INY (May-June 2019) Cannes

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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief 06 Ranvir Nayar DOSSIER Editorial Director Reelpolitik: Christine Nayagam Raising the Stakes Editorial Advisor Rajendra Shende Communications Director June Mukherjee Editorial Team Surbhi Kapila, K V Priya, Gabrièle Brennen, Karthik Davey,Venkata Krishna, Laura Martinez-Rico, Rathina Sankari, Anne-Laure Chanteloup, Sandeep Silas, Manjeet Singh, Ramesh Tekwani,Vaibhavi Mishra, Solane Bouillande, Hassen Mehiris Design Priyankar Bhargava (Art Director), Hitesh Mehta, Vinay Kamboj Multimedia Not At Cannes, Virat Garg, Bhaavan Goswami But Around The World Web With the drums rolling for the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, the world is ready to witness Aman Kanojiya, Mohd. Salman,Anand Kushwaha the extravaganza of the cinematic art form in all its glory. The summer film festival, every year, combines ritzy, star-studded red-carpet appearances, movie premieres and people from the Photographers film world celebrating the movie going experience. Shashi Sahai, Sudharak Olwe, Priyankar Bhargava,Virat Garg With several movies lined up for the main competition, from countries like Brazil, South Korea, Italy, Spain and China, along with the UK and the USA, for the prestigious Palme d’Or Corporate Communications at the French riviera, India yet again has failed to mark its presence at the festivals top honour. ([email protected]) Last year Nandita Das’ Manto had made the cut at the Festivals Un Certain Regard section, but this year it will be a quiet festival for India. Marc Seviran, Sameer Mohammad, Mohd Mofid, Smiti Nandi The only way India will present itself at the festival will be through celebrities making grand appearances.With Indian cinema exploring different genres, it remains to be seen when Sales & Marketing Team the industry can finally break through the doors of Cannes. New Delhi In this issue of India&You, we bring you interesting stories from the Indian cinema business. Chandan Gupta,Tarang Gupta Currently the major trend in the Indian film industry is Hindi films based on key political Kolkata personalities as well as on political incidents in the history of independent India. Smiti Nandi We also explore how the Indian film industry has finally struck the right chord by giving Paris audiences a number of ‘content-rich’ films that deal with real issues of today, which the audience can relate to. With the mix of stories based on real life, social issues, biographies, Jordan Golabkan, Jordi Calimoutou and good thrillers having better run in theatres than the massy big budget mega-star driven movies in the recent years, signals of the changing narrative in the course of Indian cinema Head Office wherein content is emerging as the formula for success. 32 rue Le Peletier, 75009, Paris Indian films have evolved over the years and are exploring different offbeat indie genres as Tel +33-952533704 well as regional cinema is gaining momentum.These films, besides entertaining the audiences, New Delhi also convey a clear message to them and at times literally educate them as well. 1226, DLF Tower-A, Jasola District Centre, Even though Indian films have not made it to Cannes, but they are definitely hitting the Jasola, New Delhi - 110025 China market with big numbers.With the success of movies like Andhadhun, Dangal, Hindi Telefax +91-11-43534818 Medium, Indian cinema is winning the hearts of Chinese people with movies that are not just Kolkata entertaining but also deal with serious social issues. Suite 6, First Floor, Chitrita, 4B, Mahim Halder Street, Another major trend that is rapidly gaining momentum in the Indian market is the online Kolkata,West Bengal 700026 video platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.These platforms that are mostly devoted to Tel: +91-33-46038309 original content have opened new sources of revenue for less active Bollywood production Mumbai houses. Destinations are made popular through the lens of cinema.While the Indian audience is used to seeing the picturesque global landmarks, eventually they end up visiting the same C-23, Usha Sadan, Near Colaba PO, and boost their economy. On the other hand, we discuss India as a filming spot.What are the Mumbai 400005 pros and cons of shooting in India from foreign crew’s perspectives and how to improve the report card? Tel +91-22-22151612 Bengaluru Even though Indian film industry is using high end technology, they are still failing to attract the audiences with their 3D movies.The stumbling block is the lack of content that fails to Unit # L4-03, 3rd Floor, SKYWALK No. 5/1, attract the audiences with the 3D format and not the lack of desire to make hi-tech films. Assaye Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore – 560 042 We also have a look at how after years of remaining underground, hip-hop and rap culture Tel +91-9818437700 in India is finally getting recognition, where talented young artists use the music to denounce Chennai social inequalities, injustices, and conservatism in the Indian society. 8/1 State Bank Street, Mount Road, Chennai-600002 We also bring you the business of film festivals in India; and in this issue we give tribute to Tel/Fax +91-44-28455938 the two legendary film personalities we lost last year- Kader Khan and Mrinal Sen. Published by MEDIA INDIA GROUP Capital: 20 000 euros SIREN N: 453 030 371 Press Commission: 0708 K 84914 ISSN: 1767-5952 Depot Legal: May 2019 Date of publishing No. 90: May 2019 Website www.mediaindia.eu Printed at: Royal Press, Okhla Industrial Area Phase 1, Near CWC Warehouse, New Delhi - 110020

CONTENT India & You May-June 2019 (Cannes Special) 24 47 33 Distance Between Reel and Real 42 Behind the Scenes 06 SOCIETY Regional Cinema DOSSIER Gateway to Bollywood Mental Illness through Cinematic Lens Reelpolitik: 33 Raising the Stakes A Citizen’s Manifesto for CULTURE Indian Elections Political Biopics India Moves to Hip Hop 47 Indian Film Festival Fantasia For Each Season & Every Reason 36 TREND Indian Cinema TECHNOLOGY Streaming Revolution Content Is The King, Finally Digital Tsunami Hits India 3D Films in India Shooting Films in India The Third Dimension 50 Locations Aplenty, Policies Missing 40 PROFILE Documentaries in India More engaging than entertaining FOCUS From Bombay’s Badlands to Bollywood Bollywood & Beyond Indian Cinema in China Directors To Keep An Eye On Crossing the Great Wall Sen & Sensibility Cover design: Priyankar Bhargava



DOSSIER REELPOLITIK: RAISING THE STAKES The last two years have seen a spate of Hindi films based on key political personalities as well as political incidents in the history of independent India. Quite a few seem to toe the line propagated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose charisma is translating itself into cinematic narratives of hyper nationalism and toxic masculinity. Is it good business for cine producers or simply another propaganda tool. Elected in 2014, India’s Prime K V Priya any hard questions. The glowing media Minister Narendra Modi, seeking coverage has bolstered his image and his second term to office, has images and intrepid thoughts are lapped improved his popularity, despite many over 42 million followers on up by his die hard supporters. Modi is unpopular decisions. And over the last Facebook, the highest for any “India’s first social media Prime Minister,” couple of years, this effort has been politician in the world. He also boasts of wrote British daily, Financial Times. aided by Hindi cinema as a number of 37 million followers on Twitter. mainstream films, taking up controversial Master of the medium and a combative He continues to hit the headlines historical issues and examining them from communicator, his behind-the-scenes both in the print and ratings-hungry the ruling party’s perspective or simply television news channels that seem to operate under self-censorship of sorts, never crossing the ‘party line’ or asking 06 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

DOSSIER South India, for decades dominated by cinematic heavyweights, too contributed to the new wave of biopics. The Telugu Desam Party, the ruling party in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, has started with a two-part biopic of party founder, actor-turned-politician NT Rama Rao. The first part, NTR: Kathanayakudu, which hit the screens early January featuring NTR’s fourth son Balakrishna, along with actress Vidya Balan, drew a lukewarm response on the box office. Mahi V Raghav’s YS Rajashekhara Reddy biopic Yatra starring famous star Mammootty in the lead role, hit the screens in February. It was based on Andhra Pradesh’s late Chief Minister, YSR, who had embarked on a 1,500 km walking tour, interacting with his followers as part of his election campaign that helped catapult the Congress to power in undivided Andhra. films on Modi’s pet themes and initiatives. Political biopics galore Good business To crown it all, in early April, a biopic The biopic on Prime Minister Modi If biopics helped push political agendas, on Narendra Modi, directed by Omung is not the only one to have run afoul of Kumar, featuring Vivek Oberoi was set to the poll body’s Code of Conduct that other films boosted patriotic flag-waving be released, just in time for the general is in force till the end of the election on jingoism, the staple diet for the brand of elections that Modi is trying to win in May 23. Baghini (The Tigress), a film by politics pursued by the ruling Bharatiya order to keep the top job. Nehal Dutta, profiling West Bengal Chief Janata Party. Minister Mamata Banerjee, has also been After dilly-dallying for a long while banned and the EC ordered the removal In his directorial debut, Aditya Dhar, as the film’s timing was suspicious, the of the film’s trailer from at least three made Uri-The Surgical Strike that depicted Election Commission of India (EC) websites. the dramatised account of a covert banned the release of the film, making operation by the Indian army special the producers approach the Supreme However, not all politically-inspired forces, avenging the killing of fellow army Court of India, which, however, refused films or biopics of other politicians have men at their base by a terrorist group. to intervene. faced the poll body’s crackdown. One profiled Bal Keshav Thackeray, founder of The love-thy-army and nation The banned film showcases Modi as a Shiv Sena, an extreme right wing regional storyline, shot on a budget of INR 280 leader with remarkable courage, wisdom, party in Maharashtra. The film, featuring million (USD 4 million), in Serbia with patience, dedication to his people, as well Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role, extensive assistance from former Yugoslav as promotes him as a political genius with was released in January this year. Not all military, has raked INR 3.36 billion (USD rare leadership qualities that inspired a biopics have been glowing as Modi’s or 50 million) since its release in January. thousand social changes, first in Gujarat Thackeray’s. In January, as the country and then across India. was just getting ready for the election, Similarly, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, inspired The Accidental Prime Minister, was released. by Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean It traces his childhood in the 1950s The film was based on an eponymous and India Campaign) spoke of the problem to his meteoric rise in the corridors of controversial book with the same name, of open defecation. In the process, it politics, as a four-time Chief Minister on the former Prime Minister Manmohan raked USD 49 million in 2017. Released in of Gujarat. The biopic culminates in Singh by his erstwhile media advisor Sanjaya September 2018 was Sui Dhaga (Needle the Prime Minister overcoming all Baru, which mocked the Nehru-Gandhi and Thread), also inspired by Prime obstacles to create and lead one of the family and the former Prime Minister, and Minister Modi’s flagship programme, Make most fascinating and successful election raked in INR 310 million (USD 4.5 million). in India, that failed to take off. This movie, campaigns in the world in 2013-14, to too, did well, raking in INR 1,250 million finally become India’s supreme leader. (USD 18 million). Killing two birds with a stone Clearly, for some of the ‘politically- inspired’ films, it turned out to be a wise bet for the producers as not only did they please the audiences and raked in big profits, but they also pleased the political masters at whom the films were really directed. As a ruling class privilege, propaganda films present a sanitised version of truth and create a feel good factor for the INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 07

DOSSIER Biopics are not political films perpetuation of political power. Any art and S Theodore Baskaran, noted India especially Tamil Nadu. creativity in this is incidental. A German film historian, has written Using films for propagating woman, Leni Riefestahl, was one of the several books on the film and ideology, the DMK sought to greatest film publicists of all times whose entertainment industry in India. capitalise on star popularity talents led her to create some of the best as a vehicle for political propaganda feature length films praising the Several biopics are hitting S THEODORE BASKARAN mobilisation. Nazi Party under Hitler. She is best known the market at the time Film Books Writer today for two of her works, The Triumph of of elections. Can they be In Tamil Nadu stars used Will and the Berlin Olympics of 1936. called political films or just their popularity and rode hagiography at the best? piggyback on it into politics. Chandigarh-based award-winning Their Cinema was not used theatre personality, Neelam Mansingh A French director said to propagate ideology. Chowdhry, points out that biopics “Political films are different Do you see emergence of are merely propaganda films, with from films that are made saffron cinema? Or is it highly appropriate timings. “These are politically.” In other words, in specifically agenda-driven. They definitely political films the ideology will mere propaganda- a fad influence the masses and reassert the run through the film, in the story, in the that will fade away? narrative, which the public have been visual, not by preaching. You have to be an I do not see the emergence of saffron served for the past five years,” she expert filmmaker to make political films. cinema. asserts, adding that there have been good biopics made in the past as well. (See Box) Which, according to you, have been Do documentary makers in India the best political films made in India make better political documentaries Sandeep Singh has worn several hats across languages? compared to film makers making -- as a producer, creative director, singer political cinema? and one who came up with the story for A few directors like Mrinal Sen and the movie on Prime Minister Narendra Govind Nihlani did. And a few others. There are very good documentary Modi, has also made biopics on Mary Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Mukhamukham filmmakers whose work is very political, Kom, an International, female boxer, and (Face to Face) is a good example of a like Anand Patwardhan or Deepa on Sarabjit, an alleged Indian spy who was political film. Similarly Kabani Nadi’s Dhanaraj. You cannot compare two killed in a Pakistan jail. Chuvannappol (When the River Kabini different kinds of cinema. Turned Red) by P A Backer in Malayalam “Cinema is the biggest messenger is a good example. So is Agraharathil Oru Parasakthi (The Goddess, with the widest reach,” Singh admits on Kazhuthai (Donkey in a Brahmin Ghetto) 1952) is considered one of the the issue of biopics being political tools. by John Abraham in Tamil. most controversial films of Tamil The tagline of the film on Modi says it all. How far these biopics can colonise cinema and also has the one that is Deshbhakti hi meri shakti hai, (Patriotism the minds of the audience and turn considered the most controversial is my Strength), proof enough that the them voters for a particular party? scene. It was also a major tool in biopic is nothing, but hagiography. propagating the ideology of the Biopics cannot be called political films. DMK party. What is your take? Observes Avinash Das, writer and But, they are often made for a political director of Anarkali of Arrah, (a film that purpose. Our biopics are in the usual I do not agree with your statements portrays the pangs and helplessness of entertainment format. Nothing different. on Parasakthi. It was not produced by any the dancing community in north India): Usually there are highly sanitised DMK leader. Only the dialogue, not even “Even though I’m yet to watch the movie, versions. I do not think they influence the story was written by Karunanidhi. It my feedback after watching its trailer is the voters. There is a close connection had general radical rhetoric, anti-religious, not good,” he says, adding that “It raises between cinema and politics in South anti-priest hook ideas. It did not spread question marks on the authenticity of the DMK ideology. What you mention is the film.” popular take on that film. Noted film historian S Theodore criticised the political establishment, as brothers turn local leaders of rival Baskaran strongly believes that biopics well as the ruling party and the upper parties, leading to distress for their aged cannot be called political films. “They are classes. Sudhir Mishra’s Hazaaron and once-proud parents. often made for a political purpose. Usually Khwaishein Aisi (A Thousand Wishes there are highly sanitised versions” Like This) was a political drama seeking Moreover, political themes have he points, adding, “I do not think they to reinterpret the deadly days of left always found expression in the works of influence the voters.” (See Interview Box) wing activism in Indian campuses during Indian filmmakers such as Shyam Benegal, 1960s and 1970s and the subsequent Govind Nihalani, Mrinal Sen and Goutam Political, but not propaganda disillusionment. Ghose. Benegal’s Nishant (1975), marking Making political films is not something Naseeruddin Shah’s debut, Ghose’s Paar Kissa Kursi Ka (A Story of the Throne), (1984) and Nihalani’s Ardh Satya (1983), new in India, a country where the masses, made by then Member of Parliament caught public imagination in those times. even the illiterate or poor, are enamoured and little-known film maker Amrit with politics and discuss it threadbare Nahata in 1975, was a political satire Movies in India, commercial or parallel almost every day as do the hundreds on Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s son cinema, propaganda films and political of television news channels and tens of Sanjay Gandhi and his acolytes’ mercurial biopics, are not only a great source thousands of newspapers. Hence, film approach in conducting affairs of the of entertainment, but also a parallel producers in various lanugages have party and the government. The film vehicle of information, education, and been making political films for decades. was however banned soon after when communication. However, unlike the current crop of a state of emergency had been declared propaganda biopics, several political in the country and all the prints of the The Indian political class is searching films have been made which have sharply film seized. Sandesham (The Message) for a place of its own in this uncharted directed by Sathyan Anthikkad in 1991 territory. If it helps in any way in the in Malayalam, is a political satire on resurrection or perpetuation of a leader’s contemporary Kerala politics where image and political party’s fortune, it will go for this whole hog. What’s more, this is just the beginning. 08 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

DOSSIER These five films from the yesteryears, on the lives of famed countrymen, not just retell popular tales, but also throw light on the life of these politicians and their struggles. Surbhi Kapila SHAHEED (1965) Kewal Kashyap’s black and white classic Shaheed is unlike the current crop of patriotic films that are dominated by actions and emotions. It is, in fact, more real and authentic, probably because its screenplay inputs were lent by Bhagat Singh’s close aide Batukeshwar Dutt. Singh was one of the well-known freedom fighters of India, who was way ahead of his time and age with his rational ideas and his passion for India’s independence. Singh was martyred at the age of 23 when the British hung him to death. He was known to be rather vocal about secularism in times when brotherhood was a far cry between Muslims and Hindus of India. The film starring captured cultural nuances and patriotic fervour of pre-independent Punjab with accuracy. Devoid of caste and religious jingoism, it became a guidebook about the revolutionaries in India, who did not always agree with the peaceful methods propagated by Mahatma Gandhi. The film was also acclaimed for its very descriptive sketches, including of the minor roles and also its use of light and shade. Cameraman Ranjodh Thakur brought to life the songs in the film, that can still give goosebumps to the viewers. SARDAR (1993) Director Ketan Mehta’s Sardar, is the story of the political life of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, India’s first deputy prime minister and a key member of the Congress party. The film is believed to depict history as it happened. Patel was key in unifying independent India into a single federal republic, bringing on board nearly 550 small kingdoms that the British colonial rulers had left behind. The film shows Patel’s struggle in overcoming this huge challenge. It also touches upon the working relationship between Patel, played by noted actor Paresh Rawal, and Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. Rawal, who is known for playing comic roles, was hailed for his larger than life portrayal of Patel. GANDHI (1982) A historic drama so epic that it is still drawn upon for reference. Gandhi by Richard Attenborough, is based on the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or simply Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement against the British rule. A British-Indian co-production, it stars Ben Kingsley in the title role. Revolving around popular events from Gandhi’s political life, Gandhi was released in India as well as in the United Kingdom and the United States. It was nominated for Academy Awards in eleven categories, winning eight, including best picture and best director for Attenborough, best actor for Ben Kingsley, and best screenplay written directly for the screen for Briley. The film is also known for its big budget, as for the period when it was made, USD 22 million was quite a deal. Also talked about were its set props and costumes, a lot of which were brought in from the UK and a head count of three million people playing in the film, many of whom were part of the funeral scene. GANDHI MY FATHER (2007) Produced by Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor and written and directed by theatre wunderkind Feroz Abbas Khan, Gandhi My Father is unique in more ways than one. An insight into the life of one of the most prominent political figures in India’s history, it shows the impact that life choices of Mahatma Gandhi had on his son and their relationship. Starring Darshan Jariwala as Mahatma Gandhi and Akshaye Khanna as his son Harilal, the film has been documented as a flashback of events from Harilal’s life. Harilal is left in India when Gandhi goes off to establish a law practice in South Africa. Hari then goes on to marry Gulab (Bhumika Chawla), but is separated from her when summoned to join his family in Durban. This is the first of sacrifices Harilal has to make for his family and more importantly his father Gandhi. When in South Africa, Harilal is persuaded to fight against the oppressive South African authorities, for which he has to give up on his own plans. Hari’s morale falls further when the family moves back to India and amidst the growing popularity and influence of Gandhi, Harilal is pushed to the back seat. Harilal fails at his business, takes up drinking, is charged with fraud, and is left by his wife. Forever dwindling, trying to start fresh and seeking the approval and forgiveness of his father, Hari is lured into becoming a Muslim, reverts to Hinduism and is finally disowned by his parents. The heart breaking story of the son of the Father of the Nation shows the sacrifices Gandhi had to make in his personal life in order to serve the nation. MANGAL PANDEY:THE RISING (2005) Mangal Pandey: The Rising is a biographical drama based on the life of Mangal Pandey, an Indian sepoy in the British Army of the East India Company, who played a major role in India’s first war of Independence in 1857, known as the Indian Mutiny in the UK. Against the backdrop of the mutiny is also a tale of friendship, love, loss, and betrayal. It centres on the friendship between an Indian soldier and his British commander William Gordon. Directed by Ketan Mehta, the film features Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Ameesha Patel, and Toby Stephens in lead characters. It was screened at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and went on to become the fourth highest-grossing film of 2005 in India. INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 09

DOSSIER INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL FANTASIA FOR EACH SEASON & For many EVERY REASON Indians, the Cannes Film Festival has become more Of the over 100 film festivals in India, barring ten or less that a place to visit and be seen could be actually considered international, hundreds more by other Indians than to watch films. Cannes does not officially appear as mini novas only to disappear into nothingness. select and screen Indian films as Some flutter on very locally, but a film festival is an occasion frequently as it should or as it does films from other parts of the world and another way to get a glimpse of bits of real India. and when it does, more often than not, barring abject poverty, there is an absence of the true Indian ethos. So, if Ramesh Tekwani you want to grab a bit of India through its films, you will not get it at Cannes or other International Festivals. You will have to come to India. Establishment leads the way International Film Festival of India, IFFI, was set up in 1952 by the Indian government, the first festival of its kind not just in independent India, but also Asia. Half a century later, there was a triumvirate of dynamic deputy directors at the Directorate of Film Festivals in Delhi who had worked together to make IFFI a world class festival. They put in their collective expertise and effort to get the films, film makers and organise screenings, seminars and master classes. Santhanam, Shankar and Srivastava. Hardly a decade of the new century had passed when Srinivasa Santhanam went free-lance, Manoj Srivastava decided to join the Entertainment Society of Goa as chief executive; only Shankar Mohan stayed behind to rule the roost. However, the momentum that they had created took IFFI to a peak of 13,000 delegates in 2014, but it has flagged since. Despite that, IFFI remains India’s flagship international film festival. Its venue now is Goa. Sumptuous film watching with the sun, sea and sand is promised, an Indian festival by the sea a la Cannes. Held in November every year, IFFI is preceded by the Kolkata International Film Festival that clashes every other year with the International Children’s Film Festival of India in Hyderabad. The former, a corollary of a rich film society movement inspired by the likes of Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and Mrinal Sen and the latter, organised by the Children’s Film Society of India, literally prioritises is mission by getting together the largest audience conglomeration of school children from all across India and neighbouring areas; 70,000 fresh locals. Everyday. Post IFFI, in December, Goa moves on to celebrate the feast of St. Francis Xavier and film aficionados move south to Thiruvananthapuram 10 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

DOSSIER (Clockwise from L-R) Audience in Meet The Directors - International Film Festival of Kerala; 15th Mumbai International Film Festival 2018; Panelists during discussion at 2nd Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF) 2018; 24th Kolkata International Film Festival 2018 to International Film Festival of Kerala. who, too, opted for retirement during the seems to have jumped on the bandwagon Six months later in June, the same venue metamorphosis at MAMI. It was Narayan and is all set to present its own Global hosts the International Documentary who had laid the foundation at IFFI in the Cinema Festival 2019. Scheduled for and Short Film Festival of Kerala and in 80s for the triumvirate to build upon. August this year, the raison d’etre of this between in February in the West, every film festival is very simple: to go where no two years is the Mumbai International Festival explosion film festival has gone before taking with Film Festival for Documentary, Shorts and The new century saw a proliferation it the best of undiscovered Indian and Animation Films-MIFF. The original after world cinema – features, documentaries IFFI. All these festivals are initiatives of of festivals all across India. With IFFI and shorts - and then move on to another the government. having shifted to Goa, Delhi, once again, undiscovered location leaving behind a felt it needed its own festival so Delhi valuable property for that city or town to MAMI – The festival by film International Film Festival came about. nurture and develop further. Secondly to professionals The North-east, was underrepresented promote tourism especially film tourism, in terms of film festivals, the gap was within the region, to entice visiting film The first non-government festival was filled up by Guwahati International Film makers to come and shoot in this new by MAMI, Mumbai Academy of Moving Festival and Brahmaputra International territory. Most of all, a festival fills in the Images. Established by the Indian film film Festival. Soon cities, towns and even gap of screens in India which do not allow industry professionals like Hrishikesh states followed suit Bengaluru, Chennai, all the films produced every year to the Mukherjee, Manmohan Shetty, Amit Shimla, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Jaipur, audiences and India produced 2000 a year Khanna, Kiran Shantaram, Ramesh Sippy, Lucknow, Nagaon; Karnataka, Gujarat or in over 35 languages. Amol Palekar, Gulzar Shyam Benegal and Kashmir. Themes, subjects, communities, Basu Bhattacharya ran successfully for social issues became the Genesis of Future vision several years; in recent times the senior festivals. Bangalore Queer Film Festival, The proliferation of OTT platforms stalwarts saw it befitting to hand over Kashish Film Festival. Localities had their charge to the younger lot of professionals own festivals like Thane and Noida. Even like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO in the industry who widened the scope neighbourhoods. and their Indian counterparts such as of the festival to make it more inclusive. AltBalaji, Hotstar, Voot, ErosNow and Kiran Rao, Anupama Chopra among Most of the time, the festivals are others, does not really seem an answer of others, with the current the chairperson created to bring about a sense of missing screens. In trying to create their Deepika Padukone, and the festival has togetherness amongst people, and there own captive viewership, they are trying found a patron in Jio Digital, part of the is no better way to get them all together to create a type of cinema of mixed genre gargantuan Reliance Group. Mumbai Film in a relaxed atmosphere of camaraderie that show what would otherwise have got Festival has become a great platform for than cinema. For the organisers, creating a held up in the Indian censors. Creativism both encouraging the making, exhibiting film festival often became an opportunity through amoral escapism. Till then and recognising of good cinema at grass for making voices heard, of making money festivals in India will continue to grow. root levels but putting together the best for oneself and for good causes most of all of Indian and International cinema on to fulfill the need of watching a different (The writer is a film maker, the display in October every year. Taking cinema and alternate cinema. vice president of Film Federation of forward a legacy painstakingly created by the Festival director Srinivasan Narayan India needs film festivals India. He can be contacted on Even the Film Federation of India [email protected]) INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 11

DOSSIER Indian Cinema Content Is The King, Finally Indian film industry has of late struck the right chord by giving the audiences a number of ‘content-rich’ films that deal with issues of today which the audience can relate to. Varsha Singh W hat was the recipe for a good commercial (read: masala) entertainment blockbuster film five years ago? A leading actor, ideally one of the Khans, a romantic song or two in beautiful, foreign locales, preferably in the snow covered peaks in Switzerland, random dance numbers to express every mood, some dramatised and increasingly computer-generated action sequences and not to forget the sensual item number or song. However, with the changing tastes of the cinegoers and emergence of several hundred multiplexes all over the country, there appears to be a demand for content-driven films rather than only the stereotypical melodramatic stories. Today content speaks be it for a star or debutante, big budget film Andhadhun Stree or a small scale one. A film that is backed by a compelling story is what the audience is increasingly looking for. Stree, a horror-comedy with a nameless ghost of a woman at its centre along with Raazi, a cross-border spy thriller powered by a female protagonist sunk Mr Perfectionist’s (Aamir Khan) pirated ship named Thugs of Hindostan. Similarly, Bollywood’s Bhai (Salman Khan) lost the Race 3 to a blind 12 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

DOSSIER man in Andhadhun (Blindly). And when all Amongst the factors Dose of reality thought that at least King Khan (Shahrukh that have led to these Part of the content-oriented Khan) won’t disappoint his fans, his films’ success is the film Zero made the same impact on the growth in the number revolution sweeping the Bollywood are box office as the movie’s title. All the of multiplexes films dealing with the current social congratulations seemed reserved for the issues or biographies of celebrities. 25-year-old boy struggling to deal with the good content but that were too less in The enormous success of Vidya Balan news of his mother’s pregnancy in Badhaai number. Not to forget the 2006 Dibakar starrer The Dirty Picture, which traced Ho (Congratulations). Banerjee’s film Khosla ka Ghosla, a classic the rise and fall of Silk Smitha, a bold example of how cinema can be content actress who wanted to be a star at Big Bollywood stars pulling off an oriented and yet do good business. There any cost, led to a number of other entire film only on their brand name and have been some other examples such as biographical pictures or biopics. These fan base seems to be a thing of the past. Dev D, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, A Wednesday, included Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Neerja, The recent flops by the three Khans, who Omakara, and Aamir. Paan Singh Tomar and recently Sanju. were until then considered as insurance Perhaps it could be that the audiences policies for producers struggling with a With producers like Anurag Kashyap love these real-life characters and the weak story-line, indicate that the Indian and Guneet Monga coming to the stories of their struggles and successes. cinegoer has at last matured and today forefront and funding content driven These films give their viewers a chance content is the only king. The year gone projects of young directors and writers, to delve into the lives of real people and by was all about content driven films the industry has seen a tectonic shift draw inspiration from them rather than that not only have a longer shelf life but in the number of content-driven films following the storylines of larger than have a repeat audience as well. Besides produced every year. Amongst the factors life characters. dominating the market, these films also that have led to these films’ success is provided recognition to new talents, both the growth in the number of multiplexes, Movies like Aligarh, Shahid, Poorna, among directors and the audiences. as they allow the small budget movies Manjhi – The Mountain Man, Talvar, to share same number of screens as for Sarbjit, No One Killed Jessica, Budhia Singh: Winds of change any blockbuster these days. Also, with Born to Run, have all shown the real Films like October, an achingly poetic the rise of digital platforms people have side of the struggles through celluloid. become more conscious about the type Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak, set to reflection on love, loss, and longing or of entertainment they want to gobble on release next year, is another take on Newton, dealing with the struggles of their screens, be it big or small. Bollywood breaking stereotypes. Based a man to hold a fair and free election on the life of an acid-attack survivor who despite various obstacles, are signs that overcomes difficulties and showcases Bollywood is moving ahead with content undying human spirit, the film tackles the rich films and getting appreciation from burning subject of acid attacks and the audiences and from critics as well. culture of victim-blaming. Village Rockstars Badhaai Ho Cinema with a cause These films, besides entertaining the Similarly films like Hindi Medium, Qarib “It’s heartening and is a sign of Qarib Single, Bareilly Ki Barfi, and Phillauri evolving times as far as the cinematic audiences, also convey a clear message have also been very successful at the box preferences of Indian audiences is to them and at times literally educate office. Tumbaad, a period horror film, concerned. I am happy to say that times them as well. Akshay Kumar has proven set in 19th century India that deals with a are changing, as there are distributors to be the tour de force of this particular man’s greed, was a perfect amalgamation and exhibitors, who encourage content- genre with films like Padman, Toilet: Ek of fantasy, horror and mythology. driven films and give them the right Prem Katha, Jolly LLB 2 under his belly amount of exposure,” says Vikram Mehra, with Ayushmann Khurrana making waves It’s not like Bollywood has started managing director of Saregama, a major with movies on socially stigmatised giving us content in cinemas just from last entertainment company. year. Earlier too there were films with INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 13

DOSSIER of Cannes’ official section in seven years. Also, the 2010 movie Peepli Live, a satirical comedy film explored the sensitive issue of farmers’ suicides in the country and the subsequent media and political response. These films led the way for other film-makers who are now turning towards realistic narratives, and creating a promising pool of independent Indian cinema, with films such as the 2014 film Court focusing on India’s judicial system, the 2015 film Masaan that tackles the caste divide and 2018’s Love Sonia that tells the story of sex trafficking in India. (Top) Shubh Mangal Saavdhan; (Bottom) Lipstick Under My Burkha Regional films winning international accolade issues with projects like Vicky Donor, includes mainstream Hindi-language Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, and Badhaai Ho. films but also a robust regional-language In the last couple of years, regional industry and an escalating indie scene cinema has been gaining recognition not Not just social issues but the grim with films like Anhey Ghodey Da Daan, Sexy only in India but also at international reality of how youngsters who live in the Durga and, Visaranai. film festivals. The regional films, due to sprawling slums of Mumbai and dream impressive content are no longer isolated to make it big in hip hop music, has been With the rise of independent by language and are doing quite well at captured by Zoya Akhtar in her latest film filmmakers in Bollywood, indie films the box office. The 2017 Assamese film Gully Boy. As Bollywood’s first hip-hop are not only getting recognition on the Village Rockstars was last year selected as film Gully Boy is loosely inspired by the big screens but also on OTT platforms. India’s official entry to the 91st Academy lives of Indian street rappers Divine and Movies such as Ankhon Dekhi, Aligarh, and Awards. Ishu, a film that addresses one of Naezy. Shahid found favour with the audiences the most disturbing social issues, witch- as well as critics. Nagesh Kukunoor’s hunting in Assam, also won the award The industry is now awaiting the Dhanak, was a breath of fresh air where for the Best Assamese Film from the release of a film that deals with the the director looked into the tiniest of President of India. sensitive issue of female hair loss, details through his lens in order to make eventually leading to baldness. Gone Kesh his characters as innocent and magical as The 2016 Marathi film Ventilator, a is a comedy drama film that tells us that they were. Filmistaan, the 2014 comedy funny yet sensitive take on relationships life is not about the hair you have or don’t film shows the enduring love affair at a time when a family member slips have on your head but about the lessons with Hindi cinema through the life of a into coma, won appreciation for its rich you learn. struggling actor who is kidnapped and content and was invited to the 55th New held hostage in a village in Pakistan, who York Film Festival. The 2015 Tamil crime “The key takeaway from 2018 has gradually wins hearts as an ambassador of drama film Visaranai showed how the been that only good content works, Indian cinema. system toys with the common person. everything else has to play second fiddle. The film was even selected as India’s By that, I don’t mean content necessarily Bollywood’s venture into offbeat indie official entry for the best foreign language appreciated by critics but one that appeals films began with the 2010 film Udaan, the film at the 89th Academy Awards. The to universal audiences and bypasses coming of age journey of a 17-year-old 2016 Kannada film Thithi won the best barriers of mass and class,” says film boy, mirroring the lives of all teenagers film and best script writers awards in the distributor and exhibitor Akshaye Rathi. belonging from middle-class families, Asian New Talent Awards at the Shanghai who want to break free and follow their International Film Festival. The 2014 Offbeat indie films get recognition dreams. The film was officially selected Bengali film Asha Jaoar Majhe (Labour India that has one of the largest, most to compete in the Un Certain Regard of Love) premiered at the 71st Venice category at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. International Film Festival in 2014. glamorous film industries in the world, Udaan was first Indian film to be part is now dealing specifically with quality, There is another category that draws independent films. The industry not only the attention of the audiences instantly and that of contemporary incidents and issues, centred around women and their empowerment. Female protagonists in Indian cinema are no longer just an object of beauty or the damsel in distress waiting for her prince charming to come and rescue her. Content rich movies like Parched, Angry Indian Goddesses, Lipstick Under My Burkha, Queen, Nil Battey Sannata, NH10 and Pink showed not only the position of women in today’s India but also how women are often leading the change in the society. 14 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

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DOSSIER Sonar Kella (The Golden Though home to the world’s largest film industry, shooting Fortress) (1974):This Bengali film in India, especially on locations in public areas is a red-tape by Satyajit Ray forced Bengalis nightmare at its worst.Though various state governments have all over the world through announced measures to attract film producers with tax cuts generations to go and see the and incentives, the reality on the ground is far from better. Jaisalmer Fort in the western Indian state of Rajasthan! June Mukherjee

DOSSIER The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Udaipur My movies are my travel of governments around the world, now films shot in India! diaries.” Ace Bollywood it is no big do for a film to be shot, even The Indian film industry is one of the filmmaker Imtiaz Ali entirely, overseas. had recently said. His fastest growing sectors in the country diary is surely filled with The same, however, cannot be today and has grown from INR 122 picture postcards of beautiful memories said for India. Few foreign filmmakers billion (USD 1.8 bn) in 2016 to INR 156 of shooting locales in Portugal, Czech have ventured to make India their film billion in 2017, representing a growth Republic, Holland, Hungary, US, UK and location, despite the easy availability rate of 28 pc, according to a FICCI - the likes. Shooting overseas is not new of technical equipment, a large and Ernst & Young (EY) report focussed for Indian cinema as numerous films well-trained film crew and of course any on film and tourism. Over the years, have been shot in Switzerland, France, kind of location that a film may need, the industry’s revenues have grown Mauritius, London or Tokyo for over matching, if not outclassing any other significantly and the revenues of the half a century. With the ease of travel, in the world. Yet, few directors from industry are estimated to reach INR 204 larger budgets, tax incentives by dozens across the globe can say that their diaries billion (USD 3 bn) this year. are filled with unforgettable snippets of Film locations have always played a Kashmir Ki Kali (The bud of Kashmir) 3 Idiots (2009): This Bollywood (1964): Loosely based on Hollywood Hindi blockbuster by director romantic comedy Come September, this Rajkumar Hirani fetched friends super hit Hindi film by Shakti Samanta, of the lead protagonist Rancho portrayed the beauty of leading lady (Aamir Khan) to Pangong Lake Sharmila Tagore in the avatar of a of Leh in Kashmir which has Kashmiri village girl that worked like become a must visit for the magic fetching tourists from all over Indians India to Kashmir INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 17

DOSSIER Rang De Basanti (2006):This coming of age movie by director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra portraying strong-willed youth of India associated itself with New Delhi and protest against the negative forces in front of India Gate big role, even if indirect, in promoting Slumdog Millionaire (2008): like Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings tourism as well as cultural exchanges This British drama directed by for New Zealand, Harry Potter movie between nations. Switzerland was the Danny Boyle that won eight series for the UK, Inception for France first nation to grasp the importance of Academy awards associates itself or Northern Ireland for Game of Thrones enraptured Bollywood directors as their with the common man’s dream, are great examples of the same. best brand ambassadors in the Indian the city of Mumbai holds for outbound tourism market and almost six everyone. depicting the story of With its vast geographical and cultural decades on, the tiny country continues rags to riches diversity, India offers a wide range of to be amongst the top destinations for tourist attractions from the Himalayas any Indian traveller, with any budget. The of Thrones inspiring its fans to explore and the forests to the dSeserts and the same is true of travellers from around Northern Ireland, Croatia, Spain or ocean. In addition to being one of the the world. Morocco, cinema is an influential tool leading film producing countries with for the development and promotion the filming community spread across Whether it is 3 Idiots making the of destinations. Not only is cinema various regions of the country, the Pangong Lake a cult location or the Game an excellent vehicle for destination diversity of landscape and locations in marketing, it also presents new product different parts, make India an appealing development opportunities, such as destination for the production of both location tours, film museums, exhibitions international and domestic films. There and linking tourist attractions with a is a potential for up to a million film film connection. Several destinations tourists which could result in revenues of have gained in terms of tourist influx up to USD three billion by 2022, states by being the venue/location of popular the EY report. domestic and international cinema. Films Today, Indian cinema has not only reached out to global audiences but has also found global acceptance in some way. Traditionally known for its song & dance formula, the new age Indian films are now being recognised widely shortening the gap between so-called commercial and art films. The tough job earlier performed by maestros like Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal, Shaji Karun and their contemporaries to showcase what Indian cinema can produce are being carried forward by modern directors who deal with modern Indian subjects and often shoot in the beautiful locales within India. Hence Indian cinema is now being seen across the world and is part of screenings at major international film festivals. The international film markets alongside these festivals also see a large presence of the Indian film producers with their films looking out for international buyers. The overseas market now does contribute a sizeable chunk to film industry’s box office collections. Look at China, for instance, which has become a key revenue source for most Indian films (see story on page 40-41). The EY study says over the last couple of decades, an increasing number of tourists began to visit destinations featured through films, TV or any other similar way of visuals which are not 18 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

DOSSIER directly related to tourism promotion The government needs Of late, the federal government campaigns. Post liberalisation of the to ease the enormous and some of the state governments Indian economy in the 1990s and with paperwork needed for have woken up to the importance of the easing of foreign exchange rules, the a foreign film unit to using cinema as a tool to drive inbound outbound tourism from India took off, travel to India tourism but most of it is still on paper with the well-heeled heading for short and in ideas, rather far away from term and long-term leisure as well as in boosting tourism, so have started any real implementation, leave alone non-leisure trips in various parts of the giving huge rebates and help during the making global film location decision- world. marketing of films,” says Aashish Singh, makers lining up to shoot in India.“The CEO, Motion Pictures, Balaji Telefilms, government of India also needs to take At the same time, momentum to one of the biggest software producers cognisance of the underlying benefits film abroad also picked up amongst the for the idiot box in India. of film tourism and frame policies to Indian film producers. Besides portraying lure foreign film productions to boost and boosting international destinations “Our film, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, their tourism and economy,” comments through films, Indian cinema has also was shot almost entirely in Spain and Kulmeet Makkar, the CEO of Producers played a major role in tapping previously introduced Indian audiences to the Guild of India. unknown destinations within India. Film Spanish culture and society. Following producers have increasingly stepped up the release of the film, the Spanish “This will actually help international their efforts to identify unique locations government awarded the team behind film production companies to look at for filming their cinema, resultantly the film with high-level decorations and India as a go-to destination to shoot. popularising such destinations as “must reported an increase of Indian tourists If cinema becomes the centrepiece of visit” places in the minds of the Indian by 30 pc and several locations we shot at India’s soft power diplomacy and we travellers. have become popular tourist hotspots,” have policies that are shaped around it, says Kassim Jagmagia, the associate there is no reason why what we cannot “In the past, we have seen the impact producer of Excel Entertainment, the repeat in our country what the Indian of Yash Chopra’s films on tourism to producer of the film. film industry has achieved for countries Switzerland and more recently the abroad i.e. make them hotspots of Indian impact of tourism to Spain from India tourism,” says Vivek Krishnani, due to the film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. managing director, Sony Pictures The tourism bodies worldwide have Entertainment India. now recognised the role of Indian films ATTRACTING FILM CREW TO INDIA The state governments should offer different types of incentives to boost the production sector in the form of single window clearance, tax benefits and simplification of permissions for shooting and increase in the number of cinema halls, overhauling the tax structure to name a few. Based on a study of such incentive programmes in place internationally and locally, following are broadly the types of incentives which could be offered to a filmmaker. CASH GRANTS Cash grants are non- NON-MONETARY ASSISTANCE repayable funds disbursed to production Apart from monetary assistance, many companies, which help them to reduce their governments address other issues faced cost of production. by production companies, e.g., clearances, CASH REBATES Cash rebates are refunds approvals from various dignitaries, visa of actual expenditure incurred, typically procedures, etc. provided at a specified percentage of the EQUITY INVESTMENTS To provide qualifying expenditure. financial stimulus to film producers with TAX CREDITS Tax credit is a sum budget constraint and to boost film deducted from the total amount a taxpayer production in a nodal body set up for owes to the treasury such as income tax, the said purpose could purchase equity GST, etc as well as the refund of taxes paid in the film. while filming. MARKETING TIE-UPS The state TAX HOLIDAY / BREAK A tax holiday governments could enter into marketing is a temporary reduction or elimination tie-ups and co-promotion agreements of tax which means there will not be any for films/ television series and digital tax liability for a period on taxable income series produced wholly or partially in earned during the said period. the state. Source: Ernst & Young INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 19

DOSSIER FILM CITIES IN INDIA: A BIG TOURIST DRAW With India trying to emerge as a one-stop destination private players in the integrated studio model. These for media and entertainment services, film cities film cities are great attraction points for visiting tourists are trying to contribute to the sector by serving the from other states as well as abroad. The Film City filmmakers from across the world. The country is (Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari) in Mumbai, Ramoji Film home to a string of film cities which offer A-Z services. City in Hyderabad, Film City in Noida and MGR Film City Anticipating future demand, over a dozen film cities in Chennai are some of the top film cities that attract are being developed by various state governments and tourists round the year. Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad Film City (MFSCDC), Mumbai MGR Film City, Chennai Film City, Noida A location becomes famous when it But Ladakh was chosen by the film most Hollywood productions are several has been embraced with the local flavour producer without any outreach by the times more. and culture. 3 Idiots, a 2009 blockbuster government as is true across India. The hit by Raj Kumar Hirani, was a perfect governments are yet to take proactive Besides providing some real fiscal example. In the decade since its release, steps to attract filmmakers, Indian or incentives, the government needs to tourism to Ladakh in the northern state foreign. The measures can range from ease the enormous paperwork needed of Jammu & Kashmir has increased easing the paperwork and permissions for a foreign film unit to travel to dramatically. “Restaurants have been for film shoots to giving tax credits India, starting right from the moment named after the movie and Rancho (the and subsidies for the film producers, of visa application. character played by Aamir Khan, the lead besides promoting the development of protagonist). The Pangong Lake in the infrastructure needed such as roads, For a government infamous for region has several photo op locations hotels and ensure trained manpower is turf wars between its own ministries, where tourists click themselves with the locally available for the film crews. mounting a coordinated action to reduce props of the film (bum chairs, a scooter the hurdles for filmmakers will prove etc). “The then chief minister of the The federal government has taken challenging. A holistic approach, with state had gone on record to state that baby steps towards this. A grant of a clear mandate for expediting setting they did not need to promote tourism INR 40,000 (USD 600) is provided to up of these policies and creation of in Leh region as 3 Idiots has done it,” a maximum five films each year, a sum proactive bodies to promote shooting recalls Sanjiv Kishinchandani, executive ridiculously low for a big budget Indian of films in India remains the only way producer, Rajkumar Hirani Films. film that nowadays cost more than INR ahead. It remains to be seen if the 2 bn (USD 30 million). The budgets of government will accord the issue the priority it deserves. 20 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU



DOSSIER IN INDIADOCUMENTARIES MORE ENGAGING THAN ENTERTAINING Indian documentary film making is story telling at its best, but it is no bedtime story. It makes one want to get up and get into action. Ramesh Tekwani P urveyors of fiction films tend to Told well, the power way they would exercise their franchise marginalise documentaries as of documentary during the current elections. non-entertainment; yet they have type story telling no compunction about borrowing has an engaging Biography – the prime facet of all liberally from reality and simply covering edge over mere documentary it all up with an opening disclaimer that entertainment states that the film, though inspired by It was perhaps best demonstrated real life events, is a work of fiction and by S. Krishnaswamy through Indus Valley any similarity to people, places, and to Indira Gandhi, the biography of India events, is entirely coincidental. For both from 5,000 years ago to current times. fiction and documentary, the inspiration The year was 1973, when none but runs parallel, the story telling grammar the foolhardy or the very brave would differs but the ripples that arise from venture into the realm of documentary the truth can really make waves. Told and, then, go about creating a four-hour well, the power of documentary-type long film. India had its first woman Prime story telling has an engaging edge over mere entertainment. Conversely, the documentary does not lag behind in adopting the dramatic ways of fiction presentation, often, to recreate historical reality. Fact over fiction The Tashkent Files, a feature released recently as a fiction thriller, digs up history of January 1966. After having won a war with Pakistan in December of the previous year, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Prime Minister of India, dies under mysterious circumstances in his bed, hours after signing the now famous Tashkent Agreement. A natural death or an alleged assassination, this was the premise of the film. Why did it take over half a century to bring the matter to the fore? The impact of the film on the young viewers of today was not surprising. After the obvious questioning of the motives of the establishment of those times for not doing anything about it, some viewers chose to take it one step further; the film was going to impact the 22 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

DOSSIER Minister Indira Gandhi, then, and that that was being spewed out in the name It’s time for Cannes seemed a good enough inspiration. That, of entertainment. perhaps explains why this ambitious to remove all earlier project also inspired a consortium of Creating social value Hollywood distributors to get into In a country as vast as India, there filters and get a fresh conversation with Krishnaswamy and Warner Brothers picking up his film is a story waiting to be told around search team to India for distribution in India. The film was every corner and some of them can screened in two parts of two hours only be best told as documentaries. and look for those each and it did well in almost all centres Raising finance for documentaries is across India. No documentary has ever still a challenge; but, for the lucky few films from where emulated this success. there is the Good Pitch programme, brought to India by the Indian emanates the true Perhaps, because the power of Documentary Foundation (IDF). biographical storytelling, the basic Through this programme, IDF connects fragrance of India essence of documentary film making got Indian documentary film makers with left out allowing documentaries to get foundations, organisations and individuals that the world has relegated to the realm of information or that can help add the extra mile. (www. propaganda. This blot took a long time indiandocumentaryfoundation.org) always been looking for documentary to live down. Coupled with the high cost of production, A film maker learns of a young lady, for and awaiting documentary, as a genre, was not the the wife of a cruel, wife-beating husband, first choice of a film maker. Let alone who has learnt driving and become a taxi terrorism and perversity. The spiritual, providing a voice to the activist or the driver to be financially independent of aesthetic, humane India is what the story teller. the oppressive husband. The film maker world came to India for. It’s time for sees a story here that can be turned Cannes to remove all earlier filters and Personalising documentary into a film that can tell the story of this get a fresh search team to India and look film making woman as it inspires other women like for those films from where emanates the her. Good Pitch sees all this and more true fragrance of India that the world The bulk of the documentaries since and gets the film maker to present has always been looking for and awaiting. then have come from the government’s her story to people who matter, the It is already there in some of the Indian own Films Division where, in between influencers, at a Good Pitch session. Fiction Cannes has yet to see; but it is bland films bereft of true story telling, One fine gentleman from the worthy more likely that it will be found in India’s emanated distinct bits of creative and group surprises her at the event, with a documentaries. Maybe that can be the experimental brilliance from the likes present. A mini truck! Other generous new attraction at Cannes. of Pramod Pati, Sukhdev, S N S Sastry souls offer to help the film maker and others. These films appeared with money, studio time and more to (The writer makes documentaries like supernovas and their afterglow finish the film. Creating more than a and short films and can be contacted on still lingers within the breasts of the win-win situation. All on the basis of a [email protected]) documentary faithfuls. Digital access documentary. has allowed many more to savour these jewels from the past. Making Another documentary presents personalised documentaries, however, the story of rural journalists going still remained only a distant dream. digital where the news collection and (www.filmsdivision.org) distribution to subscribers will now be done digitally. At the Good Pitch Digital empowerment session, the reporters were surprised The coming of age of digital film to see their leader get a scooter as a gift for easier mobility, with a promise of making, exhibition and later, distribution more for the other reporters; and also, changed all, transforming and to begin with some smartphones for empowering the Indian documentary capturing and transmitting. The cherry film maker, creating an environment of on the top came from a philanthropic independence unfettered by geography, organisation in the form of steady and constraints of celluloid, political sustained financial support for the future. correctness, film school pedagogy, in All thanks to a documentary. some cases, even the censors’ happy scissors. Documentaries could now Cannes, get ready be made and seen, unrestricted, and Indian documentary film makers, hassle-free. Most important of all, the documentary had now acquired untold time and time again, have made a mark power to impact lives, influence change for themselves across the world at and as filmmakers got the hang of making Amsterdam, Busan, Locarno, Karlovy them, refining their work technically as Vary, Venice, Rotterdam, Dubai, Paris, they sharpened their storytelling skills, Chicago, Hong Kong, Munich among documentaries became more and more others. Is it not time for Cannes to engaging to wider audiences, often take a re-look at India? There is more preferred over some of the fiction fare to documentaries, or for that matter any film from India, than abject poverty, INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 23

DOSSIER Sultan Bharat Aruvi Aruvi BOLLYWOOD & BEYOND Directors To Keep An Eye On The largest film producer in the world, India, through its different regions and its myriad directors, offers a startling variety of cinema. India&You brings to you portraits of four talented directors, who have burst upon the screen recently, whether with popular hits or independent award-winning films. Hassen Mehiris 24 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

Village Rockstars DOSSIER Arjun Reddy Bulbul Can Sing Yazh Uri RIMA DAS The revival of Assamese cinema T he 2018 edition of Cannes Film Festival saw the organisation with her mother. thought of Dhunu and of special screenings by India She decides to save her story. money to buy a guitar, Village Rockstar was of a film by an entirely unknown, and meanwhile trains not a flash in the pan as Das’s next film in 2018 young woman director. Unknown to with a guitar that she also attracted a lot of praise and attention. the regulars at Cannes, at least. But herself created from Bulbul Can Sing deals with the quest of the Rima Das had already set the Indian odds and ends. At the young discovering their sexuality. Set in a village alt-cinema circuit afire with her Village screenings, Das told an in Assam, the film talks of how the adolescents have to confront Rockstars (2017). The film tells the story enraptured audience the taboos of the traditional rural of Dhunu and her band of friends in her that the idea of the film village of Kalardiya in her native state emerged when she was of Assam in north-eastern India. Dhunu shooting Antardrishti dreams of becoming a rockstar after (Man with Binoculars). Watching children attending a concert while selling snacks have fun with dummy instruments, she INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 25

DOSSIER society. Both the films have gone on to since 1935. After completing a master’s in 2003, to audition for an actress. In win several awards at home and overseas degree in sociology at the University of Mumbai, she discovered that her real and brought accolades to Das. Pune in 2003, and having successfully passion was in direction and she had the passed the entrance examination of opportunity to watch the masterpieces A self-taught talent, who participates Indian national education to become a of the great masters of Indian and in all stages of her films, from writing to teacher, Rima Das intended to become a international cinema. After a first short art direction and of course the direction, teacher in her village of Kalardiya, 50 km film, Pratha, in 2009, her first film, through to the shooting, production and from Dispur, the capital of Assam. Antardrishti, was presented in 2016 at the editing. She has brought the spotlight Cannes Film Festival and the Mumbai back on Assam, which has produced But, her love for cinema won the Film Festival. great talents in the course of its journey battle and she travelled to Mumbai ALI ABBAS ZAFAR his return to the front of the stage. This is a long-time friend who has supported film, with Salman Khan in the lead, was me since Mere Brother Ki Dulhan period, Banking On a Trusted Duo a huge success and stands at the 8th in which she played the main female biggest hit in India and over with the box character. She introduced me to Salman S tarring a duo of Bollywood’s office collections of over INR 6 billion Khan when I began working on Sultan. biggest stars, Salman Khan and (USD 100 million). Ali Abbas Zafar’s saga Katrina Kaif, Bharat is one of the with Salman Khan and success continued Ode to my Father was a huge success most anticipated films in India this year. the following year with Tiger Zinda Hai, in when it released in 2014 in Korea, Bharat, meaning India in Hindi, is the which Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif play generating EUR 93 million in revenue. Ali name given to the hero whom the film the roles of Indian and Pakistani secret Abbas Zafar hopes to repeat the story. follows. Young Bollywood director, service agents respectively. With about Ali Abbas Zafar, has prepared a game USD 90 million in earnings, the film of mirrors to trace the story of the ranks 11th among the best performing evolution of a simple citizen over the films. years, as his country also evolves. The film, an adaptation of a Korean movie, Hence, for Bharat, Ali Abbas Zafar Ode to my Father, is the second film in chose to continue with the duo. Asked which Abbas Ali Zafar will direct Salman about his collaboration with Salman Khan and mark his place amongst the top Khan and the reasons for his success, of the current crop of directors. the director told a television channel in India “We agree (with Salman Khan) that After being assistant director from this is the kind of cinema we would like 2007 to 2010, Ali Abbas Zafar moved on to do and he, as a star, because we both to directing in 2011 with Mere Brother Ki like mainstream cinema: there must be Dulhan (My Brother’s Bride). But it was songs, there must be drama. Katrina Kaif in 2016 that the director met with real success with Sultan, a film that retraces the career of a traditional wrestler, Sultan Ali Khan, his rise, his decline and ADITYA DHAR success. Barely seven weeks after its release, its collections stood at USD 55 million, the A Multitalented Director 10th most profitable film in the history of Indian cinema. T hirty-six year old Aditya Dhar is a man of many talents. He began his career The choice of a young cast was risky, in the film industry writing lyrics for but by deciding to be surrounded by young films, such as Kabul Express or Daddy Cool. He rising stars such as Vicky Kaushal (Gangs of then began writing dialogues, for films like Wasseypur, Bombay Velvet, and Masaan) and Aakrosh and Tezz. It was then that he signed Yami Gautam (Vicky Donor, Sanam Re), Aditya his first work as a screenwriter and director Dhar proved that box office success can be for a well-timed film riding high on the rise of had even without the biggest Bollywood nationalistic and anti-Pakistan hype in India, stars. The film has also been criticised as a notably amongst the youth, egged on by nationalist propaganda film, benefiting the BJP Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling at a time when the country is in the midst Bharatiya Janata Party. Released earlier this of elections to the Parliament. One of its year, Uri: The Surgical Strike, the film traces dialogue, “How’s the Josh (Fervour)? High, an attack on the Indian military base in Uri, Sir!” has been repeatedly used by Modi in his Kashmir, by fighters of the terrorist group campaign speeches. Aditya Dhar says that he Jaish-e-Mohamed and the response of the felt honoured by this. Indian army by a sniper unit that infiltrated into Pakistani territory where the terror group is based. The film is a huge box office 26 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

DOSSIER SANDEEP VANGA production company, Bhadrakali Pictures. It was a good decision as the film proved A Controversial Debut to be a big hit, taking in nearly 11 times as much at the box office as the budget A nother promising director, in of the film, which finally generated over Tollywood (Telugu cinema), USD 7.5 million. based in Hyderabad, is Sandeep Vanga, who made a noticeable start to But, the film provoked a controversy his career with his first film, Arjun Reddy before its release. The censor board (2017), that followed the path of Arjun, a found the film with excessive portrayal brilliant medical student who encounters of consumption of alcohol, cigarettes behavioural problems. Pulled up by the and also scenes considered too sensual. dean for his frequent outbursts of anger, Women’s rights groups, such as the he risked expulsion on several occasions. National Federation of Indian Women, The backbone of the film, the love story called for complete censorship. But the of Arjun, played by Vijay Deverakonda, film hit the screens and Sandeep Vanga and Preethi, played by Shalini Pandey, was nominated for Best Director in embeds the story in a tormented and Telugu and the main actor to win the passionate relationship that leads to Best Actor Award at the prestigious a refusal by the young woman’s father South Indian International Movie Awards when Arjun asks for her hand in Academy (SIIMA Academy). marriage. The reason was that he hailed from a different caste. The refusal leads The film will soon make an appearance the hero opting for a life of excesses for a broader audience as it will soon based on drugs, alcohol and relationships come to life again, in Hindi, called Kabir with no future. Singh and in Tamil with the title Adithya Varma. Sandeep Venga is already working Before starting his career in cinema in on his next film, yet to be titled, but with 2010 as assistant director, Sandeep Vanga famous actor Mahesh Babu in the lead studied as a physiotherapist. He told an role. Not much else is known about it Indian newssite that the film, even if it currently, but if his debut is an indication, does not retrace his personal journey, is it would be well worth to keep an eye on inspired from it in part. Written in one this young lad. year, the scenario failed to seduce any producer. Frustrated, Sandeep Vanga, his brother and his father created their own ARUN PRABHU PURUSHOTHAMAN A Kollywood Star treated superficially in the film. On the contrary, the director took the time to K ollywood, the name given to develop each personality and it took the Tamil-language film industry time. The film kept him busy from 2013 based in Chennai, is, like other to 2017, a very long time in today’s quick cinemas in India, extremely rich and churning cineworld. the artists, with a plethora of talented Purushothaman is now giving the directors as well as the actors. One of final touches to his next adventure, Yazh (Thank You) scheduled for release in South India’s leading film institutions, the August. The originality of the film lies in having as main actor, a young man of South Indian International Movie Awards 90 years! The actor, S N Bhatt, is well known for playing in several Tamil films, Academy (SIIMA Academy), in its latest including Kaatrin Mozhi, as well as in several commercials. Rather discreet, edition of 2018, awarded Arun Prabhu the young director has so far revealed little about the film or its story. Asked if Purushothaman the Best New Director the story will turn around this particular actor, the director told a film journal in award for his film, Aruvi (2016). The film India, that it was not the story of one follows the misadventures of Aruvi, a person and there were several other important characters. The film talks rebellious young woman in her fight about their dynamics. Let’s bet that this against a consumerist and patriarchal discreet young director will surprise his audience once again, this year. society. The film appears to deal with a classic theme but its originality lies in the fact that it is very difficult to limit it to a specific genre. Sometimes comical, sometimes truly tragic, Purushothaman manages to make the viewers live a The Indian press also praised the whole range of emotions. Aditi Balan, who plays Aruvi, and a star actress in scenario and the performance of the Tamil cinema, was awarded the Best lead actress. But, if Aruvi was acclaimed Actress Award at the SIIMA ceremony. by critics, it is because no character was INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 27

DOSSIER BEHIND THE SCENES Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been cannily using noted Indian celebrities since 2014 as his messengers.This cohabitation has accelerated in the election season, with a string of actors and pop artists joining his party. Varsha Singh In the midst of a closely contested to help the party in the current elections. sidelines as the political and social tensions election, Akshay Kumar, a leading This is not the first time that Modi has have risen across the country and even Hindi cinema actor spends an entire on the numerous occasions when the morning, live on national television, turned to Bollywood to promote himself industry itself has been in the crosshair. having a “fun” and “apolitical” chat with or his agenda. On March 12, he tweeted From arbitrary censorship and attacks on the incumbent Prime Minister (PM), who 29 times in an hour, urging famous film sets and cinema theatres to abuses is also a candidate. The same actor has Bollywood personalities to influence and threats heaped on the handful of their worked in at least two films dedicated to their fans to vote in the upcoming Lok colleagues, who had the courage to speak the theme of two key initiatives of Sabha elections. He got support from all their mind, a very large majority of the the same government in the last couple the leading people from Bollywood. Even film personalities have been stoically silent. of years. though the tweet itself was politically When will Bollywood speak up? Another icon of the Hindi cinema, neutral, the endorsements of the message Amitabh Bachchan, has been a brand by the stars were soon projected as It was not long ago when the movie ambassador not only for the western endorsements of Modi and his party. Padmaavat faced the most illogical protest state of Gujarat- Modi’s home state, but across India from the Karni Sena, a Rajput again for many of his pet schemes. One Just a few weeks before, a delegation caste group, and some other political actor has played Modi in a glowing biopic of Bollywood celebrities met the Prime parties. A regional leader of the BJP that was timed for release right at the Minister in New Delhi to discuss the announced a reward of nearly USD 1.5 beginning of the elections. Two actors, ‘role of film in youth empowerment’. million for anyone who beheaded Sanjay from the same family, are Bharatiya Janata Ayushmann Khurrana, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Leela Bhansali, the director of the movie Party (BJP) candidates in the upcoming Kaushal, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone, the leading actress. elections as are a number of other Ekta Kapoor, Karan Johar and other film regional actors and of course pop singers, stars clicked a groupfie with the PM and Not just Padmaavat, in 2016 the film cricketers, and several bureaucrats, who shared it on their social media, seen as Ae Dil Hai Mushkil too had faced similar eventually came out of the closet and another soft endorsement of the PM and protests as the film featured Pakistani officially sported the BJP colours, in order his party. actor Fawad Khan. With the brewing tensions between India and Pakistan, after However, a large majority of the film the September 18 Uri attack, Karan Johar industry has simply watched from the 28 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

DOSSIER Bollywood actors and directors with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posing for a groupfie Stinging as they were, none of these outpourings faced any criticisms from the was forced to post a public video, saying an eerie silence even when the filmmakers’ film fraternity or even the mainstream that he will not work with any Pakistani own freedoms have been attacked by the media. None were asked to leave the actors in future. In 2014 parties like fanatic right wingers with an increasing United States or had their patriotism Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang frequency over the last five years. questioned. Vital lessons that Kher and Dal wanted the movie PK to be banned However, the attacks seemed to have been several of his colleagues in Bollywood need because they thought Aamir Khan starrer enough to quieten the actors who had to urgently learn. PK was making fun of Hinduism. spoken out, with the exception of Shah. But, it is not all gloom and doom. On In February, Cobrapost, an investigative Bollywood should ape Hollywood April 4, days before the first phase of the website had exposed some of the The Indian film industry, that often elections, over 600 theatre artistes and Bollywood celebrities like Jackie Shroff, performers released a statement asking Shreyas Talpade, Vivek Oberoi, Amisha imitates Hollywood, churning out blatant people to vote against the BJP and its allies Patel and others, who had agreed to share and bad copies of the its hits, could also as the ruling party had given free rein to BJP’s propaganda messages on their social learn developing a spine that is so evident Hindutva goons. The joint statement in media for money. The sting operation had in Hollywood, whose leading lights don’t 12 languages had as signatories’ filmmakers shown how through social media posts hesitate to speak their mind on the state Anurag Kashyap, Konkona Sen Sharma Bollywood celebrities manipulated their of their country and its politics. In fact, and Amol Palekar, actor Naseeruddin followers to vote for BJP. most of the Hollywood’s stars have Shah, playwright and actor Girish Karnad, taken up cudgels against the United and co-founder of a theatre and arts Silence of the lambs States President Donald Trump in very organisation, Junoon, Sanjna Kapoor. “Vote In 2015, two of the biggest stars, high-profile public battles, blasting to empower the weakest, protect liberty, Trump and his policies, especially his protect the environment, and foster Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan, did dare anti-Muslim tirade. scientific thinking,” the statement said. to express concern regarding the growing intolerance and attacks on Muslims in While accepting the Cecil B. DeMille A total of 103 filmmakers have signed India. Within hours of their statements, award for lifetime achievement at the a petition on the website artistuniteindia, both were savagely attacked by extreme Golden Globes, in January 2017, Meryl where they ask people to not to vote for right wing trolls on the social media, who Streep didn’t shy away from speaking her BJP. “Our country is going through the most termed them anti-national and asked them mind and used the platform to question testing times ever. Though culturally vivid to go to Pakistan, a favourite rhetoric Trump. Streep isn’t alone in her criticism. and geographically diverse, we have always of the Hindu extremists against anyone Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Anne stayed united. As a nation. It has indeed who falls out of line with their views. Hathaway, Alec Baldwin, Robert De Niro been a great feeling to be a citizen of this The attackers were not some unknown have all at one point or another spoken wonderful country,” begins the letter. members of the BJP. against Trump’s dubious politics. Not just the actors, but even leading chat show It further says, “But all that is at stake They were led by Yogi Adityanath, hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Ellen DeGeneres, now. Fascism threatens to strike us hard now the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Jimmy Kimmel, Trevor Noah and others with all its might if we don’t choose wisely the largest state in the country with a too have spoken bluntly and satirically in the coming Lok Sabha election. Period.” population of 220 million (Germany, France against Trump on their chat shows. The support for the online movement and the United Kingdom put together). has been mobilised by Sasidharan, the Yogi compared Shahrukh to Pakistani “If he was smart, he’d be even more director of Sexy Durga. The film had faced terrorist Hafiz Saeed just because the actor dangerous. He’s dangerous as it is. He’s plenty of hurdles with the Censor Board had dared to voice his concerns about terrible, and a flat-out blatant racist and because its title was perceived to “offend intolerance and reminding India’s youths to doubling down on that, and it’s good religious sentiments.” live by the secular principles that modern that he does because he’s going to sink India was founded on. himself... At this point, we’re at a crisis Creative freedom, the ethos of cinema, in this country with this fool, who never literature, art et al, has taken a severe Last year, veteran actor Naseeruddin should have gotten into the position that beating in the last few years, with political Shah said he was worried for his he’s in,” Robert De Niro had said of Trump parties and fringe groups dictating the children in today’s India, to which he in August 2017. Celebrated writer, J K content and ‘approving’ film scripts and was immediately castigated by one of his Rowling, best known for her Harry Potter other forms of artistic expressions. own colleagues, Anupam Kher, a vocal series had said Voldemort, the villain in supporter of the BJP, asking Shah how her books, was “nowhere near as bad” as “It becomes increasingly clear how in much more freedom he wanted. Kher and Trump. over his head and incapable this man is of his fraternity, however, have maintained being president of the United States. The good news is that our other institutions— meaning press, finally, and judges and senators—have proven that the country works. There is a check and balance,” actor George Clooney had told USA Today, a daily newspaper, in August 2017. Unfortunately, in India, most of the media stands compromised and exposed, while judiciary seems to have become toothless, with the tax authorities and law enforcement agencies simple tools of a government desperate to hold on to power. INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 29

DOSSIER Bollywood has seen The international film fraternity is no stranger to Indian actor some of its best actors Aishwarya Rai, who has been walking the red carpet at the Cannes making their debut with Film Festival for over a decade now, particularly as a global brand regional cinema and ambassador for cosmetic giant L’Oréal. using it as a springboard Former Miss World, and a leading name in Bollywood, India’s to Bollywood.With top film industry based in the western city of Mumbai, Rai has also been part of changing times and Hollywood flicks such as Bride and Prejudice, The Mistress of Spices, Provoked, The technology, however, Last Legion, and The Pink Panther 2. the ‘gateway’ may soon become the ‘destination’. In Bollywood she has acted in numerous award winning films and has been recognised for her acting skills as well as fashion statements. Surbhi Kapila Not many, however, at least internationally, know that she made her acting Punjabi singer debut in regional cinema. Rai first starred in Tamil film, Iruvar, in 1997, and and actor has done many more since then. Her 1998 film, Jeans, was dubbed in Hindi as Diljit Dosanjh well as Telugu. She has also featured in other Tamil films such as Kandukondain Kandukondain, Raavanan, and Enthiran, and this was after she had already debuted in Bollywood. In sheer glamour and media coverage India’s regional film industry may be no match for Bollywood, but it competes and often beats Bollywood in terms of number of films produced every year and often even in terms of revenues. A case in point is India’s home grown sci-fi franchise, Baahubali, that remains the highest grosser of all times in India, Bollywood films included. Moreover, even if the media coverage is more limited, the stars of regional cinema, especially the south Indian films, enjoy a fandom and devotion of their fans that can be the envy of any celebrity around the world. The biggest stars are indeed living gods for their fans. For noted actor Rajinikanth, who has a global fan following, Indian companies in Baahubali is India’s highest grosser of all times 30 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

DOSSIER Chennai and Bengaluru declared a holiday dancer, and now a political figure, Hema Punjab (2016). on the release day of his film Kabali (2016), Malini acted in Tamil and Telugu films Regional cinema, has without question, which hit 5,000 movie theatres across the before becoming the Dream Girl of globe — including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Bollywood. She has given Bollywood been the stepping stone for many actors, US and UK, China and others. The cherry some of its most iconic films by being some of whom did not look back at it; on the cake was, however, the companies the lead face in Johnny Mera Naam (1970), yet it has failed to receive the credit giving out first-day-first-show tickets to Sholay (1975), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and it deserves for being a source or a 300 lucky employees. Dream Girl (1977), to name but a few. springboard for new comers. For the same film, Air Asia- the film’s Superstar Rekha too had a stint with Ticket to Bollywood official airline partner, rebranded one of cinema in the south before she ruled “Regional cinema is a huge talent its aircraft, acting as a flying hoarding for hearts in the north. She did three roles, the film and the star. As part of its Fly two in Telugu and one in Kannada. Her pool. A lot of popular faces from regional Like A Superstar promotion it also dished debut was at the age of 14 in BN Reddy’s film industries were cast because they out special Kabali biryani (a dish named popular social Rangula Ratnam (1966). shared the background of their character. after the film); such is the craze of some She later came to be known for her For example, Diljit Dosanjh (Punjabi stars from regional film industry, while for performances in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar cinema), Taapsee Pannu (Tamil cinema) some it remains a springboard. (1978), Mr Natwarlal (1979), Silsila (1981), and Sachin Khedekar (Marathi cinema). Umrao Jaan (1981) and Ijaazat (1987), Their inclusion not only adds colour to Not just Rai, the film industry in among others. the film but also makes the film reach out south India has been a gateway for to a wider audience,” comments Devansh many Bollywood actors. Sushmita Sen, Not only southern, regional film Sharma, a Bollywood writer and film critic R Madahvan, Shruti Hasan, Siddharth industries from other states have also based in Mumbai. Narayan, Ileana D’Cruz, Taapsee Pannu, given Bollywood some of its most Tamannah Bhatia, all started their careers talented artists. Noted veteran actress, “Regional cinema can be a good with regional films before being part of Jaya Bachchan, the wife of superstar practice ground for new directors as it eminent films in Bollywood. Amitabh Bachchan, started her career provides the freedom of experimenting with a Bengali film, Mahanagar, when she with the craft and storytelling, and does Not just the new gen was 15. not necessarily follow the formulaic This gateway, however, has not been procedure of Bollywood. With an Sharmila Tagore, another veteran increase in digital platforms it has only accessed by new generation actors. actress, too started her career in Satyajit now also become easier to gather the Veteran heartthrob, the late Sridevi, who Ray’s 1959 Bengali classic Apur Sansar. attention of target audience,” says Stanley had started performing at the age of four, Hector, a director and writer based in made her debut in M A Thirumugham’s New gen star Konkona Sen Sharma, Mumbai, whose film Midnight at Two was film Thunaivan. She continued to be part the leading face in films such as Mr and screened at the Short Film Corner of of the Tamil film industry before reigning Mrs Iyer (2002), Life in a Metro (2007) Festival de Cannes 2018. in Bollywood. made her debut in Bengali films as a child actor. “Bollywood works on a fixed Hailed as Bollywood’s first female structure that has a very limited space for superstar, Sridevi was awarded the Padma Punjabi albums and singles, Diljit experimenting with the creative ideas. Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, Dosanjh entered regional movies in They mostly want to rely on the tried and in the year 2013, for her contribution to 2011. In little time he became one of the tested formulas and avoid taking creative Indian cinema. most loved actors in Punjabi cinema and risks as much as possible. Regional cinema eventually Bollywood, where he proved on the other hand gives a decent amount Another yesteryear actress and his potential in the blockbuster Udta Rima Das’ Rajnikanth Village Rockstars in Kabali Aishwarya Rai in Iruvar

DOSSIER Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai in Bride and Prejudice Sridevi in Thunaivan, a Tamil language mytholoogical drama of liberty to artists and storytellers to distribution but also omnipresence on chance but also an international traction. explore their creative space and tell a streaming services. A Netflix consumer “Last year, for the first time, an story that they feel a deep connection from say Norway would learn that there with. This also helps the filmmakers to are so many languages and film industries Assamese film was selected as India’s gain an early recognition in their regional that India houses. So the Indian film official entry for the Best Foreign demographic, which then gives them the industry will soon no longer be defined Language Film at the Academy Awards. courage to pursue more organic stories by Bollywood. The global success of Rima Das’ Village Rockstars used India’s which has a voice of its own,” Hector Baahubali has established the stronghold diversity in culture and landscape to such adds. of Telugu cinema, which was believed an advantage that the language never to cater to only its local audience,” says acted as a hindrance. After all, don’t we all Why do then, the popular faces drift Sharma. “While they do that as well, glide through Narcos without taking into from regional cinema and prefer focus they ensure that they go local in their consideration the language of the show?” on Bollywood? Perhaps, what does not approach as that serves a dual purpose says Sharma. charm the megastars is the smaller reach of consolidation and expansion of their of the regional cinema, which remains reach,” he adds. “A special mention for the global limited to a particular demographic; positioning of local content must go to but things might change soon and the “With rise in digital distribution, Priyanka Chopra for backing regional ‘gateway’ may become the ‘destination’ various regional cinema have started films like Ventilator and Pahuna through for many aspiring actors. gathering their target audience on their her production banner Purple Pebble own digital platforms. A good example Pictures. India needs more global artistes The new vision and age of this could be Hoichoi, an on-demand like her to take the local content to The success of Baahubali 2: The video streaming platform that only targets international platforms,” adds Sharma. the Bengali demographic. Launched in the Conclusion, a Tamil-Telugu bilingual year 2017, Hoichoi has gathered significant “An excellent example is also Nagraj dubbed in Hindi, took regional cinema amount of attention in the last couple of Manjule’s Marathi film Sairat (2016). The to new heights in 2017. Online ticketing years. India being a land of diverse culture, film has not only won accolades nationally platform BookMyShow reported average I think it’s safe to say that the regional but has also succeeded in gathering occupancy of 45-46 pc for regional films cinema in this digital era could have a remarkable attention overseas. The last year, compared to around 39-40 pc phenomenal future if its packaged and film has kickstarted Nagraj Manjule’s in 2016. distributed in its region properly,” says Bollywood career by establishing him as Hector. one of the most promising directors in As per reports, until a decade ago, the industry. With a budget of merely one Gujarati movie used to release in Theatrical investment and the advent INR 40 million, the film has been a box a year; now at least 100 are. Gujarati of multiplexes has indeed increased the office hit by collecting INR 100 million films registered a 44 pc increase over space to watch films in India and people during the span of its run, which has set 2016 in terms of transactions on don’t have to travel far to watch a film a benchmark for regional cinema,” shares BookMyShow, followed by Malayalam not necessarily made in the language Hector. movies that registered a 38 pc rise, clearly familiar in their geography. There are also demonstrating a new market for regional megaplexes that are 14 and 15 screeners, “Though all the states of India share movies. giving a longer run to the movie and the a common culture across the length and right platform to alternative content. breadth of the country, regional cinema “Regional cinema may soon be an Although theatres in big Indian cities still no longer aspires to be Bollywood and outdated term. Tamil cinema, Punjabi don’t show too many regional movies, for does not fall prey temptation to its wide cinema, Malayalam cinema, Telugu obvious reasons of viewership, things are global reach. It now has the wherewithal cinema, Marathi cinema, Bhojpuri cinema in fact changing for regional cinema with to reach every corner of the globe, only and Bengali cinema are gaining traction not just Netflix watchers giving them a if it underlines the very cultural indicators pan-India, much more than ever before, that make it stand out in the first place,” because of not only wide theatrical concludes Sharma. 32 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

CULTURE India Moves to HIP-HOP After years of remaining underground, hip-hop has finally emerged from the shadows and talented young artists use the music to denounce social inequalities, injustices, and conservatism in the Indian society. Hassen Mehiris I t was a bold bet but filmmaker will come) is already on the t-shirts of Zoya Akhtar took it and won it. fans and sounds like a cry to finally bring The director had also made Luck rap to the forefront of the Indian music by Chance, a film that traces the scene. Does the craze for a film that course of an aspiring actor landing in retraces the life and career of an Indian Bollywood, and for which she received rapper announce the formal arrival of in the best prize for directorial debut at the the music repertoire of Indian cinema? 2009 Filmfare Awards. Nearly 17 years after the release of 8 Her new film, Gully Boy again miles, a film about the life and success highlights the rise of an artist. It offers of American rapper Eminem, is Divine the public a film dedicated to the life and the tree that hides in the forest of Indian work of one of the icons of rap in India, hip-hop? Vivian Fernandes, aka Divine. Gully Boy has been one of the biggest hits of the Origins: The indipop of the 1990s beginning of this year with the box office Zoya Akhtar has, through her film, tills collecting nearly USD 5 million in the first two days itself. transmitted her enthusiasm for the The performances of the main actors, hip-hop scene to many spectators. But, Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, received the link between the rap scene, Indian favourable international acclaim with a hip-hop and Bollywood is not as recent nomination at the Berlin International as that. Attempts to merge had already Film Festival and also a congratulations begun in the 1990s. from American actor Will Smith. The film’s slogan, Apna Time Ayega (Our time The first desi (belonging to the Indian subcontinent) Baba Sehgal had launched himself on the scene with Thanda Thanda INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 33

CULTURE Artists, Divine and Naezy, the inspirations behind the film Gully Boy, produce lyrics taken from their lives Baba Seghal had launched himself on the rap scene with Thanda Thanda Pani up with offers to him including films like Chandni Chowk to China and 8x10 Pani, deeply inspired from Vanilla Ice’s coined by Bohemia, an American artist Tasveer. Bohemia also became the first title Ice, Ice Baby. The album went on to of Pakistani origin. Born in Karachi, he rapper to appear on the popular Coke sell 100,000 copies in three weeks and 5 moved to California at the age of 13. Studio music show. million in total. Sehgal’s gamble to bring Associated with hip-hop, producer Sha hip-hop to India at a time when the local One, was behind the popularisation of Closer home, Yo Yo Honey Singh has music industry was still overwhelmingly Punjabi rap in the United States and the been extremely successful. Born in a Sikh dominated by film music, paid off Indian subcontinent. His first album Vich family, in Punjab, Hirdesh Singh, who immediately and he got offers from Pardesan De (In the Midst of Foreigners, adopted the name Yo Yo Honey Singh, various film producers for collaboration 2002) is ranked amongst the top ten began his stint with Bollywood when for films such as Hum Hain Bemisaal albums of the BBC UK. Da Rap Star, his he produced music for Shakal Pe Mat (1994). He also directed music for the third album, received four nominations Ja (2011). Success was immediate. The 1995 film Dance Party, Nalaik in 2005 for the UK Asian Music Awards and the same year, his Punjabi album, International and Bhoot Uncle in 2006. Sehgal would PTC Punjabi Music Awards. His style is Villager, topped the BBC Asian music have had other films, but perhaps the close to American rappers: big cars, gang charts. Angreji Beat, a number from this society and even the youth were not life, and punchlines in Punjabi, scooped album was such a hit that it was replayed yet fully ready for this genre of music. up dollops by his fans. His biggest in Cocktail, a film starring Saif Ali Khan, a ‘‘I’m not for Bollywood. Bollywood success, the song Ek Tera Pyar got over leading actor in Bollywood. never got along with me. It has always 18 million views on Youtube. Spotting an been a little scary and not very secure opportunity, Bollywood producers lined His songs replicate the tried and for me,’’ Baba Seghal had told a tested elements of all modern rap newspaper in an interview. and . Banknotes, big cars, tall girls, and practically uninterrupted product After a stint in New York between placements. Yo Yo created controversy 2001 and 2005, he returned to Mumbai with some misogynistic lyrics that and signed another of his hit albums, seemed to praise violence against Welcome to Mumbai. But, it was destined women, leading to the cancellation of to be the last such success for him. The one of his concerts for the new year indipop independent scene, as it was 2013 at a leading hotel near New Delhi. nicknamed, began to run out of steam On another occasion, his song Party at the beginning of the millennium. All Night from the movie Boss, starring Bollywood will set the tone for hit songs. Akshay Kumar, leads to a case being filed All the great indipop artists of the time against him in the courts for vulgarity. have practically disappeared today. They gave way to artists, some of them In contrast, the artists, Divine and with sulphurous messages, taken up by his acolyte Naezy, the inspirations Bollywood, others for more demanding behind the film Gully Boy, produce more and definitely more committed messages. engaging lyrics, taken from their own lives. Influenced by the American rappers The great figures of desi hip-hop Bohemia is an American artist of Pakistani origin Nas and Eminem, the latter was also As for male artists, the mainstays of part of the collective, Mumbai’s Finest Crew, teamed up with Naezy in 2015. the hip-hop movement are Bohemia, Yo They together signed the title that will Yo Honey Singh, Divine or Naezy. The propel their career, Meri Gully Mein. term ‘desi hip-hop’ includes artists from Their lyrics evoked everyday life, the the Indian subcontinent. The term was harshness of life in Mumbai, politics and especially the poverty of shanty towns. The fact of flying to London for several performances does not seem to have prevented the 25-year-old rapper from continuing to live in the same slum where he grew up, in Andheri, north- west Mumbai. A prolific female desi rap scene For a society where women are still largely cast in stereotypes, it is surprising to see the number of extremely succcessful women rappers. The scene is 34 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

CULTURE Beyond the two megacities, there is a lot of talent in other cities of India, notably in the south the piece Bandookan. The slum gods of Mumbai rely on the issues of the city and its denizens. For the Mumbai’s Finest side, the lyrics denounce social injustices and endemic poverty. Bombay Bassment, whose singer, Bobkat (Robert Omulo) is Kenyan, calls himself a hip- hop band, but their funk and reggae Dee MC denounces the conservatism of Indian society through her songs influences rank them apart. The sound is more colourful, lighter, the texts prolific and the list long. Hard Kaur, evoke themes and lighter moods, Raja Kumari, Ish Kaur and Dee MC including romance. lead the game. Beyond these two megacities, Long before her male acolytes, there is a lot of talent in other Hard Kaur made a name for herself cities of India, notably in the in 2007 with her album Supawoman. south, with groups such as The British artist of Indian Machas with Attitude, a trio origin demonstrated her talent composed of Smokey, Brodha by churning out consecutively V (Bengaluru) and Bigg Nikk successful albmus. With her debut (Chennai) and the pioneers of album staying in the top 10 of the Tamil hip-hop Tamil Tamizha Indian music charts for many weeks, (Tamil Nadu) or the unmissable she was soon mobbed by some of Street Academics in Kerala. the biggest producers of Bollywood, The Bengaluru group raps in who wanted to add her unique Hip-hop artist Raja Kumari has a degree in Asian religions and is a English but also in Hindi, Telugu, lyrical and poetic style to their films. trained Indian classical dancer Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam. Daughter of an Indian immigrant Their old school music reminds who fled India after domestic violence, She writes her lyrics in Punjabi, English fans of the genre of rappers in the she was mocked at school in the UK and Hindi and talks about her life and late 1990s. For Tamizha, its links with because of her accent. ‘‘I preferred her hopes of breaking the taboos and the film industry are clear and the to hang out with the Black classmates constraints of Indian society. Dee MC, group offers its audience Kollywood because they loved me for what I was with a faster flow, also denounces the friendly hits. and they did not judge me because I was conservatism of Indian society and how The nort-East, with Assam and from India,’’ she told a magazine. Hard women are forced to conform to norms Meghalaya, is not far behind in the Kaur says her lyrics are all drawn from laid down by the males. scene, with numerous extremely her own real life experiences. The wave of rap sweeps talented groups such as Assam Cypher Another queen of desi rap, Raja across India the Khasi Bloodz. The sound is chiseled, Kumari, also grew up outside India. with a mix of bass and uses typical Born in 1986 in Clairmont, California, In addition to these great figures of instruments such as shehnai, an Indian the multi-talented artist, with a degree the genre, a multitude of artists have oboe, as well as modern ones like in Asian religions and a trained Indian spread to all parts of India. After 2011, synthesisers. The clips are worked. classical dancer, discovered hip-hop interest in rap has gradually increased The rhymes follow each other at an with the album The Score des Fugees. and so has Bollywood’s tendency to impressive pace and leave the listeners Her hit song, Shook, earned instant exploit the talent of these artists. The speechless. The messages, delivered international fame for her. She says she genre has reached a certain maturity and in local languages and in English, the was inspired, in her musical style, by seems to have consolidated its position social injustices inflicted upon the the famous Oscar-winning composer in the collective consciousness of music local populations. A R Rahman. She recently co-wrote and lovers. Delhi and Mumbai set the bar It took the tremendous success of co-performed two hit titles with Divine, high, with the 2 ShadeZ and Desi Beam the film, Gully Boy, to put the spotlight Roots and City Slums. Both bands for Delhi, Mumbai’s Finest and on the way had taken deep roots went on to break the charts on Bombay Bassment for Mumbai. across India. The fans are numerous YouTube, with 6 million and 16 million The Delhi bands seem to shout out and the rap sounds like a welcome cry views, respectively. loud their ‘gangsta’ aspect and mix words for a generation caught in the fires of a At home, female rap icon in New in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. Desi Beam sometimes restrictive conservatism. Yet, Delhi is Ish Kaur and in Mumbai it is quickly reached a national reputation the battles are many and far from won, Dee MC. Ish Kaur has already won to the point that the master, Bohemia, hence hip-hop artists can continue to awards as the youngest Indian rapper. did them the honour of featuring on belt out many more hits. INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 35

TECHNOLOGY India’s first 3D film was released three decades ago, yet the format has so far failed to excite the producers. Economics, not technology, is the challenge here. Varsha Singh D isney’s latest blockbuster its premiere, the 22nd movie from the Endgame sold out in a flash, with the Avengers Endgame is as Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has portal witnessing a record one million big a hit in India as it has raced ahead of all previous Hollywood tickets sold in just a day. BookMyShow’s been across the world. hits, including its prequel Avengers spokesperson said that there were over In less than a week, the Infinity War. 2,000 shows over the weekend across film has become the highest selling 60 theatres, in the southern state of foreign production in India. Right from According to the ticketing portal Tamil Nadu alone, and all of these were BookMyShow, tickets for Avengers 36 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

TECHNOLOGY sold out on the first day. “The weekend screens is perhaps a record as well for a a film producer to go all out for a shows are 90 pc sold out and you can Hollywood presentation in India. 3D film. already see the occupancy for the next few weekdays at close to 50-60 pc. While it is too early to gauge the The concept is not unknown to the IMAX shows are the first to get sold out reasons for the success of the film producers or the audience as Indian followed by 3D shows.” and impact of special effects in 3D cinema has continued to evolve from may have had on the performance, black and white to colour to the use of According to BookMyShow data, 3D an indication in the importance of 3D Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) shows of the film were shown in as many technology behind the film’s success is and from two dimensional to three as 61 theatres in Bengaluru, out of which the large number of 3D screens where dimensional movies. India’s first 3D film around 25 were fully booked within a the film continues to play, which, for came to the big screen in 1984 with Jijo short time. The movie has been released instance, in Kolkata outnumber the Punnoose’s movie My Dear Kuttichathan, in around 2,800 screens across multiple ordinary 2D screens by 2:1. dubbed in Hindi as Chota Chetan. The exhibition formats (2D, 3D, IMAX 3D, movie went on to become one of the and 4DX). Changing market most successful films at the box office The success of Avengers Endgame in and achieved a cult status. Now in its third week, the 2D shows are being shown in around 14 cinema 3D cinemas should go as an eye opener According to a Deloitte report, there halls (that include multiplexes, and single for Indian film studios, most of whom have been only around 40 films made screens), in Kolkata, IMAX 3D in just have been slow, almost reluctant, to in 3D since Chota Chetan, over the last one and 3D in around 29 cinema halls. adopt the format in their films, even three decades, far lesser than most The number of screens for the film as though the technology, skills as well as major film producing countries. While well as the screens with 3D or better the budget, in many cases, is available for in Hollywood where nine of the top ten INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 37

TECHNOLOGY The stumbling block for the producers is clearly the economics behind the 3D format From quality of 3D glasses to brightness of the xenon arc lamps used for projection that determine screen luminosity, there is a lot that needs attention highest-grossers of all time were 3D challenging because of the limited funds. as well as product placements and sale spectacles, in India, it continues to be The maintenance cost also is 40-50 pc of music rights. The producers don’t a rarity. There have been a few films, higher than that of a 2D theatre. want to take the risk of foregoing these notably in the last few years that have additional revenues,” Firdaus-ul-Hasan, experimented with the 3D format. In According to a report by president of Film Federation of India order to cut costs, some Indian studios PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC), (FFI), tells India&You. also shoot the films on a normal camera producers also believe that going 3D and make a 3D version at the post- is no guarantee of success. The mass 3D with content production stage. For instance, over market potential of 3D entertainment Another major reason as to why the last few years, only Ra.One and 2.0 remains uncertain, because of the wide have been shot on 3D cameras, while gap between the availability of 3D-ready aren’t 3D films doing much business films like Sivaji The Boss, ABCD, ABCD 2, equipment and quality 3D entertainment in India is the lack of content. Experts Padmaavat, Race 3, have been converted content. Moreover, not many Indians are believe that 3D films do not only mean to 3D on the editing table. willing to pay the extra cost for 3D films the use of technology. A strong storyline that are a bit expensive in comparison is as much a factor in the success of a Economics, not technology to 2D films. The price for a 2D show film. Inspired by the success of James The stumbling block for the would cost a person from INR 100-500 Cameron’s Avatar in 2009, a number of whereas the 3D show would cost around producers tried to make 3D films, but producers is clearly the economics INR 200-1,000 depending on several often with flimsy stories and the big behind the 3D format and not the lack factors. budget films bombed. A stellar example of desire to make hi-tech films or the is the 2011 film RA. One, starring Shah technology needed. Making a 3D film There are additional operational costs Rukh Khan, one of the Bollywood raises the budgets by nearly 40 pc and that are involved with hosting 3D films. Badshahs (Kings). The film had around hence the return on investment is more From the quality of the 3D glasses to the 3,500 VFX (visual effects) shots, higher of a challenge for an Indian producer. brightness of the xenon arc lamps used than the around 2,700 VFX shots used for projection that determine screen by Cameron in Avatar. Yet, the big budget One of the biggest blocks is the luminosity, there is a lot that needs film was a big flop. relatively low number of 3D compatible attention. The process of conversion of a screens in Indian theatres. The screen film from 2D to 3D also requires money. “Filmmakers nowadays are making count in India is around 9,530, out of If a film is not shot in 3D, it results in just 3D films, but these films have to be which 3D is available in around 1500- creating a foreground and background content oriented. A simple story that 2000 screens. In contrast, of the with an over layered image. Most of the you watch in cinema hall cannot be made 40,000 screens in China, over half are Indian films use this technique, but there into 3D. These kind of films demand 3D enabled, giving the film producers are a handful of films like 2.0 that have out of the box content. Second thing that much more room. For a producer actually been shot on 3D cameras. is that the budget to make a 3D film is to be sure of reaching the entire very high. Producers are quite sceptical potential amongst the 3D fans in India, “The Indian cinema industry has a before investing in 3D films and if it the number of available screens has to limited market and most of the films lose has good content only then they would increase significantly. money. The footfall in the cinemas has want to invest their money into it. also gone down. The biggest problem There is no point in making a movie and Not just the producers, 3D is also an with 3D is that apart from cinema halls unnecessarily use 3D technology into it,” expensive proposition for the exhibitors. these films cannot be shown anywhere adds Hasan of FFI. The cost of conversion from existing 2D else, depriving the producers of potential screens to 3D screens comes to around revenues from other resources such Just as Avatar inspired quite a few INR 1 million (USD 15,000) whereas as satellite television or even on digital Indian producers, the success of Avengers the cost of building a new 3D screen is platforms. In today’s market, collections Endgame could now lead approximately INR 3-3.5 million. Not from domestic movie halls accounts for the film industry to try their hand many exhibitors are willing to bear the only 10-15 pc of the total revenue, while boldly at this market; but, if they are cost of this conversion and the owners the rest comes from other channels of unprepared again, it could very well be of single screen theatres also find it distribution, both in India and overseas, their own endgame. 38 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU



FOCUS Dangal Thugs of Hindostan Andhadhun INDIAN CINEMA IN CHINA Crossing the Great Wall Indian cinema is making its way into China like never before, with a string of successful films, notably Dangal, Hindi Medium, and Andhadun. Indian producers salivate at the prospect of a market as large and prosperous. Varsha Singh W hen renowned Bollywood scoring big numbers in billion in China, compared with just INR Chinese film China 630 million in India. director Zhou Maofei watched Indian cinema is definitely good with The list of successful films is already the veteran Indian the number games with most of its long and getting longer. As a result many actor Raj Kapoor’s 1950s film Awaara movies trying to get an entry into the one producers now make a beeline for a (Vagabond), the theme song Awaara Hoon billion dollar club. When 3 Idiots, a 2009 Chinese release, soon after India. The list haunted him so much that he went on to blockbuster comedy, released in China is already impressive. Happy New Year, use it in his film Platform (2000). it was nothing less than a breakthrough. Dhoom 3, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Hindi Medium, Even though the film could earn only INR Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Sultan, and Hichki. “I was touched by this song in the film 160 million (USD 2.5 million) in China, it when I was young. The singing and dancing opened up the Chinese market for other It is not just the Hindi films that in Indian films are really helpful in driving Indian films. have made waves in China, even films the plot,” Zhou Maofei, chairman of the from Hyderabad and Tamil Nadu, other board for Beijing Cultural Investment The results were there soon enough. major film production centres in India, Development Group, said at the recently In 2015, when Aamir Khan, the star of have appealed to the viewers across the concluded 9th Beijing International Film 3 Idiots, went for his promotional trip Himalayas. For instance, both the films Festival. to China for PK (2014), he received an of the Baahubali franchise, Baahubali: The adulation similar to what he gets from Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, From Awaara to Andhadhun, the graph fans back home. Little wonder then, that have an impressive record in China. of Indian cinema in China has been PK grossed INR 1 billion (about USD The latter, released last year in China, climbing. Andhadhun, a thriller about a 16 million) at the Chinese box office, a displaced Dangal as the biggest Indian film blind man, proved to be a big hit not just first for Indian cinema in China. Khan’s in the Chinese market. in the domestic market, but has also left subsequent venture, Dangal (2016), a the Chinese viewers enamoured. In China, biographical drama about three young Even though there is a quota system the film, featuring Tabu, Ayushmann girls overcoming social challenges to turn in China that allows only 34 foreign films Khurrana, Radhika Apte, and Anil Dhawan professional wrestlers, proved to be even annually, Bollywood managed to outsell in key roles, has already reached box a bigger hit, reaping about INR 12 billion Marvel’s Black Panther (USD 108 million) office collection of nearly USD 44 million. (about USD 185 million) in China alone. at the box-office in numbers with Dangal and Secret Superstar. This despite the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and A succession of massive hits has made fact that in China, the US has more slots Chinese President Xi Jinping, have bonded Amir Khan the face of Bollywood in China than India. Despite the quotas, foreign over Indian films and last year at an event and developed a large fan base, comparable films outperform the local productions in Wuhan city both were seen enjoying an to the popularity of top Hollywood in China. In 2017, of the total box office instrumental rendition of 1982 Bollywood heroes. So much so that his last film, Secret collections of USD 8.53 billion, foreign song, Tu, tu hai wahi dil ne jise apna kaha. Superstar (2017), earned more than INR 7 films, only 34 in number, accounted 40 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

Hichki Hindi Medium Bajrangi Bhaijaan for 46 pc of revenues. According to TOP FIVE FILMS HIGHEST GROSSING distributors took note and in December entertainment magazine, Variety, theatrical INDIAN FILMS IN CHINA 2011, the movie was released, first in revenues in China during the first quarter Taiwan. With this and his subsequent films, of 2018 were USD 3.17 billion, compared DANGAL - INR 12 BILLION Amir Khan became popular in China, and to USD 2.85 billion for North America. earned the sobriquet of Mishu or Uncle Also, China has the largest number of SECRET SUPERSTAR - INR 7 BILLION Mi, (Mi, a shortened verion of Aamir and screens, standing at over 60,000, of which shu, for shu-hu or uncle in Chinese). 9,300 opened only last year. BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN - INR 3.16 BILLION The importance of the Chinese box “The Chinese market offers a great ANDHADHUN - INR 3 BILLION office is known to Khan and therefore opportunity, but not for every other he leaves nothing to chance in promoting Indian film. It takes a unique film to HINDI MEDIUM - INR 2.21 BILLION his film there. Last year in December, connect with the massive audience,” Ajit Khan aggressively promoted Thugs of Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios, told mainstream Bollywood front,” says Karen Hindostan with a seven-city tour across an Indian news agency. Chung, a third generation Chinese living China. His influence now stretches far in India and a student at St. Xavier’s, beyond China’s cinema screens. I’ll do It My Why do they love Indian cinema? Kolkata, while talking to India&You. Way, a biography on Khan can be found India has recently moved from its at bookstores across China, and also his Collaborating through cinema television talk show Satyamev Jayate has clichéd genre of dance and romance, and During the Beijing International Film been dubbed into Mandarin and is widely is investing more in content-oriented available on Chinese streaming platforms. films. Movies that deal with serious social Festival in April this year, Chinese and issues, such as women’s empowerment, Indian filmmakers announced three film Also last December, Aamir Khan went domestic violence and education, have co-productions. The three key Sino- for the inaugural ceremony of Hainan fared well in China. Indian projects include Like Stars on Earth International Film Festival, where he (Taare Zameen Par) a Chinese adaptation was seen sharing the stage with Jackie In an interview conducted in Beijing, of Aamir Khan’s film; Siddharth Anand’s Chan, Johnny Depp, French actor Juliette R Balki, the director, producer of Padman action film The Jewel Thief, produced by Binoche, Mads Mikkelsen and Turkish (a real-life film based on the struggles of China’s Peacock Mountain Films with Han actor-director Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Zhihu, a man to make affordable sanitary pads Sanping as executive producer; and Kabir a Chinese website, says the reason for poor women), said that Indian movies, Khan’s comedy The Zookeeper about a ordinary Chinese people love him so which often pack a powerful emotional young Indian man’s incredible journey to much is because he is handsome, a good punch, appeal to Chinese audiences. “The China. performer and committed to his work. culture of India and China is similar in “Aamir Khan is God’s gift to India. We a lot of ways,” he says. “The emotions The two governments have already can’t help but love him,” wrote a Zhihu of Indians and Chinese are similar. They signed an agreement, in 2014, to promote user. connect with the Indian characters.” Sino-Indian co-productions and three films have already been made under “In China the name Aamir Khan has “That the popular Indian movies often this agreement - Kung Fu Yoga, Buddies been put on a lookout sign and in a good focus on conservative practices also helps In India and Xuanzang. Kung Fu Yoga, way. I think with Khan’s popularity, it is them appeal to the Chinese who, having an Indiana Jones-style adventure film, evident that the Chinese audience wants their own share of traditional values starring Jackie Chan and Disha Patani, more than the usual Bollywood romance. hindering progress, are accustomed to was successful in creating quite hype but We are more interested in rich content,” films with a social message,” added Balki. was panned by the critics. Nonetheless, added Chung in Kolkata. the film managed to rake in an impressive The fact that both the countries USD 254 million in box office collections His popularity in China has bagged him have a similar socio-cultural background worldwide. many endorsement deals. The latest one might be a major reason of Indian films is Mishu becoming the brand ambassador doing well in China. “Movies with a They all love Mishu for Vivo, a Chinese technology company. social message have made the impact Back in 2009 when 3 Idiots was “Aamir Khan has acted in some highly with the Chinese audience. Movies like popular cinema in Bollywood like Taare 3 Idiots, PK and Dangal give so much released in India, soon enough its pirated Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, PK, Dangal and so more perspective into the Indian society. versions were available in China. As the many more. His popularity is very high Real life issues of the pressures of an film, about India’s terrible education both among Chinese Cinema critics and engineering student, to the high-held system, hit a chord with the audience, film viewers. Therefore, Vivo has chosen religiosity and unlikelihood of a female him as the brand ambassador in India,” wrestler gives a different view from the John Huang, product head of Vivo told India&You. INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 41

SOCIETY MENTAL ILLNESS THROUGH CINEMATIC LENS Though Indian filmmakers have become more sensitive when dealing with social issues like mental health, an upcoming film has reignited the debate on whether films on such issues help or harm the cause. Vaibhavi Mishra The Indian film industry that has long been accused of being insensitive when dealing with issues that need delicate handling, finds itself again at the centre of a controversy over an upcoming film. Not much is known about the film or its storyline, leave alone the treatment of any subject. The film, Mental Hai Kya (Are You Crazy), by Prakash Kovelamudi, and starring Rajkummar Rao and Kangana Ranaut, is slated for release in late June. As soon the promotion of the film began with the release of its posters, it was enough to provoke a barrage of criticism. The film producers have been slammed by the Indian Psychiatric Society for its title and the poster that, the society says, are demeaning to both the seriousness and the sensitivity with which the topic of mental illness should be dealt. “We take serious objections to the title of the movie, which is discriminative, stigmatising, degrading and inhuman in projecting mental disorders and persons who suffer mental disorders. We strongly demand the title to be removed with immediate effect preventing further damage to the modesty of mental health service users,” read a letter written by the society to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Though the term mental in India is also used in a lighter vein to indicate crazy or outlandish, the critics say that there is already a lot of stigma attached to mental health in India, an issue 42 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

SOCIETY that is widely misunderstood, and that the Bhansali’s Black (2005), which created a also misinterpreted by many as to be patients suffering from these issues are record for the number of Filmfare awards, mentally ill. often mistreated and ridiculed. winning 11 awards in 2006, has been applauded for brilliant cinematography Regional cinema shows the way They go on to say that the awareness and storyline. But the film disappointed Despite the shortcomings in treatment, and sensitivity towards mental illness are the psychiatric fraternity when one already very negligible in Indian society. of the protagonists, Wplayed by the for some professionals, it is important that In such a scenario, cinema, which can be legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, the cinema industry tackles these issues utilised as an important tool for creating regains his memory while suffering from at least to create awareness amongst the awareness, just reinforces stereotypes, schizophrenia. This medically impossible society. A film with an appropriate handling instead. Mental healthcare centres are feat not only trivialised the severity of this could render the patients a big service by often portrayed in the films as dens of disease but also invoked a false hope in the helping the people around them understand torture, where patients are chained and audience, say critics. the situation and how to deal with it, they tortured. Sudhir K Khandelwal, head of say. Some regional films seem to have psychiatry department at the All India Films that have attempted to portray already gotten the message and are handling Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), one depression, that affects 50 million Indians the delicate subjects more sensitively. of the leading medical research institutes in as per a 2015 WHO report, have also India, ridiculed Indian cinema in an article been lampooned for their ignorance as Devrai (2004), a Marathi film, is one such he wrote for a leading national daily. He was the case with Anjana Anjani (2010) example. It is the story of a schizophrenic pointed out the portrayal of mentally ill being one of them. Also, even when films science student, fascinated by a mysterious people being stereotypically projected as grove in his village. The story brilliantly violent, unpredictable, and dangerous in treat subjects like learning disabilities portrays the challenges faced by the patient Indian films. and behavioural disorders, the audience and his family. Another film that has dealt tends to confuse them with another form with the issue well is an independent film. Cult classics like Khamoshi (1969) and of mental illness. Harry Baweja’s Ajay An Aparna Sen film of 2005, 15 Park Avenue Khilona (1970), laurelled for a brilliant Devgan starrer Mai Aisa Hi Hoon (2005), was applauded for depicting the story portrayal of intricately woven stories and first Indian film to explicitly use the word of a hallucinating schizophrenic patient, acquainting the Indian audience with this ‘autism’, was perceived by the audience as with the much-needed sensitivity. The subject for the first time, also had their a story of a mentally retarded adult, who protagonist, suffering from schizophrenia own set of issues. While Khilona tended to works in a café to earn his livelihood. lives in an imaginary, parallel world of her normalise violence and the gratification of own, where she has a family of five children revenge as a viable option of treatment, “The director remains totally unclear and a husband. “We know someone very Khamoshi portrayed a nurse pretending about the condition of the hero, the close to us who’s schizophrenic, a very to fall in love with a patient in order to exact handicap(s) he has, and does a close relative. So Konkona got to study the cure him. great disservice by confusing autism traits very carefully,” Aparna Sen had said with mental retardation,” wrote Dr about the film. The film went on to win the Dr Vinay Kumar of the Indian Ajit Bhide, a leading psychiatrist from National Award as the Best English film in Psychiatry Association once shared with Bangalore, in the Karnataka edition of India that year. a national daily that while using figments The Indian Psychiatric Society. While Tare of imagination, Indian filmmakers often Zameen Par (2007), starring Amir Khan, The mainstream cinema too has had dismiss the entire psychiatric research, threw light on dyslexia, many amongst a film or two worth watching for the loading their films with many scientific the audience failed to understand that treatment of the issue. Gauri Shinde’s flaws. “Producers do not hesitate to go dyslexia, being a learning disorder, 2016 film Dear Zindagi not only handled abroad to shoot a dream sequence as was not a mental illness. Similar was the issue well, but was also a commercial in ‘Dharavi’, more often than not, but the case with Anurag Basu’s 2012 film, success. The film criticises the stigma of they do not visit a psychiatrist in their Barfi in which the character of Priyanka seeking psychological help. Gauri Shinde city to discuss the rationale of a dream Chopra, suffering from autism, was very intelligently made use of Shahrukh sequence and its psychological analysis and Khan and Alia Bhatt’s stardom and fan implications,” said Kumar. base, for communicating this message to the audience through her film. Dr Devdas, a novel by noted Bengali writer Harish Shetty, a psychiatrist at Dr H.L. Sarat Chandra Chatterji, has been adapted Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, told the for filming on numerous occasions over Indian media that he received over 90 the past six decades. Critics say that in the phone calls and messages after the release film, consistently, alcoholism, a substance of the film. abuse disorder that calls for a treatment somewhere gets lost as the grief of Encouragingly, the efforts by the film separating from a beloved one completely industry, for creating awareness are not takes over the storyline. Films like Saheb restricted to the silver screen. In the recent Biwi Aur Gulam (1962), Chetna (1970) and past, many actors have themselves shared Aashiqui 2 (2013) have also been accused their stories of depression on social media of similar plots wherein the issue of including the divas Deepika Padukone and substance abuse was treated as a sideline. Anushka Sharma. Many of their fans also opened up on the social media with their The scenario is no different when it depression stories after this movement. This comes to the portrayal of schizophrenia, personalisation of the issue and celebrities a chronic mental illness characterised talking of not just their own challenges, but by delusions, hallucinations and other how they handled them, may at last bring cognitive as well as behavioural disabilities, about an end to this taboo. that is incurable till date. Sanjay Leela INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 43

SOCIETY VOTE A CITIZEN’S MANIFESTO FOR INDIAN ELECTIONS Elections should no longer be considered as the opportunity to elect the candidate of choice but the occasion of selecting the future that the citizens want. Rajendra Shende 1 Rising Inequality 2 High Unemployment 3 Farm Distress 4 Sustainable Development 5 Renewable Energy 6 Water Stress 7 Climate Change 44 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

SOCIETY Atypical dictionary says that the promises made to the people. are the three key priority burning issues manifesto is a declaration for elections this year. of policy, belief, intentions The five elements of a citizens and aims, especially ones manifesto The mother-issue, however, is the issued before an election by climate change and the state of the a political party or a candidate. It is made The voters have started recognising environment in India. The irreversible in public with the sole objective of getting that the political parties cannot just keep degradation of the nature and more votes to get elected to lead and rule them at the centre while seeking the ecosystems, that have been providing the society. In simple terms, it is a list of votes. The ecosystem, that is essential to us the fundamental resources for the assurances and promises for the healthy the survival of the voters, has to be at the development from time immemorial, future of the people. centre of the manifesto. is devastating. The dilemma is that the very choice made by India to select the What about the Citizen’s Manifesto? India’s unique character and its DNA development path is now responsible for Voters have beliefs, intentions, and lie in the participatory and interlinked the environmental degradation. Climate societies for better living by respecting change is the catastrophic expression and aims about their well-being and prosperity. nature. Nature is not only the lifeline display of that choice. All other issues Would such a manifesto help the authors for the supply of basic resources but like terrorism, national security, inflation, of the political manifesto understand the also considered by boundless library fiscal deficit and even air pollution are the society better? Would that be an effective of knowledge for India. Respecting and progeny of this mother issue. manifesto of the political parties? worshipping the five elements called panchamahabuta (five great elements, The loan waivers, sending thousands Fortunately the ‘manifesto of citizens’ which according to Hinduism is the other of rupees into the saving bank accounts of has the timely backdrop. One such name for ‘Indian way of life’, is the basis of the poor, providing free home appliances, example is the Kumbhamela, the world’s all cosmic creation). These five elements free water for all, free electricity for all largest gathering of religious devotees, are- Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. farmers and luring promises of very cheap nearly 150 million, huddled together on cereals for staple foods have till now been the banks of Ganges in India, from January Mountains in the north and oceans in part of the manifesto and has proven to 2019 for nearly two months…Taking a dip the south hold together buzzing, bustling be a winning tactics for the candidate. in the holy waters of three rivers that flow and bouncing India and its people. India from the Himalayas and meet near the not only constitutes humans but also the It is now time to celebrate the northern city of Prayagraj, in the north flora and fauna. That in fact is the starting elections as the ‘festival of future’ of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is the key code of the Citizens Manifesto. Its modern sustainable living. Elections should no aim of these pilgrims. algorithm uses the ancient language of longer be considered as the opportunity ensuring the welfare and safety of nature to elect the candidate of And now comes, a few months from and the ecosystems that sustain our life. choice but the occasion that congregation, the world’s largest of selecting the festival of electoral democracy in India. Key issues for elections future that citizen’s Around 900 million eligible voters of Farmers’ distress due to dwindling yield want. It should be the India’s total population of 1,300 million, juncture to decide with singular faith in democracy, will and income, the youth’s disillusionment the future of the decide the fate of the political parties. It is due to rising unemployment, poor present generation India’s general election that comes every people’s exclusion due to rising inequality five years to elect 543 law makers for the parliament called Lok Sabha (People’s Congress). The pilgrims of democracy, voters, would take a social dip in the political waters. These celebrations by the people, of the people, for the people last for nearly two months, after which the new government takes the reins in their hands to start implementing and realising INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 45

SOCIETY Indian’s dwindling water resources are also increasingly polluted waivers, free water, free electricity to farmers, health services, reduced taxation without compromising that of the future Migration due to sufferings in these areas and cheaper food grains in such a grim generations. would cause the economic pressures on situation appears to be archaic and out of other states and competition for the jobs. context. What is needed is accelerated Catastrophe of climate change promotion of use of natural gas and clean India is facing the Himalayan dilemma. Global warming sources of energy including solar, super Global warming, however, has wider energy efficiency, balanced, innovative Water of the Ganges, in which millions and safe use of nuclear energy, spread take holy dip, originates from the impacts than just melting of glaciers of electrical charging infrastructure Himalayan glaciers. They are melting and sufferings in Gangetic plains and for electrical vehicles and massive at unprecedented speed due to global mountains areas. Take for example 12 afforestation. The ambitious target warming. Hindu-Kush-Himalaya holds coastal states of India where the fish should be to reduce the fossil fuel use the largest ice cover, after the Arctic and stocks in the seas are decreasing rapidly by 50 pc by 2040 and 100 pc by 2100 as Antarctic regions, which feeds the water due to warm water which absorbs more recommended by the Intergovernmental into the rivers in India on which more than carbon dioxide and becomes acidic, Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 250 million people depend. “With the best which in turn disrupts the marine food- Intense rain water harvesting, reducing possible worlds, if we get really ambitious chain. The impacts on sea-fisheries is the surface water pollution, water (in tackling climate change), even then we already visible and signalling long term conservation and recycling have to be will lose one-third of the glaciers- that and irreversible damages. Inland polluted the subject of strict implementation and for us was the shocking finding,” stated waters in the rivers and lake have nearly breaching should be dealt by punitive the report by the International Centre wiped out the freshwater fisheries. The measures. for Integrated Mountain Development essential supply of nutrients is dwindling (ICMOD) released in February 2019. along with the lives of those employed More importantly, all these ambitious directly and indirectly in this sector. goals appear to be within reach knowing As a consequence of the melting ice, the sky-rocketing potential of digital the water in Ganges is expected to be Use of fossil fuel is the main driver of technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), heavily flooded between 2050 and 2060 climate change. Air pollution is the other Artificial Intelligence (AI), Block chain and and then progressively will vanish by 2100. side of the same coin. It is sarcastically cloud networking. Many may consider it in distant future stated that Delhi is the world’s capital of but the lakes formed by the ice-melt are air-pollution. Reports keep pouring on Indeed the guiding principles for bursting and the hydroelectric dams are how Indian cities are polluted with its Citizen’s Manifesto should be the United currently in danger, causing the floods, poor air quality which is mostly thousand Nations Sustainable Development Goals due to the burst of small dams signalling times worse than WHO standards. (SDGs). In the year 2015, one year after towards hydro-electricity crisis. The latest report of March 2019 of the last general election of India, United Greenpeace states that 7 out of 10 most Nations set out an ambitious new agenda This is a direct threat to the lives air-polluted cities are in India. Nearly and benchmark, aiming to steer the of about 40 pc of India’s 1.3 billion 1.2 million deaths are estimated from course of the world towards sustainable population that depends on the India due to air-pollution as per WHO. development by 2030. food bowl of the Gangetic plain. The Economic value of damages due to air agricultural produce from food-bowl pollution is estimated to be 3 to 8 pc of Designed to comprehensively address would have an India-wide impact. GDP of India. an interconnected range of issues, these new goals on poverty and hunger The new report highlights how The rich in India-10 pc of rich own removal, well being of the people and vulnerable many mountain people are. 75 pc of national wealth and they are planet, climate change, protecting the These people are from Himachal Pradesh, getting richer by 40 pc every year- have oceans and forests, health and sanitation, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, economic muscle to face rising prices, access to clean water and clean energy, with one-third living on less than USD1.90 air pollution and survive the natural peace and building partnerships and a day and far away from help if climate disasters. Inequality in India, feeds to the strong institutions are set to facilitate disaster strikes. environmental sufferings. collective for a shared future. Tensions between neighbouring It is clear that climate change is the Pointing to the “unprecedented nations such as India and Pakistan could mother-issue of farmers’ plight, poor prosperity, but also unspeakable exacerbate the sufferings. “There are people’s exclusion due to rising inequality. deprivation around the world”, Prime rocky times ahead for the region. Because Even distantly related issues like Minister Narendra Modi said, “We many of the disasters and sudden changes terrorism and inflation seem to be closely (India) represent a culture that calls our will play out across country borders, connected to climate change. planet Mother Earth,” during his speech conflict among the region’s countries to United Nations during the adaptation could easily flare up,” as per ICIMOD. The manifestos replete with loan of SDGs. Indeed, one can never wish to waive the loan taken from Mother Earth for our current well being. We have to return it with interest so that future of next generation is not compromised. That should be the preamble of the Citizen’s Manifesto. The author is chairman TERRE Policy Centre, former director- UNEP, IIT Alumnus 46 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

TREND STREAMING REVOLUTION DIGITAL TSUNAMI HITS INDIA With big budgets devoted to original content, online video platforms are rapidly gaining momentum in the Indian market.The modes of production as well distribution of content is shaking up the Indian film industry, just as Hollywood is feeling the heat. Solane Bouilland S acred Games, the latest Netflix Amazon Prime, have lined up big budgets entertainment are investing in Indian series made for the Indian for a string of in house programmes. The filmmaking to attract audiences. Since they market and located in Mumbai, is target for both and others, that are likely entered the Indian market, the value of making waves not just in India but to follow suit shortly, is the data-hungry digital rights in the market has increased overseas as well, as nearly two 450 million strong group of smartphone by 59 pc, according to Ashish Pherwani, thirds of its viewers are based out of India, users in India. head of the media and entertainment according to Netflix Product Innovation sector Ernst&Young, allowing many low- Vice President Todd Yelin. The arrival of online giants budget films to see the light of day, as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video many of them are released only on these Sacred Games is just the precursor of digital platforms. ‘‘In fact, the value of how things in world of entertainment in entered the Indian market in 2016 and digital rights gives the green light to many India would shape up shortly. Both Netflix 2017, respectively, and the two biggest films, giving producers the confidence as well as its largest digital diffusion rival, producers and distributors of video INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 47

TREND that they will be able to produce a film. I announced nine series and eight original content for the general public dealing with believe that many films that could not be films for the year 2019. The production of different topics such as cricket or the world made or released earlier can see the day the Sacred Games, adapted from Vikram of work. According to Gaurav Gandhi, and that there will be a growing trend of Chandra’s crime novel, has been made director of Amazon Prime and national exclusively digital films now,’’ Pherwani possible through a partnership with local director for India, a third of the Breathe told an Indian newspaper. production firm Phantom Films. Amazon series viewers were abroad. ‘‘We get a lot has also leveraged its partnerships to of support from abroad for Made in Heaven. Besides the world of digital optimise content. The group is associated It can be seen in reviews or comments distribution, Netflix and Amazon Prime with one of the largest film production on the series. The interest aroused was have opened new sources of revenue houses, Vishesh Films. ‘‘We gave Amazon natural. This series, only in English, plunges for less active Bollywood production the digital rights of our entire library of the viewer into the posh Indian society houses. By buying the rights of certain 53 films. This is a very large contract that by following a wedding planning business. classic films, the streaming platforms will also include rights for our upcoming With some tunes of Gossip Girl, this series also bring new life to old films that are projects,’’ Mukesh Bhatt, co-owner of addresses taboo topics such as alcohol difficult to access in cinema and even Vishesh Films was quoted by another daily. consumption, sexuality, and especially on television. Today, for example, you homosexuality, which affects both an Indian can watch films by star Salman Khan Access to new content and foreign audience. Just like Sacred Games, on Amazon, or those of another iconic The two major players in streaming it’s a way to present Indian characters on actor, Shah Rukh Khan, on Netflix. ‘‘In the world stage. addition to organised businesses, there have therefore understood the importance are independent producers who, in times of original content, and strongly rely on it These also provide a channel to of crisis, sold the rights of their films to for the future, both for the Indian public Indian directors to address the topics financiers, some of whom now hold nearly and foreign. ‘‘I think we will be a giant that are normally a taboo or difficult to 100 titles,’’ says Utpal Acharya, founder exporter of Indian stories,” said Reed pass the scissors of the censors, which of Indian Film Studios, a film production, Hastings, director of Netflix. The series have been very active in the recent distribution and marketing company. The are filmed on the same model as the past. Thus, it offers a flexibility and rights are generally sold for a period of Western series, while aiming to hook the freedom of expression to not just the 10 years and the price depends on the Indian public. The success of Netflix and film makers but also the viewers. Also, amount the channel can afford to pay and Amazon is therefore possible thanks to the creative budgets for these are higher the confidence it has in its ability to win change in Indian demand as well. While the than Bollywood where a large chunk of viewers. public is used to long-format films – lasting money is pocketed by the lead actors or about three hours - mixing romance, directors. The platforms therefore offer a The success of the digital giants is thriller and drama, punctuated by dance plurality of content and access to different though mainly linked to the original scenes, it’s a whole new genre of films Indian cinemas in all regions and languages. productions they develop in India. The that is emerging. According to Vikram two companies are investing millions to Malhotra, general manager of Abundantia The digital divide buy studios and produce on-site original Entertainment, an Amazon partner on the The competition between the online series, such as Sacred Games or Made Breathe series, which follows serial killers, in Heaven, to attract more viewers. So the audience is “maturing”. video platforms (OTTs) in India is far, Amazon has produced 20 original severe. Netflix, the first global mover in series in India to date, and Netflix has Thus, Amazon has already produced the market, initially priced its monthly 48 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU

TREND NETFLIX ON THE RED CARPET? The competition between the online video platforms (OTTs) in India is severe Netflixs’ Okja’s red carpet arrivals - the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival subscription in the range of INR 500-800 There has been a raging controversy intend to further explore the profound (USD 7-12), while Amazon entered the when Netflix films should be considered changes that are happening in our industry market with cut throat prices of INR for the most prestigious cinema awards, and to continue discussions with our 150 a month or INR 1000 a year. This the Oscars. Many Hollywood studios members on these issues,’’ Academy has forced Netflix to dramatically cut its remain sternly opposed to allowing President John Bailey had said. prices and recently it launched a special Netflix access to the competition of the offer for subscriptions for mobile phones Academy of Arts and Cinema Science and In Cannes, a change of course took only, at INR 250 a month. According the possibility of a rule change regarding place in 2018, after the controversy to a 2018 study, Netflix had 5 million the minimum duration of films in theatres caused by the nomination in competition downloads, while Amazon was at 11 before appearing online. in 2017 of Bong Joon-Ho’s Okja and Noah million. A domestic player, Hotstar, part Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories, both of the satellite television group STAR, had In April, despite the opposition of from Netflix stable and which had not over 75 million downloads then and now many Hollywood heavyweights, the been released in theatres but only online. counts close to 100 million downloads. Academy decided that it would not change The French rules currently impose a the entry rules for competition for the gap of 36 months between theatrical However, the number of paying 92nd Oscars in 2020 and will retain the release and online streaming. The Cannes monthly subscribers is quite another current allowing any film to compete organisers had hoped to convince Netflix matter for the OTTs in India. Despite for an Oscar if it had run for seven to release the films in the theatres, but having 100 million downloads, Hotstar consecutive days in a Los Angeles theatre. failed to do so. Hence, now Cannes has less than a million subscribers. This is Streaming platforms, thus, can continue to requires all films nominated for official because the Indian consumers, addicted submit their films to the Oscars. competition to have been released in as they may be to their smartphones, are theatres. unwilling to pay for online entertainment, This controversy arose in February or at least a large majority, for now. when Alfonso Cuarón’s film, Roma, a However, even at Cannes, the OTT Netflix production, won three prestigious productions do not remain completely on The number of Indians touched by all statuettes after starring for three weeks the bench. A Netflix production, Blessures, OTTs combined is paltry when compared in 100 cinemas in the United States. is part of the 23 films in the Directors’ to the number of movie tickets sold in Some, like Steven Spielberg, for whom Fortnight, an independent selection that this country each year. Over 2 billion the Netflix movies do not belong to the takes place in parallel with the Festival. tickets were sold last year, to which must cinema, had contested this nomination. Moreover, Netflix will also be present in be added the 152 million people who “Our rules currently require theatrical strength at the Cannes Film Market, not subscribe to paid television services. release and also allow for a wide selection just to sell its content, but also acquire of films to be awarded an Oscar. We new distribution rights. Yet, some studios see the OTTs as a threat, while others see them as an simultaneous online release. They fear movie theatres. Netflix is planning additional channel of distribution of their that it could lead to closure of cinemas theatrical release for Martin Scorsese’s content and hence a new revenue stream. that would suffer from this competition. upcoming film, The Irishman, and will keep Some exhibitors professionals accuse Even Hollywood director Steven Spielberg a 72 day gap between its theatrical release the OTTs of slowly killing the traditional believes that the original Netflix films have and streaming it online. The company also cinema theatres by not respecting the no place in the Oscars, (See Box: Netflix plans to buy its own cinema, the Egyptian deadlines for online broadcast of theatrical productions on the red carpet) theater of Hollywood, which could be films, especially with an exclusive or used to present potential candidates for Yet streaming platforms also have plans the various prizes. to broadcast their films in traditional INDIA & YOU May-June 2019 49

PROFILE FROM BOMBAY’S BADLANDS TO BOLLYWOOD Kader Khan, octogenarian screen writer-actor, who breathed his last on December 31, 2018 after a prolonged illness, was a man of many parts. An inimitable master of one-liners, he easily melted and moulded into any role. Most of all, he was known for scripting pulpy blockbusters for the Bollywood. K V Priya E veryday, thousands of Indians college, and immediately recognised the industry, Khan was a writer for a hire. flock to Mumbai, the country’s talent and got him a small role in his next Khan also wrote for Prakash Mehra, financial capital and the home film, Tapan Sinha’s Sagina (1970). another iconic director in Bollywood and to Bollywood. It is a city that an arch rival of Desai. generates hope and manufactures But, Khan made his mark in the 1973 dreams. For most, it proves a pipedream. Rajesh Khanna-starrer Daag (1973), which For Desai, he wrote Parvarish, Dharam However, some do make it; combining was also noted film maker, Yash Chopra’s Veer, Suhaag, Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb, hard work with talent, they struggle debut film as an independent producer. Coolie, and Desh Premee. For Mehra, his and succeed. Khan continued to get various roles in films were Laawaris, Namak Halaal and Hindi films, but he had to wait until 1980 Sharaabi. All of them featuring Amitabh Kader Khan was one such rag to to hit the big time as an actor with Feroz Bachchan as the male lead, he wrote riches story. His life story reflected that Khan’s Qurbani. dialogues that ranged from the intensely of several Bollywood potboilers, as Khan dramatic to the wildly funny. emerged from the depths of a Dickensian Multitalented as he was, Khan had childhood as he grew up in Kamathipura in already established his credential as a Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (Conqueror Mumbai’s red light district. Khan was born script and dialogue writer. The first film of Destiny) is a 1978 Indian drama film, in Kabul to Pathan parents, who migrated he penned the script for was the Randhir produced and directed by Prakash Mehra to Mumbai when he was barely a year old. Kapoor-Jaya Bhaduri romantic drama that features Amitabh Bachchan, who, as In Mumbai, Khan found himself surrounded Jawani Diwani (1972). This was followed Sikander, is taught the biggest lesson of by drug-peddlers, sex workers, pimps, by Roti (1974) starring Rajesh Khanna for his life by a fakir (beggar). Sukh ko thokar criminals, and corrupt police. Here, he hotshot director Manmohan Desai. maar, dukh ko apna. Arre sukh to bewafa observed vivid colours of human existence hai, chand dinon ke liye aata hai aur chala and its frailties from close. Writing dialogues, often reflecting the jaata hai, dukh to apna saathi hai, apne quintessence of pluralism of India, yet saath rehta hai. Dukh ko apna le. Taqdeer Life within the four-walls of his colloquial and with a certain street swag tere kadmon me hogi aur tu muqaddar ka home, with an unemployed, abusive and so as to relate to the masses, came easy badshah hoga (Don’t care about happiness, alcoholic step-father, was equally cruel to him, thanks to his rich experience in accept sorrow. Happiness won’t last, and he would go hungry to bed often. streets of Mumbai. Manmohan Desai’s sorrow will. If you accept sorrow, you’ll Disenchanted and lacking even the bare Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) is a stellar conquer your destiny).” Not only did the essentials needed for leading a simple yet example of the Hindi masala movie. It power-packed acerbic dialogues serve dignified life, Khan soon learnt to find was flavoured with noteworthy character the social-rebel protagonist well, they peace and calm in books and his studies. actors, songs, and dances, fight sequences, were also pretty much in tune with the Studying under the lights on the mean comic moments, and divine miracles. popular mood of the epoch and the film streets of Mumbai, Khan graduated in Khan came up with this punch line for was an instant hit. It helped, of course, civil engineering. India’s superstar Amitabh Bachhan in one that cinema was the only available form of the scenes in the film. Aisa to life mein of entertainment in India during pre- A profound Urdu and Arabic scholar, aadmi do bar heech bhagta hai—ya to race liberalised era. Khan was also a passionate reader of mein ya police ke case mein. (An individual works by Urdu writers and poets such runs this fast only twice—either in a race Khan, who essayed many roles had as Mirza Ghalib, Sadat Hasan Manto as or if he is escaping from the police.) The an inseparable screen partnership with well as noted Russian authors, Anton dialogues had the cinegoers swooning and fellow actor Shakti Kapoor as the duo Chekov, and Maxim Gorky. In equal repeating after the show. played comic roles as well as villains. measures, he gobbled up works of best Khan was also an integral part of laugh- selling contemporary international fiction It was his crowd pleasing dialogues out-loud cinematic ventures directed by authors such as Jeffry Archer. that transformed Amitabh Bachchan, David Dhawan. Running a long screen in over 22 movies from Benaam (1974) partnership with Govinda both of them Khan began working as a professor to Agneepath (1990), from a superstar made Dhawan’s slapstick humour tick of civil engineering at M H Saboo Siddik to megastar. However, later, due to a and stick. College of Engineering in Mumbai. fallout with Bachchan, Khan drifted However, he continued to be interested away and started working with south Endowed with a rare gift of the gab in theatre, playing in Urdu theatre, Indian production houses that came up and a master of many subjects Khan was besides his day job. His luck turned when with a series of Jeetendra-led comedies someone who rode easily three distinct veteran actor and the reigning king of and dramas. worlds of words-the written, spoken and Hindi cinema, Dilip Kumar spotted him the acted. In his death, the Indian cinema performing at the annual function of his Refused to be drawn into any camps has lost a multitalented cine personality. and cliques, a hallmark of Mumbai film 50 May-June 2019 INDIA & YOU