I finally watched Slumdog Millionnaire last week. Yes yes...I was one of those really unfortunate ones who missed watching it on theatre!! I have a habit of doing this...missing out on super duper hit movies when they are running in cinemas. I missed QSQT (Qayamat se Qayamat Tak for the uninitiated), missed Maine Pyar Kiya - movies that overnight catapulted Aamir and Salman to fame. For that matter, I also missed DDLJ, KKKG...the list is long so I'll leave it at this.
Maybe I'll get lynched for saying this but frankly I really could not understand why there was so much hysteria about this movie. Don't get me wrong. It is a very good movie. However, it did nothing to evoke any emotions - pathos, sympathy, empathy, wonderment, pain or even relief. As a viewer the movie simply failed to connect. And we have certainly had better music from Rahman. In short, highly overrated.
Die hard Slumdog fans may argue that watching the movie on big screen would have made all the difference. But I am an avid movie watcher and like to believe have sensitbilities required to appreciate a good film.
I can think of several recent Bollywood movies that explored very relevant and poignant issues, boasted impeccable direction and some stellar performances. Swades, Chak De, Taare Zameen Par, Lagaan, Yuva...to name a few. All certainly deserving a nomination if not the award. I am compelled to wonder whether the Academy would have given Slumdog the same response if it was a Bollywood production and directed by an Indian. Sure it was a collaborative effort, but still a Hollywood banner.
Perhaps Bollywood needs to rethink its strategy if it wants to win Oscars. Then again...who cares so long as they keep the good ones coming.
