Insecured, are we?

The recent backlash against Slumdog Millionaire's portrayal of India did not come as a surprise. The same overtones were heard when Arvind Adiga won the booker last year.

Why are we so distressed when being discussed? Is it an insecurity that stems from being subdued for many years? Or is it simply a lack of competitive spirit? Why do we get angry if someone shows us the mirror and more so if the person is not an Indian? Getting back to the movie, can anyone say that the portrayal was incorrect? So why crib saying that it did not depict the complete India, modern India, etc. The fact remains that Mumbai hosts both Lokandwala and Dharavi. The sooner we turn honest the better for us.

Slumdog was all about story telling and the only point is garnering maximum audience.
Boyle took an Indian's book and converted it to a motion picture and he did it brilliantly.
I have no second opinion about it. I am not even perturbed that he showcased India, rather Mumbai, thru slums and beggars. That's a truth about my country and I want to change it not deny it.

In my review blog I had accepted that I did not think Rahman's music for the movie to be his best but that does not mean I am not happy at his Golden Globe win. Neither do I want to think why doesn't any other movie, with a better Rahman music win the coveted prize! For me, the music is great and I am glad it's recognized even if it's not his best.

I personally feel that people all over the world connect to the concept of hope triumphing over odds. Have you seen the 2004 Hollywood film Crash? If not, pick a DVD. The movie clearly shows the racial discrimination issue in the US. Didn't that movie dent the image of our so called Big Brother. No, it does not! It showcases a fact about a country in the form a story and ends it with a warm feel good climax. That's what movies should do. They should end on an optimistic note. It makes you feel good.

Aren't we as a country changing every minute? We are no longer the land of snakes and elephants. We are a country that's elected women to the two highest offices of our country. We are a country that's built an IT sector strong enough to have the firangs crying hoarse. I know we have our set of problems but we will solve them.

Let's not bother why the jury chose the movie. They may have their own logic, their own prejudices too! Lets just rejoice for an Indian(for god's sake 80% of the film was Indian, the cast, story, music, etc) movie making us proud. Let's not raise fingers or question their intentions. Let's just be confident and accept the accolades as they keep coming.

As Eleanor Roosevelt rightly said - Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire, the latest flick making waves, deserves every bit of praise it seems to be accumulating with every passing second.

The last time I saw such superlative performances and meticulous direction, was in 'The Dark Knight'. Not to forget, Rahman's music. Do I need to even say anything about a man who just lets his music speak for him. I personally didn't think that the music was awesome, but come on folks, I think so because when you compare Rahman, you compare him against himself. The westerners aren't used to this wide range of instrumentation (not a music expert but just my take) and probably thats why they are finding it awesome. For me, I think its fantastic but not his best.

The story is the life of 2 brothers, Jamal and Salim depicted in three distinct phases. Each phase is enacted by 3 set of actors and my personal vote goes for the first phase. The kids were amazing and not at all loud. They were precisely what they should have been - kids.

Jamal goes on to win a game show and every question in the show unfolds his life for the audience. A life which has probably seen every single human emotion. And these everyday emotions (as Pratik pointed) is what appeals the most.

Watch the movie folks and if you have the patience wait for the theatrical release on 23rd Jan. I am sure you will enjoy every moment.