I watched Slumdog Millionaire a few days back. I had been wanting to write a post about it for quite some days, but the new issue of Ichchhamoti was a priority, so I put back the idea of posting about the film for a few days.
Well, now that Slumdog have won eight Oscars, and the whole world knows everything about it, I do not need to write again how great the photography is, or how realistic the shots are. I have just two points to discuss. Firstly, the film reminded me of the 2002 Argentinitian film City of God, in terms of editing and story telling. If you get a chance, watch City of Gods.
Secondly, my cousin who stays in the USA, complained me that all her colleauges were asking her whether "life in India" was the way they showed in the film!! She was utterely bored trying to explain things to them. I have an answer for this. It is not so easy to understand and sum up in one line the mosaic called India. India is too complex, entralling and enchanting, and you really need more than a lifetime to "know" -India!! Not even all Indians 'know' every aspects of India. 'Slumdog' has depicted just one bittersweet slice of the reality that is life for hundred and thousands of slum dwelling kids in India. But India is not only about poverty or theft or lies or treachery or filth-and rags! Yes, the film deals with these aspects because the story demanded so. Some people have said that Danny Boyle has cashed in on the poverty aspect of India. Well, I'd say he has done a better job than most of the Bollywood directors whose films revolve around lavish villas, haute couture and Alpine landscapes and/or luxury cruises. Perhaps this is more the reason why again I should mention 'City of God' , or many other Latin American films in general.'City of God' also revolves around the story of two boys who grow up in the streets of Rio De Janeiro, and end up choosing different ways of life. If that film can show so many aspects of street life and yet not be termed to be cashing in on the poverty aspect of Argentina, then why do we have problem with 'Slumdog'?
Whether 'Slumdog' deserves to ger eight Oscars is a different topic of discussion though! I have not seen any of the other films with which it was compared, so I cannot comment anything on it. The film got an award for sound mixing, but I am sorry to say I could not understand some of the dialogues of Madhur Mittal [grown up Salim], especially in the scene towards the end of the film when he lets Latika run away with the car. Anil Kapoor in his role as the quizmaster, copied Amitabh Bachchan 's "Kaun Banega Crorepati" avatar to the hilt! The choice of the evolving cast was best for the character of Salim. Dev Patel looked too clean, fair and sharp compared to his junior counterparts, and Freida Pinto was much less prettier than her junior character artists.
Overall, it is a good work and a good film, that keeps you glued to the screen throughout its duration. It has a speed of its own and never gives a chance of getting bored, cutting to and fro the past and present.