Why Comedy Movies Are Losing Their Real Comic Effect

May 17
05:00

2024

Jenny Jonson

Jenny Jonson

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The decline in the quality of comedy films, particularly in the Hindi film industry, is becoming increasingly evident. Purely humorous movies are now a rarity, with an increasing reliance on sleaze and slapstick humor. This article delves into the reasons behind this decline, comparing Bollywood and Hollywood comedies, and looking ahead to what the future holds for the genre.

The Decline of Comedy in Bollywood

The quality of comedy in Bollywood has been deteriorating over the years. Purely humorous films are becoming scarce,Why Comedy Movies Are Losing Their Real Comic Effect Articles replaced by movies that rely heavily on slapstick and sleaze. This trend is frustrating for fans of genuine comedy.

The State of Bollywood Comedy in 2012

In 2012, the standards of slapstick comedy in Bollywood hit a new low. Movies like "Gali Gali Mein Chor Hai" and "Housefull 2" exemplified this decline. "Gali Gali Mein Chor Hai," intended as a humorous take on corruption in India, failed to deliver genuine laughs. An item number by Veena Malik was not enough to save the film from being a snooze-fest.

"Housefull 2," despite its commercial success, further highlighted the decline in quality comedy. The movie grossed nearly ₹44 crores in its opening weekend, but its success was more due to star power than genuine humor. Overacting and forced comedy were common criticisms from audiences.

Looking Ahead to 2013

The outlook for 2013 did not seem promising either. Movies like "Chennai Express" and "Himmatwala" were anticipated with mixed feelings. "Chennai Express," a collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty, had fans excited, but the trailer's reception was lukewarm. The film's reliance on flying cars and over-the-top action sequences did not bode well for those seeking quality comedy.

"Himmatwala," another 2013 release, was also met with skepticism. The hope was that it would offer more than just a rehash of old tropes and provide some genuine laughs.

Hollywood's Raunchy Turn

Hollywood's comedy scene has also seen a shift towards raunchier content. Movies like "Ted" and "The Dictator" exemplify this trend.

The Success of "Ted"

"Ted," a film about a sleazy teddy bear, was a massive hit in 2012. It grossed $54.1 million in its opening weekend, breaking the record previously held by "The Hangover" (Box Office Mojo). The film's success highlighted the growing appeal of raunchy humor.

The Crudeness of "The Dictator"

"The Dictator," another 2012 release, was one of the crudest comedies of the year. It generated $4.2 million in revenue from various markets, with nearly $2 million coming from the United Kingdom (Box Office Mojo). The film's success underscored the diminishing line between funny and vulgar.

A Cleaner 2013?

The upcoming comedy movies of 2013 seemed to offer a glimmer of hope. Films like "Despicable Me 2" and "Smurfs 2" promised a return to cleaner, family-friendly humor.

"Despicable Me 2"

"Despicable Me 2," the much-anticipated sequel, excited animation and comedy lovers alike. The film's blend of humor and animation made it one of the most promising releases of 2013.

"Smurfs 2"

"Smurfs 2" also had the potential to be one of the highest-grossing movies of 2013. Its family-friendly content was a welcome change from the raunchier comedies of previous years.

Conclusion

The decline in the quality of comedy films, both in Bollywood and Hollywood, is a concerning trend. The increasing reliance on slapstick and raunchy humor has overshadowed genuine, clean comedy. However, the upcoming releases of 2013 offered a glimmer of hope for fans of the genre. It remains to be seen whether the industry will return to producing quality comedies that can be enjoyed by all.

Interesting Stats

  • "Housefull 2" grossed nearly ₹44 crores in its opening weekend, despite mixed reviews (Box Office India).
  • "Ted" grossed $54.1 million in its opening weekend, breaking the record previously held by "The Hangover" (Box Office Mojo).
  • "The Dictator" generated $4.2 million in revenue from various markets, with nearly $2 million coming from the United Kingdom (Box Office Mojo).

For more insights into the state of comedy films, check out Box Office Mojo and Box Office India.