Entertainment has transformed into an interactive experience, where audiences actively engage with content rather than passively consuming it. Memes, reels, and cultural references primarily derived from films and music have dominated the discourse, showcasing the interconnectedness of Indian cinema and global pop culture.
Bollywood’s action film Dhurandhar emerged as a significant contributor to this trend, sparking numerous memes almost overnight. The film’s humor-infused spy moments resonated with the audience, particularly the ‘First Day as a Spy’ trend, in which creators illustrated comical scenarios of spies behaving in stereotypically Indian ways. This not only revitalized the film’s music and visuals but also generated a wave of satirical content across social media platforms.
A standout moment in Dhurandhar was Akshaye Khanna’s impromptu dance in the FA9LA sequence, which became an iconic internet trend. His spontaneous choreography inspired a plethora of short videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where fans, celebrities, and everyday individuals eagerly recreated his moves. The infectious energy of the performance and catchy music contributed to its widespread appeal and remix potential.
In a similar vein, the upcoming film Peddi introduced the raw and relatable Peddi dance, popularized by actor Ram Charan. The simplicity and authenticity of this dance step struck a chord, encouraging diverse groups—from college students to office workers—to create playful versions of the dance. Its relatable nature allowed it to transcend cultural boundaries, making it a viral sensation upon the release of the song’s promo.
2025 also witnessed unexpected moments outside of cinema that fueled viral content. Notably, a Coldplay concert in Boston produced a scandal that captivated online audiences. When the kiss cam captured an unresponsive couple, the frontman Chris Martin’s quip about their reaction added to the clip’s allure, leading to intense debates about privacy and the public scrutiny faced by individuals in the spotlight. The ensuing discussions caught the attention of millions, resulting in both parties involved stepping down from their positions amid the uproar.
Another noteworthy trend was the rise of ‘Ghiblification’, where ordinary images were transformed into Studio Ghibli-style illustrations using AI. Initially embraced as a creative tribute, the trend sparked controversy regarding the authenticity and emotional depth of art produced without human effort. Critics voiced concerns that this trend could undermine traditional artistry and diminish the value of genuine creative expression.
Meanwhile, Arjun Kapoor found himself at the center of a meme frenzy after a snippet from a press conference resurfaced. His curt response, “Tune bola (You spoke)?” evolved into Google’s top trending meme in India for 2025. The clip’s humor resonated widely, leading to an influx of remixes and parodies that even prompted Kapoor to disable comments on his social media. Ultimately, he embraced the phenomenon, starring in commercials that humorously referenced his viral moment.
In an unexpected turn, Malayalam actor-director Soubin Shahir captured the internet’s imagination with his dance from the song “Monica” in the film Coolie. Accompanied by upbeat music, his spirited performance contrasted with the polished choreography typically associated with mainstream productions, making it relatable and widely shareable across social media platforms.
Across the globe, a clip of Jon Hamm dancing with eyes closed from Your Friends & Neighbors gained traction in 2025, symbolizing a lighthearted approach to life. Indian meme creators joined in, reinterpreting the moment with various relatable scenarios that celebrated carefree living. The meme signified that enjoyment doesn’t require perfection, making it a universal sentiment that resonated with diverse audiences.
These moments collectively illustrate a vibrant, evolving entertainment landscape in 2025, characterized by interactivity, humor, and cultural significance across borders.