Colonial Hangover

Watch Taare Zameen Par. If you already have, watch it another time; because only when you watch a movie the second time, do you really realise what has gone into it. (The first time we are too busy following the story line, to notice detail) Its tagline says 'Every child is special'. Indeed, every one is special.
Its ridiculous how we judge people. Even more ridiculous when we judge the person by his or her car, or clothes, or even grades! Most ridiculous when we label them as “abnormal”.
While Taare leaves you with a wet hanky and puffy eyes, it somehow urges you to do something. But what do I do? I couldn’t possibly adopt a kid.
All I can think of doing is just telling people about it. You don’t like it when people stare at you, do you? Well, then, what makes you think that special children are any different? They are special, allright, doesn’t mean you treat them like crap.
They have an equal right to live in this world. Even if you cant help them don’t harm them atleast.
TZP screamed this message out loud. And it got recognized in India for its marvellous direction(debut), songs and actors.


And then came along Slumdog Millionaire. Raising controversies about its title and showing India in so called “bad light” only gave it more publicity, and soon the film which could not even sell its rights had turned hero.
It was undoubtedly a good movie. I just couldn’t think why people were making such a big to-do about the whole thing. On one side people criticised it, unwilling to accept that it was the truth. What seemed to be hurting them was the fact that it was taken by a western crew and cast. On the other side, people raved about the movie and its actors, and soon it became a favourite among award functions.
I agree with neither of the opinions. It showed pretty much the true face of Indian slums, although, at the end of the day, the movie was about love over money. Not the slum.
Nor is the movie worthy of all this praise. On a scale of ten, I would probably rate it a seven.
There are several other movies made in much better taste and, telling more meaningful tales. Like TZP.
All this, when Slumdog isnt even an Indian movie. If there is anything to rejoice about, its Rahman's awards. Or Resul Pookutty's. Why are we trying to take a stake in Danny Boyle's Or Dev Patel's awards? This is exactly what happened with Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams. We have to learn to let go. A country is not indebted to its people. The people are indebted to their country.
At the end of this all, I wonder if India has a colonial hangover.