Tag: india

What legacy? “Mimi” (2021)

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directed by Laxman Utekar
© 2021 JioCinema. All Rights Reserved.

Since Hollywood has recently started noticing Bollywood a bit more, then I should Bollywood the week a little bit as well. I’m actually glad their productions are being appreciated in other countries, because I truly like watching them. Yes, they are overacted. Yes, they are often naive. Yes, lots of scenes are unrealistic. But that’s the charm of Bollywood and if you accept their rules, you’re gonna open the door to numerous very entertaining stories. However, except seeing impressive choreography and bouncing to cheerful music, each Bollywood film comes with a certain message/lesson, so you always end up a bit inspired. Today, I’m recommending you a comedy/drama, which let me relax after a long day, but which also covers an important social topic. Mimi (Kriti Sanon) is a beautiful young woman who’s dreaming of making a career in Bollywood. Unfortunately, except an astonishing body and dancing experience, she also needs money to cover all the necessary expenses. Here comes Bhanu (Pankaj Tripathi), a taxi driver, who has met an American couple trying to find a surrogate in India. The lady cannot have children, so they decided to ask another woman to help them. When they mention their plans and how much money they’re ready to pay for this whole process, Bhanu immediately introduces them to Mimi. The couple are very picky when it comes to choosing their surrogate, but Mimi seems to be a perfect candidate. The woman is a bit shocked, but knowing how much she’d earn on helping the Americans, she agrees. Unfortunately, when Mimi gets pregnant, it turns out that the child will be born with Down syndrome, which terrifies both the surrogate and the couple. In order not to spoil what happens next, I’m warning you that SPOILERS are coming. It’s impossible for me to address the problem presented in the film without telling you what happened, so I hope you’re reading this part after watching. So, to me this production presents how irresponsible people are when it comes to having children. It’s wonderful when people have healthy sons and daughters, when they share adorable family photos and look so satisfied with their parenthood. However, being a parent is a huge responsibility before even having a child. That is why, before making this huge life step discuss with your partner whether you’d be ready to bring up a child no matter what they’d be like. It’s not about having some dark thoughts – it’s about being realistic. Just like you cannot choose their character, you cannot choose their health problems. This film reminds viewers to have children if they are ready to have “imperfect” ones. I’m putting the word imperfect in inverted commas because this is just how the society sees children with any kind of disability. Still, despite such heavy lesson, this production may really make you laugh, so Bollywood yourself and discover more of Indian cinema.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Life is like golgappas. “Laal Singh Chaddha” (2022)

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directed by Advait Chandan
© 2022 Viacom18 Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Whenever I hear the word “remake”, I instantly think of another American version of an already good production made in another country. There are some that I actually appreciated more in the American version, but most American remakes are, in my opinion, unnecessary. And it seems like my readers share this opinion, because you either think they are unnecessary or you just don’t mind them. Only 6% said they like American remakes. So today I’ve got a little surprise for you. I’m sure most of you have seen “Forrest Gump”, which is an absolute classic and also a great American production. But what would you say for an Indian version? I don’t accept “no” for an answer. I was actually shocked myself when I saw the description of this film. Adding the fact that the main role is played by my beloved Indian actor Aamir Khan and the main female role belongs to marvellous Kareena Kapoor Khan, I couldn’t skip this gem. Although, I was a bit sceptical because, come on, “Forrest Gump” is already a wonderful and complete piece, so making its remake is like playing with fire while being covered in petrol – only if you’re ready to sacrifice everything, shortly speaking. I guess there’s no point to tell you what the film is about, because it’s almost the exact story as it’s presented in the American original. And if you haven’t seen “Forrest Gump”, you have some important homework to do, my dear. So, despite my love to Bollywood and those two great actors, I decided to be very critical and as objective as I could. With huge honour I announce that the Indian remake is very very very good. Not only it’s well-made, with delightful camerawork and editing, not only it’s filled with high quality acting, but it really is an Indian production from the beginning till the end. The filmmakers took a successful story and set it in their country’s reality, which makes us enjoy the well-known story once again, but at the same time experience the Indian culture and understand it in a new way. I’ve seen many Bollywood productions and I do know a bit about India, but this film gave me a fresh perspective and answers to questions I haven’t even asked myself. Plus, can you imagine a Bollywood film without singing and dancing? Well, this film provides us with numerous tunes to bounce to and they really make the whole atmosphere. What I also like about this production is that it kind of reminds American producers that remaking can work both ways and that American cinema should not feel so sure about its position. Don’t get me wrong, I love American films, but at the same time I believe that there are many amazing productions that are almost invisible because of the country they’re coming from. That is why it’s important to me to share different films with you. And I’m always open to your recommendations, so feel free to share them as well. In the meantime, enjoy golgappas with Laal Singh Chaddha.

My rating: 8/10
S.

The purest form of love. “The Elephant Whisperers” (2022)

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directed by Kartiki Gonsalves
© 2022 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

Before Oscars 2023 happened, this film was my favourite short documentary and during the event I was thrilled they got appreciated. Although I find it ridiculous that the Academy awarded a film about the purest love between humans and animals and in the same evening they forced a poor donkey to be brought onto the stage so a bunch of wealthy and famous people could have a laugh. I wish common sense could be bought with money. Anyway, let’s focus on this beautiful story as it actually brings me lots of joy. In “The Elephant Whisperers” we get to meet Bomman and Bellie – a couple living in South India. They are both indigenous people sharing a rather simple yet happy life together. And just like some of us have different pets such as dogs or cats, Bomman and Bellie have their own baby elephant Raghu. The little-not-so-little fella is a true sunshine that needs a lot of attention from their humans, but also brings a lot of happiness to their family. I was incredibly moved by this film because it shows the purest form of love. Bomman and Bellie didn’t have to accept the elephant – they could have just let the animal be or find someone else to worry about that. Their life is not that easy and they struggle to provide for themselves, so having such a baby pet is a huge challenge. And still, they didn’t give up on Raghu. They live all together and you can’t even imagine any different scenario for this little family. I love how much time and effort they’ve been putting into caring about Raghu and how much they’ve learnt about the animal, as if that was their human baby. This film really reminds us that we don’t have to be able to change the entire world with our actions – it’s enough to make a little step, especially in our surrounding. Besides, we could really live in peace with animals. This cruelty that has become our everyday life is completely unnecessary if you think about it. We really don’t need to hurt animals to have food, clothes or any other products. Just because certain things are common or have become our traditions, doesn’t mean we should be blindly following them. Try to take a break from it all and reflect on the topic yourself. Today’s documentary is full of peace and affection and I hope that by recommending it to you I’m also reminding you to seek for the same in your realities.

My rating: 8/10
S.

Tomorrow doesn’t exist. “Fursat” (2023)

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directed by Vishal Bhardwaj
© 2023 Absolute Productions. All Rights Reserved.

Call me old-fashioned but I still miss the times when the phone was just for calling. Texting? Writing a letter. Selfie? A photo camera. Music? A walkman/discman. And in case you lost one, you could still enjoy other activities. Now, if someone loses their phone, it’s the end of the world. Apocalypse! Everything’s gone! So this addiction to our smartphones is creeping me out, yet there are moments when I appreciate technological progress. Today, I’d like to recommend you a short film made by Vishal Bhardwaj, which was fully shot using… iPhone 14 Pro. Yes, a phone. And if you’re sceptical about its quality – well… you may be surprised. But hey, every film has a story, so I have to introduce you to the story of “Fursat” as well. We’re following a young man named Nishant (Ishaan Khattar), who’s found some ancient tool that allows him to travel in time. He becomes absolutely obsessed with it, but at some point he realises that the more he plays with time, the less he focuses on his beloved one – Diya (Wamiqa Gabbi). It’s a short film, so I cannot tell you too much not to spoil it entirely, but it’s not a typical Bollywood love story. We get some action, some adventure, some sci-fi – and all that accompanied by marvellous choreographies and music. I’m a Bollywood fan so I’ll always admire their aesthetics, despite often predictable storylines. Yet, what dancers in this film do is a wonderful spectacle, so you shouldn’t be disappointed. And getting back to the iPhone part – I was amazed by some shots and I believe they would be more difficult to organise with a classic video camera. So if we have such technologies, why not using them? I give my thumb up! And I also hope that if you’re an amateur filmmaker with interesting ideas for films but you feel like lack of equipment and money is stopping you – try to get some inspiration from such projects. There are numerous filmmakers who have everything you can think of and yet they end up making rather disappointing films. So if you have a good idea, grab your phone and make it happen. A good idea and a spark of filmmaking talent will always win with any kind of expensive equipment, trust me. And for those who’d like to watch “Fursat”, just click the title – it’s available for free on YouTube. May your day be full of time travel, dancing and iPhones.

My rating: 7/10
S.

You need love to sustain the bond, not the presence. “Someone” (2021)

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directed by Sid Bhagvathula
© 2021 Infinite Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

One of the reasons why I’m happy to be writing this blog is that I have a chance to get in touch with independent filmmakers, who often have incredible stories to tell, about which I probably wouldn’t ever hear if I wasn’t a film blogger. Today I’d like to recommend you a story that didn’t catch my attention at first, but the longer I was watching, the more I was living it. We get to know Sebastian and Akanksha (Vibhu Kaushik & Shreya Ranjan), an adorable married couple that could definitely play in TV commercials advertising holidays for lovers and such. You know, a beautiful picture with two overly cheerful people. However, the paradise they’ve created gets destroyed when Akanksha loses their baby. From that moment, the couple has to deal with a horrible grief, which overwhelms them both. In fact, both need alone time to manage the pain themselves, which moves them away from each other. First thing that I definitely have to appreciate is the choice of the topic. Dealing with a miscarriage is often presented as a woman’s problem, yet both partners are usually struggling with the loss, each of them in a different way. Second, it shows the importance of strong relations in a relationship. I’m not a fan of those ready-written marriage vows, but one line speaks to me loudly – “for better and for worse”. And I believe that it’s the point a lot of people forget about or simply ignore because they are blinded by the current state and momentary chemistry. Searching for a good partner we should definitely ask ourselves whether we can count on them when things get critical. Unfortunately, even minding that we sometimes have no idea how the other person might react while dealing with something sudden and painful, so it’s actually the big mystery of relationships. It’s an incredibly complicated topic and I’m glad filmmakers decide to put a spotlight on it instead of creating another copy-paste romantic comedy where “they lived happily ever after”. Third, I’m a fan of non-linear timeline in films and here we’re jumping from the past to present and future, which makes the story more engaging. The only two things that bothered me a bit were the length of the film (slightly too long, yet I’m aware of the fact that in India it’s quite common, so perhaps it’s just my European perspective) and the storyteller/commentator. There’s a character that kind of explains you the plot as if you were watching a documentary or taking part in a lecture, which perhaps might help some viewers get the idea, yet to me it was unnecessary, because I prefer to understand stories in my own way. Still, if you’re looking for a production filled with harsh yet very real emotions, that’s something you might want to see.

My rating: 7/10
S.

There is nothing called ‘hope’ in my future. “Born into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids” (2004)

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directed by Zane Briski & Ross Kauffman
© 2004 THINKFilm. All Rights Reserved.

Do you happen to know which film won the Oscar for being the Best Documentary Feature in 2005? Well, the one that I’m going to describe today. But before I tell you more, I’d like to point out that it’s not a production for sensitive people. In fact, I feel like this documentary may show you that you’re more sensitive than you can imagine. It’s hard for me to think of a person who wouldn’t feel ashamed of our society after watching it. The documentary was made in Kolkata, India. The filmmakers wanted to present the life of sex workers living in the red light district, and while they were there, they had a chance to get to know numerous children of those women. They came up with an idea to teach the children photography and that way get the permission to photograph their families as well. So what you will see in the documentary is mainly the life of those children, also from their own perspective. First, I have to say that I admire the filmmakers for their mental strength as working in such conditions must have been incredibly hard. It’s difficult for us to watch the film, so imagine being there and feeling absolutely helpless. Because the filmmakers didn’t only want to make the documentary and leave – they wanted to make an impact on those children and help them get out of the toxic environment they’re living in. At the end you may find out what happened to them, I don’t want to spoil anything, yet prepare yourself for rather depressing 85 minutes. Even though all those little humans are adorable, curious, big-hearted and cheerful, their live isn’t. Or wasn’t. You’ll see. What I liked the most is that the filmmakers let those children forget about their reality for a little bit. Or perhaps not forget – they distanced from it. The children were showing their reality as if they were photographers coming from another country, another environment, so I’d say that was some kind of therapeutical activity for them. At the same time, this documentary was criticised for showing abusive parents and how irresponsible and careless prostitutes can be towards their own children. And it’s true that you may have this impression while watching, but on the other hand, I didn’t feel like the filmmakers where manipulating the images. Nothing is only black or only white, for sure there are different stories and different families, yet those children were undoubtedly deprived of a quality childhood. That is why I wouldn’t like to focus on finding the guilty ones, because this documentary is about children and we should pay our full attention to them. And I’m glad that such film was recognised, because more and more people should see it. And that’s also why I’m writing about it now.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Those are our children. “Jhalki” (2019)

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directed by Brahmanand S Siingh
© 2019 Panorama Studios. All Rights Reserved.

I bet that if you hear someone saying “hey, let’s watch an Indian film”, you probably think it’s going to be an overly cheerful Bollywood production with lots of goofy songs and dancing in very strange moments. However, as much as I love such films (I really do), I also appreciate their dramas a lot, as they are honest and genuine in their simplicity. Today I’d like to recommend you a film that touches hearts. At least it has touched mine. We get to know siblings, Jhalki (Aarti Jha) and Babu (Goraksha Sakpal). They are little children living in a poor village where it is common for parents to be selling their daughters and sons in order to provide for the rest of the family. As adults, we know what’s going on from the very beginning, but the story is presented from the perspective of Jhalki, a 9-year-old girl, who simply cares about her younger brother and is worried when he suddenly disappears. She’s trying to get adults attention and ask them for help, but they either ignore her or don’t want to get involved as they’re aware of the child slavery. I have to be honest with you – I didn’t feel like that’d be a film I’d like. As much as in musicals I don’t mind awkward acting, in dramas it bothers me a lot. Plus, I felt like the story was being told a bit too slowly. Still, the longer I was watching, the more I was realising how pointless my criteria is because the main point of this production is to put a spotlight on the problem of the child slavery. And when we have to deal with such topic, nothing else should bother us. Especially, since at the end we get to learn about the actual numbers, statistics and reality of Indian children, which makes you forget about all the details that perhaps you disliked in the film. To me, this production doesn’t only show this horrible problem, but also how helpless children are and how easy it comes to adults to be using innocent little humans. For the sake of making business and money, adults destroy childhoods. It’s disgusting and that’s all I want to say. However, thanks to this film, you may see amazing little Aarti Jha, who plays the role of brave Jhalki, and who did a wonderful job, in my opinion. Plus, you may also get to know the man who’s saved over 86 000 children from slavery and trafficking. No words can describe how grateful I am for such people as Kailash Satyarthi and let’s hope more will follow his example.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Love is done this way only. “Chalte Chalte” (2003)

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directed by Aziz Mirza
© 2003 UTV Motion Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Haven’t written about any Bollywood production recently, right? Time to change that. Since it’s Sunday, I guess there’s no better day for such recommendation. Let me remind you that a typical Bollywood film is at least 2,5h long, so get yourself a lot of cold drinks, tons of popcorn or other snacks and make some space for dancing. Or wait with the last one. As you might be guessing it’s a sweet love story. Raj (Shahrukh Khan) is the owner of a small trucking company. Perhaps he’s not a millionaire, but he’s fine with that. One day he has an accident – someone crashes into his truck. That someone is Priya (Rani Mukerji), a famous fashion designer coming from a rather rich family. Even though they are from two completely different worlds, Raj believes they are meant for each other. Since the moment they met, the man has been doing literally everything to stay in Priya’s life. And I mean everything. If a man is ready to jump off a cliff or get drowned for a woman, it is something, isn’t it? Obviously, Priya is very much sceptical about having any kind of relation with Raj, but somehow she still accepts his presence and at some point realises that he’s more than just a stranger. Those two fall in love with each other, but the more time they spend together, the more differences they’re discovering. And then drama happens… But you probably know how it will end, it’s a Bollywood romance after all. I’m a huge fan of them, because they are simple, yet always heart-warming and entertaining. There’s just one issue… Remember about that dancing space I wrote about at the beginning? Yeah, forget about it. The songs are better for swaying on the sofa than moving your hips. And I have to say I was a bit disappointed about that part, because even though I don’t speak Hindi, I always sing and dance together with the characters. Here, I was very passive, so that is why I’m lowering my rating. Other than that, adorable love story with the one and only Shahrukh Khan.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Skating is not a crime. “Skater Girl” (2021)

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directed by Manjari Makijany
© 2021 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

I feel like it’s one of those films that may get lost on Netflix, so I’ve decided to write about it to make it easier for you to find it. You’re welcome. Today I’d like to recommend you an Indian-American drama, which perhaps isn’t much surprising, yet I’ve found it important to be shared. We get to know Prerna (Rachel Sanchita Gupta), a teenage girl living in a village in the northern India. She’s a very good daughter obeying her parents and following their traditions. However, one day she meets Jessica (Amrit Maghera), an Indian woman raised in the UK, who’s come to India in order to learn more about her family. While being here, Jessica and her friend Erick (Jonathan Readwin) introduce local children to skateboarding. At first Prerna isn’t sure about it, but seeing another woman being enthusiastic about the sport, she gives it a try. Unfortunately, a girl on a skateboard is not something that her family and village community might approve. Prerna does everything to live in accordance with her beloved ones, but also follow her new passion. You may already have an idea how this story will end and you’re most probably right, yet give this film a chance. It doesn’t only show how important it is for children to find their own path and try something different from what their parents have planned for them, but also how much women can influence other women. Jessica is cooperating with Erick, but it’s her who supports Prerna the most and thanks to her the girl believes in her choices. What excites me the most is the fact that the film crew built a huge skatepark in Khempur in order to shoot scenes there and in the end, the skatepark was left for locals to be used. Now, it’s the largest skatepark in India that attracts skateboarders from all over country. I find it wonderful as it wasn’t anything temporary and currently ordinary people may profit from it. And one more thing – I was amazed by Rachel Sanchita Gupta, the actress who played Prerna. I had chills watching her in the film and I trusted her character fully, which made me sympathise with Prerna even more. Hope you’ll find a moment to see this film even if you’re not interested in skateboarding, as the story is much more complex than just doing sports.

My rating: 6/10
S.

The helpless have dignity. “Ajji” (2017)

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directed by Devashish Makhija
© 2017 PVR Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

If you associate India with overly cheerful musicals, then let me change your point of you a bit. Today I’m recommending you a heart-breaking story, which could have happened to all of us. Ajji (Sushama Deshpande) is an elderly woman living with her family. One day, her 10-year-old granddaughter doesn’t get back home and the woman decides to look for her. When she finally finds her, it turns out that the girl was caught my some stranger and brutally raped. The child is alive, but is in much pain and trauma. Ajji takes her home and the family calls the police, but the officer cannot do much to help them. First, because the whole family do somehow illegal jobs and they would have to face the consequences. Second, because the person who attacked the girl is one politician’s son, so he can basically do whatever he wants. The family give up and decide to stay quiet, but Ajji feels like she has to get revenge for what that bastard did to her granddaughter. The woman begins a secret mission to find the man and make him pay for this crime. I have to admit that the screenplay is the weakest part of this film, as sometimes I felt like the pace was irregular and several elements were unnecessary. Still, in the end, I find the story incredibly satisfying, because it shows that we’re all puppets in the system and if we don’t do something ourselves, nobody will do it for us. Maybe the message coming out of this film is depressive, but let’s face it – that’s our reality. And in case a similar tragedy happens to you, which I obviously don’t wish anyone, Ajji is a true inspiration, so make sure to see this production.

My rating: 6/10
S.