This is one topic that I believe very strongly about. For months, I have heard of huge celebs, like SRK and "ace" director Karan Johar rant on about how the way for Hindi films to succeed are to become more global. "Global" meaning being watched by the western world...going to foreign locales and lots and lots of English.
This often leads to otherwise successful filmmakers, like Rakesh Roshan, to create total flop films, like Kites. Who even liked that film? There is a famous Indian proverb which totally sums it up, "Na ghar ke, na ghat ke". Basically, that means that someone does not belong to their home, nor to the rest of the world. Kites changed from English to Hindi to Spanish in mere seconds. How can a films like that resonate with anyone? A good film does not need to try to entertain everyone, nor need to! People will appreciate the film regardless of language barriers.
Take 3 Idiots for example. That film was not shot in the USA, did not have too much English for a Hindi film and had a real Indian soul (meaning connected with problems in the INDIAN diaspora). It became the biggest blockbuster of all times AND one of the biggest overseas grossers as well. I personally went to see that film in theaters 3 times. It was sold out every night and day for a full month. Literally I saw, at most, 2 non-Indians in that theater. And the movie was still successful. A real word of advice I have for the Hindi filmmakers trying to reach to the "other side", is that westerners will always have there own films, in pure, unadultered English with performers that they know and want to see. Do many indians have
interest in Korean or Japanese films? NO! In the same way, American audiences do not want to see Indian films in such a wide scope. So why do Indian movies increasingly try to satisfy one percent of the audience and shun the other 99% Indian film watchers. The obsession with all things western and Hollywood needs to stop.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Upcoming Movies of 2011
Like everyone else, I am eagerly awaiting the releases of some awesome hindi films this year. Here are 5 of the films that will most likely have the best content, acting and direction...not only stars. Not in any particular order though.
1) Rockstar
Two words. Imtiaz Ali. Undoubtedly, he is one of my favorite directors and has really shown his talent in Love Aaj Kal and Jab We Met. He is so good at creating a romantic mood in his films. I love them. I have seen pictures and short snippets of the shooting in the Czech Republic, Italy, Delhi, Kashmir and the hills of the Himalayas. The music, acting, dress and general style of the film is looking absolutely awesome. Though I have to admit I was kind of pissed that Imtiaz dropped Pritam from the music. Pritam and Irshad Kamil(the lyricist) have made some great music together like, Aooge Jab Tum, Yeh Dooriyan, Tum Se Hi. Unlike most people, I am NOT an AR Rehman fan. Some of AR's songs, like Jaane tu ya Jaane na songs are good but generally I don't like what he makes. :/ I am still hoping for good music though! I also love Ranbir Kapoor, great actor and hottie.
2) Ladies vs. Ricky Behl
A.K.A. Band Baaja Baraat 2 in my books. The reason I cannot wait for this is because all the people that are connected to BBB are returning in another YRF extravaganza. I absolutely loved that movie. The debut director Maneesh Sharma, the rugged cutie Ranveer Singh, the talented Anushka Sharma, great music directors Salim-Suleiman and even the witty screenplay writer Habib Faisal are in this one. All the people that made BBB into a piece of art from a mere romantic comedy are going to make a film together AGAIN. The cherry on top is the YRF banner which I absolutely love and has recently revived itself a bit.
3) Mausam
I know that lots of people are waiting for this one. I am a romantic and I am sure that this one will fulfill my expectations, probably even surpass them. I posted the trailer and poster. The trailer, truthfully, did not do justice to my past ideas of the film. I had read articles and seen interviews of Shahid saying that the film will be absolutely crazily romantic. The trailer did not live up to the hype, but was still very hard hitting. I think what did not resonate well with me was just Sonam and Shahid. Shahid and Sonam seem like bad actors for the roles. Shahid looks like a little kid, short and cheesy. Sonam just looks...bad. I know! Harsh feelings but it is true. Nevertheless, the posters and the slogans, like "A love story beyond romance" gives me the shivers. Hoping for a Veer-Zaara/ A Walk to Remember/ The Notebook kind of experience.
4) Bodyguard
SALMAN KHAN! I am a huge fan of his. He is so handsome and gorgeous, along with being a total hero personality. The film promises to be the good kind of masala. In my books, there are 2 types of masala films:
A) Good Masala
B) Bad Masala
Bad Masala can be classified as Tees Maar Khan or Ready
Good Masala can be classified as 3 Idiots or Ghajini
They are both Masala films, but Good Masala is actully a good film and overall the critics agree. I mean good direction, acting and script, not just 0 or 1 of the criteria. Kareena is looking cute. The idea is promising and there is no slapstick comedy which makes half of the audience roll their eyes, like in the 90s Johnny Lever films that literally made nobody laugh. Come on, a bodyguard played by Salman, wrapped into romance with Kareena and action. What more can a girl ask for?
5) Don 2
I enjoyed Don (the remake) quite a bit. Farhan has shown his directing ability multiple times and is a great example of a multi-talented filmi individual. :) Also, SRK has a new look in the film and is breaking out of jail. YESS!! Now, we can all imagine how interesting that part will be. He also has some weird hair braids.
Okay...I added this one in for all of you crazy SRK fans. I don't have anything else to say for this one. LOL
Also, follow me on twitter: @thediva_1
1) Rockstar
Two words. Imtiaz Ali. Undoubtedly, he is one of my favorite directors and has really shown his talent in Love Aaj Kal and Jab We Met. He is so good at creating a romantic mood in his films. I love them. I have seen pictures and short snippets of the shooting in the Czech Republic, Italy, Delhi, Kashmir and the hills of the Himalayas. The music, acting, dress and general style of the film is looking absolutely awesome. Though I have to admit I was kind of pissed that Imtiaz dropped Pritam from the music. Pritam and Irshad Kamil(the lyricist) have made some great music together like, Aooge Jab Tum, Yeh Dooriyan, Tum Se Hi. Unlike most people, I am NOT an AR Rehman fan. Some of AR's songs, like Jaane tu ya Jaane na songs are good but generally I don't like what he makes. :/ I am still hoping for good music though! I also love Ranbir Kapoor, great actor and hottie.
2) Ladies vs. Ricky Behl
A.K.A. Band Baaja Baraat 2 in my books. The reason I cannot wait for this is because all the people that are connected to BBB are returning in another YRF extravaganza. I absolutely loved that movie. The debut director Maneesh Sharma, the rugged cutie Ranveer Singh, the talented Anushka Sharma, great music directors Salim-Suleiman and even the witty screenplay writer Habib Faisal are in this one. All the people that made BBB into a piece of art from a mere romantic comedy are going to make a film together AGAIN. The cherry on top is the YRF banner which I absolutely love and has recently revived itself a bit.
I know that lots of people are waiting for this one. I am a romantic and I am sure that this one will fulfill my expectations, probably even surpass them. I posted the trailer and poster. The trailer, truthfully, did not do justice to my past ideas of the film. I had read articles and seen interviews of Shahid saying that the film will be absolutely crazily romantic. The trailer did not live up to the hype, but was still very hard hitting. I think what did not resonate well with me was just Sonam and Shahid. Shahid and Sonam seem like bad actors for the roles. Shahid looks like a little kid, short and cheesy. Sonam just looks...bad. I know! Harsh feelings but it is true. Nevertheless, the posters and the slogans, like "A love story beyond romance" gives me the shivers. Hoping for a Veer-Zaara/ A Walk to Remember/ The Notebook kind of experience.
4) Bodyguard
SALMAN KHAN! I am a huge fan of his. He is so handsome and gorgeous, along with being a total hero personality. The film promises to be the good kind of masala. In my books, there are 2 types of masala films:
A) Good Masala
B) Bad Masala
Bad Masala can be classified as Tees Maar Khan or Ready
Good Masala can be classified as 3 Idiots or Ghajini
They are both Masala films, but Good Masala is actully a good film and overall the critics agree. I mean good direction, acting and script, not just 0 or 1 of the criteria. Kareena is looking cute. The idea is promising and there is no slapstick comedy which makes half of the audience roll their eyes, like in the 90s Johnny Lever films that literally made nobody laugh. Come on, a bodyguard played by Salman, wrapped into romance with Kareena and action. What more can a girl ask for?
5) Don 2
I enjoyed Don (the remake) quite a bit. Farhan has shown his directing ability multiple times and is a great example of a multi-talented filmi individual. :) Also, SRK has a new look in the film and is breaking out of jail. YESS!! Now, we can all imagine how interesting that part will be. He also has some weird hair braids.
Okay...I added this one in for all of you crazy SRK fans. I don't have anything else to say for this one. LOL
Also, follow me on twitter: @thediva_1
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Hello World!
Hello World! YeS I am here to blog and share my undieing love for Hindi cinema :) Lately, I have been reading great blogs and wanted to share all I have to offer. Get ready for exciting thoughts on Bollywood and beyond.
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