What typically makes a Rohit Shetty film? Let's try to understand!
When Vidya Balan said in 'The Dirty Picture', "Filmein sirf teen cheezo ke wajah se chalti hai... entertainment, entertainment, entertainment," she might as well have been describing Rohit Shetty’s films. Because if there’s one thing that sums up Shetty's films and explains their mammoth box office collections, it’s non-stop entertainment. He isn't really here to redefine the art of storytelling, introduce new filmmaking techniques, or even use cinema as a tool for social change. He just wants to entertain his audiences. And he plays the game by his own rule, which he defines as "Logic Nahi Chalega, Chalega Sirf Magic."
When it's a Rohit Shetty film, you walk into the theatre already knowing exactly what to experience (well, his trailers reveal everything) - and he delivers just that. There’s no point in dissecting his films critically because they aren’t made for that. They’re for whistles, cheers, and three hours of fun that will make you forget all your worries temporarily. And that’s why, love him or hate him, you simply cannot ignore him.
(Credit: itsrohitshetty)
One of Bollywood's most celebrated filmmakers, Rohit Shetty turns 51 today. On this occasion, let's understand his signature filmmaking style.
Rohit Shetty’s idea of cinema is “larger than life", which would take the audience to an exhilarating world. However, what sets him apart is he knows how to make the larger-than-life look convincing on the screen.
In his earlier films, which were mostly comedy-drama, the larger-than-life style was evident. The "Golmaal series' (2006 onwards) had grand sets, over-the-top background music, and an energy that made everything feel bigger than reality. Whether it's the lavish bungalows, the vibrant color palettes, or simply the exaggerated characters, all contributed to a world where even simple gags felt cinematic. And the whole thing reached its peak when he moved towards actioners.
His heroes are everything that a common young man aspires to be. They are the embodiment of "an ideal man", who do only good and give the bad men a tough fight. Take Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgn) for instance, who sets the screen on fire with his dominating presence and powerful dialogue delivery (remember "Aata Maajhi Satakli"?). Simmba and Sooryavanshi are full of comedy and action as well. Rahul in 'Chennai Express' is a common man but transforms into a hero when love calls for it.
(Credit: RelianceEntertainment)
The world Shetty creates reflects his vision of larger-than-life. The flying cars, the explosions, and the outdoor locations convince you that this world is not the one that you belong to. It's bigger, bolder, and a lot more dramatic than ours. And once the world is established, the action sequences - no matter how over-the-top - feel completely real within that universe. When a car jumps off the road, flips mid-air, and yet lands perfectly, you don’t question it - you believe it because the director has already set the rules: this world is beyond physics, and runs on pure spectacle.
Comedy is the biggest crowd-puller, and Rohit Shetty understood this right from the beginning. He rose to fame with his comedy dramas and, even when he transitioned to action, he smartly infused it with humor. 'Golmaal: Fun Unlimited' (2006) was packed with physical comedy, witty dialogues, and hilarious characters. With every film, he took his comedy a step further and gained further acclaim. And gradually, that became his brand.
While making action films, Shetty ensures they are just as much about comedy as they are about high-octane action. Here, comedy serves as a breath of fresh air when the tension peaks, creating a perfect balance of thrill and humor that keeps us engaged. 'Singham' is a big example of that. In 'Simmba', Ranveer Singh's witty one-liners make us laugh out loud even during serious moments. During the climax of 'Sooryavanshi', as the three supercops - Bajirao Singham, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi - fight terrorists, it's the comedy that cleverly drives the action forward. We know there’s a bomb ticking, ready to go off any moment, yet amidst the tension, Simmba suddenly shouts, "Kiska hai sabse bada... Entry!", making us burst into laughter.
The thing about Rohit Shetty's comedy is that it's less about the jokes or punchlines and more about the execution. I mean, if someone simply describes the scene, it might not sound funny. But the way Shetty stages it - with perfect timing, energetic performances, background music, and over-the-top reactions - makes it absolutely hilarious. That's something only he can create!
(Credit: Netflix India)
And obviously, it's clean and family-friendly, making it suitable for people of all ages.
Even if we can imagine a Rohit Shetty film without action, one without its catchy and unforgettable music is absolutely impossible. He understands the importance of music in mass entertainment and hence puts extra effort into that. Whether background score or songs, it does a lot more than just accompanying the visuals.
First and foremost, it's the music that sets the tone for his films. Take any 'Golmaal' film, and you'll notice how the "Golmaal Golmaal" track plays throughout, constantly reinforcing the chaotic energy of the story. In 'Singham', every time Bajirao Singham does something heroic, the powerful "Singham" leitmotif plays in the background. In 'Chennai Express', whenever the journey of Rahul and Meenamma takes a dramatic turn, it's the "Chennai... Chennai... Chennai Express" track that kicks in, reminding that everything started from the train.
One of the standout ways Shetty incorporates music in his films is to celebrate India's diverse culture. The song "Kashmir Main, Tu Kanyakumari" in 'Chennai Express' is not just for the sake of a romantic track. It's a celebration of India's different cultures and beautifully highlights the unity between the North and the South - just like its lead characters, Rahul and Meenamma. "Aankh Marey" and "Mera Wala Dance" in 'Simmba' capture the fun of Maharashtra's street culture, while "Hum Hindustani" in 'Sooryavanshi' attempts to bridge the divide between Hindus and Muslims.
(Credit: T-Series)
And it's no secret that Shetty loves recreating classic Bollywood songs for his films. The list includes "Aankh Marey" ('Simmba'), "Tip Tip Barsa Pani" ('Sooryavanshi'), and "Aila Re Aila" ('Sooryavanshi'), among others.
(Credit: T-Series)
The music in his films is an experience of its own. Whether it’s comedy, action, or drama, the music amplifies every moment and makes scenes more impactful. And that’s why, even when a film doesn’t hit the mark, its songs still do. A perfect example is "Current Laga Re" from 'Cirkus'.
Rohit Shetty’s winning formula has brought him unprecedented success, making him one of Bollywood’s top directors. But every formula has a shelf life. While audiences evolved with exposure to films from other industries, Shetty chose to stick to his signature style. As a result, his recent films haven’t worked as well as we would expect from a filmmaker of his stature. However, on his birthday, let's send him our best wishes for his upcoming endeavors!
