🎬 The Premise
Released in 2015, Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on
Indian cinema has the largest audience of any art form on the planet.
Under the direction of Deep Sehgal, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Sanjeev Bhaskar, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi.
While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
🎥 Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema offers a
competent presentation. The cinematography
uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone.
The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema resonates with current
cultural themes in the Documentary space.
It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema is available in theaters worldwide.
For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape.
Indian cinema has the largest audience of any art form on the planet. With a population of over a billion, India has recently enjoyed an economic boom and its movie stars are treated like deities. Today their fame stretches across the diaspora, in what has become a truly global industry. As Indian cinema celebrates its centenary, Sanjeev Bhaskar travels across the subcontinent to get under the skin of the Indian movie business as never before. From young hopefuls in the slums of Mumbai to superstars like Kareena Kapoor and Aamir Khan, he meets the stars of the silver screen and the people behind the scenes - legendary producers, directors, musicians and choreographers - exploring the stories behind some of the greatest films ever made.
The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2015 cinema will find fairly predictable.
💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the
ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread.
Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
📝 Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema (2015): with an audience rating of 5.2/10, the reception has been divisive.
It is a recommended for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.