Historically, Bollywood musicals captivated the imagination of viewers through their emotional storytelling, vibrant choreography, and elaborate song sequences. Films like "Mughal-e-Azam" (1960), "Awara" (1951), and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001) weaved music into their narratives to heighten drama and emotion, becoming timeless classics. However, in recent decades, this tradition saw a downturn as filmmakers began experimenting with more realistic and minimalist narratives, often opting for background scores over standalone musical numbers.

Nevertheless, as of 2024, the musical genre is making a strong comeback, blending nostalgia with modern cinematic techniques and catering to a renewed audience.   One key reason for this resurgence is the growing demand for larger-than-life storytelling that Bollywood is known for. The global success of musicals in Hollywood, such as "La La Land" (2016), "The Greatest Showman" (2017), and "In the Heights" (2021), reignited interest in the genre worldwide, including in India. Bollywood filmmakers took note of this renewed interest and began exploring how to balance the timeless appeal of musical sequences with contemporary sensibilities. The comeback of musical films in Bollywood is marked by an increased emphasis on creating visually appealing song-and-dance routines that resonate with today’s audience, while still paying homage to traditional storytelling methods.   In 2024, a defining example of this resurgence is the film "Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani," directed by Karan Johar.

This movie returned to the classic Bollywood formula of combining romance, drama, and music to tell a heartfelt story. The film's musical numbers, choreographed by renowned directors, are opulent and grand, recalling the golden age of Bollywood, where songs not only advanced the plot but also allowed for emotional release.   The resurgence of Bollywood musicals is also driven by the music industry's evolution. In the digital age, platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music allow songs from films to reach global audiences quickly. Music directors and composers are aware that a hit soundtrack can significantly boost a film’s box office success, leading to greater emphasis on creating memorable and catchy musical numbers.

This trend was particularly evident in the success of "Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva", where songs like "Kesariya" became chart-topping hits even before the film's release. As of 2024, composers like A.R. Rahman, Amit Trivedi, and Pritam continue to push the boundaries of film music, integrating traditional Indian sounds with global musical trends, ensuring that Bollywood's musical identity remains relevant.   Furthermore, Bollywood’s musical resurgence in 2024 is also reflective of India’s evolving pop culture. Music videos and dance challenges on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have created a renewed appetite for song-and-dance sequences. The viral nature of these platforms has influenced filmmakers to create visually striking and catchy songs that not only fit within the narrative but also serve as standalone pieces of entertainment. The 2024 release "Disco Diwane," a tribute to the disco era, saw its song sequences go viral on social media, engaging younger audiences who enjoy performing choreographed routines on their platforms.   Movies like Aashiqui 2 and Rock On!! are excellent examples of Bollywood films where music forms the foundation of the narrative.

These films contributed significantly to the genre by weaving their plots around music, ensuring that the emotional arcs and character developments are deeply tied to the musical elements. Starting with Aashiqui 2 directed by Mohit Suri, the film's narrative revolves around the turbulent relationship between two musicians. Rahul, a fading singer played by Aditya Roy Kapur, discovers the talent of a budding artist, Aarohi, portrayed by Shraddha Kapoor. The film's chart-topping soundtrack, composed by Mithoon, Jeet Gannguli, and Ankit Tiwari, became a sensation, with songs like "Tum Hi Ho" and "Sunn Raha Hai" turning into anthems for a generation. The music played a pivotal role in reflecting the characters' emotional states, effectively narrating the story through its hauntingly beautiful melodies. The film's success cemented its place in the modern Bollywood musical landscape and proved that music-centric films still have a significant audience in India. Similarly, Rock On!!, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, was another landmark film where the storyline revolved entirely around a group of friends who reunite to relive their rock band days.

The music, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, captured the essence of contemporary rock culture in India. Songs like "Socha Hai" and "Pichle Saat Dinon Mein" became emblematic of the era, with their raw, unpolished energy speaking to the aspirations of a generation seeking to break free from societal constraints. Farhan Akhtar’s debut as a singer and actor in this film added authenticity to the musical aspect, as the band members’ personal and professional conflicts are mirrored in their music. The film’s success led to a sequel, Rock On 2, though it did not resonate as powerfully as the original. Other notable films where music plays a central role include Jhankaar Beats, directed by Sujoy Ghosh. This film, set in the backdrop of an urban music competition, uses music not only as a plot device but also to explore friendship, love, and ambition. The soundtrack, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, became immensely popular, especially the track "Tu Aashiqui Hai," which still remains a favorite among music lovers.   Another classic is Saawariya, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. While not a typical musical film, the movie's narrative was built around the poetic use of music and visuals. Bhansali, known for his love of classical Indian music, crafted a world where each song deepened the emotional undertones of the characters. Although Saawariya didn’t fare well at the box office, its rich soundtrack composed by Monty Sharma garnered critical acclaim, showcasing the importance of music in the storytelling process.  

One cannot overlook Rockstar (2011), directed by Imtiaz Ali, which takes the theme of music-centric storytelling to new heights. The film tells the story of Jordan, played by Ranbir Kapoor, a rebellious musician whose passion for music drives him into both fame and personal chaos. A.R. Rahman’s iconic soundtrack, especially songs like "Nadaan Parindey" and "Sadda Haq," became hugely popular, perfectly encapsulating the angst and intensity of the protagonist's journey. Music is not just an element in Rockstar, but a character in itself, driving the narrative forward and serving as a medium for Jordan’s internal struggles and growth.   More recently, Gully Boy (2019), directed by Zoya Akhtar, is another film where the foundation is music, specifically the underground hip-hop scene in Mumbai. The story follows the rise of Murad, a rapper from the slums, who channels his frustrations and dreams through music. The film’s soundtrack, which featured original rap songs written by underground Indian artists, became a cultural phenomenon, with tracks like "Apna Time Aayega" and "Mere Gully Mein" resonating with young audiences.

Gully Boy is an important addition to Bollywood’s musical film tradition, as it not only focuses on the personal journey of the protagonist but also shines a light on a lesser-known musical subculture in India. Other notable films that revolve around music include Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), which, although primarily a romance, is centered around a group of dancers and their performances, making music and dance a crucial aspect of the storytelling. Similarly, Taal (1999), directed by Subhash Ghai, is another film where music is at the core of the narrative. A.R. Rahman’s compositions, such as "Ishq Bina" and "Taal Se Taal," are integral to the film’s exploration of love, ambition, and artistic rivalry, highlighting the power of music in shaping both personal and professional lives.  

Even in the realm of biographical films, Bollywood has seen successful ventures where music takes center stage. For example, Secret Superstar, directed by Advait Chandan, tells the story of a young girl aspiring to become a singer despite societal and familial obstacles. The film's soundtrack, composed by Amit Trivedi, helps narrate the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and empowerment through music. Similarly, Sanju, the biopic of actor Sanjay Dutt, touches upon his connection with music, especially through the iconic song "Kar Har Maidan Fateh," which symbolizes his struggles and redemption.  

In 2023-2024, several films have embraced the power of music as a central theme, reaffirming the significance of musical storytelling in Bollywood. Here are a few examples where music played a pivotal role in driving the narrative:  

1. Satyaprem Ki Katha    This film, starring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani, is a romantic musical drama that captivated audiences with its soulful and melodious soundtrack. Directed by Sameer Vidwans, the movie features a storyline heavily intertwined with music, and its songs, like "Pasoori Nu" and "Aaj Ke Baad," became massive hits. The film successfully blended a strong emotional narrative with musical sequences, reminiscent of classic Bollywood musicals.  

2. Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani    Directed by Karan Johar, this film marked a grand return to the Bollywood tradition of blending romance and music. The movie featured an impressive ensemble cast, including Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, and the soundtrack became an instant success. Songs like "Tum Kya Mile" became a rage, further driving home the importance of music in this love story. The film’s dance sequences and romantic ballads were integral to its storytelling, creating an experience that harked back to the grand Bollywood musicals of the past.  

3. Bawaal    This Nitesh Tiwari-directed film, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, explored a unique narrative but also had an impactful musical backbone. The soundtrack, with songs like "Tumhe Kitna Pyaar Karte," complemented the film’s themes of love, loss, and conflict. Music was used not just as a background element but as a powerful tool to enhance the emotional resonance of the characters’ journeys.

4. Disco Diwane   -A fresh addition to Bollywood’s musical films, this movie is a tribute to the 80s disco era. With its high-energy dance numbers and retro vibes, Disco Diwane blends nostalgia with contemporary Bollywood. The music in the film is its soul, featuring remakes of iconic disco tracks alongside original compositions that pay homage to the era. The musical sequences have already sparked a trend on social media platforms like TikTok, proving the timeless appeal of music-centered storytelling.  

In conclusion, the comeback of musical films in Bollywood is a dynamic phenomenon that reflects both a return to the roots of Indian cinema and an adaptation to modern tastes. Filmmakers, driven by the success of global musicals, the nostalgia for classic Bollywood, and the opportunities presented by digital platforms, are finding new ways to incorporate music into their storytelling. The technological advancements in filmmaking, combined with the global reach of Bollywood music, ensure that musical films will remain an integral part of the industry's future. As we move through 2024, it is evident that the musical genre in Bollywood is not just a nostalgic throwback but a living, evolving art form that continues to captivate audiences both in India and around the world.