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Films

Related: TV discussion forum.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

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Original poster

To think its a shame that Bollywood films are not seen by more people in the Uk?

22 replies

PopMusic · 23/03/2013 20:46

The difference between Hollywood films and Bollywood films is that A list Bollywood films grabs you by the heart, wrings every kind of emotion out of you but ultimately leaves you feeling uplifted.

They are hugely popular with Asians, of course, but it would be so good if the wider community saw a few too. Once you see a Bollywood film, Hollywood films are a bit meh.

OP posts:

thezebrawearspurple · 23/03/2013 20:51

I've seen a couple, not my type of thing at all tbh but I'm sure there are lots of people who would love them if they thought to give them a go.

CSIJanner · 23/03/2013 20:54

C4 had a season on several years ago. My DM and I went ut and bought each other copies of Lagaan the day after we watched it.

SweetSplendidSimnel · 23/03/2013 20:58

Aahh, I don't know. By Bollywood films, do you mean the all-singing, all-dancing Hindi blockbusters? Where the hero can shatter 10 people's skulls and the heroine is dripping in sequins and jewellery? Ifyou've seen one, you've seen them all.

There are other movies that are made in India, in other languages, from places like Kerala, TamilNadu where the drama is more hard-hitting, script is more nuanced and there is a sense of reality.

SweetSplendidSimnel · 23/03/2013 20:59

The Lagaan songs, they sent a shiver down my spine....

MorrisZapp · 23/03/2013 21:01

Can't think of a community much wider than Asians :)

But nah, not for me thanks. Not my scene at all.

BegoniaBampot · 23/03/2013 21:03

Some are really watchable and deliciously corny. Love the music and some of the dance routines. Is Sam Fox still doing Bollywood?

LessMissAbs · 23/03/2013 21:07

Have seen about 3. Didn't like them. Too colourful, too much spontaneous breaking into song and dance, too sexist, too old fashioned clothing, too sparkly, too predictable...I don't like rom coms either. I do like sci-fi and action films, both of which often do do the things you describe OP, but I don't need colourful dancing and singing for that, because its not my personal preference or a culture I relate to or particularly admire.

MrsLouisTheroux · 23/03/2013 21:11

I've watched one. It was sexist, corny, tacky rubbish. Not my thing at all.

Shakey1500 · 23/03/2013 21:12

I've only seen a couple but enjoyed them. I used to work with an Indian guy, an older gentleman and he used to bring CD's in of songs from the films. We had a good old bop around the office a few times

Original poster

PopMusic · 23/03/2013 21:14

I don't necessarily think that the newer Hindi films are like that though. I quite like the all dancing,all singing ones - bit of escapism but only the pure romance ones - hate the violent ones. VeerZaara for instance is beautiful. Black is good too - it's about the relationship between a deaf blind woman and her teacher. But there are really good, more realistic ones eg Iqbal (another cricket one) and Dor.

OP posts:

aldiwhore · 23/03/2013 21:15

They're not my thing at all.

YABU.

As U as I would be if I said I wish more people in the UK watched more Japanese Horror.

Bakingnovice · 23/03/2013 21:16

Oh we watched lagaan and loved it too.

Original poster

PopMusic · 23/03/2013 21:18

See, lessmissabs I don't like Hollywood romcom either and I much prefer the sci-fi too. Not sure, what you mean by old fashioned clothes?

OP posts:

Potol · 23/03/2013 21:20

YABU. I'm from the subcontinent and find Bollywood films fairly dull. As do my parents and a fair few of my friends. There are some good ones but most are formulaic. There are plenty of award winning Indian films are not Bollywood (see films by Satyajit Ray for instance).

Original poster

PopMusic · 23/03/2013 21:30

Yes, Potol. I agree. That's why I said A list - the best of Bollywood is great.
And I also agree with Satyajit Ray.

OP posts:

StuntGirl · 23/03/2013 21:30

I don't like Bollywood films. Don't hugely like Hollywood films either. To each their own.

HoppinMad · 23/03/2013 22:18

I'm not sure YABU but people love different films from different cultures worldwide and Bollywood is just one albeit massive film industry and it is actually appreciated globally, hence its success.
I enjoyed bollywood growing up but watching the films of the '90s now are too cringeworthy. However the recent ones are more westernised and therefore more watchable by a wider audience. Having said that nothing beats a good ol' amitabh classic!

MNHQ

SandyMumsnet · 13/07/2016 16:52

Hi everyone,
Just sweeping this thread into films. OP please do shout if this is a problem.

RustyBear · 16/07/2016 12:43

So why has it suddenly popped up on FB?

JigokuShojou · 16/07/2016 15:31

Balle, balle, nachle, jaldi, jaldi, aaja nachle.

echelon · 23/07/2016 00:45

Love Lagaan! It's AMAZING!!

ladybird69 · 16/09/2016 00:36

I've only watched 1 Indian film Trishna is was very tough as think it was based on Tess of the d'ulbervilles. Then I watched a Bollywood version of much a do about nothing, in the smaller theatre at Stratford, there were quite a few famous actors and us audience was literally part of the play. It was one of the best nights of my life grinning like a Cheshire cat here right now!!! It was amazing. So any recommendations I'd love to hear about any of them.
Also a long shot does anyone remember a tv documentary where few of our older actors and actresses went to India to see if it was easier!

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