Bored as I was, it was suggested that we go for a movie (by my Husband). I was given no idea about what the movie was until we reached the entrance of the movie theatre. There in bold letters was the name “Slumdog Millionaire”. It was a name I hadn’t heard about until that moment. I expected, it was some normal English movie made specifically to drive away boredom (By keeping your mind entertained) Nil curiosity whatsoever….As I was thinking about this unheard of movie, I saw my Husband give me a wry smile and I smiled back sweetly and innocently.. I asked him, How this movie was and he replied that, That’s what we’ve come to find out.. huh! As if I dint know it.. Should have kept quiet….
Once, we got to our seats, “The usuals” started, Umpteen advertisements and ten thousand two hundred and thirty four trailers… Phew! Finally the movie starts and I start to get excited as I watch Anil Kapoor in the movie . I am a fan of Bollywood and so I was wondering how come I missed out on this movie of his, and further more I ponder over how so many Americans have come to watch his movie……Finally the movie reels over unaware of the feelings it was invoking in me, as an Indian.
I cringed at scenes, depicting the slums and slum-dwellers, cried at the barbaric doings, to the distraught children, sang and danced with the kids, when they did, played “who becomes a billionaire”, admired Jamal and Latika for their untainted love and finally danced for “Jai Ho…” with a spirit I had felt only back in India. In short, The movie gave me a vivid taste of India… Something very close to my heart.
Wondered if my co-audience would ever appreciate this movie as I did, As I, who is a part of India did. Wondered if they really understood this movie as I did. As we all Indians do. As the movie ended, we got up to leave the theatre with a smile on our faces… and to our huge surprise, all the people in the theatre got up on their two legs and applauded. I am a person who shudders from deafening noises, but this noise was very much a welcome one. I appreciate all the people, who were in there, for appreciating this novel film in a fitting manner….. I am glad to say that my husband and I were two very proud souls there on that very day. Proud that our way of life in India is getting to be accepted everywhere without being looked down upon.
Watching this movie has been a wonderful experience for me, and even more wonderful is the fact that it has bagged eight Oscars. Out of which three of it is India’s, two for AR Rahman and one for Resul Pookutty, way to go guys!! The Oscar lady has eluded India for too long a time now, well not anymore. Next time we will be back for the Best Picture award. Is there any area more for the Indians to prove their mettle? J
