Slumdog Millionaire

23rd February morning started with the jubilation of Slumdog Millionaire winning 8 Oscar awards. The euphoria was immeasurable because of the unprecedent feat by any Indian of winning two Oscars. Well A. R. Rahman did it!!! Ifeel proud of his achievement. The pride is doubled with the stalwart of Indian music industry Gulzar, who has penned innumerable great songs also shared the accolades with the Mozart from Chennai. Congrats to both of them!!!!
But is it the real Jai Ho of the Indian Film Industry’s talent????
Certainly not.
I watched the highly awarded Slumdog Millionaire. Undoubtedly the movie is phenomenally directed and realistic in nature. Prima facie it seems to be the portrayal of the grim realities of the denizens of the slums of India (Dharavi in this case), but its repercussions are more grim after the movie became a worldwide hit. Now how is it possible that a movie which is so brilliant has some bleaky aftermaths.
The reason behind it was first echoed by the statements of Big B regarding this film. He objected the way in which India was being depicted in the international scenario. Being an Indian and the viewer of the movie, I empathise with the feelings of the great man. As far as the creative aspect of the movie is concerned, there is no point of criticising it. It would just be beating about the bush. But if the whole matter is analysed with importance of movies and its worldwide reach, something really pricks. Movies are the most influential medium having great repercussions.
There is no point in criticizing the movie in its artistic capability. But the questions naturally arise because of its connection with country like INDIA, which represents the hope of the various developing and underdeveloped nations. The malice shown in the movie is undoubtedly true. Objections regarding the veracity of such happenings are futile. But such negative remarks are justified by the way in which these evils have overemphasized the whole plot, depicting India in a unilaterally negative way. That is to say achievements and progress made by our great nations has been subverted in artistically brutal way. India today is not only about crime, poverty, vagrancy, prostitution, human trafficking, and etc. only. India today is leader in its own regard. Developments made by us cannot and should not be disparaged like this. Being a nascent democracy we are treading towards the ultimate goals which every person aspire. The aspirations are high in a democratic set up and hence a time period of 62 years is meagre on the scale of history. As far as cinema is concerned I am fan of Slumdog Millionaire, but I stand opposite when its effects and repercussions are concerned. The title in itself derogates the dignity of the human existences, with only solace that it is a film on India made by a British and not a film on India by an Indian.

As far as music is concerned I am happy that Indian talent especially Rahman along with Gulzar and Resul Pookutty announced their arrival. Although I strongly feel that it is not the best work of A. R. Rahaman, but it is nevertheless important for the reason of providing him the international recognition. Kudos to all of them!! But the share of Rahman- God’s own musician is largest for holding the two Oscar statuettes at a time. Importance of the same can be realized from his own statement where he mentioned Americans regarding the Oscars something equivalent to ‘Moksha’ for the actors. Keeping in mind the INDIAN standards we can be assured that Rahman and Indian music has to go a long way.

Yes, it is a real ‘Jai ho’ as far as the music is concerned. The same is not the case indeed with the movie which is brilliant for satiating the creative appetite but not for the one side gloomy portrayal of India. India is much more than what has been showed!!! Visit the ‘Atulya BHARAT’ to realize it!!! JAI HO
PS:- Congress has bought the rights of song Jai Ho to use it in its election campaign. Narendra Modi commented on it by saying that why will Congress not use the song. It is they who have maintained the slums in India during there 50 years rule due to which the movie on slums have won the award!!! Quitq a good dig!!