5 Movies You Must Watch Before Going to: India
Slumdog Millionaire gave you an entertaining (although limited) look into India, a place depicted colorfully in Hollywood and Bollywood alike. While learning everything about a country (especially this behemoth) from movies alone will never suffice, checking out a few good films before you go can give you a bit of perspective. Without getting into documentaries, OTP gathered 5 inspiring flicks to give you an idea of what India is like, at least through the view of a camera lens, some dancy actors and a handful of inspired directors.
Rang de Basanti
The Plot: Translated as “Paint it Saffron” (a shout-out to one of India’s flag colors), this charmingly patriotic film is about four friends struggling with existential dilemmas. They are propelled into modern revolutionary roles and the plot follows their transformation from apathetic youth to badass contemporary versions of legendary freedom fighters. They’re all hero and hell-raiser, recklessly fighting corruption—much like their real life counterparts in Indian independence struggle who kicked royal British Raj ass.
The lesson: We’re all about shallow and indulgent Bollywood productions, but this one manages to pack a punch amidst all the sexy song and dance. It gives you some good insight on India’s conflicted history with colonialism.
The bonus: A.R. Rahman , of Jai Ho fame, is responsible for the outstanding soundtrack. Seriously, the man can do no wrong.
The Darjeeling Limited
The Plot: This quirky film is about three American brothers on a spiritual journey to rediscover their kinship. Himalaya-bound, these floundering, pretentious characters seem like lost causes at first, but as the story progresses, each brother stumbles upon his own revelation, however unexpected. The cast keeps us laughing even as shit gets heavy.
The lesson: This film is all about inspiration through a combination of an American familiarity with the director (Wes Anderson) and cast (Owen Wilson, Adrian Brody and Jason Schwartzman) and the exoticism of the location. Central to the peculiar theme, the equally inspirational soundtrack is borrowed from Satyajit Ray’s films—a must-know for every movie nerd. When you’re inevitably motivated to make reservations on the brothers’ soul-finding train, keep in mind that it’s Darjeeling Mail you’re looking for, not the Limited.
OTP Tip: Short film Hotel Chevalier starring Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman is the prequel to the Darjeeling Limited. Included in the special features of most DVDs, it’s a must-watch if you want the inside pre-film scoop.
Monsoon Wedding
Plot: Friends and family from all over the world convene in vibrant Delhi for a last-minute arranged marriage during the sultriest time of the year. New passions are sparked and old flames rekindled. With sex, scandal, romance and reconciliation, the flick is your basic multi-generational saga, Punjabi style.
The lesson: Embedded in the luscious character dramas and riotous colors are serious probes into the many facets of the Indian definition of love in relationships and marriage rituals. This Indian Joint Family 101 lesson will get your Indian romancing skills in order.
Dor
The Plot: A remake of the Malyalam-language classic Perumazhakkalam (“Heavy Rain”) and based on a true story, Dor (Urdu for “String”) is a compelling tale of an unlikely friendship under unusual circumstances. Village belle Meera, a Hindu, loses her status upon the death of her husband Shankar. As a widow, Meera is bound by tradition to spend the rest of her life confined indoors, wearing dark-colored clothing. City girl Zeenat, a Muslim (played by ex-Miss India Gul Panag), brings the color back into Meera’s bleak life with her independent spirit. Together, they discover new aspects about themselves; Meera develops confidence and regains her carefree spirit, while the rigid Zeenat cools her shit.
The Twist: Meera begins to want a life outside of the shackles that bind her, but then comes across the unsettling truth that Zeenat’s husband is responsible for Shanker’s death. Turns out that Zeenat is a real bitch and her true purpose of befriending Meera was to get her to sign a maafinama—an Islamic law document that pardons a murderer should the wife of the deceased sign her forgiveness.
The lesson: Not just about shady, conniving, backstabbers, Dor is a look at India’s caste system, gender roles and the culture and beauty of the desert state of Rajasthan, which should be on your travel itinerary.
1947 Earth
The Plot: Part of Deepa Mehta’s elements trilogy (Fire, Earth and Water), 1947 Earth shows off some of India’s finest acting talent. A story about three friends of different faiths, it takes place in cosmopolitan Lahore, before India and Pakistan became separate countries. The film is adapted from Bapsi Sidhwa’s autobiographical Cracking India.
The lesson: Set in the tumultuous period after the British unexpectedly cut India loose after centuries of colonization, this film explores the religious strife that ruptured the newly independent nation. This movie is passionate, haunting, devastating and a great way to learn about India’s recent and emotional religious history.
Though these movies are merely trailers for what the real India’s got in store, they do offer bits of meaningful insight about a country that would otherwise confuse the bejesus out of you.
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS Feed
great list! Thanks for putting this up. I’ve been at home for a couple weeks too long and need something good to watch. I can tell by the first movie cover it’s a movie i’ll dig and the Darjeeling Limited was awesome!
What a well thought out list!reang De Basanti- a true insight into the growing years of a whole genaration of Indian youth,Dor- a classic a tell tale on the two facets of a young Indian woman’s life life- urban & rural.. the purity of the friendship between the young widow & the woman jounalist is a tru story of woman’s liberation which many an Indian woman has lived in many a different form, Darjeeling Limited is awesome i second.Monsoon Wedding – many NRI’s will identify with & Earth.. aa thoughtful list indeed!
this is a great list, well 4 out of 5 at least. I don’t know if I agree with The Darjeeling Limited being any where on the list, but then again who am I to say. Also, great call on Monsoon Wedding, loved that movie.
I really have liked the choice of movies..all special in their own context- they do depict the different colors & vivacity of India.All movies are a must watch for the flavour of India.The author has a broad overview & excellent choice!Thanks for sharing the movies.. a great list!
Hi there,
Its a great list… adds up all the flavors of an Indian holiday.. a very pragamatic list by the author! Well done!
Great listing! I have seen these movies and agree with the author.
Three movies on the list have English names too…mptivated to see them before I leave this year for India visit!