timing, and a little bit of madness.
