Ever wonder why Bollywood is so popular? Well, for one reason, there are lots of Indian people all over the world. And, Indian or not, lots of people everywhere dig dazzling cinematography and a good song.
Bollywood has been around about as long as its American cousin, Hollywood. Bolly gets her name from cousin Holly and from Bombay, the hub of the Hindi film industry. While the almighty Hollywood is bigger in terms of cash flow, Bollywood out-produces Hollywood and its movies are seen by more people.
Melodrama comes more to the forefront in Bollywood. Emotions are more intense, leaving us with a more savory, filling version of catharsis, aptly called Masala.
Taste for yourself when the Creative Alliance rolls out its summer film series. The series includes two of Bollywood’s most popular recent films, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, (Run, Milkha, Run) and Lootera (Thief).
Farhan Akhtar as Milkha in Bhaag, Milkha, Bhaag.
Bhaag, Milkha, Bhaag directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, screens on July 5th. This was Bollywood’s most popular film of 2013, winning “Best Film” from three of the Indian Oscar-equivalents (the Filmfare Awards, the Screen Awards, and the International Indian Film Academy Awards).
Sometimes described as “Rocky for Runners”, the bio-pic tells the story of India’s Olympic sports icon, Milkha Singh, the “Flying Sikh”. Singh, played by Farhan Akhtar, overcomes way more stuff than Rocky ever dealt with, like the violent partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The soundtrack is by super-composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. It’s filled with catchy, finely crafted tunes like Mera Yaar and Maston Kahjund.
A still from Lootera.
Lootera screens on August 28. It’s based on the O. Henry story The Last Leaf. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, it’s a passionate love story with an extra dose of star-crossing. Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha) is a wealthy land owner’s daughter, who falls deeply for Varun (Ranveer Singh), an archaeologist who is not what he seems. There’s betrayal, sizzle, redemption and death.
The two films pack enough thrills and emotions for you to get your Masala on. But just in case you’re still hungry, the Creative Alliance’s Marquee Lounge will feature Indian specialties during both screenings.
Read more about movies and film festivals here.
