One of our New Year’s resolutions was to try to watch more (and review!) non-Anglophone period dramas. After some discussion, we decided to organize a special week about historical movies set in India. One of us was already a convert and the other two were ready to try new things and see how they liked them. We had already reviewed The Rising during our Toby Stephens week and that one was definitely a favourite.
The Indian cinema industry produces so many movies per year that we certainly felt we needed to give more attention to their historicals. We watched some of our favorite titles and tried a few other recommendations with a growing curiosity. We are happy to say we enjoyed ourselves very much and that we will continue to look for new movies to watch. Hopefully, we’ll be able to entice you with this world full of colors, drama and the ever present and mesmerizing music.
Our schedule for these two upcoming weeks:
11.08.09 – Jodhaa Akbar
13.08.09 – Devdas
15.08.09 – Mughal-e-Azam
17.08.09 – Lagaan
19.08.09 – Asoka
21.08.09 – Umrao Jaan
But before we start we have this little poll:
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t watch that many Indian movies though Sharpe’s Challenge, and the books set in India, did raise my interest.
I’ve heard little of Jodhaa Akbar and Umrao Jaan, which I think have Aishwarya Rai on their casting list. I liked her in Bride and Prejudice, as well as in The Mistress of Spices, but couldn’t find those movies. :(
Have seen and own on DVD all except for #3 and #4…favorite is Jodhaa Akbar because Rai & Hrithik Roshan have great chemistry together also would put on the list Parineeta starring Saif Ali Khan set in 1960s India.
I’m a huge fan of Jodhaa Akbar…it began my Bollywood obsession (all right…more like my Hrithik Roshan obsession that THEN led to my Bollywood obsession.) It’s just a beautiful film. Aishwarya and Hrithik have amazing chemistry. And for those who like the pairing I highly recommend Dhoom 2. It’s not a costume drama and is more of a typical Bollywood movie but it’s great fun.
I also recommend Parineeta with Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Baylan!
I enjoyed Lagaan and I’ve been meaning to watch Jodhaa Akbar for a while now. Thanks to your mention of it, I’ll be inspired to check it out soon!
I came across this site as I was poking around. I saw people mention Umrao Jaan, and I hope you will gravitate toward the original 1981 version, written and directed by Muzaffar Ali, over the 2006 one with Aishwarya Rai. The original is stunning.
Depending on how far back in time you want to go, I can recommend, Before the Rains.