Love, loss, and lyrics: The rise of storytelling through song in Indian cinema!
In a country where music pulses through the veins of its cinema, a few movies have dared to break away from the formulaic ‘song and dance' routine. The creators didn’t just place songs — they let music drive the narrative, carve out character arcs, and speak hidden emotions that words alone could never capture. Rockstar, Aashiqui 2, and Tamasha are three such movies that did not only use music; they became music itself.
These cinematic gems proved that story and song create perfect rhythm to become both timeless and transformative.
Imtiaz Ali’s masterpiece was not just a film—it was a wholesome experience. With AR Rahman’s hauntingly beautiful compositions and Ranbir Kapoor’s raw and electrifying performance, Rockstar depicted the story of Janardhan Jakhar’s (JJ) metamorphosis into the tortured Jordan. But what made this film narrative unforgettable was the way music was arranged and used as both a character and a catalyst.
Songs like “Nadaan Parindey” and “Sadda Haq” didn’t just elevate the film — they revealed Jordan’s internal chaos, rebellion, and his eventual emotional ruin. Throughout the film, music wasn’t a break from storytelling; it was the storytelling. The soundtrack evolved with the character, marking milestones in Jordan's emotional and artistic journey.
Aashiqui 2 revived the soul of musical romance in 2010’s for a new generation. Directed by Mohit Suri, this spiritual remake of Bollywood’s hottest album in 1990’s redefined how music could portray longing, vulnerability, and the fragility of fame. The epic love story of Rahul and Aarohi wasn’t told through monotonous dialogues — it unfolded through melodious songs.
The eternal hit “Tum Hi Ho” became an anthem of devotion, while “Sun Raha Hai” spoke of unheard pain in love. Each soundtrack mirrored the highs and lows of the central relationship, making the audience feel heartbreak and hope alongside the characters. The film's music didn’t accompany the plot — it was the plot.
Tamasha, another Imtiaz Ali, AR Rahman, and Ranbir Kapoor collaboration, was a layered tale of identity, creativity, and self-liberation. What made this movie stand out was its poetic fusion of narrative and musical expression. From the energetic “Matargashti” to the soul-searching “Agar Tum Saath Ho”, every composition offered insight into Ved’s (Ranbir Kapoor) inner world.
The songs were not placed for spectacle in beautiful locations — they were essential emotional touchpoints. The unique storytelling technique allowed the audience to deep dive into Ved’s psyche, his performative exterior, and the constant battle to reconnect with his true self. Through its music and storytelling, Tamasha asked viewers to confront the masks they are wearing in everyday life.
(Credit: Instagram/@cinematixss)
These three films—Rockstar, Aashiqui 2, and Tamasha—unleashed in a brand new era of musical storytelling in Indian cinema. The creators strategically treated the songs as narrative engines rather than fillers. The meticulously crafted music took the plot forward, mirror character emotions, and created a deeply immersive viewing experience.
This much needed shift from ‘songs for entertainment’ to ‘songs for expression’ resonated with audiences, especially among the younger generation seeking more than just glitz. The moments created on screen reminded us that music could articulate pain, hope, confusion, and truth better than any dialogue.
(Credit: Instagram/@theaffirmationjar)
Beyond chart-topping music and emotional honesty, these movies blurred the line between art and entertainment, between performance and reality. However, musical storytelling is not a new thing in Bollywood. One of the earliest movies to explore this was Abhimaan (1973) starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri. Some modern day examples include: Taal (1999), Barfi (2012), and Gully Boy (2019).
Despite filmmakers exploring new storytelling methods, these musical masterpieces remain a gold standard in how to let music and story sway, spin, and soar together.
