Monday, August 11, 2008

The Spirit of India in Bollywood

If there are 2 movies that quite capture the timeless essence of India, its spiritual core, they are 'Guide' (1965) and 'Benares' (2006). "Guide", which starred Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman was an absolutely amazing movie for its time and it will never lose its relevance. That's because the movie simply and masterfully shows the play of darkness and light that exists in every human being and how this play forges the twists and turns in the lives of the two protagonists. There is no one to blame, there is no black and white and that was the tremendous strength of the story. The ending too is so totally believable of all that is India, the truths uttered at the very end resonate with the ancient truths of our land.

The believable factor is also what makes "Benaras" outstanding. Urmila Matondkar shines in her restrained performance. This movie gives a glimpse of what India is all about, the good and the bad. As a bonus, the movie is a visual treat. When you see it, you will understand what I mean.

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