Documentaries and docu-series have gained significant traction in Bollywood recently, reflecting a global trend in the entertainment industry. With streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime leading the way, there’s been a noticeable shift in Bollywood filmmakers’ approach to storytelling. Real-life stories, personal journeys, and explorations of social issues are now becoming the focal point, offering a raw, authentic glimpse into various subjects. These projects give Bollywood filmmakers the freedom to create compelling narratives based on reality, which resonate deeply with audiences seeking both entertainment and meaningful content. The genre’s rise indicates a broader acceptance and interest in non-fiction storytelling, creating a space for diverse narratives that go beyond conventional commercial cinema.
This genre’s significance in Bollywood is not only due to its ability to engage with real-world themes but also because it presents a departure from the often over-the-top fictional storytelling that defines mainstream cinema. It also allows for a deeper understanding of its own culture, history, and controversies.
Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India shared with ETimes, “Documentaries hold a unique power to connect with audiences by offering intimate, authentic glimpses into the lives of extraordinary individuals. Their ability to explore universal themes—like perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose—creates deeply resonant and impactful stories. Rooted in truth, they reveal the real, human side of iconic personalities. From The Romantics to Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli to Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale to Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, our documentaries spark curiosity and deliver unparalleled insight into the lives of these icons.”
In recent years, Indian cinema has witnessed a remarkable rise in the production and popularity of documentaries, particularly those centered on Bollywood. This trend highlights an increasing appetite among audiences for authentic storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights into the film industry. From ‘The Romantics’, ‘Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale’, to ‘Angry Young Men‘, documentaries are gaining recognition as a significant cinematic form.
Recent documentary films and docu-series:
The Romantics
The Romantics is a 2023 documentary series directed by Smriti Mundhra that delves into the legacy of renowned Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra, his son Aditya Chopra, and their production house, Yash Raj Films. Spanning four episodes, the series offers an in-depth exploration of their significant impact on Hindi cinema, particularly in shaping the romantic genre. It features archival footage and interviews with prominent Bollywood personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan, providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of Bollywood romance. Notably, the series includes Aditya Chopra’s first on-screen interview, offering rare insights into his filmmaking philosophy and the workings of Yash Raj Films.
Angry Young Men
Angry Young Men is a 2024 documentary series that delves into the formidable partnership of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, the iconic screenwriting duo who redefined Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s. Together, they penned 24 films, with 20 becoming major hits, including classics like Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay, and Don. The series explores their journey as ‘outsiders’ who rose to superstardom on their own terms, highlighting their resilience, defiance, and chutzpah. It also delves into their relationships with family and the film industry, providing a comprehensive look at their impact on Bollywood.
Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous
Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous is a 2024 documentary directed by Mozez Singh that delves into the life of Indian rapper and music producer Yo Yo Honey Singh. The film chronicles his meteoric rise in the Indian music industry, his sudden disappearance at the peak of his career, and his subsequent comeback. It provides an intimate look into his personal and professional challenges, including his struggles with mental health. The documentary features interviews with industry peers such as Millind Gaba and Jazzy B, offering insights into Singh’s influence on Indian music.
Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale
Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale is a 2024 documentary film that delves into the life and career of Indian actress Nayanthara, often referred to as the ‘Lady Superstar’ of South Indian cinema. Directed by Amith Krishnan, the film offers an intimate portrayal of Nayanthara’s journey from her early years in Thiruvalla to her rise as one of India’s most prominent actresses. It highlights her professional challenges, personal relationships, and milestones, including her marriage to filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. The documentary features archival footage, personal anecdotes, and insights from industry peers, providing a comprehensive look at Nayanthara’s life beyond the spotlight. It was released on November 18, 2024, coinciding with her 40th birthday.
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is a 2024 Indian English-language documentary film directed by Raghav Khanna and Tanvi Ajinkya. The film delves into the illustrious career of filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, renowned for his contributions to Indian cinema, including the global sensation RRR. Through interviews with Rajamouli, his family, and notable collaborators such as James Cameron and Karan Johar, the documentary offers an intimate look into his creative process, inspirations, and the challenges he has faced.
The Roshans
‘The Roshans’ is an upcoming Netflix documentary series that delves into the legacy of the Roshan family, a cornerstone of Bollywood’s history. The series chronicles the journey of three generations, beginning with music composer Roshan Lal Nagrath, followed by his sons, music director Rajesh Roshan and filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, and extending to actor Hrithik Roshan. Through candid interviews and archival footage, the documentary offers an intimate look into their personal lives, professional milestones, and enduring impact on Indian cinema. Notably, the series features insights from industry stalwarts such as Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and action director Sham Kaushal. Directed by Shashi Ranjan, ‘The Roshans’ is set to premiere on Netflix on January 17, 2025.
AP Dhillon: First of a Kind
AP Dhillon: First of a Kind” is a 2023 Amazon Original docuseries that delves into the life and career of Indo-Canadian rapper and singer Amritpal Singh Dhillon, known professionally as AP Dhillon. The series offers an intimate look at his journey from a small village in Punjab to becoming a global music sensation. It features unseen personal footage and behind-the-scenes access, providing insights into his early life, musical evolution, and the close-knit team that supported his rise in the music industry.
Cinema Marte Dum Tak
Cinema Marte Dum Tak is a 2023 Indian reality docu-series that offers an intimate look into the world of 1990s pulp cinema. Created by filmmaker Vasan Bala, the series reunites four directors—J. Neelam, Vinod Talwar, Dilip Gulati, and Kishan Shah—tasked with creating a short film using their signature techniques and original crew. The series features actors such as Raza Murad, Mukesh Rishi, Harish Patel, and Rakhi Sawant. It premiered on Amazon Prime Video on January 20, 2023.
Why the Rise?
The increasing production of Bollywood documentaries signifies a shift toward more nuanced and in-depth storytelling. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime and others have played a pivotal role by providing filmmakers with the resources and audience reach necessary to explore diverse narratives. Audiences today seek authenticity, which these documentaries deliver by offering real-world insights and emotional depth.
Sharing his thoughts on what has driven the recent surge in documentary filmmaking in India, director of Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, Raghav Khanna told ETimes, “Over the past decade, the advent of streaming platforms has transformed the Indian audience’s perception of documentaries, exposing viewers to a diverse spectrum of global non-fiction narratives. From true crime, sports, and music to environment, technology, and biopics, the appetite for well-crafted documentaries has grown, proving that when made with high production values and narrative sophistication, the genre can captivate mainstream audiences.”
He further added, “This newfound appreciation has, in turn, sparked a wave of homegrown documentaries, which have not only achieved remarkable viewership but have also garnered acclaim on the international awards circuit.”
“Given Indian cinema’s central role in shaping the country’s pop culture and entertainment landscape, it was perhaps inevitable that compelling documentary stories rooted in the film industry would be told,” he shared.
Director and co-producer of the upcoming docu-series, ‘The Roshans’, Shashi Ranjan welcomed this growing trend in Bollywood. “I welcome this trend because the film industry sector has been completely ignored over the years. We have no historical documentation of almost all our greats, starting from Mehboob Khan, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, and Lata Mangeshkar to Mohammed Rafi. These are the pillars of the Indian film industry, yet we have no audiovisual documentation of their lives. So, I think this trend, if it is one, is a positive step. I’m happy that platforms like Netflix are coming forward to document these stories,” he shared.
Challenges Faced by Documentary Makers in Bollywood
Creating documentaries about Bollywood presents a unique set of challenges for filmmakers. While the genre offers a chance to explore real-life stories, it is often hindered by issues such as limited access to key figures, censorship concerns, financial constraints, and potential audience disinterest. Filmmakers must also navigate the delicate balance between objectivity and bias when portraying sensitive subjects, especially when it comes to the public personas of Bollywood stars. Despite these hurdles, documentaries provide a fascinating lens through which to explore the industry’s complex history and culture.
Engaging with Industry Insiders
Bollywood personalities are often reluctant to share personal details, making it difficult to obtain exclusive content or interviews for documentaries.
Navigating Censorship and Cultural Sensitivity
Sensitive topics, such as celebrity controversies or political matters, may face resistance from producers or the government due to censorship concerns.
Budget Constraints
Documentaries often receive less funding compared to commercial films, limiting production quality and scope.
Understanding Viewer Feedback
Audiences accustomed to glamorous, fictional storytelling may find real-life documentaries less appealing, limiting their viewership.
Ensuring Fairness and Balance
Filmmakers must balance their portrayal of events without appearing biased, particularly when handling complex or contentious subjects.
Shedding some light on the challenges faced by filmmakers while making a documentary film or series, Shashi Ranjan shared, “There are several challenges, even today. One of the biggest issues is the lack of a culture for documentary-making in India. Everyone assumes that if you want to excel in cinema, you must direct or produce feature films. This is far from the truth. Some brilliant people have made documentaries and earned international recognition, but in India, documentary filmmaking is still seen as an afterthought.”
He added, “This mindset needs to change. The industry needs to step forward and contribute more to preserving the history of cinema. We need more people to join in documenting not just cinema but other significant aspects of our society.”
Global Trends and Indian Impact
This rise also reflects a global trend where audiences are drawn to content that combines education and entertainment. In India, these documentaries go beyond the glamour of Bollywood, delving into personal journeys, cultural histories, and industry challenges. They resonate deeply, offering perspectives that enrich the cinematic landscape.
OTT Platforms and Changing Content Consumption
OTT platforms have revolutionized how audiences consume content, shifting away from traditional cinema and TV schedules. With on-demand access, viewers now have the freedom to watch content at their convenience, fostering a more personalized viewing experience. This has resulted in greater demand for diverse genres, including documentaries, as audiences seek fresh and varied narratives. The global reach of OTT platforms has also allowed Bollywood content, including real-life stories and docu-series, to connect with international audiences, further broadening the scope and appeal of Indian cinema.
Talking about the same, director Kamakhya Narayan Singh said, “OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon have played a pivotal role in this trend. Earlier, TV channels also produced similar content, but the advent of OTT platforms created a direct connection with audiences. Experimental ventures on these platforms have proven successful. For instance, the recent Yo Yo Honey Singh documentary sparked widespread discussions. While some may not find it personally intriguing, it highlights how such content caters to audience curiosity.”
Sharing in detail the factors that have contributed to the increasing focus on documentary, Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video, India said, “Indian customers have extremely diverse preferences, and there is scope for all kinds of stories to be narrated, across scripted and unscripted formats. At Prime Video, all our programming decisions are backwards to the tastes of our customers. As such, from early on, unscripted content has been an important part of our content strategy, and we’ve pioneered innovation in the space.”
Elaborating further, he added, “Last year, we launched AP Dhillon: First of a Kind, an engaging docu-follow that took the viewers on a journey with the global musical sensation. Featuring unseen personal footage and unique behind-the-scenes access, the show gave viewers a peek into his early life and current success. Angry Young Men is an unprecedented exploration of the personal and professional journey of the legendary writer duo Salim-Javed, two of the most iconic screenwriters in Indian cinema. The series not only delves into their stardom but also offers viewers a glimpse into how their collaboration shaped the country’s pop culture for decades and continues to do so even today. Cinema Marte Dum Tak, another docuseries that we launched last year, took viewers back to the golden age of pulp movies, giving them extraordinary access to the inner workings of this parallel film industry.”
He also spilled the beans about how an OTT platform like Amazon Prime decides which docu-series to greenlight. “First and foremost, it is important for us to ensure that the story evokes audience curiosity. Before commissioning a non-fiction show, we ask ourselves, is it on a theme that is universally relatable? Does it seek to inform, engage and provoke thought on a theme, topic or subject that they did not know about earlier. If it is a subject or issue that has already been widely reported, does the story offer a unique perspective? Irrespective of the format – true-crime, reality, docu-follow, or celebrity-led the story needs to entertain the audience, and unfold in a manner that keeps viewer interest alive from episode to episode. Just like fiction or scripted, unscripted and non-fiction too needs to build a strong connect between the audience and characters, in this case real people or subjects, taking the viewers on a journey with them.”
Meanwhile, Tanya Bami shared, “At Netflix, we are passionate about telling stories with authenticity and individuality. We don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach, as seen in diverse releases like the Oscar-winning The Elephant Whisperers, a heartwarming story that beautifully showcased the bond between humans and nature, the award-winning Hunt for Veerappan, which redefined how gripping narratives can be brought to life, and Curry and Cyanide, which offered a chilling account of one of India’s most infamous cases.”
Elaborating further, she added, “Netflix has defined the tone for telling stories in the non-fiction format in India, just as it has across the globe. Within India, we have been the most committed to this genre, building a repertoire of documentaries that resonate more widely than ever before. As we step into 2025, we’re thrilled to continue this journey with The Roshans, an intimate portrayal of Bollywood’s iconic family. “
Concluding note:
As the demand for authentic storytelling grows, documentaries are carving out a significant space in Indian cinema. Whether celebrating Bollywood’s icons, uncovering personal struggles, or addressing societal issues, these films continue to push boundaries, enriching the narrative tapestry of Indian filmmaking.
