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Slumdog Millionaire Insults Indian Ethos
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India :
I don’t know why we gaga over dubious presentation of Western movie makers. The movie showcases Indian pathos in wrong perspective. Above all, it tries to cash-in-on distorted perceptions about Hinduism. The Western filmmakers often concentrate their firepower in highlighting controversial aspects of Indian society, without ever bothering to encircle its real attributes which if presented would go against their vested interests.
To be honest, an ideal presentation Indian society as it is would make the film incapable of winning Oscar nominations!!! Its necessary to depict our poverty, the distorted dynamics between Hindu-Muslim and exaggerated wretchedness of Indian women’s position in Indian society to win Oscar nominations .The chances are more in case of movie made by a Western movie maker. Well, its time for us to stop being swayed by things labeled great by the Western world.
(This piece of mine has also appeared in In The Sunday Indian Feb.16-Feb.22,09)
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At the time of the start of the movie, Danny didn’t know that the movie is going to win so many awards. Neither anyone told him that by showing the slums of India(which Indians are ashamed of and wanna hide from the world), he’ll be nominated to 10 categories of Oscar.
Please use some logic and common sense before criticizing anyone.
Please use some logic and common sense before criticizing anyone.
(Global Perspectives)
Don't worry about them, they simply aren't used to film actually capturing reality. They want people to see this completely fictional representation of India. Even though I am an half-Indian, from the few times I have been there, the first half of the movie seems as close to the reality that I saw. That whole begging children part of the movie was extremely accurate in terms of what I saw as a tourist.
(Global Perspectives)
@Madlain
”Don’t worry about them, they simply aren’t used to film actually capturing reality. They want people to see this completely fictional representation of India.”
That sort of comment reflects how much you people know about India.That’s why I have criticized this movie.Such half-baked perceptions, labeled as realistic portrayal, is bound to deepen the ignorance of people like you.
Yes, we have many sensible directors who make realistic movies and have portrayed India as it is.They might not be impressive in the eyes of Western world as that might hurt conditioned perceptions of Western critics.
We don’t need trash from Western movie makers all in the name of presenting real India.This sort of movies are only fit for Western world used to distorted truths !
”Don’t worry about them, they simply aren’t used to film actually capturing reality. They want people to see this completely fictional representation of India.”
That sort of comment reflects how much you people know about India.That’s why I have criticized this movie.Such half-baked perceptions, labeled as realistic portrayal, is bound to deepen the ignorance of people like you.
Yes, we have many sensible directors who make realistic movies and have portrayed India as it is.They might not be impressive in the eyes of Western world as that might hurt conditioned perceptions of Western critics.
We don’t need trash from Western movie makers all in the name of presenting real India.This sort of movies are only fit for Western world used to distorted truths !
(Local Perspectives)
@Jas
”Please use some logic and common sense before criticizing anyone.”
_ I am in league with logic and common sense and that’s why I fail to understand why it’s been nominated ?
We are ashamed over our inherent contradictions-the presence of slums side-by-side skyscrapers.However, we are also ashamed by the attitude of Western movie makers over limited understanding of problems ailing our society.
”Please use some logic and common sense before criticizing anyone.”
_ I am in league with logic and common sense and that’s why I fail to understand why it’s been nominated ?
We are ashamed over our inherent contradictions-the presence of slums side-by-side skyscrapers.However, we are also ashamed by the attitude of Western movie makers over limited understanding of problems ailing our society.
(Local Perspectives)
But why is it so that these foreign directors always hunt for the dirty part of India to shoot their movies and present that to the world to portray our false image. Why can't the shoot in cities like Bangalore, Gurgaon, Malls, etc.
(Local Perspectives)
@Sumit
No I am not interested in capturing whatever is happening in ” Bangalore, Gurgaon, Malls,” as that again be a deviation from what’s really taking place in India.
I am not against portrayal of grim realities. I am against shrewd use of grim realities.It has become habit of Western movie makers to indulge in sketchy and superficial presentation of Indian landscape.Have you read stories appearing in Time and Newsweek? They are biased, opinionated and distorted versions.Interestingly,they love to award such caricatured depictions to provide some sort of credibility to such one-dimensional versions.
We need to totally reject such attempts of Western movie makers that are presenting twisted version of truth as truth!
No I am not interested in capturing whatever is happening in ” Bangalore, Gurgaon, Malls,” as that again be a deviation from what’s really taking place in India.
I am not against portrayal of grim realities. I am against shrewd use of grim realities.It has become habit of Western movie makers to indulge in sketchy and superficial presentation of Indian landscape.Have you read stories appearing in Time and Newsweek? They are biased, opinionated and distorted versions.Interestingly,they love to award such caricatured depictions to provide some sort of credibility to such one-dimensional versions.
We need to totally reject such attempts of Western movie makers that are presenting twisted version of truth as truth!
(Local Perspectives)
People don’t like this movie coz it shows poor india or slums or life of the poor people, no. The overall concept is so good. I can find so many positives in the movie. One is a poor boy achieving his dreams. Tomorrow if someone wants to make a movie on Dhirubhai Ambani, similar things will be shown. He also belonged to a poor family but lived upto his dreams and today his son is in the race of the world's richest man.
(Global Perspectives)
@Trevor
The very concept of the whole movie is dubious.And let me tell you a boy getting his love via the power of money is itself ridiculous.Such game shows that have been borrowed from Western world have set wrong patterns.
No sensible person will ever be interested in becoming ”Millionaire” overnight via such cheap shows.Such shows provide extension to our greed in the name of honouring talent!!
The very concept of the whole movie is dubious.And let me tell you a boy getting his love via the power of money is itself ridiculous.Such game shows that have been borrowed from Western world have set wrong patterns.
No sensible person will ever be interested in becoming ”Millionaire” overnight via such cheap shows.Such shows provide extension to our greed in the name of honouring talent!!
(Local Perspectives)
Sumit...why are we forgetting the fact that we have seen such dirty parts of US..Mexico..and Africa in many Hollywood movies..
(Global Perspectives)
@Maya
How many times such Hollywood movies been nominated for Oscars?
How many times such Hollywood movies been nominated for Oscars?
(Local Perspectives)
Arvind your problem is the movie getting Oscar nomination or portraying such images about India?
Btw is there any norm for Oscars that only real stories will be nominated for the award? Then what about ‘sixth sense’ and many other movies….cant really remember the names now..
Btw is there any norm for Oscars that only real stories will be nominated for the award? Then what about ‘sixth sense’ and many other movies….cant really remember the names now..
(Global Perspectives)
How many more arguments are required on this topic. People who were associated with the movie are happy and cherishing the success. Why are we cribbing about it. They thought of a simple concept of a boy from the slums of Mumbai, becoming a millionare. What’s wrong in this? And if the boy is from the slums that is the way the people live in slums. It’s a fact.
(Local Perspectives)
@Avadhut
”They thought of a simple concept of a boy from the slums of Mumbai, becoming a millionare. What’s wrong in this?”
First understand that it’s not a simple concept.Are game shows the ideal way of becoming millionaire?
Show poverty.But don’t use as a mean to make caricature of Indian ethos.
”They thought of a simple concept of a boy from the slums of Mumbai, becoming a millionare. What’s wrong in this?”
First understand that it’s not a simple concept.Are game shows the ideal way of becoming millionaire?
Show poverty.But don’t use as a mean to make caricature of Indian ethos.
(Local Perspectives)
Arvind, It all depends on how you look at the things. I think people who are ctiticising the movie should clear their mind and start looking at the things through a broader vision. I am living in a very neat and clean locality and never knew that slums are so dirty. I saw the real slums in this movie itself. There must be millions of Indians who don’t know what is it to be in slums.
If we have felt so bad after seeing the movie then I think we should first try to remove them by giving these people a better life and not just start criticizing others for showing us our ugly face in the mirror.
If we have felt so bad after seeing the movie then I think we should first try to remove them by giving these people a better life and not just start criticizing others for showing us our ugly face in the mirror.
(Local Perspectives)
@Ekta
”Arvind, It all depends on how you look at the things. I think people who are ctiticising the movie should clear their mind and start looking at the things through a broader vision.”
No , that’s not an ideal way to challenge prejudiced portrayal of Indian society? I am sure you as a person would have many flaws in your personality? If I make a movie on you that depicts your flaws as the real presentation of yours personality or for that matter if I draw conclusions about you from negativities inherent in you how would you react ? How convincing such presentation be in your eyes? And if I nominate that movie for a prestigious award,portraying it as an ideal presentation of an Indian lady? How would you react over such one-dimensional presentation?
Think over it.
”Arvind, It all depends on how you look at the things. I think people who are ctiticising the movie should clear their mind and start looking at the things through a broader vision.”
No , that’s not an ideal way to challenge prejudiced portrayal of Indian society? I am sure you as a person would have many flaws in your personality? If I make a movie on you that depicts your flaws as the real presentation of yours personality or for that matter if I draw conclusions about you from negativities inherent in you how would you react ? How convincing such presentation be in your eyes? And if I nominate that movie for a prestigious award,portraying it as an ideal presentation of an Indian lady? How would you react over such one-dimensional presentation?
Think over it.
(Local Perspectives)
This post is absolutely ridiculous. And one thing people need to keep in mind is that Bollywood doesn't really make movies like this. Their movies are often upbeat and fairy-tale-ish. So I can understand why they are freaking out over such a change.
But still, they need to chill out. All countries have slums. Get over it.
But still, they need to chill out. All countries have slums. Get over it.
(Global Perspectives)
@Toby
Just chill my friend. How many Bollywood movies have you seen ? I agree that Bollywood doesn’t have too many sensible directors portraying life as it is but to say that Bollywood doesn’t really make movies like this’ holds little water.
Yes, all the countries have skeletons in their cupboard,their own dirty secrets.It’s time for them to project them as it is.And make sure that it’s get nominated in the Oscar.
Just chill my friend. How many Bollywood movies have you seen ? I agree that Bollywood doesn’t have too many sensible directors portraying life as it is but to say that Bollywood doesn’t really make movies like this’ holds little water.
Yes, all the countries have skeletons in their cupboard,their own dirty secrets.It’s time for them to project them as it is.And make sure that it’s get nominated in the Oscar.
(Local Perspectives)
Being South Asian and Growing up in India/Pakistan I can honestly say that this movie Portrays Life in Large South Asian Cities such as Mumbai, India, Karachi, Pakistan and even Dhaka, Bangladesh very accurately.
(Global Perspectives)
There are many better facets.Why that have been ignored?It’s not what you show that matters.It’s how you show that defines your motives.It’s all about packaging poverty.It’s all about glorifying poverty.It’s all about projecting bad and evil as ultimate presentation of ours.It’s not an accurate but a flawed presentation !
(Local Perspectives)
@Ikram
There are many better facets.Why that have been ignored?It’s not what you show that matters.It’s how you show that defines your motives.It’s all about packaging poverty.It’s all about glorifying poverty.It’s all about projecting bad and evil as ultimate presentation of ours.It’s not an accurate but a flawed presentation !
There are many better facets.Why that have been ignored?It’s not what you show that matters.It’s how you show that defines your motives.It’s all about packaging poverty.It’s all about glorifying poverty.It’s all about projecting bad and evil as ultimate presentation of ours.It’s not an accurate but a flawed presentation !
(Local Perspectives)
In India people protest anything. There are a lot of bored/unemployed people and various opposition parties organize these protests to harass the government, with no regard to economic or social impact.. To make things worse the media makes it out to look a lot bigger than it is and makes a big deal out of it.
(Global Perspectives)
@Allan
We have right to engage in constructive criticism of all the things that are showing us in wrong way.It’s not easy for blockheads in Western world that India is not dictated ”bored/unemployed people and various opposition parties”.Had that been the case, we would have not emerged as dynamic and progressive nation with a well structured judiciary.
However, we are not progressive enough to highlight flawed, one-dimensional presentation as truth.
We have right to engage in constructive criticism of all the things that are showing us in wrong way.It’s not easy for blockheads in Western world that India is not dictated ”bored/unemployed people and various opposition parties”.Had that been the case, we would have not emerged as dynamic and progressive nation with a well structured judiciary.
However, we are not progressive enough to highlight flawed, one-dimensional presentation as truth.
(Local Perspectives)
@Allan
We have right to engage in constructive criticism of all the things that are showing us in wrong way.It’s not easy for blockheads in Western world that India is not dictated ”bored/unemployed people and various opposition parties”.Had that been the case, we would have not emerged as dynamic and progressive nation with a well structured judiciary.
However, we are not progressive enough to highlight flawed, one-dimensional presentation as truth.
We have right to engage in constructive criticism of all the things that are showing us in wrong way.It’s not easy for blockheads in Western world that India is not dictated ”bored/unemployed people and various opposition parties”.Had that been the case, we would have not emerged as dynamic and progressive nation with a well structured judiciary.
However, we are not progressive enough to highlight flawed, one-dimensional presentation as truth.
(Local Perspectives)
@Allan
A small correction:
It’s not easy for blockheads in Western world that India is not dictated by ”bored/unemployed people and various opposition parties”.
A small correction:
It’s not easy for blockheads in Western world that India is not dictated by ”bored/unemployed people and various opposition parties”.
(Local Perspectives)
@Ekta
Yes, we have our own drawbacks. Even the developed nations have dark corners. I am not against depiction of poverty or slums but to make slums as the representative image of Indians is derogatory and flawed.
If someone makes a movie on Nehru and show Nehru as a womanizer and not as a sensible politician then how would you react?
Rise above flawed, prejudiced and one-dimensional presentation. That’s all.
I have mentioned name of some movies, in one of my comments that too depicted grim realities. Tell me why were they not nominated?
Yes, we have our own drawbacks. Even the developed nations have dark corners. I am not against depiction of poverty or slums but to make slums as the representative image of Indians is derogatory and flawed.
If someone makes a movie on Nehru and show Nehru as a womanizer and not as a sensible politician then how would you react?
Rise above flawed, prejudiced and one-dimensional presentation. That’s all.
I have mentioned name of some movies, in one of my comments that too depicted grim realities. Tell me why were they not nominated?
(Local Perspectives)
@Abdhut
I am not interested in burying my head in the sand like you !And ,therefore, I cannot ignore the fact that why are some people are interested in cashing-in-on our so-called drawbacks!
I love to appreciate positive aspects.That’s why I have mentioned the name of ”A Wednesday”.That’s why I love ”Gandhi” made by Richard Attenborough !!
I am not interested in burying my head in the sand like you !And ,therefore, I cannot ignore the fact that why are some people are interested in cashing-in-on our so-called drawbacks!
I love to appreciate positive aspects.That’s why I have mentioned the name of ”A Wednesday”.That’s why I love ”Gandhi” made by Richard Attenborough !!
(Local Perspectives)
Re-posting after a small correction:
@Avadhut
I am not interested in burying my head in the sand like you !And ,therefore, I cannot ignore the fact that why are some people so interested in cashing-in-on our so-called drawbacks!
I love to appreciate positive aspects.That’s why I have mentioned the name of ”A Wednesday”.That’s why I love ”Gandhi” made by Richard Attenborough !!
@Avadhut
I am not interested in burying my head in the sand like you !And ,therefore, I cannot ignore the fact that why are some people so interested in cashing-in-on our so-called drawbacks!
I love to appreciate positive aspects.That’s why I have mentioned the name of ”A Wednesday”.That’s why I love ”Gandhi” made by Richard Attenborough !!
(Local Perspectives)
Who are you to decide what is idle and what is not? People who can’t win the game show or could not participate after trying hard or the ones back at home, are the ones who’ll not find it idle. People who’ll win good amount of money will find it idle. Simple!
And after reading all of your comments I’ve observed that you have a habit of criticizing everything. Why can’t you focus on the positive aspects of the things?
And after reading all of your comments I’ve observed that you have a habit of criticizing everything. Why can’t you focus on the positive aspects of the things?
(Local Perspectives)
Good job Arvind…Very smartly you have argued on the part of the comments, written against you. In the same comment I mentioned, ”If we have felt so bad after seeing the movie then I think we should first try to remove them by giving these people a better life and not just start criticizing others for showing us our ugly face in the mirror.”
Which means, you have a ugly face and someone shows you the mirror and you get scared, then who’s fault is it? India should work towards making this country slum free.
Which means, you have a ugly face and someone shows you the mirror and you get scared, then who’s fault is it? India should work towards making this country slum free.
(Local Perspectives)
u r right !
regards
Anu
regards
Anu
(Local Perspectives)
@Anupama
Thanks Anu. For some movie makers our contradictions are cherished items. They cannot look beyond them. What are they trying to suggest?
Okay we have problems .But even as they show their problems, they take all care to keep the overall impression positive. However, when it comes to India and other nations, these people are expert in reducing our achievements to nothingness by projecting exaggerated versions of our drawbacks!
Ironically, these movies are nominated in prestigious film festivals. This whole tamasha is ridiculous.
Will the Indians ever be able to rise above the traps laid by the Western world?
Thanks Anu. For some movie makers our contradictions are cherished items. They cannot look beyond them. What are they trying to suggest?
Okay we have problems .But even as they show their problems, they take all care to keep the overall impression positive. However, when it comes to India and other nations, these people are expert in reducing our achievements to nothingness by projecting exaggerated versions of our drawbacks!
Ironically, these movies are nominated in prestigious film festivals. This whole tamasha is ridiculous.
Will the Indians ever be able to rise above the traps laid by the Western world?
(Local Perspectives)
The director directed the movie from his point of view and we have to respect that. Maybe he didnt have your same views but nevertheless he did a good job.
(Global Perspectives)
@ Mona
What if one’s point of view is one-dimensional, prejudiced and flawed?
What if one’s point of view is one-dimensional, prejudiced and flawed?
(Local Perspectives)
Then get another director to direct a movie with your views :)
(Global Perspectives)
@Mona
Will you produce it and also ensure Oscar nominations? ..ha..ha
Will you produce it and also ensure Oscar nominations? ..ha..ha
(Local Perspectives)
Firstly, let me state I’ve never been to India. My husband is of Indian ancestory (though not born in India) and I have seen many ”Bollywood movies” - many appear to be totally unrealistic, overly dramatic and emotional. A lot of Bollywood movies show immense mansions - and while these may exist I’m sure they are not the homes of ”average people”. Sure, the movie ”Slumdog Millionaire” shows slums - the other end of the spectrum. Most people realise that movies usually depict extremes. Showing the slums should not detract from the pride Indians should have in their country’s achievements, past and present. Extremes exist in every country.
To me the movie Slumdog Millionaire is not about being a millionaire, it’s not about the slums, it’s about a person being honest and truthful - he simply couldn’t lie - even when the truth may have hurt him. It’s about overcoming adversity and surviving great injustices. It’s about loyalty and love.
To me the movie Slumdog Millionaire is not about being a millionaire, it’s not about the slums, it’s about a person being honest and truthful - he simply couldn’t lie - even when the truth may have hurt him. It’s about overcoming adversity and surviving great injustices. It’s about loyalty and love.
(Global Perspectives)
@Judi
I accept your comment from core of the heart.
”Extremes exist in every country”.That’s truth.It’s time for others too to intercept this great truth.
However, no need to tell you that movies and books are perfect mediums to reshape perceptions.If director is interested in highlighting contradictions or cultural attributes which dominate our society he/she could only do so if they have perfect understanding of what’s happening in the society. You decide to make a movie on Bhagat Singh,claiming to be made with the help of proper research,and then make a movie showing him as a terrorist !
If you have an ability to project complexities as they are then do talk about them in your movies.But if you are interested only in superficial presentation of our problems only for the sake of getting cheap attention (to win nominations)then just don’t refer to our problems at all.
India is a very big country.There are numerous tales of interesting happenings amid problem of all sorts.You can make a great movie with a positive message.However, for some India is still the land of stone-age activities!!!
Anyway, it’s the most interesting comment.
I accept your comment from core of the heart.
”Extremes exist in every country”.That’s truth.It’s time for others too to intercept this great truth.
However, no need to tell you that movies and books are perfect mediums to reshape perceptions.If director is interested in highlighting contradictions or cultural attributes which dominate our society he/she could only do so if they have perfect understanding of what’s happening in the society. You decide to make a movie on Bhagat Singh,claiming to be made with the help of proper research,and then make a movie showing him as a terrorist !
If you have an ability to project complexities as they are then do talk about them in your movies.But if you are interested only in superficial presentation of our problems only for the sake of getting cheap attention (to win nominations)then just don’t refer to our problems at all.
India is a very big country.There are numerous tales of interesting happenings amid problem of all sorts.You can make a great movie with a positive message.However, for some India is still the land of stone-age activities!!!
Anyway, it’s the most interesting comment.
(Local Perspectives)
Add your Comment
Whatever shown in the movie is already shown in many hindi movies…
After all…the novel is written by an Indian writer...
It’s the motive/intention which defines the act.No we are not ”heated”.There are many ways of presenting the truth.What Slumdog Millionaire has depicted is not truth but half-baked truth.It’s a distorted truth,far away from the actualities.
’The novel is written by Indian author’ How does it provide credibility to facts ?
”Whatever shown in the movie is already shown in many hindi movies....If it was made by an Indian Director would you still say the same”
Yes, I will condemn and criticize in same manner.Like to present an analogy.
What David Dhawan is going to present in his movies in name of realism is bound to differ from Shekar Kapur’s version of realism.I would certainly reject David Dhawan’s version and if you have seen the movies of Dhawan you would definitely understand why am I going to reject his version.
Have you seen ”Shool” or ”A Wednesday”? Both have dealt with the incompetency of police. Both have portrayed life as it is.In fact, ”A Wednesday” even as it depicts the incompetency never fails to highlight the other side of Indian police-their sincerity and devotion amid unwanted situations .
How many foreign critics appreciated ”A Wednesday”?
You see we Indians can never rise above our fetish desire to be labeled as great by the Western world.No matter if it tramples our pride!
Why would we want western world to tell us that we are great? I don’t think we need a certificate from them because I personally think we Indians are great...and will be greatest in the near future. Its the dream of everyone in the film industry to get an Oscar...be it by portraying fiction or by reality..
I didnt seen shool ...I saw A Wednesday..media hype is also factor for critics attention.
Arvind thanks for the enlightenment, can you please tell me where you think its half baked truth? Probably I didn’t watch it with a critics eye”
—–You have seen the movie.You appear a sensible lady.It would not be too difficult for you to understand that very theme of the movie is dubious.Truth is not dangerous but lies and distortions presented as truth are dangerous!
You tell me why ”Rang De Basanti” ,Pather Panchali,Aandhi, Pyasa ,Bandini, Mother India(nominated but denied Oscar) , Shool, A Wednesday, Do Aankhen Barah Haath,Awara and Guide,to name a few, were not nominated for Oscars?