Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question is based on Satyajit Ray's critical essay, 'What is Wrong with Indian Films?'. In this essay, Ray analyzes the weaknesses of mainstream Indian cinema of his time.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Ray criticized Indian films for being formulaic and unrealistic. One of his key criticisms was the treatment of action scenes.
He argued that action sequences were not choreographed realistically but were instead exaggerated and stylized to provoke a strong emotional response from the audience.
This heightening of emotion and exaggeration of events is the very definition of melodrama. Therefore, Ray equated these unrealistic fight scenes and chases with melodrama.
Step 3: Final Answer:
According to Satyajit Ray, in Indian films, action is often equated with melodrama.