Final answer:
The term "Masala" in Bollywood refers to a genre of Indian films that are a mix of various genres such as action, comedy, romance, and drama, akin to a blend of spices. These films are known for their elaborate plots, dance numbers, and wide appeal, with Bollywood being the center of this industry in Mumbai. Bollywood films reflect Indian culture and enjoy significant popularity both domestically and internationally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "Masala" in Bollywood refers to a genre of Indian films that mix various genres, like action, comedy, romance, drama, and sometimes musicals, into one work. This mix mirrors the variety of spices in a masala, hence the name. Indian movies, including those of the Bollywood genre of Masala, have explored various narratives ranging from rustic, homegrown stories to technologically sophisticated spectacles that cater to a globalized industry. Bollywood has become the face of Indian cinema, with a focus on the domestic and international audience, while refraining from explicit content and typically featuring evocative dance numbers and elaborate plots.
Mumbai is the heartland of this industry, earlier known as Bombay, which is the reason the Indian cinema industry got the moniker Bollywood, blending Bombay and Hollywood. These movies often reflect the influence of Indian culture, myths, and epics such as the Mahabharata, with character archetypes and complex narrative techniques like stories-within-stories. Indian actresses and actors from Bollywood movies enjoy significant celebrity status, much like their counterparts in Western entertainment industries, underscoring the role of cinema in Indian society.