Indian Localisation of City of Gods....... yes "its written"

Rating: Null/10 (24 November 2009)

I had written this review just after the movie was released, however didn't get around to edit for the final version. It does risk of carrying very little opinion especially now that Slumdog Millionaire has garnered the statuettes and far more than its fair share of the lime- light. Nonetheless, let me get if off my chest.
What makes Slumdog work? Well, it is the soul which fluidly permeates from one scene to another and yes, the narrative format is innovative. The movie does not strictly resemble the book per se'. Danny has tweaked in the sensibilities to suit the international audience ensuring the original flavor is retained.
The movie is short and crisp ensuring the audience does not feel a dull moment. Performances are spot-on. Casting department deserves a special mention for the choice of actor because every character create a lasting impression. Background score is engulfing. I better not venture the part of depicting the slums of India as there has been lot of typing skills put to test already.
Coming to the part which has been bone-of-contention where a significant size of the Indian population cried foul over show casing India in bad light. It is not! It also depends from which side of fence are you looking at. Especially if you making judgement with a constant thought lurking at the back of your mind that the Non-Indian sitting next you is making an opinion about the Motherland your hail from on the basis of 2-hour movie. Put that thought to rest and think you are watching Hollywood version of "Traffic Signal" and you might be better off. In truest sense, this movie is "City of Gods" meets "Kaun Banega Crorepati"
To all the Non-Indian audience, allow me to clear some air, "Slumdog Millionaire" depicts an iota of the total strata – at the risk of being repetitive "only an iota".
Here's me hoping sincerely that the success of Slumdog Millionaire provides the window of opportunity to Indian cinema to be catapulted into the big league.