Is Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema (2015), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "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."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema, Sanjeev Bhaskar delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.