I haven’t given up on Bollywood. And I wont. Good Hindi cinema exists and will continue to do so, box office, Censor Board and Imran Hashmi be damned.
Therefore, I do not begrudge the fact that movies like Dabanng exist. Knowing that this filmi fiasco is the second highest grossing Bollywood film of all time only makes me mildly ill.
What makes my warts really pop, however, is the way Indian movie critics have aggrandized this movie.
“Salman’s corrupt cop act as Chulbul Pandey, playing Robin Hood in a semi-rustic environment is so engaging, you are willing to forgive and forget everything else,” writes Nikhat Kazmi in TOI, giving the movie an enviable 4 out of 5 stars.
(To read her review in its entirety, click here: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Dabangg/moviereview/6524257.cms)
Why are our critics willing to “forgive and forget everything” ? I certainly wont. I do not forgive the lack of plot, I do not forgive the Zandu balm (I cringe when I picture that bum-hand action) song and I certainly wont call it all a Bollywood spoof or a kitsch just to smooth over the complete idiocy of the movie.
I don’t have to like Dimple tritely gasping for her last breath and then shuddering melodramatically to death, I don’t have to appreciate the crass comedy (or lack thereof) of Sonakshi Sinha’s drunk father, I don’t have to applaud when Salman’s shirt rips at the biceps (no doubt, reacting to his supremo machismo), but I do take offense at the movie getting a rating of 4.
What hope do good movies really have when our critics, supposedly the gatekeepers of intellectual prowess, stupidly sing praises of a movie that banks on the fact that its loudness, crassness and star power will justify productions costs?
When we have movies like The Pink Mirror, The Last Lear, The Blue Umberella, Das Vidaniya, and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi that add value to Indian cinema, critical acclaim being awarded to a movie like Dabanng is an insult.
Does it deserve a rating of 4?
In fact, I was so perturbed by this movie and its reviews in good newspapers, that it was this that lead me to restart my blog! I waved my fists at the heavens and decided that I wasn’t going to let them get away with it.
I feel passionately about movies, and find myself defending Hindi movies to those who consider watching them an affront to their intelligence. My intelligence however, is affronted not when I watch Salman’s hips twitch, but when movie reviewers accede to the demand that such movies have merit simply because they are or can become popular.
Although hordes of people will (and do) disagree with me, I do not consider Dabanng entertaining. Those who don’t, here’s what I think: Dabanng is a crude production. It lacks in all aspects, be it cinematographic value, dialogue, story, mis-en-scene or music. If it is to be rated, it deserves but 1 star, and that too in deference to the poor soul who sat through it and watched the film for the review.
Now that I have gotten that off my soap box, my fervent prayer is this: Let us not judge movies by comparing them to their peers. Let our critics not review relatively. Let us give some credence to the merit of a movie based on factors other than mass popularity.
I shall endeavor to do so. Will you?
I would like to read your reviews on the recently released “Dhobi Ghat” movie. I have a feeling you will enjoy it but am not sure how many stars it deserves…are you?
I can imagine your expression when Salman’s shirt ripped off. I have seen the movie but would love to see your expressions while watching this movie. HAHAHA . But good article and I hope it reaches out
Thanks Unn!
i loved this review so much i decided to join a jooloos against nikhat aunty. i have also realised that i must not avoid watching indi movies. you have opened my eyes. i shall now watch indi movies copiously. only problem is, how do i know which indi movies to watch if the critics are such underhanded peoples? also, my earlier criterion about indi movies was if the people in it spoke indi or if it was about indian people i wouldnt watch it. this is a circular problem/situation i shall try to work around. thank you.
Well, Mr. Skallagrimsson: How about I tell you which Hindi movie to watch? As for your ahem, “circular problem,” the only way you can help that is getting rid of your prejudice. Want to give it a try? ~smiles~
I dont watch Salman Khan on screen on principle – because he beats up women in real life.
I’m not surprised that this Dabanng movie is such a big hit – just bugged that both critics and the masses seem to get carried away by so called “star power”.
There are so many good, entertaining Hindi movies – even mainstream movies – and they dont do half as well!
Thats true Supriya, and its a vicious cycle. Sensible, honest and well-made mainstream movies don’t do well. Therefore they aren’t made. Therefore nonsensical, loud productions are the only ones around. Therefore audience doesn’t learn. Therefore critics do their version of moral relativism. Therefore loud productions are given high ratings and become popular. Therefore sensible, well-made movies don’t get made.
And frankly, watching Salman’s hip thrusts isn’t my idea of star power!