Indian Cinema - What a Pity!!!!
One of the main reasons behind this blog is the 36th International Film Festival of India held at Goa, which has agitated me to no end. Being a film professional in India it really pains to see bollywood becoming synonymous to Indian Cinema. No doubt bollywood churns out big budget films catering to bigger markets, but Indian cinema does not end there. And this is something the organizers of IFFI should wake up to. If ever their narrow perspective dares to widen and look beyond their own constricted world, they can see an industry that churns more number of films with far more superior stories, gripping screenplays and phenomenal actors... and that is the South Indian film industry.
Its ironical that bollywood which endlessly chants Ram Gopal Varma’s success mantras, honors Mani Ratnam’s intelligent films and worships Ravi K Chandran’s Cinematography has failed to trace that such genius has originated from the south.
Bollywood is so lost in its shallow glamour and narcissist glory; it is blissfully ignorant of any brilliance outside of it. And IFFI is a sample of this vanity.
Consider the plight of Malayalam Director Albert whose film Kanne Madanguka was screened in the feature film section of Indian Panorama at IFFI. "I myself had to stick posters of my film as the organizers didn't bother to. Bollywood posters are put up everywhere, leaving no space for other films” he complains in vain.
IFFI’s disregard does not end with the ‘god’s own country’ it callously ridicules the Kannada Film Industry as well.
Dr. Rajkumar was the legendary actor of the kannada film industry. He has acted in more than 200 films ruling the industry for 50 years. He won ten filmfare awards in the best actor category, which happens to be the second highest in the history of Indian Films. He is the recipient of Padma Bhushan and Dada Saheb Phalke awards from the Government of India. And innumerable state awards for his contribution to Indian Cinema. Now with what audacity did the organizers of IFFI print the picture of the veteran Kannada Director Girish Kasaravalli instead of the iconic actor Rajkumar in the obituary written for him in their brochure?
It not only dishonors the memorable actor but also Mr. Girish kasaravalli who is the youngest recipient of the "Swarna Kamal" (Golden Lotus) for 'Best Feature Film', from the Government of India.
Indian Cinema will continue to glorify bollywood unless South Indian film professionals and audience propel the change. True we don’t want to stoop down and fight but also don’t want to lie down and be walked over.
-Vidya Reddy
11 comments:
hey......loved ur article...ur super coool....but screw those people.....v south indians dont need tose assholes...love u gal...trik
True , iam totally agree with you.....
hmmm.... guess that demerits all d prods,dirs etc frm d south who want singers frm mumbai..who wont know tamil if t bit them in d a** ....whilst most of d singers from here who r quite adept wit hindi get thier asses kicked back for an accent problem...how cynical n ironical n of course silly..... to say da least..lol...u rock vids....keep it comin..!!!!
So is any one from Bollywood still daring to come south? ;) that was a good one! Any southie agrees completely . Its high time the south Indian industry has a film festival of its own, (where again may not be such a tough questin, held in rotation in each state) U have the stars, talent, movie makers, and most importantly you have the partons.
kudos Vids, wonderful article. even heard that cheran wasnt respected also. its so pathetic. atleast now let our guys wakeup and do the needfull
hey vd, that was damn cool...so thought provoking..esp when i have always enjoyed a mal movie to any other in indian cinema..sad state indeed.. but with directors like you in the making sure things will look up soon..cheers smitha
Well said VD. Sad how bollywood is taken for granted as the face of indian cinema. But some one from the deccan (not chronicle) has to take the lead. Whats the four south indian govt doing... What are the artists, producers, distributors, exhibitors association doing... Its time we from the south take matter into our own hands and build a film festival like the cannes... Not until then will the true talent of the south can be showcased to the world.
hey vids thanks for the lovely article. I guess somebody has to wakeup to such an issue, its sad they look down upon us just because we are down south (hee... hee..) People from south indian film industry are far more talented and come out with a lot of ORIGINALSTUFF AND CREATIVE IDEAS, guess thats something that people from north won't approve and we definitely don't need their approval. I guess the international audience should start understanding that indian film industry is not just bollywood but a lot more than that. Its should be our priority to make ourselves known to these audience by whatever means it takes. Being a person who started my career here and then worked in bollywood for 8 years and got back here for good. I do understand the way we are treated.
Its gonna change for better. lovely article. lol take care bye.
kayoas
ha.. ha... haa.... bravo, don't beg for freedom, you have to get it. Patience baby patience, we did not get freedom over night. The best guy in the world Gandhiji was pushed out of the train to realise freedom. In India whoever has worked hard has gained recognition. inspite of who you are and where ur from if not Abdul Kalam can never be the President. Rather than saying southindia rocks unfortunately India rocks. Never beg for recognition, they will be there behind you if u prove ur worth when that can happen to Gandhiji in Africa it can happen to you and me in a small place called India, wait for it don't ask for it. 'Lage raho munna bai' life is like that. Work n work and work till u suceed its part of Indian history earn for it. Ur worth pays.Forget what ur or where u r, prove ur worth.If u prove ur worth ur posters will be all around the town baby, they will ahve to put it up whether ur south indian or north indian. Sucees rules the earth.
Jai hind
Cheers
D
Way to go!!!! Well written! I totally agree with what "Vinod" has suggested. We need a filmfestival/awards etc. dedicated to South indian movies. I think we have enough clout, know-how and not to mention talent, to make it a reality. What is probably missing is RESOLVE.We should carve an identity for ourselves and not "tag-along" with Bollywood for recognition.
Way to go!!!! Well written Vidya! Its high time that south indian film took on an identity of its own and not just be "tagged" with Bollywood. I think there is enough talent, clout and know-how to make this happen. It needs to be seen if there is resolve.
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