DocuBay’s bold exploration of India’s sexual wellness industry
A deep dive into ‘Bad Toys Inc.’
DocuBay, the streaming platform known for its compelling documentaries, is making waves with its latest original film, Bad Toys Inc.. This documentary delves into the burgeoning sexual wellness industry in India, a country often seen as conservative. Produced by Black Iris, the film offers an unflinching look at the world of sex toy sales and custom products.
The genesis of the film
Girish Dwibhashyam, COO of DocuBay, shared that the idea for the film emerged from the content team’s research. “We were surprised to see the market size and the widespread social acceptance and new startups which have come up in the segment with custom products,” he noted. Black Iris was chosen to produce the film due to its ability to handle the adult topic with grace and aesthetic sensibility.
A balanced narrative
Richa Sahai, director-producer at Black Iris, emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced tone in the film. “Gender and sexuality have always been of interest because you get to go right under the skin and get the deepest insight into what people feel about themselves,” she explained. The goal was to be “provocative, fun, and real” without crossing into vulgarity.
Unveiling surprising facts
The documentary uncovered several surprising facts during its research phase. For instance, the Kama Sutra mentions dildos, highlighting the long history of sex toys in Indian culture. The film also revealed regional preferences for specific products. Punjab leads in purchasing arousing gels and oils, Uttar Pradesh favors penis pumps and enlargement pills, Assam sees the most demand for BDSM products, Mumbai is the biggest market for fetish goods, Bengaluru leads for anal sex toys, and West Bengal has the highest sale of edible panties.
Challenging misconceptions
Dwibhashyam addressed the misconception that sexuality is a complete taboo in India. “After all, this is a country which has produced and celebrated classic literature on sex like the Kama Sutra in the 2nd Century CE, way before it was colonized,” he said. Bollywood has gradually showcased sexuality in subtle ways over the years, with social media further amplifying the conversation.
The format debate
When asked about the commercial failure of mainstream Bollywood films tackling similar subjects, both Dwibhashyam and Sahai emphasized that the format is not the determining factor for success. Dwibhashyam suggested that audiences are open to most content “as long as they feel the content respects their intellect and sensibility.” Sahai added that both documentaries and fiction features could work if they remain true to their intent and handle sensitive themes authentically.
DocuBay’s unique approach
DocuBay has already released another original film on polyamorous relationships in India called Going Poly and has a documentary on the streaming business of Indian erotica in production. Dwibhashyam stated, “Other global streamers usually shy away from these topics — we don’t. That’s one reason why DocuBay is different.”
Future explorations
Black Iris is also considering further exploration of Indian sexuality in future documentaries. “What we uncovered with this one has been an eye-opener… so yes, we want more!” Sahai said. Regarding the current state of sexual discourse in India, she noted, “It’s not a mainstream topic yet, but that’s changing slowly. You do find people who really want to talk about it and are happy to be nudged into expressing what they actually feel about pleasure.”
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, Bad Toys Inc. offers a unique lens into a topic that is often shrouded in taboo. The documentary not only educates but also challenges preconceived notions about sexuality in India. It’s a must-watch for those interested in understanding the cultural dynamics and evolving attitudes towards sexual wellness in a traditionally conservative society.
For music lovers, the documentary’s soundtrack, which features a blend of traditional and contemporary Indian music, adds another layer of depth to the viewing experience. The music complements the narrative, enhancing the emotional and cultural context of the film.
In-depth analysis reveals that Bad Toys Inc. is more than just a documentary; it’s a cultural commentary that invites viewers to rethink their perceptions of sexuality and wellness. The film’s success lies in its ability to handle a sensitive topic with sensitivity and respect, making it a standout in the realm of documentary filmmaking.
By providing direct links to trailers and information pages, viewers can easily access additional details and multimedia resources, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the film. This approach not only enhances the viewing experience but also encourages further exploration of the topics discussed in the documentary.
Bad Toys Inc. is a groundbreaking documentary that pushes boundaries and opens up new conversations about sexual wellness in India. It’s a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking to challenge societal norms and inspire change.