The portrayal of sex scenes in Bollywood movies has traditionally been conservative due to India’s cultural norms and the censorship guidelines imposed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Unlike Hollywood, explicit sex scenes are rare, and filmmakers often resort to suggestive rather than graphic depictions of intimacy (fx using songs and dances).
Suggestion and Symbolism
Historically, Bollywood has relied on symbolic gestures to imply sexual intimacy without showing it explicitly. Scenes might cut to two flowers touching or a closing door to suggest what’s happening without showing it directly.
Rain scenes, scenes featuring fire, or sequences involving the characters engaging in playful activities can be metaphors for passion and desire.
Songs and Dances
Romantic and suggestive songs and dances have been a staple to portray passion and intimacy between characters. They are often shot in picturesque locations, focusing on the chemistry between the actors rather than overt sexual content.
A modern Bollywood movie that adheres to traditional standards is Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! (1994). This classic family drama is filled with songs celebrating Indian weddings and traditions.
The song “Dhiktana Dhiktana” subtly showcases the beginning of a romantic relationship between the lead characters through glances and playful moments during family gatherings. The portrayal of romance is very traditional and indirect, focusing on the emotional connection rather than the physical:
A more modern example is the song Jo Bhi Kasmein from the movie Raaz (2002), which features Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea in a series of romantic and sensuous moments.
The song, through its lyrics and visuals, subtly portrays the intimacy between the couple:
Gestures and Glances
Filmmakers use close-ups of the actors’ faces, their glances, and subtle gestures to convey sexual tension and intimacy.
The emotional depth and chemistry between characters are emphasized more than the physical act.
Physical Intimacy Without Explicitness
Over the years, Bollywood has gradually started depicting scenes with more physical intimacy, including kissing and lovemaking scenes.
However, these are typically shot tastefully, keeping in mind the sensibilities of the Indian audience. The level of explicitness varies, but it is generally far less graphic than what might be seen in Western cinema.
Read more on how sex scenes are filmed in the West.
Changing Trends
Recently, though, there has been a noticeable shift in how sex scenes are portrayed in Bollywood movies, especially in films targeting urban and international audiences.
Filmmakers are now more open to exploring themes of sexuality but still within the constraints of CBFC guidelines (film-certification body of the Government of India.)
Web series and films released online have more leeway and have featured more explicit content, given they are not subject to the same censorship as theatrical releases.
Overall, the portrayal of sex scenes in Bollywood is evolving, but the industry remains mindful of India’s cultural sensitivities and censorship laws.
The focus is still on the emotional aspects of relationships rather than graphic sexual content.
Recent Bollywood Web Series with More Explicit Depiction of Sex
The digital space has allowed for more explicit content due to fewer censorship restrictions than traditional cinema. Here are three web series that have been noted for their more open portrayal of sex:
Sacred Games (2018-2019)
This Netflix series broke new ground for Indian content with bold themes and explicit scenes. The show includes several sex scenes integral to the narrative and character development, marking a significant shift from the symbolic portrayal often seen in Bollywood films.
Lust Stories (2018)
An anthology film released on Netflix, “Lust Stories” explores themes of love, sex, and relationships in modern India. The series is notable for its direct approach to discussing and showing sexual relationships, including scenes and narratives that focus on female sexuality and desires.
Mirzapur (2018-present)
Available on Amazon Prime, “Mirzapur” includes explicit language, violence, and sex scenes. The portrayal of sex in the series is more straightforward and is used to add to the raw and gritty realism of the storyline.
Summing Up
In Bollywood, sex and intimacy are often portrayed with a blend of subtlety and intensity, focusing more on the emotional bond between characters rather than explicit content.
This approach highlights the importance of relationships’ emotional and romantic aspects, often through poetic dialogues, soulful songs, and beautifully choreographed dance sequences that symbolize passion and love.
As filmmakers from the West, we can benefit from studying this portrayal by learning to create deep, meaningful connections between characters without relying heavily on graphic scenes, i.e., emphasizing the beauty and depth of intimacy beyond the physical act.
Up Next: The production time of Bollywood movies.
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