"Grand Masti" is a Bollywood adult comedy film that was released in 2013. The movie is a sequel to the 2004 film "Masti" and features actors Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani in the lead roles. The movie follows the story of three college friends who reunite after several years for a college reunion and end up getting involved in various misadventures.
The film was highly controversial due to its explicit sexual content and was criticized for its objectification of women. However, it was a commercial success at the box office, grossing over 100 crores. The film's success led to the release of another sequel, "Great Grand Masti," in 2016.
"Great Grand Masti" is the third installment in the "Masti" film series, also a Bollywood adult comedy film, released in 2016. The movie features the same lead actors Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani, along with actresses Urvashi Rautela and Shraddha Das. The film follows the story of the three friends who again get involved in various misadventures when they visit a haunted house.
Like its prequel, "Great Grand Masti" was criticized for its vulgar content and objectification of women, but it managed to do decent business at the box office. The film's success, however, was marred by piracy as the entire movie was leaked online before its release.
Both "Grand Masti" and "Great Grand Masti" were considered controversial due to their excessive use of sexual innuendos and objectification of women. They were not well received by critics and some members of the audience, who felt that the films were regressive and promoted misogyny. Nevertheless, the movies were commercially successful, especially among young male audiences, which led to a debate on the kind of content Bollywood should produce.
The commercial success of "Grand Masti" and "Great Grand Masti" raised concerns about the portrayal of women in Bollywood films. Some critics argued that such films objectify and stereotype women, portraying them only as objects of sexual desire, and that this sends a negative message to society. They also pointed out that these films catered primarily to male audiences, and reinforced patriarchal attitudes towards women.
On the other hand, defenders of these films argued that they were harmless entertainment and that people should be free to watch and enjoy whatever they choose. They also argued that these films were simply reflecting the reality of society, where such attitudes towards women are prevalent.
The debate over the portrayal of women in Bollywood films is ongoing, with some filmmakers and actors pushing for more nuanced and diverse representations of women in films. Some recent films, such as "Pink," "Lipstick Under My Burkha," and "Thappad," have been praised for their sensitive and nuanced depictions of women's experiences and their struggles against patriarchal attitudes and violence.
In conclusion, "Grand Masti" and "Great Grand Masti" are two Bollywood films that have been commercially successful but have also been the subject of controversy due to their objectification of women. These films have highlighted the need for more nuanced and diverse representations of women in Indian cinema.
As a response to the criticism of the portrayal of women in Bollywood films, several initiatives have been taken to promote gender equality and diversity in the film industry. For example, in 2018, the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) ordered the producers of "Grand Masti" to delete certain scenes from the film due to their offensive nature towards women. This decision was seen as a positive step towards curbing the objectification of women in Bollywood films.
Additionally, organizations such as the Indian Women Rising (IWR) and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) have been formed to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the Indian film industry. These organizations are working towards creating safe and equal spaces for women in the industry, and to provide more opportunities for female filmmakers, writers, and actors.
There is also a growing awareness among audiences and filmmakers about the need for more responsible and ethical storytelling. Some filmmakers are now attempting to make films that challenge stereotypes and promote more positive images of women. This is reflected in the increasing number of female-centric films being produced in Bollywood, which are breaking new ground in terms of storytelling and representation.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding "Grand Masti" and "Great Grand Masti" has brought to light the issue of the portrayal of women in Bollywood films. While these films were commercially successful, they also served as a wake-up call for the industry to take a more responsible approach to storytelling. Initiatives such as those taken by the FCAT and organizations such as IWR and WCC, along with the efforts of responsible filmmakers, are helping to bring about positive changes in the Indian film industry.