Skip navigation

Homegrown backlash dogs Oscar front-runner

STEPHANIE NOLEN

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 5:35 AM EDT 03/02/09

Slumdog Millionaire gets mixed reaction in India, where some say it's exploitive ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. Brian Dell from Hong Kong writes: I saw the film in Goa last week. Fortunately, I wasn't there when they trashed a Goa theatre!

    After 3 weeks in India I think it does overplay the risk of crime to foreign tourists. You probably won't get your shoes stolen. But will most certainly will encounter kids trying to play tour guide for money. And keep in mind that if one's only knowledge of America was Hollywood one would think that society is overrun with serial killers and gun battles. The rough edges of any society get played up in the movies because people want to see that sort of thing (from a safe distance: on screen).

    The scene where tradename water bottles are being refilled with tap water for resale occured before me in real life the day after I saw the movie so I could only laugh when I saw that.
  2. Neela Kapoor from montreal, Canada writes: Before the usual suspects show up, I'll just say I think this article was evenhanded and wellwritten. Younger Indians are not as defensive, I think, because they're more confident about their country and its potential. Sure, India has great things in it, that's why people are fascinated with it. But it has major demons that the middle-class has got to tackle, the sooner the better.
  3. Stan Consultant from Canada writes: A movie being exploitive. I'm amazed that anyone could imagine such a thing, after the excrement out of Hollywood since movies were invented. I've never heard of any movie that wasn't exploitive.
  4. Israel Goldstein from Detroit, United States writes: The movie is a great comedy. It picks extreme negative examples of life in India and then pieces it altogether. Slums perhaps make up less then 2% of India's population, but most movies on India focus on the negative aspects. If the West produced 5 positive movies for every 1 negative movie on India, they would be credible. Instead this is another propaganda movie to make the West feel good about themselves when they are losing jobs and houses.
  5. bilbo baggins from Canada writes: what is about these 'developing' countries and their inability to accept critque maturely.
  6. Mitch Ansen from Canada writes: See the real India...

    http://escapefromindia.wordpress.com
  7. Dennis sinneD from Calgary, Canada writes:

    A $Million$ will reduce the pain...
  8. I 4 India from Toronto, Canada writes: For anything bad about India you will find two nationality people behind it :one is pakistan and second is british.

    One western country that turly respects Indian culture and awards art work from India it is France.
    India had French as colonist like British, but never have French created problem for India post independance like British did.
    Indias image as snake charmers and beggers country in late 60`s is courtesy of UK, anything bad about India you will read first on BBC and Reauters.

    France on the other hand has always helped India, even after nuclear test, France refused to sanction India and today France is reaping the benifits of Nuclear commerce. UK`s trade minister came to India last week but had to do damage control created by Foreign Sec David Miliband.

    It is time British learn from French how to respect other countries and stop making stupid bond movies, bond is looking joke day by day after seeing british military retreating from Iraq and Afganistan.
  9. shane hashmi from Langley, BC, Canada writes: I 4 India from Toronto, Canada wrote: For anything bad about India you will find two nationality people behind it :one is pakistan and second is british.
    __________________________________
    I 4 India from Toronto, Canada , Likewise, for anything bad about Pakistan, you'll find two nationalities behind it, one is India, and the other .. maybe multiple nationaliities but Indians for sure. Obviously because Pakistan and India are arch rivals. They've fought 3 wars. What do you expect?
  10. Brad Ruiz from Canada writes: Forget exploitive -- the movie is overrated! Talk about an over-hyped piece of mediocrity. Does anyone else think the buzz behind this movie is far out of proportion to its quality?
  11. shane hashmi from Langley, BC, Canada writes: Israel Goldstein from Detroit, United States writes: .... Slums perhaps make up less then 2% of India's population, ......
    ______________________________________

    FYI If you google on finding out stats on India's population that lives below poverty line, on most Indian sites, it states to be around 25%, whearas on others, some estimate it in the 70s. Take your pick. Maybe Brian Dell from Hong Kong (the first poster) can comment on his estimate as he's been there and he's (apparently) non Indian.
  12. Steve Hunt from Canada writes: I too find this movie highly overrated....It was good but nothing really new acting-wise....Just saw 'The Wrestler'....great piece of acting by so called 'has been' Rourke....good example on so many levels of inner struggle we can all relate to at some level, more so than Slumdog....At least for Canadians that is.
  13. Grey Geese from Canada writes: Steve Hunt, you miss the point of the acting by the so called 'has been' Rourke, its billed as his comeback! Therefore he 'has been' but 'will be', again! and yes Mickey Rourke relates more to our Canadian struggles....that if you think Canadians are all white, sixty year old, has-beens who wrestle.
  14. CBC in Van, SH, HK from Great story, Canada writes: I thought this was a great movie and I hope it wins Best Pic.

    Since when do movies have to fairly represent the nation that they are based in???? Give me a break.
  15. H Chauhan from Toronto, Canada writes: The upper middle class and the rich in India are the ones who think it is exploitive while they are the ones who exploit the poor over there.
    They don't like this movie because the truth that is depicted in it, embarrasses them.
    Shane Hashmi: Why make every thing into India and Pakistan rivalry? If one really wants to compare the overall poverty level, Pakistan will win hands down. The well-off in that country don't treat the poor any better either.
  16. Joyce Smith from Canada writes: Meh, every year the Oscar committee annoints some obscure movie to flog because it wants to seem hip by promoting an independent movie. Thanks to Hollywood spin, it's become the awards darling. Pathetic.
  17. Melchior Gaspar Balthazar from Canada writes: Homegrown backlash dogs Oscar front-runner

    groan
  18. Oswaldo I from Canada writes: I thought the film was great, except for the end credit sequence. Why don't they protest that?
  19. al isinwonderland from Canada writes: Please remember 'Thats entertainnnnnment' I thought it was a good movie. Nothing spectacular but certainly better overall that most of the Hollywood pap that has been produced this year. I suppose that as a Canadian I would have to wonder how I would feel about a globaly popular movie that depicted life on reserves, in order to understand why some in India find the movie offensive. As for the oscars, who cares, The awards are more about industry politics that acting.
  20. Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    But if they made a movie that 'depicted life on reserves'. who would care. And who would pay good money to see it?
  21. Neela Kapoor from montreal, Canada writes: Hashmi - why do you feel the need to consult only non-Indians when it comes to the poverty level in India? The overwhelming majority of Indian NGOs are run by Indians. And many Indians I know can't do a lot but take in a few poor kids to teach or volunteer at orphanages etc. Having been to India frequently, I will say this: every time I go there seems to be an increase in the general standard of living. That is, more and more people seem to be able to afford restaurants, cellphones, tvs, cars, outings etc. There also seem to be more and more government services available - free medical treatment and drugs, more educational programs. At the same time, there does appear to be at least a quarter of the people in urban areas who remain in crushing poverty and are not remotely upwardly mobile. These people have no access to even the basics - clean water, sanitation, education.
  22. TO RO from Toronto, Canada writes: Al isinwonderland, the difference is that the vast majority of Canadians do not live on a reserve whereas India, altough its overall standard of living is indeed increasing, has about half its population living under the international poverty line. So, H Chauhan is correct that it's a certain segment of the population disliking the fact that it depicts a truth that they try to ignore.
  23. Canada - the classic example of multi-personality dysfunction from Canada writes: Why I can't believe what I've read. Can you imagine a film that exploits a people or country? What is this world coming to when you can't find any truth and integrity from what is essentially a piece of fiction. Don't films always carry that waiver about any person or place being shown is nothing more than a coincidence.
  24. Jesu Pifco from Canada writes: The negative reaction to this film reinforces the reality that, in India, fact is stronger than fiction. Valentine's Day is coming soon, so expect Shiv Sena to celebrate their annual greeting card shop trashing festival.
    Though I've skipped past 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' while channel surfing, I'm looking forward to seeing this movie when I get the chance.
  25. Neela Kapoor from montreal, Canada writes: Lots of Europeans would want to see a film on how badly Canada treats its natives. They already know about it, or think they know about it. During the Kahnesatake standoff, there were European nuns who showed up and supported the natives. Only Canucks - white Canucks, I should say - wouldn't want to see or hear about it.
  26. Stude Ham from Canada writes:
    it's funny that noone bothered to pick up on the hindu-muslim tensions that shadow the dark side of this rather interesting and entertaining movie.
  27. Rain Couver from Canada writes: I am not a fan of Bollywood movies or Slumdog Millionaire, but living where I do, you can't but have seen a few.

    I think that Slumdog Millionaire is nowhere near as exploitative as homegrown over-formulaic Indian films. Just the gender roles of these films are regressive enough to make the 1950s look liberal.
  28. R Rrr from Canada writes: When you have to look at yourself in the mirror it hurts. By all accounts India is still third world country. There are millions living without basic necessities. If Indians cannot see the reality of their country then they are totally disillusioned. Most of the movies are crazy musicals-dancing irrelevant to the story line. Its like watching two movies one for dancing and musical, and other for story line if there is any. Slumdog Millionaire hits too close to home for most Indians - staggering poverty.
  29. Zoe Morrow from Canada writes: Well, the film doesn't appeal to me and I have no plans to go and see it.
  30. N J from Canada writes: Nothing brings out the hatred and vitriole like a success story.

    Anyone complaining about the title must have tuned out the critical part of their brain. The term 'slumdog' is offensive- it was used in the title as reference to the slur, with the contrasting 'millionaire' as a term used to mark success. The theme of the movie is overcoming labels, not giving up on yourself no matter what people tell you your limits are.

    And if you didn't enjoy the film, so what? You're entitled to your personal opinion of it, art is subjective afterall. But why on earth would you get so worked up over something so minor? Why are those who didn't enjoy it so bent on slamming it to everyone- must you convince everyone to agree with you in order to validate your experience? Get over it.
  31. Canada Rocks!! from Canada writes: I loved the movie. It was different!

    I am sick of immigrants talking about how great there homeland is. If India was so great, I don't understand why we have so many Indian immigrants, no offense. I've only heard how great India is, and now I see a bad. Is the movie untruthful, did the writer make up this stuff? No, its just one point. I guess Indian only want us to see them like 'Bride and Prejudice'

    Now its time to make a movie about exploiting Canada, US or UK, Maybe about that millionaire lady the made millions by pretending to be homeless on Toronto streets.
  32. Notapseudointellectual . from Canada writes: What a silly discussion. Anyone who'll ignore the slums of India (and poverty in Pakistan) is living in the la-la land. And yes, immigrants should go back to their homeland if it was truly so fantastic . I am immigrant from Pakistan myself and it irks me when other immigrants choose to only talk about the negative experiences they've had in Canada - that's fine but then they continue on to say how wonderful their life was in India/Pakistan/Middle East and how nothing was wrong there and then bash movies like Slumdog Millionaire.
  33. Brian Dell from Hong Kong writes: The credits scene is something of an inside joke in that having the whole cast, in particular a leading man and woman, dance en masse is a staple of Indian TV and film.

    If I have one piece of advice to anyone considering a visit to India as a tourist, it is prepare to be harrassed. The notion of respecting one's right to privacy seems to hardly exist. A sense of boundaries exists only to the extent that the boundary is wherever you stop me, and not before. This sort of culture is ripe for sexual harrassment in particular and, sure enough, every single western woman I met in the country who had been there for long said it was ugly.
  34. Neela Kapoor from montreal, Canada writes: Since so very many whites have taken the opportunity to tell we South Asians to 'go back to our homeland' (even if we were born here), I'll take this opportunity to tell whites like Brian Dell: stay the hell out of India. Guess what? No one wants someone with your attitude around.
  35. greg s from Grey geese Lighten up, Canada writes: There are an awful lot of us has been 60 year old ex professional athletes who have only wished we could be a contender once again!!
  36. Edward Eh from Bathurst, Canada writes: Neela Kapoor, how very democratic.
  37. Steve Hunt from Canada writes: Grey Geese...I think you read it wrong....I like Mickey Rourke very much....Not sure what the _ell you are talking about.
  38. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Great movie. But yes, India does have some major problems. Go there and visit, take ten steps away from the glamour and the glitz, and you'll see what I mean.

    I recall I was at a temple, and outside, where beggers congregate, I saw a man who couldn't speak, with no arms, no legs, and the physicality of a skeleton. With no support whatsoever, he had to crawl around and yelp noises asking for money from passer bys. There is no safety net, there is no one looking after or trying to help this man, or millions like him. People walked by him like he was a piece of furniture. His eyes locked upon mine, probably becuase I was visibly not from there, and perhaps one of the few people who weren't so jaded enough that I'd still notice him. Open your eyes and you will see examples of human misery and hardship that will make you absolutely sick to your stomach. Whether people want to face that reality or not is up to them, but it's there.
  39. Israel Goldstein from Detroit, United States writes: India may be poor, but that does not mean the people live in slums. Majority of the population live in villages not slums. Although the per capita income may be low in US dollars, the villagers get by. The slums occur mainly in the large cities.
  40. Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Neela Kapoor from montreal, Canada writes: 'Lots of Europeans would want to see a film on how badly Canada treats its natives. They already know about it, or think they know about it. During the Kahnesatake standoff, there were European nuns who showed up and supported the natives. Only Canucks - white Canucks, I should say - wouldn't want to see or hear about it.'
    Wow. Nuns? Were there enough to fill a theater? I guess that's your 'lots of Europeans'? You must have inside information regarding the movie tastes of Europeans.
    Like I said before, if they made a movie that 'depicted life on reserves'. who would care. And who would pay good money to see it? No white Canucks, but bus loads of Europeans?
    Call in Michael Moore. He could make a movie called 'Bowling for a Carbine (AKa-47)'? ; }
  41. Michael Rudin from United States writes: Not only in this thread but in BBC, India Times and elsewhere you will see that many Indians take offence about any criticism of India, even when most is true.
    The reality is that great slums, great poverty, great illiteracy and class distinctions still exist in India.
    It is amazes me that a good story about people in dire circumstances trying to better themselves is considered exploitation. I thought this is the story we call Canada and the US.
  42. Neela Kapoor from montreal, Canada writes: Frank Lee - yeah they'd pay over in Europe to see that. I lived there for a few years. They like to think when they watch a film, unlike most North Americans. Mind you, if Michael Moore takes it on, there might be some hope here too.
  43. Neela Kapoor from montreal, Canada writes: Edward Eh - those whites who tell nonwhites to 'go back home' are rather undemocratic, aren't they?
  44. Frank Lee My Dears I Don't Give A Damn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Well, Neela, some of the best attended movies in Europe are American ones. In addition to thinking, Swedish movie goers love to talk loudly, because they can read the subtitles and don't have to concentrate on the dialogue.

    And, they love to rustle the paper bags that are overflowing with sweets. Mmmm, thinking (or donuts). As Homer would say.
  45. S H from Calgary, Canada writes: Everyone's a critic. Get over yourselves people and enjoy it for what it is - a very entertaining movie.
  46. Vanamali Thotapalli from Chicago, United States writes: As a Hindu I guess seeing another westerner showing his bigotry against Hinduism should not surprise me anymore. Are these bigots not capable of showing Hinduism without showing it as something evil? There are countless Hindi movies depicting christianity in a very positive light and yet every movie made by a christian that touches upon hinduism has to be abusive. God Rama did not implore people to kill. Islam is being blamed for terrorism and I guess I shouldn't be surprised they are blaming Hinduism. But somehow christianity always escapes any blame for the violence that their members perpetuate. In Rwanda, christian pastors led some of the killings. Anybody make a movie where christ would be shown leading the killing? A victim remembers christ doing the killing? Or how about the pedophile preists? Let's have a movie where a victim remembers how christ abused him as a child? When will that happen? When pigs fly? I am a Hindu I don't see how christ is connected to the above horrible events. Why is it that christians cannot see that? The author the article states that "fundamentalist parties were protesting the depiction of Rama" - calling them fundamentalists mocks their concern. I am just an ordinary Hindu, are my concerns then become valid? I wish more Hindus would stand up for their faith. We don't have to torch movie theatres or indulge in violence, but we don't have to wag our tails either. When you see bigotry, please, let's call it out.

Comments are closed

Thanks for your interest in commenting on this article, however we are no longer accepting submissions. If you would like, you may send a letter to the editor.

Report an abusive comment to our editorial staff

close

Alert us about this comment

Please let us know if this reader’s comment breaks the editor's rules and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.

Do not use this to complain about comments that don’t break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.

Back to top