A phony poseur that has been made only to mock India for the viewing pleasure of the First World!!
The emperor’s new clothes! That’s “Slumdog Millionaire” for you… Five minutes into this celebrated patchwork of illogical clichés and you are struck by the jarring dialogues. The cumbersome delivery in a language which doesn’t come naturally to most of the actors sounds like someone scratching on walls with one’s finger nails; it ruins the possibility of a connection… Had this film been made by an Indian director, it would’ve been trashed as a rotting old hat, which literally stands out only because of its stench, but since the man making it happens to be from the West, we’re all left celebrating the emperor’s new clothes. The film borrows an undoubtedly interesting narrative style – from films like “City of God” – but then uses it to weave in a collection of clichés from the Third World’s underbelly for the viewing pleasure of a First World audience. The real slumdog in the movie is not the main protagonist but India as a whole… The makers and those celebrating this movie’s hard-to-spot brilliance are actually serving up India as the accidental millionaire, which in fact happens to be a slumdog… and like shameless fools we are gloating over its success without realising that it makes a caricature out of India.
The film does not have the sincerity and honesty of a “Salaam Bombay” or a “City of Joy” and nor does this slime covered fairy tale have the integrity or the rootedness of the above mentioned scripts, or even a “Shantaram” for that matter; the soundtrack and the performance of the child actors are the only bits in the film which live up to the hype. The real slumdogs who’ve hit the jackpot after wallowing in acres of human waste are the makers of this film who are now raking in millions while those court jesters who’ve critiqued the film and showered tributes and awards need to ask themselves why, scores of years after our independence, they still feel the need to suck up to the gora sahibs. It’s not a question of xenophobia… it’s definitely a well cinematographed film… but the film has no soul, especially after little Jamal has jumped off the train and become a teenager… The rest of the film is just a modern version of the West’s view of India where slums, slumdogs and Bollywoodian clichés have replaced the elephants and snake charmers. It’s a well made caricature of a country and a caricature can never be a Mona Lisa, for a masterpiece can’t be one dimensional juxtaposition of sadistic extremes… and that’s my grouse with the celebrations…
And I say all this not because I don’t know what is India. I know its poverty and the real statistics around it a little better than most others – especially the Indian film critics who have given “Slumdog…” an average of 4 to 4.5 stars! But the fact is that the film’s entire narration seems like the germination of a terribly sadistic and complex mind with the sole aim of satisfying the western idea of India – and its new found growth instincts at their cost - and it is done through a combination of illogical happenings in order to show everything in a disgustingly negative vein. Not that it doesn’t exist, but it surely doesn’t exist in this fictitious manner. While “Salaam Bombay” had realism, “Slumdog…” is just every scrap of dirt picked up from every corner and piled up together to try and hit back at the growing might of India. And the awards almost seem like a sadistic effort to show the world – look we knew that this was India, and these are the slumdogs we are outsourcing our jobs to. It stinks of racial arrogance and it’s such a shame now on second thought to see the Indian faces – including that of the undoubted master, AR Rahman - celebrating its success. There is nothing positive about the film and it seems that a deranged sadist has painted his insecure negative self in each and every character of the movie. It illogically shows every negative thing about India happening in the protagonist’s life... slums, open-air lavatories, riots, underworld, prostitution, brothels, child labour, begging, blinding and maiming of kids to make them into ‘better beggars’, petty peddlers, traffic jams, irresponsible call centre executives… everything apart from western pedophiles roaming around in Indian streets!! And its winning of so many awards and nominations only goes on to prove strongly that the paradigm of cinema and recognition of films are in the hands of a few retarded imperialistic minds. It’s a crying shame that our media hasn’t seen through this ruse and is touting “Slumdog’s” nominations to claim that India is shining at the Oscars, while in fact it is lauding a film that mocks and ridicules the idea of ‘India’, pigeonholing its identity into the straitjacket of depraved poverty for a global audience.
When the West wanted Indians to embrace them and their companies to come to India and capture the lucrative markets, suddenly we had all the Indian women, some very beautiful and some not necessarily so, winning all the Miss Universe and Miss Worlds. Today, they are in a crisis and India is looking unstoppable despite its slums and poverty, and they are losing their businesses to us. Isn’t it the best time to paint India as the Slumdog Millionaire?? All in all, the film is nothing but an endorsement of an erstwhile imperial mindset of the West and its blinkered vision of India. An English master has made an Indian slumdog. Don’t even waste your time watching this film in the theatres. It sucks and there is nothing great in it as a film too. Amitabh Bachchan was spot on when he said that Bollywood has made far better mainstream films. Take out a DVD of one of his old films instead…
The emperor’s new clothes! That’s “Slumdog Millionaire” for you… Five minutes into this celebrated patchwork of illogical clichés and you are struck by the jarring dialogues. The cumbersome delivery in a language which doesn’t come naturally to most of the actors sounds like someone scratching on walls with one’s finger nails; it ruins the possibility of a connection… Had this film been made by an Indian director, it would’ve been trashed as a rotting old hat, which literally stands out only because of its stench, but since the man making it happens to be from the West, we’re all left celebrating the emperor’s new clothes. The film borrows an undoubtedly interesting narrative style – from films like “City of God” – but then uses it to weave in a collection of clichés from the Third World’s underbelly for the viewing pleasure of a First World audience. The real slumdog in the movie is not the main protagonist but India as a whole… The makers and those celebrating this movie’s hard-to-spot brilliance are actually serving up India as the accidental millionaire, which in fact happens to be a slumdog… and like shameless fools we are gloating over its success without realising that it makes a caricature out of India.
The film does not have the sincerity and honesty of a “Salaam Bombay” or a “City of Joy” and nor does this slime covered fairy tale have the integrity or the rootedness of the above mentioned scripts, or even a “Shantaram” for that matter; the soundtrack and the performance of the child actors are the only bits in the film which live up to the hype. The real slumdogs who’ve hit the jackpot after wallowing in acres of human waste are the makers of this film who are now raking in millions while those court jesters who’ve critiqued the film and showered tributes and awards need to ask themselves why, scores of years after our independence, they still feel the need to suck up to the gora sahibs. It’s not a question of xenophobia… it’s definitely a well cinematographed film… but the film has no soul, especially after little Jamal has jumped off the train and become a teenager… The rest of the film is just a modern version of the West’s view of India where slums, slumdogs and Bollywoodian clichés have replaced the elephants and snake charmers. It’s a well made caricature of a country and a caricature can never be a Mona Lisa, for a masterpiece can’t be one dimensional juxtaposition of sadistic extremes… and that’s my grouse with the celebrations…
And I say all this not because I don’t know what is India. I know its poverty and the real statistics around it a little better than most others – especially the Indian film critics who have given “Slumdog…” an average of 4 to 4.5 stars! But the fact is that the film’s entire narration seems like the germination of a terribly sadistic and complex mind with the sole aim of satisfying the western idea of India – and its new found growth instincts at their cost - and it is done through a combination of illogical happenings in order to show everything in a disgustingly negative vein. Not that it doesn’t exist, but it surely doesn’t exist in this fictitious manner. While “Salaam Bombay” had realism, “Slumdog…” is just every scrap of dirt picked up from every corner and piled up together to try and hit back at the growing might of India. And the awards almost seem like a sadistic effort to show the world – look we knew that this was India, and these are the slumdogs we are outsourcing our jobs to. It stinks of racial arrogance and it’s such a shame now on second thought to see the Indian faces – including that of the undoubted master, AR Rahman - celebrating its success. There is nothing positive about the film and it seems that a deranged sadist has painted his insecure negative self in each and every character of the movie. It illogically shows every negative thing about India happening in the protagonist’s life... slums, open-air lavatories, riots, underworld, prostitution, brothels, child labour, begging, blinding and maiming of kids to make them into ‘better beggars’, petty peddlers, traffic jams, irresponsible call centre executives… everything apart from western pedophiles roaming around in Indian streets!! And its winning of so many awards and nominations only goes on to prove strongly that the paradigm of cinema and recognition of films are in the hands of a few retarded imperialistic minds. It’s a crying shame that our media hasn’t seen through this ruse and is touting “Slumdog’s” nominations to claim that India is shining at the Oscars, while in fact it is lauding a film that mocks and ridicules the idea of ‘India’, pigeonholing its identity into the straitjacket of depraved poverty for a global audience.
When the West wanted Indians to embrace them and their companies to come to India and capture the lucrative markets, suddenly we had all the Indian women, some very beautiful and some not necessarily so, winning all the Miss Universe and Miss Worlds. Today, they are in a crisis and India is looking unstoppable despite its slums and poverty, and they are losing their businesses to us. Isn’t it the best time to paint India as the Slumdog Millionaire?? All in all, the film is nothing but an endorsement of an erstwhile imperial mindset of the West and its blinkered vision of India. An English master has made an Indian slumdog. Don’t even waste your time watching this film in the theatres. It sucks and there is nothing great in it as a film too. Amitabh Bachchan was spot on when he said that Bollywood has made far better mainstream films. Take out a DVD of one of his old films instead…
Comments
You are 100% correct. There is NOTHING positive in the movie about depicting our Mother India. (I think that's because the makers try to depict true slum story! They wouldn't find something POSITIVE there!). But as a movie it has SOMETHING positive. We can't blame people celebrating over its international reputation! We MUST celebrate if ARR bring to INDIA 3 OSCARS.(or at least one)and WE HOPE HE'LL. It's an International reputation to INDIA.
But of course there is nothing positive in the storyline. But the real positive will come after its International acceptance via AWARDS.
SHINU S.
thats a lot of BS and HS . Enjoy Cinema at it is . See the movie in the same light as " North By Northwest " or "12 Angry Men" or even an "Animal House " . Dont Forget the purpose of cinema . Your movies are absolute crap with no substance at all and this gives you no right to speak ill for others .
This is your old schoolmate here who knows what you were in the school ( DPSRKP FIY ) . I appreciate and am proud of your achievements but dont think that makes you a " Kushwant Singh" who can direct his malice towards one and all .
Keep your good thoughts to cinemas to the super flop investments you do in the name of cinema and to your senile financers and students.
Technolala hath spoken .
Gaurav.agarwal18@gmail.com
read your article and i m afraid i don't agree wid u even on a single comma.apart from your beautiful language i found the entire view of yours a very loop sided one.firstly this film was never made wid and intention to show the darker side of our nation. it never had the motto of demoralizing the achievements our nation has raked.it merely picked up an issue which has been in circulation for a longer time.this film is based on a book written by an indian author.so before raising our finger towards the "gorasahab" why nt hit back home? posts like these clearly show that we are still not ready to accept the little bit of dark truth that is left in our country.why do you wanna look at it as somethng very demeaning. look at it as a challenge.instead of criticizing the makers work on ways to find if sucha situation does exist nd try to eradicate it.no person can depict things on such a wide scale widout proof.since neither you and i have lived in slums it would only be advisable to check wid our facts nd then create an uproar.slums are a part of every developed country.itz a situation not just faced by india.mumbai was used just as a background.a canvas to depict the universal picture of slums.
secondly,you cnt blame mr.rahman or anil kapoor or irfan khan for celebrating the sucess.they have rightfully achieved it due to sheer hardwork and perseverance.the light of sucess which shimmers around them,is rightfully theirs.no one on the international scale is mocking our nation or ridiuling our willingness to worl under a western guy. it is your insecurity nd ur mind game which compells you to think that way.
and as far as the criticism faced by the film from certain oder components of our bollywood...the less said the better.it merely depicts the shallowness of r thinking.the lears and ekalavya's failed to create a paheli on the international scale which is basically cozing this uproar.
so in the nutshell all i would say is:your language is marvellous and flawless...but use to express some valid and mature thoughts
Firstly I would like to congratulate you for writing a bold article away from the mainstream viewpoint.
I agree with you 100%. A movie like slumdog millionaire bagging 10 oscar nominations) shows how low oscar awards have fallen. It was not a patch on Zameen Par which for some unknown reasons ( read as Indian Director's Intellectual movie on a universal subject, still a fact that goras find hard to fathom ) did not even qualify for the 22nd feb award night. And low and behold a movie like slumdog millionaire which has nothing except good music to offer ( a lot of cinematic liberty has been taken and the movies cannot be confined to realistic cinema ) bags 10 nominations...
there are few things I'll point out.
1. it's a movie,and for your kind information movies are for entertainment.
2. if your are so realistic why was your movie depicted with such false incidents which dont happen in general but remotely.
3. do you really think all the movies of amitabh bachchan are realistic that you advice us to see.did you forget him as a drunkard, criminal, theif..etc.,in the movies. do you think india is about these junk heads in general.
please visit thisisanindian.blogspot.com
Why are Indians so apologetic about being Indians? Why do we support slum tourism..
Be it Do beegha Zameen, or Slumdog Millionaire.
What hurts that this derogatory movie is being celebrated by the same people whom this movie presents in such a low esteem. What has happened to the country is utterly disgusting. We have been free for 60 years but still look upon the west as our masters. Be it in case of movies or Reclaiming our Land back from the bastards called Pakistan. Our govt. has to look to others in claiming what is its own. This is the reason why I agree with you more than anybody else can.
how can someone who has produced few of the worst movies ever be a critic to a movie that has won accolades world over.
definitely the movie depicts poverty, but i dont think anything's wrong with that.
and one more thing i would like to bring to your knowledge, this is a movie based on a novel written by an indian.
I want to know how much companies are active in rural areas and what is the exact position of Rural Indian Market.
I dont agree with you .. Yes as a country we have definitely progressed, but just because Mr.Danny boyle has shown the truth about our slums though his movie, its hurting us .. Every one of us are living in hope today looking at the economic crisis being faced by all of us.. The movie depicts a story that of an underdog from the slums who goes on to become a millionaire through the game show.. Thats the reason the title, " SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE ".. And some people are foolishly debating and asking explainations to the director as to why such a title.. We all love stories of an underdog who makes it big in this greedy world.. and we actually have a notion that success eludes the poor and is only for the mighty & the rich section of our society .. Didnt we celebrate when Aamir khan (Bhuvan) along with village mates wins a cricket match in Lagaan against the mighty british .. In the movie they were the actual underdogs and no one gave them a chance that they would win , but they did win, isnt.. so lets be happy for the cast and crew of the movie, and let them enjoy all the accolades coming their way.. The movie has won the Golden Globe awards.. now the Oscars are coming up.. Irrespective whether the movie wins it or not let us all be happy that it has got itself a nomination .. And even though the movie is made by a westerner, its INDIAN by heart.. I would have seen what would have been your say Mr.Chaudhari to it if the movie was to be made by an Indian director.. Tell me do our so called politicians ever vist the slums or have they done anything in providing any improvement in the living conditions of people living in slums.. Big NO.. They just go up there and ask for votes and beg to the World bank millions of dollars promising development & better infrastructure.. but there is no accountability of that money from their end.. To top it all we have greedy people like Mr.Raju Satyam boss , even though he had his own millions , he tried to show fabricated accounts and did away with the salaries of 10000 non existent employees.. These people are backed by our powerful politicians and he would just get away in a couple of months , because they know our judiciary system , wherein a case takes as long as 10 yrs before it is up for hearing.. The person who suffers the most is the Comman man.. Mr.Danny boyle has cleary indicated that a certain percent of the films earnings would be given away for slum development.. Out railways also earned revenue because of the movie being shot on VT station.. Will they put that money for the slum development is a big question.. It easy to cristise , but i would say Mr.Chaudhari, with due respects to you IIPM is a big brand name today .. and i would love to see you being associated with the slums and pass on a helping hand to them for their development .. Meanwhile lets all say " Jai ho" to the cast and crew of the movie.. and JAIHIND.. HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY..
Being 'Passionate About India' doesn't mean being blind to, and living in denial of, its different realities.
If you are so passionate about India, then at least this move should be an eye opener for you.
You have written in your post "The film does not have the sincerity and honesty of a Salaam Bombay or a City of Joy and nor does this slime covered fairy tale have the integrity or the rootedness of the above mentioned scripts..". I would like to know which part of the film do not have sincerity and honesty? You may be aware of this poverty but you don't like to think about it and certainly don't like some foreigner to show it to the whole world. Your post shows your character. You would rather ignore the sufferings of poverty ridden Indian citizens than accept the reality and attempt to help them in some ways.
Instead of blaming the makers of the movie you should try to make India a better place because nothing shown there is unreal. Be practical rather than fanatic Indian.
Sneh
I am sorry to say that it’s not just me but a number of other well educated, intelligent, lateral and logical thinkers like me disagree to your comments made on the Slumdog Millionaire. No one denies that Oscars do not always go to the deserving nominees. There is a lobby that works behind it and if the nominee happens to be in their good books, chances of basking in the glory of receiving the Oscar increases but then, that is no exception. In our country, each and every award is biased in its approach and take my word no one can deny that.
U have talked of portraying the slums of India and thus making mockery of India as a Nation. At the same time you have hailed the efforts of people like Mira Nair who have offered a similar treatment many years back. Why? If an Indian has the right to portray the dingy and filthy conditions of Indian slums, why can’t a British do the same? Fact is a fact and let’s face it. India is not the posh localities nor the wi-fi management campuses set up by people like you. A major portion of India, one of the most promising economies of the world is largely made up of dingy, filthy and obnoxious environment and if that gets reflected we as a nation should be ashamed of our hypocrisy and not blame the guy who has explored this grey area of the country. If you give a person a chance to make mockery of yourself, why should that person not take the opportunity?
Coming to the film. Slumdog Millionaire is a special movie no doubt in its treatment . It just does not highlight the Indian slums, the poverty, begging and prostitution but it reflects more on the eternal nature of mankind and that is the zeal to fightback as an underdog. It is a story of Jamal Malik who becomes a millionaire by answering questions out of his own life’s experiences. It reflects on the parochial nature of the society where people have the myth that only highly educated and intelligent people can win in shows like quiz contests et al. which is absolutely wrong. It is due to this nature that Jamal was subjected merciless torture in the police lock up for no fault of his. The movie reflects on a love story between Jamal and Lathika, a love story that has a happy ending despite the greatest of all odds. Slumdog is actually an inspiration for a number of youths living in the slums and who are being a considered just a piece of shit by many within the society.
I find no reason why a movie with such content should be slammed. It deserves what it has got. Yes, I do agree that a musician like Rahman should have been nominated at the Oscars for Lagaan much earlier for it had a much better music than Slumdog but then we need to consider that an universal appeal has to be created if a musician has to be nominated for an award of such magnitude. Probably Rahman has done that with Slumdog.
Dear sir, hope I have provided with a suitable feedback to your blatant slamming of the Slumdog Millionaire in the media.
-Kisholoy
I was amazed to see the movie "SLUM DOG MILLIONAIRE", the screenplay of the movie makes me wonder the kind of research which has gone into the making of the film pre- and post-production. I am shocked, how can a foreigner (Danny Boyle) just look into India so deeply...i have been in India for 23 years now, we certainly have seen slums here or we see, but never even think of what's happening inside them.We are so busy with our lives that we don't at all care about what's happening around.Suddenly a foreigner like Danny Boyle comes in and makes a miraculous movie like slum dog....Looking at the other side of it, the movie though has bagged 13 Oscar nominations and got 4 golden globe awards, it reflects very dark side of India which should not have been exposed to the global arena...for example a young British boy or girl who has never been to India watches this movie..what's the impact on their mind, they think "THIS IS INDIA"...which is not at all true....the kind of message or the perception which the movie sets is not the true image of India
I, a proud INDIAN who is happy for the Indian film fraternity as some of the actors and musician's in movie got global recognition, on the other side the movie makes me cry and i wonder....DAT it sends a wrong message for a great country like INDIA.....
I am Abhiteja doing my E.C.E engg.
I completed my 10+2 in '08 and now doing my engineering in SBCET,Jaipur and reaching the end of first semister .I need guidance about doing the BBA&MBA course that is due to start in the May of '09.My aim is to lead in the business stream.I like most of my age students felt that engg.+MBA is a perfect combination.So what would e your suggestion about the further steps I need to take.
I thought of consulting you because my parents left the decision to me. . . . .
kindly advice me if possible to my mail at "tejakrsna@gmail.com"
You being an Indian should atleast recognise that an "Indian" film is being appreciated by world audience.Please do not try to judge the sensibility of the audience by your own views.
Now "SLUMDOG".. well Dog is man's best friend but still its used as a
slang by sick minds,its like coin with two sides, which we want to see is upon us, so please everyone reading this, dont take SLUMDOG as a insult.
Vicky Karmakar.
Dumb, really, how we in India fail to truly bask in the glory of someone else.
ahem ahem!! do u know its an adaptation of a novel written by Vikas Swarup's called Q&A..and yea..to be precise Vikas Swarup is an Indian!!
I did enjoy the movie to the fullest!! and tell you what, friends from US and UK told me...YOU ARE SO LUCKY TO BE AN INDIAN...its SO VIBRANT OUT THERE!!
Boy !!! they dint find anything negative about the part u were depicting all through!
and yea..The Movie was not about Jamal(slumkid) winning the prize money or not!! even forth its revealed
Its much beyond it! The Story is Much beyond what you wrote!!
Its a story of a slumdog who never has seen dat amount of money all his life, turns down every request of teh host to quit..just coz' he knows his LOVE OF HIS LIFE is watching him!!
I would have definetly agreed with you, if in the climax, the beggar woman begged Jamal for money!! SHE WISHES HIM BEST OF LUCK!! boy' watch the movie twice n thrice, you would notice the positive features you havent!!
I have nothing against you...you have your own opinion!! Watch the movie as it is...its just a Movie to enjoy after all!!
A CHandni Bar movie doesnt make all Indian houses prostitute houses nor an American Gangster movie makes America, A Gangster nation..
I suggest you watch the movie 2-3 times with a fresh mind widout any stereotypes-- and tell you what, you would find one of teh amazing Human Emotional Journey eva!!
I read your comments in The Telegraph and wanted to get back to you with my take on the movie which I saw yesterday.Let me introduce myself first—I am Sarmila Sarkar,Reader in History and my immediate reaction was that Edward Said was so right.Then my daughter told me that I am too defensive and we Indians should lighten up.But your article made me feel vindicated—my gut feelings were right:
*It is a movie with a Western audience in mind
*Every culture,every city has an underbelly so it is unfair to focus on one
*Indian slums sell books and movies abroad so it is a cheap shot at popularity
*It is imperialism in a new guise and it has found many collaborators
*The only redeeming features are the excellent story telling by Vikas Swaroop which went unacknowledged and
*some very good acting and wonderful music
It is a tale of unmitigated horror e.g. police-torture of a game show participant is unbelievable! Except for the chaiwala, every Indian-from the famous game show host to the lowliest policeman was shown as evil. Even muslim bashing was shown as an Indian problem, what hypocracy! Typical representations were shown like India being an open sewer,didn’t that become outdated with Katherine Mayo? Anyway, they will throw a few Oscars our way so that we cant even crib—Lagaan was about our pride so it didn’t win,we have to be slumdogs to get acclaimed.As a person who works with streetdogs that are not mercilessly put down as in “clean”cities of the Firstworld let me end by saying SLUMDOGS RULE and so do we!
I guess you are now able to see the point , when so many bloggers have lashed out at you on critisizing something that actualy needs celebrating .
I repeat - Enjoy Cinema as it is . Cineme is nothing but a visual story and it should just remain that . Look at all the classics - wheather Hollywood or Indian - Where eagles dare , Victor Victoria or SHolay or Khoobsurat ( old ) , Golmal ( old ) . All these had excellent story and they remain etched in our memories .
Your movies on the other hand are laughably forgettable . I recall a golden dialogue rendered unforgettably by the golden voice Raajkumar - Jo log sheeshe ke gharon main rehten hain woh auron par pathar nahin fenkte ( People who live in glass houses , do not throw stones at others ) .
And I recall also the remark from Aragorn for the Hobbits - All that is golden , does not shine . ( Lord of the Rings )
Technolala hath spaken .
Great Great Article ...Iam an Indian but currently an Australian Resident. I was shocked to c dis kind of Movie. Dese Goras should world look at themselves..V should encourage directors like farhan Akhtar or Aamir Khan to make a Movie on d Druggs , Poverty, Begging and racism dat exists in dese so called First World COuntries..I live in melbourne which is suppose to be d most livable country in d world but after 10 pm u cant even go to d city centre if ur alone otherwise so loath and retard aussie will hit u or will stab u with a knife..make Movies on Aborgines plz arindham sir...u have d money make a Movie on Australian Natives dey sniff petrol , eat from dustbin, beg on roads, stab people ...why cant we show d world d real side of West...plz only u can fulfill my wish....thank u
But first thing it is a movie and it is a fiction. Second, there is certainly some iota of truth in the depiction of poverty in the movie. People like you living in helipad-roof buildings will never be able to see the swarming poverty down there.
Slumdog Millionaire is a movie of triumph , valor and love. I encourage our directors to make world class movies like these.
Slumdog Millionaire will be judged a classic inspite of your criticisms.
ROK SAKO TOH ROK LO!!!!
Saran
today read ur article. and nice to see a braveheart who dare to speak against slumdog especially at times Mr. Bachchan was criticised from all sections of media because media found
something against slumdog on his blog.
regards
pankaj
Its high time that we face the true facts and not run away from them that's how India will progress. And it has clearly been shown in the pic where Salim tells a fabulous dialogue "India is at the centre of the world, bhai".
And the call center part where Jamal, shows his excellence. Slumdog Millionaire showed true facts and nothing out of fantasy world. Danny Boyle did a better job and made a true quality film and not a money vending machine like few of our Indian directors do.
I wrote this comment because i am fed up of all the criticizes i have heard over the past few days.
Take Care and please enjoy the film as it is.....
why this kind of thought. Films are entertaining items. People have short memory, they see, enjoy, forget and get on to their work. Let it be India or abroad how much films have changed ones thoughts.
I agree that ours is a country which deals with Slums and Poverty but the way it is depicted in the Movie is a disgrace to our nation.
Having lived for a decade in Foreign countries, i have seen and talked to many Westeners who seem to have a blurry and twisted picture of Poverty and the whole image of India. I truly feel that the movies like Slum*** Millionaire,make the picture of India a lot worse than actually what it is out there amongst the Foreigners...
There are people in the West who know about India and it's true nature but that number is very small compared to the huge audiences which this movie will go to.
I have one thing to say for this. We shuld really feel bad for this sad but true condition of indian lower class society. Its not only in dharavi but every where. Instead we shuld take a lesson to improve the situation.
I completely agree with your views. At a time when India is trying to position itself as a rising economic power a movie like Slumdog Millionaire (which depicts poverty and filth in India)is bagging Golden Globe awards and Oscar nominations. Rewarding such movies reinstates the Western world's sense of security and dispels their fear of being usurped by developing nations. America has been adversely affected by recession. But will we ever come across a movie depicting unemployed Americans living in penury?
Yes, this movie does focus on a side of India that the upwardly mobile Indian likes to believe doesn't exist.
Yes it does - to an extent, that is - seek to satisfy the views of some - the 'evil' babus of the West as you so inarticulately put it.
Yes, it has taken a few liberties, most notably from the point Jamal enters adolescence.
But it does not take away the honesty of the depiction. Slums, poverty, prostitution et al. are a reality. Just because a few of us choose to sit in plush offices and mint money all day long, it doesn't take anything away from this brilliant piece of cinema.
Finally would suggest you to read www.blogpourri.blogspot.com/2009/01/review-slumdog-millionaire.html for a rather genuine review of the movie.
cheer..
Leaving aside its portrayal of India, this film by Boyle is an utter crap and has no cinematic value. Some moron has compared it with "12 Angry Men" and bigger morons have awarded it with honours. Never mind there will always be morons who will talk nonsense.
http://rainbowshark.blogspot.com/
You sound to me not any different than those Mullahs and islamists who see and seek conspiracy with everything what west does.
By taking your ads on full pages in national newspaper and by creating a label like "dont go and watch it, it sucks" you are just trying to be sensationalist. I guess you have your own agenda here.
undercoverindian.com
U are completely wrong...
It is truly hard to understand some of the people who say that the movie does not show the darker side but it is on a more positive side. How do these people know the director's mind, with what intentions he must have made the movie.
I, truly agree with you that the film really sucks and does not have any story line at all. Secondly even talking about the music score by Mr. A R Rahman, I would certainly state that it was not as apealling as compared to what ever I have heard him all these years.
Yes I do agree that there is poverty but that does not mean that we make a mockery out of the same just to achieve fame and some awards. Indeed it is not worth watching the movie in the theater.
Man.. i never expected such kiddish comments from somebody who is called a "management guru"; you couldnt even manage to see a pure entertainer in SM!!
"The cumbersome delivery in a language which doesn’t come naturally to most of the actors sounds like someone scratching on walls with one’s finger nails" - Just bcoz you have patched your voice to sound like an American does NOT entitle you to comment on your fellow Indians. And FYIP, American English sounds different from British, that doesnt make one inferior to other.
"The film borrows an undoubtedly interesting narrative style – from films like “City of God” – but then uses it to weave in a collection of clichés from the Third World’s underbelly for the viewing pleasure of a First World audience" - This is a shameful truth that we all are aware of. Be it a metro like Mumbai/Delhi, or a small town of Haryana, slums can be seen everywhere. So lets accept it; and from whom do you want to hide it?? Tourists coming to India see all of these stuff here.. traffic chaos, slums, poverty, bribery. Whoever takes interest in India knows all these facts; people experience it here, Discovery shows it; even you can see slum videos on Youtube(just search for "slums in india").
"… but the film has no soul" - The movie, righteously, is the feel-good movie in the recent times. It shows the slums, poverty and what not, but it portrays the winning human spirit. It never made me(or my friends) feel bad. Its a movie with high spirits, showing viewers that success is in store for those who take the right stand.You see Jamaal dove into shit; i seem him rising from it and win what he wants(an autograph from the great AB here)
Now something that i would like to end with - Today, we have turned from being India to being global citizens. This atleast holds true for some priviledged people who are reading/writing this blog. We make busniess trips to countries, work for global clients. Lets admit that life in some other countries is much more comfortable, peacefull and managed compared to India. Now i, as an indian global citizen, would want all those facilities here in this country as well. If Slumdog shows the poverty in India, its a fact; and so is that we Indians still are achieving newer goals and are a fast developing nation. The movie brings the fact to global audience about the issues we face here in our day-to-day life and how we make our way through it and win..!!
Wishing India keeps up its progress and makes the life of all Indians(rich and poor) better day by day.
Jai Ho..!!
I have gone through your article. What tremendously facinates me is your superb style of writing. Otherwise, I am hardly going to listen to your advice. I surely will watch it, not because I am sure it is a good movie. I will watch to guess what exactly enables it to be nominated in OSCAR in 10 categoies!!! A lot of films made by Indian filmakers have brought us many awrads from across the abroad. Some of them are cheap film makers and a few are master film makers, at least one, like Sir Satyajit Ray who is mainly known for his work PATHER PACHALI which also deals in poverty and poor class lives. I have seen several films of your production house. I wont say all of yours are good. I also really got amazed to see the way your bad films got critical applauses! So you also know this game of media criticism. Moreover, please dont preach others what you dont follow. Whatever menu you have tasted, let other taste it sir. Last but the least, between SLUMDOG and AAG (by Ramgopal Verma) starring Amitabh Bachchan, which one you would like to opt for? I will again write to you after watching SLUMDOG. Thank you.....Subrata Das, soobroto@rediffmail.com
Most of us are getting so touchy about what has been shown but not sensitive towards the problems being faced by the unfortunate millions.
And to be honest, if showing truth for what it is will go towards highlighting and eventually helpful the current situation, I ask you Mr. Arindam Chaudhuri, what is the harm? In fact, the west is doing our job and should be congratulated.
Like the analogy goes, a cat drinking with its eyes closed is sure one is watching, likewise, India cannot afford to be so naïve towards the problems it faces. As for the film, although I do accept it's not an Indian film and its success cannot be heralded as a success to Indian cinema, the genius of the movie cannot be put to doubt. That would amount to a great disservice to all the lovers of quality cinema.
I hope you respond to the numerous questions that have been asked. We would like to hear from you.
I am so happy to read such a truthful and candid review.When i saw the film i went through excatly similar feelings.Felt so cheated by the film reviews.And i have a good news for you.As it is ticket sales are very less..And i have a friend who works with a large multiplex chain and he says that probably because of your article alone the ticket sales were down by almost half compare to yesterday though today was also a holiday..I wish by tomorrow no one goes at all.Thank God someone told the truth.
I wont be suprise to know that you'll are paid to post that comment or Either its you Arindam.. in an fearful state creating fake accounts to post yourself.
READ MY POST.
SLUMDOG IS INDIA'S PRIDE..
DONT JUST DISCRIMINATE THAT DIRECTOR IS NOT INDIAN.. BUT THERE ARE MANY HINDI MOVIES WORSE THAT THAT..
BUT SLUMDOG IS WORTH WATCHING.. AFTER ALL MASTERPIECE
GO AND BOOK YOU TICKET OR EMAIL ME.. I'LL SPONSOR.
Its ok not to like a movie, but to treat is as commentary of the western world on India is incorrect.
The movie is well made and has an interesting story line. Though I particularly did not like the movie, that does not take away the the effort behind the movie. I agree better movies has been made by Indians and on India but there is nothing retarded in the selection of this movie for the Oscars.
I believe a person of your caliber would put more objectivity into your thinking but alas you too see the world through biased eyes.
May God bless our country if we have intellectual leaders like you.
What you have written has been done in extremely bad taste and the purpose of cinema is to entertain hence the bracket of fiction comes into play. With all your accolades or your reputation of being a great economist and entrepreneur i think it is a "CHEAP SHOT" from your side and i wish that you take my comment not as bad criticism but as a suggestion that if you do not have anything nice to say do not say it at all!!!
thank you.
It is people like you who are living in a dream world and believe that India is about the glowing success and money possessed by few.
Slumdog is a movie which is made in a very intelligent way and has captured the life of an ordinary Indian boy in a beautiful way.
There is no intention to humiliate India as a nation.
BUT I DONT THINK PEOPLE WILL SHARE YOUR 'INTELLIGENT' INSIGHT.
Someone in the comments list said that a journalist is supposed to have a balanced viewpoint. I dont know what a balanced viewpoint is. Its either this way or that way. Am happy that you atleast chose a side, and thats the only notion I share with you. I can see that you have nt read the book 'Q&A' apparently or else you would ve mentioned it or you ve read and have hid the details. The book is hundred times better than the movie for sure.As a movie I dont think it deserves oscar or for that mater even a bronze globe, except for the Rahman part, but the storyline by no means is stupid. In the recent NDTV Indian of the year awards function, Mrs. Hemant karkare spoke this 'After 26/11, the people seemed to behave strangely. They went up to the streets lighting candles, holding protests, but how is this going to help?' Spot on, I would say. There is no point in keep on talking about how proud we are of our country and all those things. This is no sensitive issue after all. I am as patriotic as you are for the nation. those who say the west is expoiting our poverty to make millions, why dont you exploit the mafia story of italy and make a movie and become rich, if u had the talent? who stopped you sir?
Hollywood works this way - You keep the audience entertained, you make big money. With the big money, you make better, India-shining type of movies. That's how it works. Let me ask you this, why didn't any of your favourite Amitabh movies make it to the Oscars? Does that make sense to a entrepreneur like you?
Be realistic. You will need to give away something to earn something. Nothing comes for free! Danny Boyle paid the price for the Oscars. He gets the money, we get the awards and the inspiration. Where did we lose?
When Vittorio De Sica showed us the dark Italian life through the Bicycle Thieves, we all enjoyed it declaring it a classic. 'AC' is nothing but a typical urban-Indian for whom India Inc seems to be the only reality while the slums and the rural life of India seems like some conspiracy to demolish that dream.
SM is an Indian story told by a British in an Indian way. AC and many others who want to ignore the cinematic beauty in this film, should understand that their comments also represent their jealousy over not able to be a part of this movie venture. Bollywood is getting more corrupted by commercial goals than it has ever been, along with the political ambitions.
Why would the nation honour actor like Aishwariya Rai or Akshya Kumar, when these actors cannot even get to a minimum acting standards in comparison to Gurur Dutt, Dileep Kumar or Kishore Kumar. The next fiasco would be Bharat Ratna to Amitabh Bachan for his ties with Samajwadi Party and Amar Singh.
Many people have lambasted the movie with the view that it portrays India as a third-world country, what with all the slums, riots, open-air lavatories, begging, prostitution etc. saying that it demeans India. One may say that the movie depicts not the protagonist but India itself as the Slumdog. And it may not be incorrect. Some may say that the movie shows the protagonist as an ‘Accidental Millionaire’.
But I say, look at it. The movie clearly states that the character learnt from the lessons that life taught him- he clearly explains how he came across the answers to the questions. As such, he is not an accidental millionaire but one who has learnt from life & everything around him, one who has made it all by himself. And isn’t it what India has done. It shows what India is- even with all the baggage of difficulties, disadvantages & impoverishment it has had to cope with, it has become what it is- a World Power to reckon with. I say, a Phoenix rises from the ashes only. This signifies the rebirth to glory, the glory India had in the past as ‘The Golden Bird’ & the glorious future that lies ahead. It is a pity that others see India in that form & we Indians are trying to take their views & beliefs apart piece-by-piece.
So, it finally depends on you which view you want to pursue, the optimistic one or the pessimistic one. After all, it depends on how you yourself view India as.
The most expensive review I have ever read. Capitalism rocks.
I thought the Americans were crazy, you really take the cake.
I just hope you spend time constructively on making a good movie after all your duds.
Rajeev
To see a movie or not is for me to decide not you and I'll decide if it's good or bad. We love to wear blinkers like horses oblivious to all facts around us. And yes we might be progressing but we have miles and miles to go to say we have all progressed.
Could you please tell me any part of the movie which does not happen in India. Go out to nearest traffic signal now and u'll find a beggar near you.
I could have shown many more scenes which happen only in India like candidates standing for elections from jails and criminals being voted into power or traffic jam that has occured cos all of was wants to be the first one out.
After seeing the movie I'm still proud to be an Indian because that too is our India
Sophia Joseph
(Sophiabobby@yahoo.com)
I agree very much with your views....As i watched the movie, i felt very bad that India and Indians were depicted in Bad light. But one good thing about the movie is its cast of child actors (who are just amazing)and its soul trend music... I do hope we, as Indians acknowledge the fact that India was turned into a slum by the very westerns with their conquests... Its we who need to rebuild the same and bring India to its past glory.. Jai Hind...
Guruvardhan
http://80feetroad.blogspot.com
Firstly, I'm glad I can get under the skin of ignorant people, even better if he happens to be a banker with a bulge bracked i-bank :)
Secondly, I'm not interested in knowing who u are or how much u make ! U come across as a person with possibly a lot of money, very little class and even lesser SELF ESTEEM. What u need is HELP :) and that is even before u set out to make India a better country :):):)
I apologize to the others for answering personal jibes in the comments section.
1. The movie requires to show slumlife in detail. It really isn't Danny Boyle's fault that he chose to show slumlife in the most graphic way possible.
2. Most of us will agree that the movie is flawed and the script has its fair share of loopholes but the thing that you cant deny, is that it is a great piece of film- making.
Mr. Arindam Chaudhuri I wont blame if you are a tad bit jealous that you will never be able to rise to such a level of film making but that doesnt mean that you can say that Slumdog Millionaire as a film sucks
I truly agree with your view on Slumdog Millionaire. It portrays India and Indians in a really bad manner. Except for the background score of the movie nothing is great about the movie. The story is a direct lift from some of the 1970s Hindi masala movies. Only thing is they have blended the old story with the craze of Who wants to be a millionaire and cashed in on it.
No doubt slums and slumdwellers are there here in India. Their life is theirs and we know what they go through. Glorifying it in this manner and projecting that slum"dogs" (as they call them in the movie) can be millionaires in this fashion is a cheap act on their part. Some scenes in the movie are too disturbing and they project India and Indians in a really bad way. Espicially the instance wherein a US tourist couple's car is looted and the driver hits Jamaal. The US lady offering some XYZ dollars to Jamaal saying this is what US is! This was utter crappy projection of what outsiders think of us. Also one more instance is the scene wherein the people watch Jamaal answering the questions on TV. They sit on pavements outside the TV shops and watch and cheer. Strange that Mr Director doesnt know the penetration of TV in India.
Totally its a crappy movie and every Indian who feels for his country should oppose it for the way we and our people are projected in it.
I pity Anil Kapoor and Irfan Khan who have been projecting and promoting this movie to be a classic movie despite knowing what they are here.
Chetan
There are several things I did not like about the movie, including the accents, but it does not call India a slumdog. You did that in your post, and I take serious offence to it.
PS It is anyday better than Rok Sako Toh Rok Lo. Thank you.
http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1181683.cms
and you are sitting in judgement of a movie that will go into cinematic history as a jewel...???/ LOL... get a life, I mean really.
You have never seen the side of India that has been depicted in the movies, your patriotism is limited the 3 mandatory holidays of the year. And I dont think you know the meaning of a life in a slum.
So keep your poorly researched, narrow-minded thoughts to yourself. Or if you want a real education of the india that most people dont see, go into a mumbai slum. Live a day there. It's a challenge you should take up. Better still go to the garbage dumps and see what a rag picker has to go through, maybe talk to the families who actually live on the dumping grounds.
Dont sit in your castles on high and comment of the ground below, for you have not an idea of what the earth smells like.
Just one question.
Why did you see it?!
***
(Go figure)
after reading the blog and the article on IIPM,Chennai i must admit i am rather suprised. I dont think people have got the point of the film. In reality it is another bollywood masala flick with a love angle and a happy ending. I agree that there have been many mainstream films that might be far better than slumdog. But what is it that has hurt Indian sentiments? The fact that kids from the streets get picked up to beg on the streets or was it that while a film star travels on a helicopter there are millions who are ready to jump into shit to get an autograph or is it the presense of gangsters in our society. Yes we are a developing economy, but if we dont face the realities of life we wont get too far. Just because a few can fly in helicopters that doesnt erase the fact that our country have slums worse than what was depicted in the film. Let us not critise a film maker because he dared to show the realities of our nation.I only hope indian film help uplift our society and not create a world of fantacy which is nothing close to the truth. Movies such as 'singh is king' might have brought a smile to our faces but slumdog has made many like me think and understand the realities of life. Thankyou.
-B.Ramesh
It affirms the human spirit.
It shows the healing power of love.
It shows how determination and
It shows the love and warmth of the poor people of india and indians in general.
I was a bit shocked to see ur article in the TOI asking people not to watch SM. I sincerely felt that this is a mere attempt to prove ur existence in the film industry by writing down such an article on such great film. I have never thought that a man of your stature can stoop down to such tactics to get attention. U need to realise that wen u r pointing a finger at others,the rest are pointing towards urself. As far as i understand, u may not hav had a problem with the film if it was made by an Indian director or a director of Indian origin. Hasn't Salaam Bombay shown the western world about the slums of India. but still u like the movie since it was made by a director of Indian origin. i don't see much of a difference as to how both these movies (Slumdog Millionaire & Salaam Bombay) depict India. If you feel that the way Danny has shown the slums of India is not right, why don't u step down from ur luxury car and walk into the slums in Mumbai. Can u Cross ur heart and say what is shown in the SM abt the slumboys is not true. That is the reality of the slums of Mumbai. U need to accept it first and then start doing something to change it( if u ever wish to).
Finally: If u feel that Danny has tried to show the wrong side of India to the West, why don't u try and show the right side to the West.
What have YOU done for MOTHER INDIA till date?
I sincerely hope you have given something back to the country before you talk against anyone.
Come on, it is the story of one boy, who had one true focus - his love. Thats it!Whether it was India, US or any place, the story is about one man's grit and courage to go after what he belives is his destiny.
For 518 years, indigenous people in the Americas have been abused, lied to and exploited in the name of "progress," including in the fields of education and research.
As Amitabh said all cities have darker side, it does not mean we pile them together in a dark corner and shoot in night to appear even darker.
Let someone may a film of Muslim plight of women; let some one show life in black communities in America; let someone show how sex is prevailing in young children and see the uproar.
Some comments who do not have any patriotism that movie is for entertaining -- to whom the foreigner -- who have started taking guided tours to Dhara now. Pl gives us a break.
Somebody says the writer was Indian -- he has said that almost everything has been changed in the film.
Show some dignity towards your people, be patriotic.
Dump the moive and its makers.
The story of the movie clearly reflects the thinking of western countries about our mother India. And the main culprit here is our Bollywood. We try to imitate western style instead of following our own. And also Bollywood is aiming at foreign movies because growing market to international level will make them earn more.
We should create our own movies to make hollywood look back at us , instead of waiting for their awards . Worst part is they have indirectly portraied us as a "Accidental Mollionare" but our media and bollywood are praising the movie. Ofcourse Rehman has done a good job hats off to him. But as Indians we must not let them take over us again and we should not encourage these kind of movies that critises our nation.
Surya.R
Don't be a film critic or a social commentator because you really are inept at both. The film was a brilliant and honest commentary on our slums which we prefer to see in ridiculously romanticized rain dances! I doubt you have ever been to Dharavi in Mumbai - in fact, even Shantaram, the novel which paints criminals and slum dwellers in India as rosily as any Bachchan film, finds it hard to hide the abject filth and poverty inherent in these areas. Come on - face facts! If India is indeed a shining star in many intellectual areas, we are also a governance which does nothing for children blinded by thugs, rampant enforced prostitution and murderous crime which are fostered in these slums. What a script - fearless, to the point and stubbornly truthful! To write that the West prefers to see us painted in these colors and that we are pandering to them is simply to defend the indefensible. It is also old fashioned rhetoric and misplaced in an era where modern States are looking hard at themselves and opting for CHANGE. People all over the world now see with clarity and are invested with a drive to meet the challenges head on! Slumdog Millionaire is one unanswered question in India - can we make this sort of scenario history? Or do we shut our eyes and growl at the mirror.. and let the assault continue on those who deserve our greatest protection - our children?
In the end I would like to say that I am an MBA aspirant and thought highly of Mr. Management Guru. But the way he has published his personal opinion in a big news daily like HINDU, shows him in very bad light. It appears as if you are nursing some sort of personal vendetta against the makers of the movie. Very cheap publicity gimmick indeed Mr. Choudhury…...
Instead of criticizing a movie u could have written something which flaunts India positively.
All the gents praising Slumdog Millionaire as “realism”, I pity your intellegence. Do you know why Gandhi rejected a “realist” document by Katherine Mayo, calling it a “gutter inspector’s report”?
You guys have no idea how psyops are run over entire races. Stop being innocent babies who are easily outsmarted by Goras. When a neighbour pokes your arse^hole and claims you stink, it is not “realism.” It is something else. Develop some self-esteem for a change. Too much inellectualism is not good for health.
You will find that most of these rah rah celebrations and frothing in the mouth is being conducted in channels and papers that have recieved Western funding. It is the Whites who are pulling strings from behind and orchestrating these celebrations.
The Westerners have mocked our race through this film, and now they are running psyops in a way that we become delirious with joy at being mocked and ridiculed for our “underbelly.”
Indians who are praising this film are rank stupid.
You were the first person whom I found on same wave length about reaction to this dirt called SLUMDOG..... I dont know how any self respecting intelligent Indian can appreciate such a perverted depiction of India. Not only slums, our police and also the quiz master ANIL KAPOOR is shown as cheat. In my opinion this movie should be banned in India. Dont worry about criticism - you are on right path.
1. Why don’t you condemn movies like “Vaastav”, “Company” and “D” which comes and say that “DONs” are some of the best people of the society?
2. Till what time do you want us to be in a “fool’s paradise” and forget that we still have slums like Dhaaravi in India?
3. Is it wrong if some person comes from overseas and shows you a part of the realities of your nation?
The ONLY people who dislike this movie are INDIANS who are embarrassed by the slums. The slums don't disappear just because you don't show them in film. The film 'Boys N The Hood' doesn't present America in a positive light -- but it is still an amazing film.
India is a beautiful country, my literal Motherland and I love visiting as often as I can. This movie showed the resilient nature of Indians, even children, who make ends meet against all odds. It shows old India and new, religious tension and love. It was emotional, unrealistic, and I loved it.
India's slums and the plight of the poor children is a horrible reality and one that Indians must solve. In no other major city in the world will you have children living in such deplorable conditions -- not in Thailand, China, or even most of Africa. The problem should not be ignored.
The movie was great and every Indian I personally know living in the US loved it.
Yours is the minority viewpoint. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.
Mamtha B
I tend to incline to your view on the entire episode.I need to admit i have not watched the movie. I didn't intend to. The perse Oscar has very little meaning to me, but for the truth like the Miss worlds and Miss Universe's it is a sadistic design of the Oscar/other machinery.
My thoughts :
1. What was the basis for the conceptualization of this movie.
2. I Have seen the poverty and lving style of the slum, even there , it is very far fetched to show a kid jump into a shit pool to watch a movie or meet his matinee idol.
3. While it may be true a large portion of the people in slums have no other choice, There is a Section of people which thrives in such conditions.
4. While there is a section of Indians , who work towards gaining respect for this Country , there are others who do not hesitate to exploit their own , for monetary gains.
5.A R Rehman is a good musician, with the oscars he may be more marketable in the western world. Please Hold on the people of India have already embraced him.
6. I do not have much to say about the Director , hardly know anything about him. But his mind set may not be completely neutral.
7. Saw on NDTV, some of the child actors in the movie are expecting for a better life after the success of this movie.
8. Last night on the 20th Anniversary of NDTV show, they have presented an award, the anchor had this to say to Danny Boy " Whether you like it or not we have adopted you as one of us, and we are already celebrating the success of Slumdog .......... here in India. (Look at that chaps chap's face).
9. Let some sense and self respect prevail on these media personnel, who end up influencing a even more confused INDIANS.
10. The West needs a diversion at the time of crisis to celebrate , whether it is waging a war on some country or meddling in others affairs or the Oscars. THE MIDDLE CLASS WEST IS LOOKING FORWARD TO SUCH ALWAYS.
Thanks for allowing me to air my opinion.
Manjunath
Heh, you people who applaud this film need some more education.
If you didn't recognize the earnestness of survival and the buoyancy of optimism that scores of your so called "goras" have recognized, celebrated, and internalized, you clearly missed the entire point. Most importantly, if you didn't connect with the pulse of the city that throbbed with unparalleled resonance throughout the movie, I'd suggest you check again - you just might be in urgent need of resuscitation.
Absolutely! The message of hope that comes through the fighting spirit of the main protagonists, the urgent energy of the people of Mumbai...you are so right! My views exactly!
This is what this movie shows :
Indian BPO :
Even the person who supplies tea attends the calls in Indian contact centers.
Indian Call center people lies all the time.
In Indian call centers, anyone walking in to the floor can access the database, and get all the info about the clients (which includes home phone numbers, amount of money in each account etc)
Indian Tourism :
The tourist guides you find in Indian historic places like Taj Mahal etc, knows nothing about the history and they tell lies and stores, which they build, to the visitors
And, almost any one can become a tourist guide
In India, even the kids cheat foreigners.
If you park your car in a lonely place, the car would be dismantled and everything (except the body) would be stolen with in minutes !!!
The above vanishing act would be performed by kids
You can’t leave even your footwear out side an Indian heritage place – it would be stolen.
Crime
Indians are ready to kill even their own brother for a night with a girl.
Indians are ready to do any crime for money and female
Indian police are famous for chasseing poor children kilometers
You can kidnap a girl even in one of the busiest railway stations in India, even in day time. No one will even ask anything.(Police are busy chasing children)
Getting a loaded gun is an easy task for a teenager, by selling stuffs in trains (and know who is Samuel Clot)
During communal conflicts, children are dressed up as Hindu Gods, and stands in the corner of streets.
All Indian men, except the hero, are cruel, and they are mad for drug, money and women.
Indian police can arrest (or rather Kidnap) anyone, anytime and troche them in all the possible ways, including electric shocks
If any crime/abuse is happening for an Indian child, US People are the only hope !!(dialogs is something like “oh!! My son…let me show the real face of America” and give few dollars to the abused child)
India :
US dollar is the currency more widely used in India. Even a blind boy can recognize it by just touching it once.
Indian class rooms are a big mess, and teachers are monsters !!
India is a cricket crazy country. If any one disturbs them while watching cricket, they go ballistic.
Though Indians are mad about cricket, they don know nothing about “First Class Cricket”
Indian super stars are villains in real life.
Indian super starts cheats in real life.
Poor people are abused, even if prove their capabilities in a Reality show.
Indians are ready to be covered from head to toe in human Sh*t, just for an autograph from a Super star.
Indians watch TV shows by sitting in road side.
People traveling on the top of train is a usual scene in this country
Indian talks in term of “Millions”, & “Billions” – not in term of Lakhs and Crores
Well, how is Mahatma Gandhi ? Indians know only Benjamin Franklin, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis
This movie should be treated as a terror attack towards India, since it will have major impact on Indian tourism, Indian BPO business and image of India. Do not watch this movie, since it will only give more finical benefit to the people who done this crime.
When “The Passion of the Christ”, we saw a massive protest all over the country. When a carton was published in Denmark, we saw similar protest in this country. MF Hussein painting created anger waves. But, when a crime like this happens, I don’t see anyone moving a single finger !!!
Do not watch this movie. If you are thinking of A R Rahamn’s music, believe me, he has created better music before.
I was shocked when the nominations started coming in. Oh God I thought to myself - here are these snooty whites rewarding a crappy movie just so that they can feel superior.
Then when all out TV reporters waxed eloquent on the movie I thought that we were all collectively going bonkers. Can we not watch the movie and see the low standard of acting, the incredible nonsense of evil gang bosses who gauge out children's eyes to make them beggars.
And the melodramatic "Latikahhhhh" at VT station. Ha! Can you imagine finding someone some one at the station and then making sure they hear you with one "Latikahhhhh" yell?
Let the Britts and Yanks get their jollies from this dribble - I hope that we do not have to see one more interview of the star cast or the birector. I will BOYLE!
Slumdog millionaire is a movie - it has nothing to do with India except that the story is set in Mumbai and India.
Why do we equate movies to the real India etc etc. It is beautiful story about hope and love - that's it, simple as that...
It has a beautiful storyline and slick editing and a good music score to accompany...
There has been talk of the kid falling in shit to get an autograph.. Instead of looking at intention and thought going through the kids mind to get what he wants and desires in the scene, we are looking at the filth around.. its crazy..
Considering the movies you have made so far I don't think you are an authority on good film making.
In any case have opinions - each one is entitled at least one... Each one to his own.. but your opinion in this case is ridiculous that it is a caricature of India..
India is made up of a variety of a things and I am proud of India and Mumbai but Slumdog Millionaire is not India.. its just a good movie.
It seems like the so called well to do, higher society, folks like you want to ignore this part of India and always feel threatened when someone shows it to you.
To the argument of a GORA making this movie: this book was written in 2005. Why did not a single DESI chap think of making it in a movie? Now that someone has done it and done it well, who cares if it is DESI or GORA. On the contrary of what you have written; you are the kind of folks that are still struggling with the GORA mentality and keep looking for reasons to bash them.
An what ridiculous comments like "look you are outsourcing it to slumdogs". No sane person make business choices based on movies.
Dude, I think you have totally lost it and need to wake up and smell the reality.
Criticize something for what it is, not for something it is not.
you have given such a 'thought provoking idea'about the movie.I expect such a comment from the'management guru' because they have charterd flights to fly above the slums,Benz to travel away from poor and black coat wich seperates them from common men.
You are criticizing the movie on grounds that India have many good things to show and by showing the life of slums they have humiliated the whole Indians.The director of the film have depicted the open air lovotries with four walls but you can see people using streets for that purpose not children but also mature ladies. They live with streets sleep in streets and make their children in and to the streets.No complaint.But you have seen children begging near your Benz at traffic blocks.Oh you might be sleeping.Have you ever seen or heard about the red street in Kolkata.I think no, after reading your article.you are claiming that you know much about India .You might have read about the corporate image of India,If you have the habit of it.Moreover the 'bad face of India'is only given to depict the childhood days of Jamal,that is 25 years back.I doubt that you have only heard about the movie and not seen it.
How can you advice in bold letters 'dont see the movie'?Are you the producer of the movie?You are not different from the Taliban leaders who are producing fatwas against films, music, schooling etc.You have discovered the greatest fact that nothing except the music is good.Why dont you criticize A.R.Rehman for being a part of such a 'horrific movie'.If you are not satisfied with the director then go and watch 'Chandnichowk to China'and appreciate the Indian director.
What you have done through this advertisment is the technique of marketing.It is just to croticize anything which is good and appreciated by most people.You have given a bold header and is trying to market your institute.You have mareted your institute than the directer of the movie.If there is a piece of bread everybody wants to bite it and you have taken a good piece.
Any fool who is having money to give a full page add can do the thing that you have done.You have to take a walk through the remote areas to understand how people lives.The best thing you can do is to spend the money which you have used for the add in leading dailes for the upliftment of the poor people and feel proud of it.Will you give free seats for the students from the slums?Dont do that they will get spoiled with this blank ideas just spend your money for giving them elementry education.Just try that and make India a better country if you can.If you cannot tolerate with the British Director and feeling too much angry,then buy a 3287263 sqkm tarpolin and hide the whole India under it and travel in your imported Benz and say "Be proud to be a Corporate Indian".
THERE IS NO SPECIALTY IN THIS MOVIE I DONT KNOW WHY THEY HAVE NOMINATED FOR OSCARS OTHER THAN IT SHOWS THE SLUM LIFE .I AM SURPRISED WHY IT IS HYPED SO MUCH .WHY AN OUTSIDER WHO DIRECTED THIS FILM SHOWS ABOUT THE UNDERWORLD,SLUMLIFE .I THINK SO THEY SHOULD MIND THERE OWN BUSINESS.WHY SHOULD THEY DEGRADE OUR COUNTRY BY SHOWING THIS FILM .ITS NOT A FILM FOR NOMINATION FOR OSCAR.I DONT KNOW WHY JURY MEMBERS HAS NOMINATED THIS FILM.IT IS WHAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN IN THE ARTICLE ABOUT SLUM DOG MILLIONAIR
I completely disagree with you.I have never seen such a movie depicting slums of India.Its heart breaking to see that.Be it Danny Boyle or Maniratnam or any one this movie tells the truth of India.Nothing in the movie is unreal and it will be an eye opener to our sleeping government.And see how Danny Boyle commitment in portraying like that and our politicians commitment to eradicate it. Regards
I have a strong disagreement towards your article that i happened to read in Times of India.
I dont think that the movie is being made with a whole n sole purpose of putting India down.The movie is a masterpiece you have to agree with it. Its cinema at its best.Whatever the movie has projected about Mumbai i feel such things do exist right. Has anyone tried to throw light on the largest slum in Asia.But the entire process of Slumdog Millionaire is not that.
It just comes with a simple message that Life makes you learn a lot of things and everyday is a learning process and nothing is wasted.Its a pure underdog movie with excellent narration. It does show Mumbai and India to be heartless but its just beacuse the movie just shows that.
We've seen the malls the marine drives but slums nahh..!!!
Its just a life journey of a person from the darker side of the nation and to project that you need to show da darker side of it.. every country has a darker side..
You might even want to see the oscar winning movie CRASH.. which showed how a huge racist america is.. and you might even want to read THE WHITE TIGER written by an INDIAN..who doesnt have a word of praise for india in the book but the book is an excellent read...
So rather than spoiling the fun and art of making cinema.. by petty issues..just say JAI HO to it.. and wait that it gets the oscars..!!
'right to speech, right of expression, right of information....'
i feel the writer of this blog & the film director both have their own way, it is we as who have to make our decision.
We r the proud Indians hoping to get an Oscar..cos India sells well outside.
Hope somebody...realises that it was first written by an indian and was lying in ruins....why has it caused such a storm after Mr. Danny made a film out of it?
You obviously lack that skill..
You have used 4732 characters to express 'the suck' view that could have been done in less than 400 characters.....And you call yrself a GURU...
I don't no about the movie but believe me its your article which sucks.
If you are having so much of problem with the movie and the movie is hurting you patriotically so much than do something or else keep your Patriotism in your pocket
Just read the title once again, "Don’t see “Slumdog Millionaire”. It sucks!" Does it sound like a title sculpted by a managerial epitome?!
Well, I too do not believe that slumdog milionaire is a great film to get an Oscar, but do not support such strong and stupid criticism. He could have said in a decent manner that, the movie shows India in poor light. I think its no serious issue after all. The book has a highly intriguing plot and the movie is ok. Thats it.
With so many comments I wonder whether would look into my thoughts. I commend you for honestly sharing your thoughts but I am afraid you have bcom too emotional and less rational.
1) If you say that India is projected as a murky nation then it is not even a funky nation as Karan Johar presents in his movie. I think it is wise enough to see the core message of the movie than get into details which are not intended to present.
2)I am wondering whether you wrote anything about the movie "Kabhie Alvida Na Kahena" with Amitabh as a sexy Sam. Can we come to conclusion about what India is by seeing this movie, i.e. walking out of marriage when you dissatisfied with your partner and run away with another person's partner?
3) I am sad that instead of being moved by the other side of the booming India, wherein there is pathetic poverty and atrocities over children and doing something for them, we are unnecessarily fighting over the words in vain. And what are the affluent Bollywood icons are doing for such poverty stricken, physically abused kids which is actually the other part of the reality of our nation?
Cheers,
Chinappa S.D.
Wake up man !! This film is as far removed from reality as any other Bollywood film. This is a good piece of shit. "A Masterpiece" which people will forget in a year.
http://rainbowshark.blogspot.com/
If you say that no such negatives exist in India, then its obvious you are pretending not to see them. yeah, you are right the film shows the negatives of India. But its nothing exaggerated. You can't deny that such things exist. There's no point in camouflaging things.
And you can't blame A.R Rahman for showcasing his talent when opportunity knocks. Since ARR composed music for the movie doesn't mean that he encouraged such evils in the society or he brought a disgrace to the country. Rather than blaming others that they disclosed the dark sides of the country, better try writing articles on eliminating such negatives.
Every one knows, the country has come a long way since its independence and has proved to be a worthy competitor to world nations, but still we witness one-eyed kids in railway junctions running behind people and young women seducing men at street-ends for their daily bread. You can't deny the fact. And denying negatives doesn't mean that you are patriotic enough.
I want this article be translated in Tamil and send it to the scholarly tamil site www.tamilhindu.com.
I need your permission.
My email ID: cuziyam@gmail.com
I will lick white man's boots and clap when he shows Indians eating shit. Rok sako toh rok lo...!!!!!!! I will grovel and crawl on the ground.. rok sako to rok lo.. I will be a house negro and Uncle Tom.. rok sako to rok lo... I will take pride in my slavery ... rok sako to...
One question for you
Would you have written such an article if this film was directed by an INDIAN?I hope you would'nt have.
Ofcourse it's very much predicted that such a film being shot by a foreign individual, showcasing all the atrocities of Indian slums will give rise to sentimental controversies amongst Indians. But this is a reality which I know, you know and everybody know including the west. I don't condemn such a movie being shot by a foreign individual but I strongly condemn such a movie bagging innumerable awards, nominations and Indians making a hype out of it. There is an endless list of movies made by our Indian directors which have shown the reality in better ways without much glamor, capturing the reality as it is. If this has won so many awards many of our Indian movies should win double the number of what this has won. I totally agree with you with the fact that the giving of awards is in the hands of imperialists, but I personally didn't feel that the movie as such deserves so much of condemn. It seems you have opened up all your sadism and insecure negative self in the article.
In summary I don't condemn the movie but I strongly condemn the hype and the awards which have went with it and also the fact that Indians are celebrating this as a honor WHEN ACTUALLY IT IS NOT.
The fact is, there are lots of poor people in this country and it doesn’t matter whether an Indian tells it or Englishman points it out. We, the people (at least some of us), make up our own mind by getting perspective on things from various sources. You can’t tell us to ignore someone else’s opinion. After all, this is just a movie (supposed to entertain); Do not throw a fit like it is text book given to a tenth grader.
After all, you published your opinion as a paid advertisement in news papers. Money can make you famous, but not intelligent and authentic. Deep inside you probably know that you are fake to go to such pathetic ways of promoting yourself and your business. Did you even write this on your own or hire a ghost writer? This tactic to exploit people’s patriotic emotions to improve your image is disgusting.
Next time you want to say something useful other than cooking up conspiracy theories, may be write something good like how we can bring these slum dogs out of poverty. Then we will all bow to you!!!
These guys suck!
it's interesting to see how much passion you have for your nation...wonder how many 'slumdogs' have made it to your institution on full scholarships.
and maybe you should read this post: http://mentalsyrup.wordpress.com/2009/01/25/slumdog-millionairewhat-a-player/
warmly,
sushmit
I think Slumdog Millionaire is a good movie, actually a must-watch .. mainly because of the harsh reality of the life in slums which it portrays. Of course, there have been several similar Bollywood films, so I dont see what the whole Oscar hungama is all about. If this movie deserves to be nominated for Oscars, then there are a host of Bollywood movies which ought to have been too!
Another shortcoming (??) with the movie is that it does not offer a solution to the problem it portrays - but then, that might never have been the intention in the first place! Its like telling the audience - "This is the true state of affairs in the slums of India". It is up to the audience to look for ways to help.
I conclude with the comment that in order to solve a problem, it is necessary to know that the problem exists in the first place. Thats where movies like Slumdog Millionaire come in.
When Tsunami struck India, people very far from the sea shore, took their cars and bikes to watch how much distruction has happened.
If a TV clipping shows a boy getting washed away in flash floods, people never take their eye balls from their TV sets.
Similarly this movie has got more recognition as it shows the dark side of India. Every websites and TV channels give 4 or 5 stars for this movie, only because it has won Golden globe and nominated for Oscars
Had this movie been released in India, a month back, the same reviews would have given less than 3 stars to this movie
i think it's time for you to see atleast a few of satyajit ray's movies and his depiction of india. i don't think it's any different.
Those who can't see that how the image of India was put on fire are ruthless and have no heart towards the Nation and its pride...
Slumdog Millionaire truely Sucks...
I always used to appreciate articles written by you.Seriously I agree that movies like "slumdog millionaire" are just to show India in a bad way.
I have one big question for all the people who are against the views of Arindam choudary...
Why don't you first try to correct by giving something to the poor of India and let no one like Danny Boyle ever even think of making a movie like that.
And to CHINMOY...
Sir it seems like you would even enjoy watching a part of your house burning and say "enjoy reality as it is.i am enjoying it"...come on!!! first try to mend your own house before you ask someone else to enjoy it being destroyed.
RASCALS LIKE DANNY BOYLE...WHY DONT THEY TRY TO USE THE MONEY THEY HAVE USED TO MAKE THE FILM LIKE THAT ON GIVING SOMETHING TO POOR INSTEAD.
And Danny has no right even to call the peole living in the slums as DOGS.
WAKE UP FRIENDS!!!
WHEN HE MEANT SLUMDOG....HE REFERS ALL INDIANS TO BE DOGS.
dont you know he has potrayed reality???
this is what it is .... to all you people who feel india has been potrayed negatively ... guys please get out of the house walk on the roads enter the slum and see what their living conditions are alright. there is no point hiding it. if you're so ashamed do something about the situation rather than sitting and criticizing an ace director and some indians who are ready to take things as they are in india. i think you are amongst those people who will also criticize movies like water and salaam bombay ... ooh why? because they potray reality ... 'ooh no it shows what mistakes india is making. hide it hide people we dont want the world to know. we dont care if the practices continue.'
im really ashamed to read what you write.
its true indian will just keep thinking 'mera bharat mahaan' but do nothing to make it mahaan.
Western world has virtues like Sodomy, Homosexuality, Racism, Robbery in the name of Colonisation and Business, Creating wars with one hand and selling arms with another and the mouth talking peace, incest and what not....
Have they ever given one virtue to the world like India?
We see news of an elderly westerner getting away free using his money power after having sex with small kids. Are they humans?
And when such millionaire slumdogs make the movie like this, what else can you expect?
Let the dogs bark. India shall shine forever. We have heritage over several thousand years and it surely cannot be destroyed by notions of nations that are just a few hundred years old.
A day will come when India becomes the super power and the world follows it. Even then, we will have the sanity not to produce a film like this and hurt others. We belive in dharma and ahimsa and that is what gives us the great and unshakable foundation.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai.
Indian.
I think your views are similar to those who trashed a mangalore pub just because some women were drinking there. Even if the movie does show darker side of India, does it not show the truth? Haven't the riots of 1993 happened in reality, are not young children maimed for begging and aren't we in a habit of fleecing tourists. Isn't "India at the centre of the world" today. The movie has become an instant hit not because it depicts India poorly but because of some great direction and awesome acting. And surely if some Indian director had directed the movie it would have been trashed. Lokk what they did to "Memento" while making ghajini.
We should stop being pseudo-patriotic and take a realistic view of things. Patriotism does not mean you trash the man that tells the truth about your country.
Wonder why people don’t have so many problems when Bollywood or mainstream films go about taking their precious ” realism” for six. And I have never understood what they do really mean by realism and experimental( a new fad in mainstream industry).
Had this movie been made here, it would be fantasy(though the film would have no cinematic style)
And I’m sure he would never know what a film style is, because of the generalized vocabulary people have looking at the medium.
Go and watch this film folks and enjoy! And remember to add that our filmmakers need to learn how to use the camera
i am totally for your article. the movie is just crap.the hype around it is a waste of time!! as u said its got all this hype around because its been directed by a hollywood director!its just an ordinary story which is blown out of proportion.
Actually it is worthless to tell these people about art and indian cinema.hey u people can u plz explain me what is the symbolic meaning of showing the city in black cloud in the movie EKLAVYA..why the palace is symbolically shown in red color?if somebody is telling that indian directors shld learn about camera work ..just see the picturization of the song " tere mare sapne aab ek hi rang hai" in the movie "Guide" and see tha camera work at that time.If u want to see a good concept in movie then plz watch shyam benegal's kaliyug.Plz don't blindly accept that slum dog is a good movie as it is realistic.I really feel unahappy as our choice has gone in a wrong direction.Two days back I was watching Ram teri ganga maili..Raj kapoor has nicely comapred river ganga with a beautiful lady and how it is going dirty due to the poiliticians.I am unable to expain evrythng here but I request all of u to plz encourage good movies which has good message to the soiciety..
Very true and well spoken...
1.Numbri Aadmi
2.Garibon ka daata
3.Roti ki kimat
4.Amanat(hero:sanjay dutt)
5.dost garibon ka
6.champku
7.chandal
8.guddu
9.mahaveera
10.daku rani himmat wali
see and enjoy realistic movie
I completely disagree with you here. just think for a second that if some body shows your weakness or fault what would you do, correct it or complain about it ? And the people who are so much worried about image of India, just ask yourself how much you have done for India ?? And so instead of criticizing the makers of the movie try to bring perfection at your own home first, and then no one will point fingers on us. Why don't people take it as a challenge to correct the flaws that very much prevail in our country ? So better stop blaming and start working.
Subodh
Take for example Dev Patel who did not even bother to adapt his accent to reflect his Jamal Malik orphan from Mumbai character. Freida Pinto's performance was very average.
Anil Kapoor and Irfan Khan were just about OK. Irfan's script was very "chaltha hai" and there is not much more he could do for the role.
The situational credibility in the movie was rather doubtful. Take for example the super evil men blinding children and the ridiculous "Lathikaaa" station scene - and whats with the dancing sequence at the end of the movie?
The editing was tight and the music was good, but other than that it was an average movie. I suspect that it was nominated because it freaked out the judges who saw a new view of India - slums and sewage and shit. They mentally added it to the image of the growing modern India and said to themselves "how remarkable!" "what contrasts!" how wonderful.Suckers. But good for us if they did and good if it gets some awards. Just smile and enjoy it but do not join the crowds who admire the naked emperor's butt.
The reality slums, shit and garbage is all there - so let us not say that reality hurts. Bottom line - IS IT GOLDEN GLOBE OR OSCAR MATERIAL? Considering the hundreds of Hollywood and World movies out there with superlative acting and amazing screenplay and music - I don't think so.
For many of us who are kicked up with the waves the movie has made in the West, enjoy yourselves, but know this - that you are joining the "oh what a great movie" chorus simply because of a nomination by people who got carried away by the shocking scenes of India and perhaps patronizingly selected the movie for nominations. For those who love good movies and the art and craft of it - Slumdog Millionaire is very average movie and does not by a long shot deserve the nominations it got.
Coming back to the main point – my only contention is that the image India carries in the minds of foreigners is very straightjacketed. I am not whining about anything – just presenting what I perceive to be prejudices of most whites against non-whites, especially Indians. someone asked me the other day if we had mcdonalds in India – I mean how ignorant are these fools abt the economic prowess of India. a few years back I went to greet a foreign delegation who had come todelhi and the first question one woman had was “where are the lions and elephants?” my point is that such irresponsible demonstration of poverty (rather absolute focus on only the negative aspects of our country) would not help alleviate the naive impressions most foreigners carry abt India – and those people are the viewers of this film. I don’t see any message in this film whatsoever – all talk abt the film demonstrating vibrancy / hope etc is all nonsense. I am not seeking a forum to vent any personal grievances – I am not out of India to live like economic migrants. but it pains me to see what perception people outside have abt my country and my contrymen (and women).
I was just wondering if the director has taken permission from Indian government to shoot the film in India and if the film requires clearance from our Censor Board(which does not hesitate to use the scalpels for any Indian movie!)Do we have any laws for these firangis? or Are we a nation, a soft state, where any Tom, Harry, Dick can come and do any thing he/she wishes and even humiliate us on our face and in the global market? Does the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have any responsibility? Are slum dwellers dogs? There are many ghettos in America and West. Why cannot show them? This is high time we raised these issues.
Jai Hind
After all the purpose of creative expressions in music, novels, and art is to stir the conscience of people and to awaken us from our deep slumber of insensitivity. This film precisely does that …forces us to do an introspection….let us take it in that spirit….
The bottom line is, Indian movie industry doenst have enough experience/experties/courage to promote their films globally, which Danny Boyle did for us this time, otherwise we would have got many Oscars already as there are many Indain Movies which are way better than SlumDog.
I think let whoever think what it does not matter a very simple reason for this is its not what others think of us what we are but its precisely within us what we think of ourselves, how much confidence we keep in ourselves even if others are thinking that we are incapable or underestimating us.
See Mr. Arindam to be very frank its the confidence that should be keep in ourselves. I can see many of our youth is saying words to you as "Sir, you are 100% correct". This merely shows inability to focus on the actual problem. So guys and girls it is not necessary that you will have to agree to your sir or madam in order to succeed in life...
You must have your own opinion...
What are we lacking since many years is the self confidence and coming up from our own ideas...
We are following the westerns come on people in west are not god ok. All humans are equal. Let the West think whatever about us, let them be in sweet dreams of underestimating others. We should not bother about what others are thinking...
Belive in our abilities...
I request all the youth to watch movies for entertainment if you can learn good things out of it do take them rest of the things better kept aside...
I wont say that you are 100% right, nor would i say that you are 100% wrong!
Good that you too felt the same about exposing ..too much about the slums in INDIA with a bit more of spices in it! I felt that too be a perfect Bollywood movie and not a Hollywood movie!
Except the three nominations all the other nominations are for international personalities and the main point is that the co-director... Lavleen Tandon has not been nominated any where?
that's strange!
I don't know why the so called INDIANS have to be awakened by foreigners every time...?
It's a wake up call for all those Indians... who have welcomed "Slumdog Millionaire" as a good movie... to be ready to face the negative vibes of the movie...practically!!!...Be ready to face the national crisis, where you are giving a chance to people recognize you as a immigrant from slums!!!
If it would have been nice...then i guess so many would have not gathered to save its image...
All these people know that in there innerself that they are doing wrong..but the self egos...
Showing the negative side of a country and enjoying it..people seems to be shameless these days..i request to let not indulge in this as i feel fighting for nothing and making world watch.. shows what unity we have is again a shameless thing.
criticism should be taken in a positive way i personally feel...
In all i must say... movie doesn't show goodies about India and i am totally with you that it is a bad movie and one should not watch (atleast we Indians) to tell the world we will not tolerate if anybody tries to play with our emotions...
I felt exactly d same when i watched the movie...but i believe v Indians r not ready to accept d fact that India is exactly d way its projected to be in "Slumdog Millioaire"...isn't that a fact...????
Let the film be what it is....why go for a rampage ?
For starters, im not a fan of the movie "SLumdog ..."
But that did not stop me from acknowledging the fact that the movie was a step in the direction of a path that Indian film makers had never dared to tread till now.
And the aspect of borrowing from celebrated movies like Cidadeus De deus is only normal, given the stature and the quality of that movie.
For one, AR Rahman did not deserve the nominations for the movie, least of all for the song Jai Ho. It was one of those songs with all the Indians dancing around trying to look and seem terribly Indian. I dont blame the director though, it probably would have been the case of him wanting to add that extra desi and Indian flavor to the whole movie.
And I think the hue and cry about the movie showing the nation is poor light is because there are some people who just cant face criticism.
For them, there always are movies like "Mai hoon Na".
Jai Hind
Well as per my views:- its just a film so chillx people..
----------------
After being beaen up by the car driver, Jamal says, "I wanted to show you the real India...". To this the American woman gesticulates to her husband to pull out his wallet, and she says "Well, I am going to show you the real America!". The scene ends with a close up on the wallet and a 100$ note being pulled out. Now what does one make of this?
Heh, you people who applaud this film need some more education.
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You American or Indian, dude? Because every American who say this movie said that they realized that it was a meant to show the American mentality of thinking that money solves all problems.
Geez dude..what did your higher self make of that?
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Do we have any laws for these firangis? or Are we a nation, a soft state, where any Tom, Harry, Dick can come and do any thing he/she wishes and even humiliate us on our face and in the global market? Does the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have any responsibility? Are slum dwellers dogs? There are many ghettos in America and West. Why cannot show them? This is high time we raised these issues.
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Dude, you need a vacation. And sir 'firangi' IS a racist word. You would screen MURDERR if a westerner called you brownie, wouldnt you?
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For starters, im not a fan of the movie "SLumdog ..."
But that did not stop me from acknowledging the fact that the movie was a step in the direction of a path that Indian film makers had never dared to tread till now.
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*bows* agree with all you say dude. remember the old Amol Palekar movies about the average middle man which was so much fun to watch?
The buggers who are criticizing SDM would rather watch the glitter-glamour movies taken in the same very west that they are loathing in their comments.
I mean come on! they are happy to see kabhi khushi kabhi gham shot in UK or Hum Tum shot in australia or dostana shot in canada? why? because it shows how advanced India is??
God almighty! get a life, losers
My first word would go for appriciating a master peice of work called
"slumdog millionare".Excellent direction, marvolous cinamatography,
realistic characters which leave a real lasting memory and lovely thursholds that is what
this movie means to me.
A movie is something like telling a story through moving pictures.
Now I really dont undersatnd your point of view sir,mr. arindham.
Why can't you see positiveness in such a movie?
I just don't understand why people drag this indian and western feeling in
everything unnecessarily.If you want to be equal then consider yourselves
equal sir.With due respect to everyone I am giving my comment.
Let me concentrate entirely on the movie.It doesn't show anything thats not true.
Every bit of the movie is so true and it has shown the real india.
The slum in mumbai being named as the biggest slum in Asia itself is such a
fact that noone can take their eyes away.So there is no point discussing why the movie
shows poverty and the darker side of india,as it is an integral part of india.
Every story is unique and it needs its own way to be shown.
The points to be emphasized more in the movie:
1. The eternal love between Jamal and Latika. They are merely 8 yrs old when
their love story started at an age where we actually don't even know the meaning of
love.But these characters understand it and feel it and this thing is shown
absolutely amazingly.
2. Being in slum doesn't always mean thats your destiny, there is always a way.
The scene in which jamal serving chai in the classroom answers to a question which
the amibitious student couldn't answer shows the typical "simple living high thinking"
feeling.
3. The way jamal answers all the questions in the competition, shows incidents happen
in life but do we learn something from it and most importantly do we remember it?
4. And lastly the best part is the HOPE that prevails through out the movie.
Be it in the lovestory of the couple, be it to get success or be it the chase
of saving your life from impossible situations.
At last i'l tell please learn from the movie, it has so many lessons.
I dint get time to find the loopholes as i was busy learning the lessons of life from
jamal salim and latika.
1. Why are we Indians so scared when someone depicts India like this in a movie? As I see first of all this movie nowhere had intent of showing what India is to the world. It is a Love Story which talks about the endless love of Jamaal for Latika and Jamaal’s courage who does whatever he can to get Latika back into his life every time circumstances make him lose her. Why don’t we recognize this work of fiction for what it is actually? IT IS NOT TRYING TO SHOW WHAT INDIA IS!
2. For people who say that it is showing a bad picture of India:
a. All over the world the people who are seeing this movie and have any interest in India are appreciating this movie for what it shows about Love and courage, and not because it shows the slums.
b. If we were in the 80’s right now and this movie would have released, I would agree with Mr. Chaudhuri’s comments. But in today’s scenario India is being recognized all over the world for many of its achievements in different sectors. And we as proud Indians should not even be scared of what people outside are showing about us, we know what we are and we have an identity in the world now, not like the 80’s when India was just another country in the world.
c. For all the people who are out opposing this movie, why don’t you oppose movies like those from the Chopra’s and Johar’s that shoot movies in beautiful locations of Europe and US and show that these are the small towns of India??? Slumdog is atleast showing a very small part of true India while the movies we make do not show even 1% of what India is. We have a picture in our mind that US and Europe are very clean places and don’t have slums. Well, friends please go there and see, even they have slums (not as bad as India, but they have) and still do the Indian film makers ever show those places?? No, because we have a habit of seeing those countries as the most beautiful and perfect places in the world.
d. Last, but not the least, where are people like Mr. Bachhan and Mr. Chaudhuri when the movies which are recognized in 2008 are not “A Wednesday” or “Mumbai Meri Jaan”, but the movies which are getting highest recognitions are “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” and “Ghajini”. Not that these movies are bad, but movies like Wednesday were the ones which had a huge impact on Indian people and they are winners in themselves, but none of you come to recognize it with such high spirits as you do when you try to oppose Slumdog, which I again repeat is a pure work of fiction which does not intend to show what India is.
3. And to all people who want to oppose the movie, go look out and see why India is earning a bad name today. It is because of corruption, because of scams like Satyam and because of India’s inability to stop the terror attacks on its land for the whole of 2008. Why are we not trying to create an awareness in the world for these things and trying to make India a better place to live in.
4. Finally for all the big shots who have been condemning this movie, you all could well have avoided it long back by contributing yourself and encouraging people in India to do some social work and try to get some better life for people in slums in India. More than 60 years of Independence and we have not been able to eradicate poverty when according to some articles most of the Black money floating in the world is Indian, when we have 3 Indians featuring in the richest 10 in the world, which is a very high %. We have resources but we don’t use them for social work and we don’t try to create awareness around us and make people contribute to the society. We find joy in condemning movies though, which is very sad.
Watch slumdog millionaire, it's brilliant!!
you r right there is nothing positive about india and even the music is up 2 mark if u ask me.....there is not 1 thing positive about india everything negative...except jai ho which is just a typical ordinary track....nothing is outstanding...
Ar rahman didn't shine at all with this oppurtinity...but of course he would win it...cause when a film is good at oscars the critics then just hand out oscars for everything 2 the film.....this year hans zimmer deserved for best score...and john newman ,the best original song for Wall-e...and before stupid Arr fans abuse me listen 2 the ones i told wall-e and frost/nixon then commment....
Thank God, i didn't read its novel!
For you I have just one suggestion that "Tell people what you feel/think, don’t make a verdict for others based on your beliefs".
You are a celebrity and people look up to you, you have followers and some of them follow you blindly, so be a sensible and responsible celebrity.
According to Me,
# It’s just a movie, so just chill and don’t get overexcited, didn’t you read in the start of the movie that everything is a fiction !!!
# If this movie alone hurts you that much then where were you when Indian directors made such movies which does not portray India at all. I can’t believe that you are ok with the things shown in “Page 3” and “Fashion” but not Slumdog. Where were you when people made "Love Story 2050" and "Chandni Chowk to China" .... "Slumdog millionaire" at least pays back what we spent, don’t have such double standards.
# You said that this movie is hyped pointlessly, aren’t you also doing the same thing, hyping it unnecessarily.
# And mind you that “slums, open-air lavatories, riots, underworld, prostitution, brothels, child labour, begging, blinding and maiming of kids to make them into ‘better beggars’, petty peddlers, traffic jams” are ALL INDIAN REALITY, come out of your Disneyland and open your eyes to see the real India because I don’t think that you have seen it yet.
# Please don’t create it a national issue, you have all time to say things about Slumdog but I never heard a single word from you on 26/11. People like you just criticize anything to keep them in the limelight but will never make any effort to make this country a better place.
I totally agree about each of your points that you have made. In fact I myself was wondering if the oscar nomination was an attempt to downplay India's achievements in the recent past .
Here's my review of the movie at
http://mithareveena.blogspot.com/2009/01/slum-dog-millionaire.html
http://www.loksatta.com/daily/20090125/lr11.htm
It appeared in Loksatta (Marathi newspaper of express group)...hope u'll find sum1 to get it translated for u......
it's really sad that learned people like you are mixing art with politics and expressing their pseudo patriotism.The true spirit of any art to bring the truth as it is to the light and i think it was managed well in "Slumdog Millionaire"...this may be quite unbelievable for masses like u but it appealed to the classes....that is what separate the best from the rest......
please stop drawing boundaries over art....
i would appreciate if u would write the same thing when sum Indian artist draws objectionable pictures that hurts religious sentiments...but it is sad that people like who can do so much to the society speak of freedom of speech and expression and these people run away.....pls sir people like u are the few blessed one who have the resources to make a revolution pls don use it to fill ur pockets......
lets not waste time here, lets get to our work.
Sneh
(Contact sneh on www.jobeehive.com)
Also you should write about Ms. Barkha Dutt of NDTV, coercing an apology from a blogger Chyetanya Kunte, who vented out his anger, on Mumbai 26/11 reporting.
The courage and truth you have shown is marvelous by writing such an article and publishing it...
I could only read a sample of 10 or so on the whole and decided to contribute a tiny comment!
Right or wrong? Lets not get into it.
The cinema was interesting. Its in no way a realistic cinema, though it had realistic elements closely knit. What made it possible was the story line. A Slumboy knowing all the answers to win 10 millions(Interesting part, quiet cinematical too - I agree), except for the last one from the incidents that happened in his life. Enough for the script to closely knit all the things they wanted to say about "INDIAN SLUM".
Now here is the catch - its film about "INDIAN SLUM".
Now here is the transition. From the cinema hall to the community feel. We as a community see this director as not belonging to ours but commenting on us from outside! Atleast lets not do this to them saying they are still imperialists!!!
Cinema for the workers including producers are the means of making money. Awards are nothing but Advertisements these days!
International recognition should come automatically - for the work. AR Rahman Deserves it and he is going to get it.
One of the post was emotional. The person was asking, will AR Rahman enjoy composing a music if it portrays bad things about his family. In my opinion, an artist does not belong to a family, country or any boundary. The art form may be realistic or fictious, it does not matter. True to his own heart is the only integral part of an Artist!
I pray god nothing bad of this sort should happen to any of ours and our neighbours life. But I also am mindful of the fact that it happens here and there in slum for sure in India.
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One Ending Note
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The Slum here is the Slum in Metros. The directors, I doubt, dont even know what its like to live under poverty line without compremising on the integrity of oneself.
Danny Boyle, may even feel bad about portraying poverty with so much of pre-judice.
In deeper Tamil Nadu's southern regions, I know more poverty than what is seen in the film, but they all live a life of a millionaire in thier hearts!!!
Thier's is not need based, they have a kingdom of thier own. They work for the food that we eat. They earn, they eat, they live with lots of odds and they die, at the age of 90+ - peacefuly in a Slum - where we think there is less hygene!!!
Thanks Arindam for getting out so much of thoughts! I started with tiny, but I think I have ended up blogging much!!!
Courtesy: http://jeyamohan.in
I suppose you would want Danny Boyle to make a masala film with a flithy rich hero dancing with half naked girls in Australia..Perhaps that would be the taste of real India right??
Or maybe he should have spiced up SM with nice Indian characters as comedic sidekicks or have included an item number...
Just accept the fact that bollywood is not talented and real talent is pushed aside.Why were movies like jeans,Indian,RDB,ekalavya send to the oscars??
I echo your view on this. Infact the media hype forced me to watch this movie from a pirated CD, ofcourse everyone would have for that matter. Once the movie was over, I was left wondering what is so great about this movie? To show that we Indians dont mind falling in a shit pit to watch a movie star or irresponsible employees or just plain dogs. Anyways we still do have colonial hangovers so instead of blaming the whites who love to see us as slumdogs we need to blame ourselves for this shit. Needless to say, why lagaan which was brilliantly done failed to win an oscar, because it depicts indians victory over the whites!!Have Indians never made a movie better than slumdog millionaire( what a pity to compare)?Why havent any of our movies got the accolades that this movie has garnered, Its food for thought for those who shamelessly celebrating their own undressing in public by a english man. Jai ho
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It's a wake up call for all those Indians... who have welcomed "Slumdog Millionaire" as a good movie... to be ready to face the negative vibes of the movie...practically!!!...Be ready to face the national crisis, where you are giving a chance to people recognize you as a immigrant from slums!!!
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boss! what an openly unashamed hypocrite! so what do u want to do? seal off all the slums so that people from any other part of the world never get to know about our shameful secret??? so that then we can strut ourself as the immigrant from the land of skyscrapers??
Laks....
The director has used a technique of contrasts, harsh childhood against redeeming prize in the end (the lover not the millions). It is a modern day Oliver Twist, set in Mumbai (which is very similar to London 2 centuries ago where Oliver Twist was set.)
I think main reason movie is popular is because it manages to build a bollywood like feel good plot (rags-to-riches and poor boy gets beautiful girl) inspite of all hardships. So in that way the theme of the movie is similar to all bollywood movies
and It is a very creative story (by Indian Diplomat) made into a very creative movie (UK director).
That is why it is receiving so many awards....