Bhojpuri cinema, also known as “Bhojiwood”, has gained immense popularity in India over the years. With its unique blend of traditional folk music, dance, and drama, Bhojpuri movies have captured the hearts of millions of viewers all around the world.
From action-packed blockbusters to romantic musicals, the Bhojpuri film industry has something to offer for every type of movie lover. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top 10 must-watch Bhojpuri movies of all time, the rise of Bhojpuri cinema, challenges faced by the industry, and the future trends and predictions.
The Rise of Bhojpuri Cinema: A Brief History
Bhojpuri cinema traces its roots back to the early 1960s when the first Bhojpuri-language film, “Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo” was released. It was directed by Kundan Kumar and starred popular Bhojpuri singer, Padma Shri Manoj Tiwari. The movie was a huge commercial success and paved the way for more Bhojpuri movies to be made in the coming years.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Bhojpuri cinema saw a decline due to lack of funding and limited audience appeal. However, it experienced a revival in the late 1990s with the release of movies like “Aulad” and “Dangal”. These movies not only garnered critical acclaim but also became commercially successful, leading to a surge in Bhojpuri movie production.
Today, Bhojpuri cinema has established itself as a major player in the Indian film industry, with a steady stream of releases every year. It has also gained popularity among the diaspora community, especially in countries like Mauritius, Fiji, and the United States.
Bhojpuri Movie Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its growing popularity, the Bhojpuri movie industry faces several challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of proper funding and infrastructure. Compared to other regional film industries in India, Bhojpuri cinema receives limited financial support from the government or private investors. This makes it difficult for filmmakers to produce high-quality movies that can compete with mainstream Hindi films.
Another challenge faced by the industry is the negative stereotypes associated with Bhojpuri movies. In the past, Bhojpuri films were known for their low production value, crude jokes, and over-the-top action sequences. However, in recent years, there has been a conscious effort by filmmakers to break away from these stereotypes and present more meaningful and socially relevant content.
Despite these challenges, there are also several opportunities for growth in the Bhojpuri movie industry. With the rise of digital streaming platforms, Bhojpuri movies now have a wider reach and can tap into a global audience. Moreover, collaborations with other regional film industries and international production houses can help in elevating the quality of Bhojpuri movies and bring them to a wider audience.
Must-Watch Bhojpuri Movies for Every Film Lover
- Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo (1963) – Considered as one of the pioneering films of Bhojpuri cinema, this movie tells the story of a young girl’s journey through life and her love for the river Ganges. The soulful music and powerful performances make it a must-watch for every Bhojpuri movie fan.
- Sasura Bada Paisa Wala (2004) – This comedy-drama marked the return of Bhojpuri superstar, Manoj Tiwari, to the silver screen after a long hiatus. It became the highest-grossing Bhojpuri movie of its time and is still remembered for its hilarious dialogues and memorable songs.
- Nirahua Hindustani (2014) – Featuring popular actor-singer Dinesh Lal Yadav, also known as Nirahua, this action-comedy movie was a blockbuster hit and spawned several sequels. It follows the story of a man from a small village who moves to the city in search of work and falls in love with a local girl.
- Devra Bada Satawela (2010) – This romantic drama marked the directorial debut of popular Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan. The movie received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of rural life and a heart-wrenching love story.
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) – Although not a Bhojpuri movie, this crime drama directed by Anurag Kashyap was shot in Bhojpuri dialect and features several Bhojpuri actors. It tells the story of a feud between two families and their pursuit of power and revenge.
- Bhole Shankar (2008) – This devotional movie starring Manoj Tiwari revolves around the legend of Lord Shiva and his devotion towards his consort, Goddess Parvati. The movie is a must-watch for those interested in mythology and religious themes.
- Kashi Amarnath (2017) – This biographical drama tells the story of late Bhojpuri singer and actor, Amarnath Yadav. It highlights his struggles and hardships in the film industry and how he achieved success through his talent and determination.
- Nadiya Ke Teer (1972) – Another classic Bhojpuri movie, this romantic drama is based on the famous novel “Devdas” by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. It features popular Bhojpuri actor, Anand Mohan, in the lead role and is known for its emotional depth and soulful music.
- Dharam Veer (1977) – Starring superstar Dharmendra and popular Bhojpuri actress Dina Pathak, this movie is a perfect blend of action, drama, and romance. It tells the story of two princes separated at birth and their quest to reunite and defeat their enemies.
- Nirahua Rickshawala 2 (2015) – This action-comedy sequel to “Nirahua Rickshawala” became one of the highest-grossing Bhojpuri movies of all time. It features Dinesh Lal Yadav and Amrapali Dubey in lead roles and is a must-watch for fans of the franchise.
Bhojpuri Movie Stars Who Made it Big in Bollywood
Over the years, several actors and actresses from the Bhojpuri movie industry have made their mark in Bollywood. Some of the most notable names include:
- Ravi Kishan: Known as the megastar of Bhojpuri cinema, Ravi Kishan has appeared in over 100 Bhojpuri films and has also worked in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu movies. He rose to fame with his performance in “Saudagar” (1991) and has since acted in several hit Bollywood films like “Tere Naam” (2003), “Raavan” (2010), and “Mukkabaaz” (2018).
- Manoj Tiwari: Popularly known as “Manoj Ji”, he started his career as a singer and later transitioned into acting. He has appeared in over 150 Bhojpuri films and has also acted in Bollywood movies like “Gangs of Wasseypur” (2012) and “Lucknow Central” (2017).
- Rinku Ghosh: This former Miss Mumbai won hearts with her debut Bhojpuri film “Suhag” (2001). She has since appeared in over 75 Bhojpuri films and has also worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada movies. Her notable Bollywood appearances include “Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya” (2001) and “Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega” (2001).
- Pawan Singh: He started his career as a playback singer for Bhojpuri movies and later became an actor. He has appeared in over 50 Bhojpuri films and has also sung songs for Hindi and Marathi movies. His Bollywood debut was in the movie “Bhojpuriya Raja” (2016).
Bhojpuri Movie Songs That Became Instant Hits
Bhojpuri cinema is known for its foot-tapping music and catchy lyrics. Some of the most popular Bhojpuri movie songs that became instant hits are:
- “Lollipop Lagelu” from “Devra Bada Satawela” (2010) – This song, sung by Pawan Singh, became an overnight sensation and introduced the world to the Bhojpuri music scene.
- “Saat Samundar Paar” from “Nirahua Hindustani” (2014) – This remake of the classic Bollywood song by the same name became a chartbuster hit and is still played at every Bhojpuri wedding.
- “Jiya Ho Bihar Ke Lala” from “Gangs of Wasseypur” (2012) – Sung by Manoj Tiwari, this song became a popular anthem among Bhojpuri movie fans and is still widely played at cultural events.
- “Jila Top Lage Lu” from “Aatankwadi” (2017) – Featuring Amrapali Dubey and Arvind Akela, this song became an instant hit and crossed over 100 million views on YouTube.
Behind the Scenes: Making of a Bhojpuri Movie
The making of a Bhojpuri movie follows a similar process as any other regional film industry in India. The first step is the selection of a script, which is then developed into a screenplay and finalized by the director. Once the script is ready, the casting process begins, and actors are chosen based on their availability and suitability for the role.
Bhojpuri movies are usually shot in locations within Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand as these areas have a significant Bhojpuri-speaking population and provide a realistic backdrop for the stories being told. The production team, including the director, producers, camera crew, and technicians, travels to these locations with the cast for the shooting of the movie.
One of the unique aspects of making a Bhojpuri movie is the emphasis on music and dance. Most Bhojpuri movies have several musical numbers that add to the entertainment value of the film. These songs are recorded separately and later filmed with the actors dancing to the tunes.
Post-production involves editing the footage, adding special effects and background music, and dubbing if required. The final product is then released in cinema halls or on digital platforms for audiences to enjoy.
Bhojpuri Movie Awards: Recognizing Excellence
The Bhojpuri film industry has its own set of awards to recognize and honor the talent and hard work of those involved in the making of Bhojpuri movies. Some of the most prominent awards include:
- Bhojpuri Film Awards – Organized by Bhojpuri Cinema and Television Artist Association, these awards are given in various categories like best actor, best actress, best director, and best film.
- Bhojpuri International Film Awards – Started in 2015, these awards aim to recognize the achievements of Bhojpuri cinema on a global level. They are organized by the Bhojpuri Film Festival, held annually in Mumbai.
Impact of Bhojpuri Movies on Regional Cinema
The success of Bhojpuri movies has had a significant impact on regional cinema, especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It has not only created job opportunities for actors, directors, and technicians but has also given a platform for local stories and traditions to be showcased to a wider audience.
Moreover, the popularity of Bhojpuri movies has led to a surge in tourism in the areas where these films are shot. People from other states, as well as foreign tourists, often visit these locations to experience the rich culture and heritage portrayed in these movies.
Future of Bhojpuri Movies: Trends and Predictions
The future of Bhojpuri movies looks bright with the increasing popularity of digital platforms and collaborations with other regional and international film industries. The industry is also evolving in terms of content, with more socially relevant and meaningful stories being told.
One trend that has emerged in recent years is the use of Bhojpuri dialect in mainstream Hindi films. This has not only helped in breaking the negative stereotypes associated with Bhojpuri cinema but has also introduced a wider audience to the beauty and richness of the language.
Moreover, with the rise of social media, Bhojpuri movie stars have gained a strong fan following, and their presence on these platforms has helped in promoting Bhojpuri cinema to a global audience.
In conclusion, Bhojpuri cinema has come a long way since its inception and has carved a niche for itself in the Indian film industry. With its unique blend of culture, music, and drama, Bhojpuri movies continue to captivate audiences and are sure to entertain us for years to come. So, add these must-watch Bhojpuri movies to your watchlist and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of “Bhojiwood”.
