'Bombay filmmakers repeatedly point out that their goal is to make films that differ in both format and content from Western films, that there is a distinct skill in making films for Indian audiences, that these audiences have specific needs and expectations, and that comparing Hindi films to Western films, or to Indian “art” cinema, is irrelevant” (Thomas, 1985). Compared to much Western cinema, Hindi films have much more hyperbolic narratives, hyperstylized and exaggerated acting mixed with exaggerated dialogue, and tend to show disregard for characterization, story, geography, and occasionally camera placement. The format in which all these characteristics come together is affectionately known as 'Masala' and regarded by Hindi filmmakers as a genre rather than just a narrative format. Masala, in culinary terms, describes a blend of many spices to create the final dish. Similarly, in films, the term masala is used metaphorically to describe the blending of many genres such as comedy, musical, action, romance and drama (or melodrama) to "create something new with old ingredients" (Cook, p.102 ). ). The song and dance sequences demonstrate the most obvious example of how Hindi films defy some norms commonly practiced in Western films. The songs seem to be closely intertwined with the narrative and their removal would certainly hinder the development of the narrative and prove fatal for the films. However, excessive imagination often comes into play in song sequences, ignoring the continuity of time and space, which can prove problematic for the rest of the narrative and the already established narrative context. It is also in these sequences where the acting becomes particularly exaggerated with...... middle of paper ......as of the third world, where films are consumed more avidly than Hollywood films, Indian cinema dominates production world cinema. Such popularity and preference provide evidence that Hindi cinema offers something distinctly unique having undergone constant changes combining the influence and assimilation of Hollywood. With the "Masala" format at the forefront of genre and style in Hindi films with resounding and sustained success for over five decades, "Indian cinema has remained remarkably distinctive" (Thomas, 1985). Works Cited Cook, Pam (ed.) (3rd edition, 2007) The Book of Cinema. London: British Film Institute Gokulsing, K. Moti, K. Gokulsing and Wimal Dissanayake (2004). Indian Popular Cinema: A Narrative of Cultural Change. Trentham BooksThomas, Rosie (1985) Indian Cinema: Pleasures and Popularity, Screen (May-August 1985) Pp. 116-131