IT'S not very often that the international film-world is abuzz with praise for a low-budget, non-American film.
So when, the critically-acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire came under spotlight, I was wondering what the hoopla was all about.
After an impatient wait for at least a month, I finally watched the film last Saturday. It was a simple tale of a lad from the slums in my hometown Mumbai, India who becomes a millionaire overnight.
Most know the plot of the film. Most also know that it has won a number of acclaimed awards so far. The Gloden Globe, Bafta, Screen Actors Guild, Writers Guild are already adorning the shelf of director Danny Boyle and his team.
Film buffs are also aware of the movie's chances at the Oscars - considered the mother (or is it the father?) of all awards.
While I do hope the movie bags the top honour in the Best Picture category, I am also praying that the film's music director A R Rahman becomes the third Indian to win the Oscar, after legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray (Lifetime Achievement) and Bhanu Athaiya (Costume Design - Gandhi).
I watched the Saturday night show of Slumdog at Shaw Lido, and was I glad that I had booked the tickets a day in advance. The theatre was packed, with audience pouring in till the last minute to occupy even the front rows of the huge theatre hall.
The movie was not a masterpiece, but it was hugely entertaining. And it had its impactful moments. The audience was hooked to the rags-to-richers journey of protagonist Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) from the first frame. They laughed at the antics of little Jamal teasing a paunchy policeman, cringed in disgust when he jumped into a pit full of other people's (and his own) shit, gasped as he ran for his life, lamented his misfortune when he loses his lady-love (Frieda Pinto as Latika), awaited his fate and finally rejoiced at his triumph.
Ayush Mahesh Khedekar plays the role of the young Jamal.
Source: Internet
Such over-the-top reaction to on-screen events is very common in Indian theatres, but I witnessed it for the first time in Singapore.
When the movie ended, the audience clapped - at a story well told more than anything else. They also stayed glued to their seats, as though hoping to be a part of Jamal's life for a little while longer. They wanted more, and to their surprise they did get it.
True to Bollywood style, the movie ended with a song-and-dance number. As the credits rolled, Jamal and gang gyrated to the catchy beat of 'Jai Ho' on a train station in south Mumbai. Those who had left their seats, promptly plonked themselves back on their bottoms, to be part of Jamal's happily-ever-after moment just for another four minutes.
Later, as I left the movie theatre, I was glowing with pride. The movie had brought my beloved Mumbai city on the world stage, it had captivated an international audience with its simplicity, pace and realism - giving them a glimpse into the life of an ordinary Mumbaikar. Lastly, it had a happy ending, however unlikely it may seem in real life.
Whether Slumdog wins big at Oscars or not - Mr Boyle, Dev Patel, Frieda Pinto and the team have already been rewarded with acceptance, love and warmth from around the world.
That, I think, is an award into itself!