Why Do Some Films Create Frenzy?
Ever wondered why some films, no matter their budget, star power, or marketing spend, become unstoppable cultural tsunamis while others, despite ticking all the “hit film” checkboxes, barely make a ripple?
It’s not just about action, VFX, or even a star-studded cast. The secret sauce? Cultural sentiment.
The greatest cinematic epics of our time – whether it’s Chhaava, Padmaavat, or Passion of the Christ – aren’t just movies. They’re cultural events. They resonate because they don’t just tell a story – they tap into something primal, emotional, and deeply rooted in identity.
And now, with Chhaava starring Vicky Kaushal as Shivaji Maharaj’s son Sambhaji, the formula continues. Part glorified history, part fact, 100% cultural adrenaline.
The Epic Formula: Myth, History & Identity
Here’s the deal. Films like Bajirao Mastani, Jodha Akbar, and Ponniyin Selvan didn’t just succeed because of lavish sets and A-list actors. They became blockbusters because they connected with people’s cultural roots.
• They tell larger-than-life stories about heroes, kings, warriors, and deities.
• They build on cultural nostalgia and pride.
• They mix history with cinematic fiction—creating a spectacle wrapped in sentiment.
And people LOVE it.
When you tell a story that aligns with people’s historical, religious, or national identity, it’s no longer just a movie. It’s personal.
Let’s break it down with case studies from India and around the world.
🎥 Bollywood & South India: When History Meets Hysteria
1. Chhaava (2024) – The Rise of Sambhaji
Vicky Kaushal playing Sambhaji Maharaj? Enough said. Maratha pride is at an all-time high, and this film will ride that wave like a warrior on horseback. Expect packed theaters, social media wars, and an emotional rollercoaster that could give Baahubali a run for its money.
2. Padmaavat (2018) – Controversy = Free Marketing
Rajput history, Rani Padmavati, Alauddin Khilji, and a truckload of controversy. A film that wasn’t just a film—it was a cultural war. Protests, bans, and debates only fueled the frenzy. Result? ₹585 crore worldwide.
3. Bajirao Mastani (2015) – Love, War & Identity
Maratha warrior? Check. Epic love story? Check. Stunning visuals? Check. Sanjay Leela Bhansali knew exactly what he was doing. The film didn’t just win at the box office—it reignited interest in Bajirao and Mastani’s real-life love story.
4. Ponniyin Selvan (2022) – Tamil History on the Big Screen
Why did this film explode in Tamil Nadu? Simple: It tapped into regional pride. The Chola dynasty is legendary, and Mani Ratnam delivered a spectacular cinematic tribute to an already beloved Tamil literary classic.
5. Jodha Akbar (2008) – Mughal Meets Romance
A historical love story between Akbar and Jodha Bai? Irresistible. The grandeur, the politics, the controversy—it had everything.
6. RRR (2022) – Fictionalized History, Global Frenzy
A pre-independence action spectacle based on real-life revolutionaries? Add some tiger fights, friendship goals, and Naatu Naatu, and boom—Oscar win.
7. Kesari (2019) – The Unsung Heroes’ Moment
A film about 21 Sikh soldiers taking on 10,000 Afghan invaders? Patriotism, history, and bravery wrapped in gut-wrenching drama. Akshay Kumar’s turban-clad warrior look sealed the deal.
8. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) – Revolution on Reel
Freedom fighters always make for compelling cinema. Bhagat Singh’s story resonates across generations, making this one of Bollywood’s most powerful patriotic films.
9. Veer (2010) – When Salman Went Historical
Okay, it wasn’t exactly history, but Salman Khan’s warrior flick tried to tap into the grand epic format. (Let’s just say, not all historical movies hit the mark.)
10. Upcoming Ramayana Films (2025) – Mythology Meets Mega Budget
Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram? Sai Pallavi as Sita? Yash as Ravan? This is shaping up to be India’s biggest mythological film ever. Expect cultural buzz, social media storms, and record-breaking box office numbers.
🎬 Global Case Studies: The Worldwide Epic Obsession
1. Passion of the Christ (2004) – Religion Meets Cinema
Mel Gibson took the most powerful story in Christianity and turned it into a brutal, emotional, and sentimental film. Over $600M in earnings.
2. Gladiator (2000) – When Rome Ruled the Box Office
Russell Crowe’s “Are you not entertained?” speech alone could sell out theaters. Historical spectacle + revenge drama = instant classic.
3. Braveheart (1995) – Scottish Pride, Hollywood Style
Mel Gibson again, this time tapping into Scottish nationalism with swords, war paint, and speeches that made audiences want to charge into battle.
4. Troy (2004) – Homer Would Be Proud
Brad Pitt as Achilles? Epic. Ancient Greek battles? Even more epic. Historical accuracy? Eh, who cares, it made $497M.
5. Kingdom of Heaven (2005) – Crusades on Screen
Orlando Bloom in medieval armor, religious wars, and Ridley Scott behind the camera. Enough said.
6. The Last Samurai (2003) – Hollywood Meets Samurai Culture
A historical East meets West tale with Tom Cruise? Japan loved it. So did the rest of the world.
7. 300 (2006) – Abs, Spears & Spartan Glory
A heavily stylized, testosterone-fueled take on the Battle of Thermopylae. “This. Is. Sparta!” became a cultural meme.
8. Ben-Hur (1959) – Old Hollywood’s Epic Formula
Before CGI, before mega budgets, Ben-Hur proved that religion, history, and a chariot race could define cinema.
9. Apocalypto (2006) – Mayan Civilization on the Edge
Mel Gibson again (yes, he loves history). A film about Mayan warriors, survival, and spectacle.
10. Dunkirk (2017) – War in Its Purest Form
Christopher Nolan took WWII history and made it a heart-pounding experience. No traditional storytelling—just raw emotion and survival.
Conclusion: Why These Films Always Work
From Chhaava to Gladiator, from Ponniyin Selvan to 300, these films succeed because they aren’t just entertainment—they are identity, history, and belief rolled into one.
In an era where cultural and historical narratives are more powerful than ever, expect more of these blockbusters. Because when a film aligns with what people already feel deeply about—it’s not just a hit.
It’s a phenomenon.
Would love to hear your thoughts—which historical/mythological epic is your all-time favorite? Drop it in the comments!
Honest Reviews 