April 13, 2022
Around the World: India
One may say it’s a bit strange to place a single country into its own category rather than a whole cultural region like the Middle East or East Asia. However, considering India alone makes about four times as many movies as the US does every year and speaks twenty-two official languages, there is definitely some variety there. With such a large library to choose from, here’s a few to get started:
Charulata (1964)Charulata, an intelligent woman alone in her house of servants, begins to have affections for her cousin-in-law, Amal, whom her husband sent to fill the emptiness in her life. A film of passion and heartache, Charulata makes you feel every bit of anguish and betrayal the excellent actors portray on screen. As beautiful as it is tragic, this drama will have you begging for more. Now streaming on HBO Max.
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)In New York City, Naina’s life is filled with struggle and heartache until the charismatic Aman moves into the neighborhood and changes everybody’s lives. With catchy songs and stellar choreography, a spastic energy in the camera and the actors, and tonal shifts so severe you’ll have whiplash, this movie is nuts, and it’s so much fun. If you want to have a good time, you can’t go wrong with a little Bollywood. Now streaming on Netflix.