This week on FOMO Fix, we’re dissecting a cinematic misstep that’s becoming increasingly common in the expansive world of pan-India movies: the egregious misuse of montages. Our focal point for this discussion is ‘Coolie,’ a film designed to commemorate superstar Rajinikanth’s remarkable 50 years in cinema. However, it starkly illustrates how an over-reliance on montages can unintentionally strip a narrative of its very essence, turning heartfelt storytelling into a superficial highlights reel.
We delve into how these rapid-fire sequences, while sometimes effective for condensing time or conveying mood, often backfire by sacrificing crucial character development, emotional depth, and narrative coherence. Instead of allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the journey, they are left with a feeling that the film itself is merely an extended trailer, offering glimpses of events without truly letting us experience them. Join us as we explore why this cinematic trap is so prevalent and what it costs the art of filmmaking.