India, June 9 -- Bollywood has always loved drama, but few storytelling devices create as much instant intrigue as an actor playing both father and son in the same film. The format has existed in Hindi cinema for decades, evolving with changing filmmaking styles and visual effects technology. Sometimes it has been used to highlight generational conflict. At other times, it has served as a commercial spectacle designed to amplify a star's screen presence. Either way, audiences continue to remain fascinated by it.

In recent years, the trend has made a strong comeback through large-scale action entertainers and franchise films. But long before modern CGI made double roles easier to execute, several Bollywood legends had already turned the t...