Movie Time

The probability is high for one to become a movie buff if the sole theater in neighborhood has been renovated recently and shows latest flicks. I have watched more Bollywood movies in the past couple of weeks than I did in the past year (in theaters, that is). Eros cinema, a landmark of Jangpura Extension, resumed its service a few weeks ago. It was under-construction when I came here in late 2008. At times I thought it would remain that way for another year or so because work didn’t seem to progress.

Today I watched a Bollywood flick: Once upon a time in Mumbai. Not bad. Didn’t like songs interrupting storyline though one song was nice to hear (not to watch). Gangster flick but doesn’t show much violence and fights. Only one character, the protagonist, dies at the end (if I remember correctly). That too of a single gunshot to chest! Impossible for a Bollywood movie! Reminded me of Ram Gopal Varma’s Company (which also stars Ajay Devgan). Company starts from where Once upon a time in Mumbai ends. Well, not exactly but in some ways. Btw, the city of Mumbai has been extensively referred to as Bombay throughout the movie as it tells the story of the Bombay in the 70s. The city was renamed Mumbai only in 1996. Rightist forces in Mumbai in recent years have been forcing filmmakers not to refer to the city as Bombay. That is perhaps the reason for the title to have the word Mumbai. Still, I appreciated the filmmaker’s courage to use the word Bombay in the movie.