Bollywood

As I suffered excruciating emotional and psychological pain, at the Gitmo level; watching another masala Bollywood extravaganza, questioning the hiatus in rational acuity, I surreptitiously glanced at my fellow detainees; they were kvelling, salivating with every absurd, silly antic, artificial slaps, bogus angst; questioning what they saw that escaped me; setting aside my irritation, rebooting my interest, erasing Western proclivities …

“Rani”  (Kangana Ranaut, “Queen”) a traditional, submissive Indian girl is dumped by her fiancé, “Vijay” ( Rajkummar Rao) a feckless cad, resembling a chipmunk, two days before the wedding; sheltered, naive, she nonetheless decides to go on her honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam, alone.   What transpires is a joyous journey of self-discovery; shedding archaic taboos; accepting and understanding cultural differences; …

The dimpled -duo (Ayushmann Khurrana and Sonam Kapoor) cannot salvage this soulless, simple scenario about twenty-first century relationships; “Mohit” (Khurrana) struggles with joblessness  (if explored, could have been immensely intriguing) and “Maya” (Kapoor) his fiancé is financially accommodating until their partying ways become too much of an embarrassment for both “parties”. Skimpy comic relief is provided by Maya’s retired father …

A highly unique and unorthodox phenomenon is the spine of this deliciously delightful film from director Ritesh Batra; over five thousand “Dabbawalas” deliver “tiffin boxes” containing hot lunches (prepared at home or restaurants) for over four hundred thousand people in the workplace; founded in 1890 by Mahadeo Havaji; this organization still thrives in the bustling, cacophonous over-populated city of Mumbai, …

Farhan Akhtan (“Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”) and Vidya Balan (“Kahaani”) depict an urban, sophisticated couple who enjoy creating salacious scenarios to keep their marriage romantically-charged; it works until pregnancy severs the fantasy. “Sid” a frustrated composer and “Trisha” a professional of sorts (we are never informed of the nature of her professionalism) are not prepared for parenthood, but “Millie” becomes a …

This provocative, unlikely Bollywood flick revolves around the bombardment of the norm, society’s dictates and  breathtaking freedom gained from being involuntarily ripped from one’s comfort zone; a kidnapping releases the chained, frustrated spirit of a traditional, wealthy, urban, spoiled sophisticate, engaged to the perfect prospect (cad of a man), “arranged” by the families of the mismatched pair. Alia Bhatt (daughter …

Two enchanting and mystical weeks of temple -trekking through ancient, sacred monuments: iconic reminders of a people’s dedication and love for their gods; the might of their of their dynasties (Chola in particular): Shiva, Vishnu and Buddha, their avatars, miracles, mysteries laid bare by the inimitable scholar, Dr. Maduvanti Ghose, Alsdorf curator of Indian, Southeast Asian, Himalayan, Islamic art at …

Buffed and beautiful Salman Khan (“Jai”) with robotic precision slays the nefarious, defends the righteous, woos  newcomer Daisy Shah (young enough to be his daughter); and nauseously encourages all he encounters to “help three other people.” Controversial box office receipts has Khan taking full responsibility for “Jai Ho’s” troubles. Directed by Sohail Khan, Salman’s brother, the film is a narcissist …

Run, drive, fly to see Bollywood at its scintillating, shimmering, sensational best; breaking box office records when it opened in India, here is a film worthy of any, and all audiences. The first two were entertaining but “Dhoom 3” is remarkable filmmaking, stunningly- acted, phenomenally, breathtakingly powerful to view. Aamir Khan, in his finest role since “Ghajini” is “Sahir” an …

Before reviewing this typical “Bollywood” musical extravaganza, I will address those of you who have requested more substantial fare; there is a plethora of scintillating, intense, inspiring films gushing from major directors in India; it is not all fantasy, super heroes,  laughter, tears and joyful “Oklahoma” endings. In the future I will suggest a more meaty flick, available on Netflix, …