Slumdog is but a footnote to the greatness of Bollywood

Wearing nothing more than a loincloth, Gandhiji was once asked, “Where are your clothes?”, to which he replied, “These are my clothes.” Gandhiji’s point was that, to be one with the people, he must live, eat, and dress like them. Sadly, Slumdog Millionaire has forsaken this tradition of the great father of the nation. It may parade in a loincloth and pose as an Indian, but in truth is nothing more than an Englishman! Beyond selling the already preexisting ideals of the great nation of Hindustan to the outside world, I do not believe that Slumdog’s success will achieve anything. Its effect will be felt only externally. Hindustani film is too rich to be influenced by such a film that will, in its great history, prove to be but a footnote. The tastes of Hindustanis are too refined for such trash; no movie with such a parochial view of modern Mumbai would even be shown in Hindustan, what more be acclaimed to this degree! But alas, I am hopeful that this will at least serve a purpose. Even if it misinforms the world about Hindustan it still raises awareness of true Bollywood film.

Another bonus is that Slumdog’s recent success has exposed the world to the beautiful music of A.R. Rahmann!

~ by leandrofilm on February 26, 2009.