Most people in India have high hopes about Slumdog Millionaire winning an Oscar. This comes after criticizing and accusing the movie for being almost pornographic about poverty and slums. Indians have also secretly loved the movie because it was one of the rare occasions when Indian faces were seen on the global screen. However, this ambivalence could be attributed to their own poverty and the distaste for that poverty.
When one lives amidst something that they hate, they cannot take it when an outsider talks about that unpleasant circumstance. Yet, they like being talked about as that gives them some attention. While Indians openly or secretly wait for Slumdog Millionaire to win an Oscar, the world waits too, for the movie to win an Oscar.
However, the movie hardly shows the kind of violence and poverty that exists in India and is not all that realistic and exceptionally fantastic, for reality is worse. In addition, the ‘Millionaire Quiz’ plot is weak and puerile. Nevertheless, it is almost funny to see Indian celebrities, big shots grow so insecure at the thought of seeing some slum being shot by a foreigner and yet dream about Oscars. Indian movies show worse, and worse exists in reality. Now let’s talk about hypocrisy and about Oscars later.
Via: ABC
I like your POV Jaiyant. Frankly, I liked the film with its ‘almost’ real plot, for you are right, reality is even worse. The KBC concept worked well for me because once upon a time every Indian aspired to be on that show. It kindah goes with every Indian’s desire to change his or her life significantly by winning a crore rupees. And some of the biggies of Indian film Industry like Amitbh Bachchan have just shown how hollow some opinions can be. Someone should ask Big B to watch ‘Agneepath’ and maybe review what he thinks!
Oh, I forgot to mention. I too want Slumdog Millionaire to win the Oscar.
The success of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ shows why povery will always be part of human civilisation. Its the empty part of the glass thats gives meaning to the other filled half.
Hello Saba, thanks for reading! I think the KBC plot could also suggest the futility of dreams, for poor people continue to dream, and it is one in a billion chance that such dreams come true. And yes, some Indian movies are better in showing the real condition..
I especially like Salaam Bombay and City of joy. Have you watched Brazilian movies like City of God, Elite Troop, and others? They are similar in context and premise.
Madkat, you are right, poverty is something that is deeply embedded in developing countries. It is what gives the developing nation it’s identity..