Bollywood Journal: ‘English Vinglish’ Is a Masterclass

[ALOK31]

“English Vinglish” marks the return of a legend in Indian cinema, Sridevi.

But as much as cinegoers are excited about seeing an actress who has been away from filmdom for more than 14 years, the director of her comeback vehicle, Gauri Shinde, deserves the most applause.

In addition to entertaining, Ms. Shinde’s film creates a space for a female actress who is arguably past her prime. It also nods to serious issues related to the migratory experience, specifically the South Asian diaspora.

“English Vinglish” tells the story of Shashi, a middle-class housewife who is mocked by her family for her inability to speak English properly. She fumbles, mispronounces words and is ridiculed by the people closest to her – her husband and two children. When she finds herself in the bustling landscape of New York — to help plan for her niece’s wedding – she tries to master the English language in order to gain confidence, and the respect of her family.
“English Vinglish” is sheer elegance when it comes to filmmaking. The script is tight, the performances are flawless (Sridevi certainly delivers), the emotions are real and the story is simple. Despite this simplicity, the story is universal, appealing to more than just the Indian viewer.

Let’s get to the obvious and, up to its release, the most talked about feature of the movie – Sridevi’s return. Having a woman at 49 making a comeback to the silver screen is proof that Indian audiences have matured. There has been much hoopla about Indian cinema being a male-dominated industry, but Sridevi and Ms. Shinde go against that theory.

Indian filmmakers today are more willing to focus on the journey and experiences of a female protagonist. Whether a film makes money at the box office or not – a good one stands out. The filmmakers should be applauded as they are the ones taking the unconventional route.

We are now familiar with Bollywood films being shot in exotic international locations. In “English Vinglish,” rather than just having New York as a backdrop, Ms. Shinde makes it part of Shashi’s experiences. New York – its lifestyle, its complexities and its beauty all become part of the story. Through this, Ms. Shinde acknowledges the migratory experience for people all across the world. Sure, Shashi is just visiting America for a few weeks, but her experience mimics that of many new immigrants — to North America in particular — and their daily struggles to fit in, communicate in English and live without fear and insecurity.

Ms. Shinde shows a deep understanding of Shashi’s emotions and how she functions in the larger picture of linguistic challenges, cultural differences and the journey to confidence.

It’s hard to feel disdain or anger toward the characters that make Shashi feel incompetent. Ms. Shinde doesn’t demonize them; instead, she focuses on the nature of human relationships and the realistic interactions between a woman and her husband, and between a mother and her children. She lets the experience of cultural differences and boundaries speak for themselves. Viewers will identify with the familial and cultural challenges in “English Vinglish.”

The film made me question my own actions: Did I ever contribute to the negative experiences of someone new to my city… someone who needed help? And aside from actions affecting a stranger, I know that my sister and I have taunted my mother in many ways when she made errors while speaking English. Of course, it was all done in jest and my mother also laughed and shared in the joke – but the experience is universal and this is where “English Vinglish” excels.

Ms. Shinde’s direction shines right from the first reel. She starts the story in a very simple manner and never complicates her narrative. Instead, she relies on the complexities of human life to bring together characters, situations and locales, without ever making a situation, dialogue or emotion seem forced or unbelievable.

“English Vinglish” is more than just an English lesson – it opens our eyes and our hearts to characters like Sridevi’s Shashi.


Bollywood Journal: ‘English Vinglish’ Is a Masterclass - India Real Time - WSJ

 

[mjnaushad]

 

[--,-'{@]

mind ur business

 

[Lenin]

Bollywood has matured alot its no more just song and dance which many people claim...just look at the movies released on 2012...gangs of wasseypur, kahaani,vicky donor, OMG, Barfi all are masterpiece

 

[KRAIT]

Songs and dance reflect our Indian culture in films. Many festivals, marriages etc., we see both. We should be actually proud of Indian film industry for keeping certain Indian characteristics in many movies.

Important thing is how we are adapting with western style movie making with Indian tadka. This compatibility has always resulted for Indians to grow and especially our movie industry,

 

[ALOK31]

'English Vinglish' star wins best actor award at US fest - Indian Express

 

[Phoenix89]

Great movie

 

[Phoenix89]

BARFI! receives standing ovation at Busan Film Festival

Source: Glamsham.com

UTV's Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileena D'cruz starrer BARFI! is certainly riding high! After making it to the Oscars, now the film received a standing ovation at the ongoing Busan Film Festival. The screening for the recently released BARFI! at the Busan film festival in South Korea received an astounding response from audiences. The film was screened for the sold-out show with over 4000 audiences watching the film.

Ranbir Kapoor said, "We are thrilled by the amazing reception we have received from audiences who came from across the globe to attend the festival. We received a standing ovation at the end of the screening which was both exhilarating and humbling for us. BARFI! is a very special film for all of us involved. To see 4000 people here at this screening is truly inspiring! Now we would like for people in Korea to come back with their loved ones to watch the film in theatres."
While Priyanka Chopra said, "I am excited to share the BARFI! experience with audiences from the world. Showcasing the film at the Busan International Film Festival was a special experience for all of us in the team. I am thrilled with the response received for the film and also for my performance. This was the first film festival to showcase BARFI! and I'm looking forward to many more!"

Amrita Pandey, Executive Director - Syndication, International Distribution and Disney Media Distribution, Studios, Disney UTV, said, "BARFI!'s success proves that audiences all over are embracing Indian cinema. Audiences are encouraging us as an industry to work with new ideas and subjects. The unprecedented response for the film across the globe in both traditional release markets and now - newer markets is a step in the right direction. We were very encouraged with the response tonight and are looking forward to the theatrical release in South Korea."

 

[Dushmann]

whenever someone tells about 'standing ovation' at international festivals I feel like slapping that person. apparently at the end of any movie all people stand up to go out and every filmmaker of third grade Hindi movies make up these 'standing ovation' stories.