Today, the Indian movie capital “Bollywood” is producing more than five times the movies produced annually in the American movie capital “Hollywood”. There are many differences between the two movie making spots. In Indian movies, it is expected that there are periods of dance and song that move the story forward. On the other hand, inHollywood, movies with more than just a few songs are considered musicals, and not movies. Also, Indian actors do not earn the millions of dollars that famous actors inHollywoodearn, but the actors are able to make a good living after acting out their roles inIndia, too. There are many more differences between Indian and American movies: Indian movies are three to four hours long, and also more Indian movies are crossing the continents, and are being played in not only India, but also America and Britain (for example: Slumdog Millionaire), but not so many Hollywood productions are playing in Indian theatres. Our Group chose this topic, because we found the fact thatHollywoodis not the “Movie making Capital of the World”, but Bollywood is. It shows the forward movement ofIndiain the global world.
Bollywood: Old vs. New
Sofia K.A3
The first movie in India was produced in 1913. Since then, Bollywood had relased thousands of movies. Colored films emgerged during 1950's which brought a huge growth in India's movie production industry. Popular movies during 1950's were mostly melodrametic, love stories. Action movies were popular during 60's and 70's. However, most viewers wanted family dramas and comedy films.
Unlike Hollywood movies, there is lot singing and dancing involved in Bollywood movies. Most Bollywood movies are melodramatic love stories. Although the general genre of the movie has stayed same, there are many components of the movies that have changed. For example, more technology have been involved in creating the movies. Also, characters from movies wear not just traditional Indian clothing, but more Western clothing. Also, the number of dialogues and songs in English are increasing in many Bollywood movies. Another thing that has been changed is the presence of kissing in the Bollywood films. During the 70's and 80's, kissing was considered cheap. Nowdays, kissing is common in everyday life so audinces has accepted kissing as something normal.
Bollywood movie Kal Ho Naa Ho. The poster illustrates that there are more westernized styles involved in this movie. This movie also takes place in New York City.Sofia K.
The Music in Slumdog Millionaire adds to the story, and as seen here, the singing
and dancing already starts in the beginning credits.
(Watch: 1:45 to 2:00, and the end)
Mock Skit
Brijonai J. A3
Narrator: A mother and her daughter are trying to decide what movie to rent from the video store across the street from their house.
Mother: If you've finished your homework, you can come with me to the video store to choose which movie to rent.
Daughter: *closes Biology book* I'm finished. We should get one of my favorite Bollywood movies.
Mother: And what movie would that be?
Daughter: "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India." It's such a good movie; it has music, singing, dancing...
Mother: *makes gagging noise* No. Aradhana, now that's a movie.
Daughter: That's such an old movie. The plot is very serious, and not fun at all. Of course you would pick that, you're very traditional.
Mother: Tradition is a good thing to have within a family. You can't watch those Bollywood movies with your little sister. The clothes they wear in those movies are too revealing. And besides, a six minute song-and-dance segment just takes away from the plot of the movie.
Daughter: But the singing and dancing makes the movie more enjoyable for everyone. Just think of how many kids saw High School Musical. The songs really add to the plot, like the song about the monsoon that was supposed to come but didn't.
Mother: Ok, so maybe the songs do add to the plot. But Aradhana is a story about family, and the love one mother has for her son.
Daughter. Ok, that's all fine and dandy, but Lagaan is about the strength of a community. That seems like a pretty good idea to teach children.
Mother: I don't think we're going to be able to choose between to two. So why don't we just get both?
Daughter: Fine with me. You can watch your ancient movie...
Mother: and you can watch your modern one.
Daughter: Everything works out. Finally, something we can agree on! *laughing*
Narrator: The pair walk out the door, arm in arm, laughing all the way to the movie rental store.
Works Cited
Gandhi, Jennie "History of Bollywood." History of Bollywood. 27 Sep. 2008. EzineArticles.com. 4 May 2009
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