Bollywood in 2025: Nationalism, Nuance, and the Year's Defining Films

2025 in Bollywood was a year marked by extremes, from the high-octane nationalism of films like *Dhurandhar* to the subtle social commentary of *Homebound*. *Dhurandhar*, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, became the year's defining film, for better or worse. Its depiction of an Indian spy infiltrating the Karachi underworld resonated deeply with audiences, fueled by a wave of nationalistic fervor prevalent in Bollywood. The film's meticulous craft, edgy gangster elements, and blending of fact and fiction made it both propulsive and repulsive, sparking considerable debate about its portrayal of Pakistani Muslims and its potential to reinforce existing prejudices. While the film's high production value and music were praised, its extreme violence and perceived lack of nuance drew criticism. The unexpected rise of memes surrounding the film highlighted its cultural impact, even as its nationalistic themes were being questioned.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. 2025 also saw the emergence of films that dared to ask difficult questions and challenge social norms. Neeraj Ghaywan's *Homebound*, based on Basharat Peer's NYT piece, explored class and caste dynamics with a rare sensitivity and depth, earning recognition as India's official entry to the Oscars. Aranya Sahay's *Humans In The Loop* offered an original perspective on the role of AI through the eyes of a tribal woman, while Raam Reddy's *Jugnuma* used nature and the supernatural to examine class, caste, and capitalism in the Uttarakhand hills. Shazia Iqbal's *Dhadak 2*, a remake of the Tamil film *Pariyerum Perumal*, tackled caste and class divisions in a love story, albeit with a more sanitized approach.

Alongside these socially conscious films, Bollywood also saw the return of familiar tropes. YRF’s *Saiyaara*, directed by Mohit Suri, and films like Anand L Rai’s *Tere Ishq Mein* and Milap Zaveri’s *Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat* resurrected the toxic male lover archetype, raising concerns about the messages being conveyed to younger audiences. The dominance of A-list male stars continued, with films like *Raid 2*, *War 2*, and *Kesari 2* delivering predictable fare. Kangana Ranaut's *Emergency*, while ambitious, failed to impress due to weak storytelling and tacky visuals.

Despite the mixed bag of mainstream releases, 2025 demonstrated Bollywood's potential for both reinforcing and challenging societal narratives. The success of films like *Dhurandhar* highlights the commercial appeal of nationalistic themes, while the critical acclaim of *Homebound* and other socially relevant films underscores the industry's capacity for impactful storytelling. The year's releases reflect a complex and evolving landscape, where entertainment and social commentary often intersect.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.