New Delhi: May 3 is an important day for Indian cinema. It is the day when the country got a new religion to follow, it is the day when Indians got introduced to the magic of films. Hundred years back, Dadasaheb Phalke had released his first feature film 'Raja Harishchandra' on this fateful day and paved the way for an industry which now is one the biggest film industries in the world.
Incidentally, 100 years later, May 3 falls on Friday. To commemorate the event, four of Bollywood's most influential directors- Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag Kashyap have come together to make 'Bombay Talkies'. Four short stories in one film, celebrating Bombay and its role in cinema- here are the 10 reasons to look forward to the grand 'Bombay Talkies'.
Four directors: Each of the directors involved in 'Bombay Talkies' are known for their unique style of film making. From commercial Karan Johar to a realistic art house Anurag Kashyap, the film will have the best elements of these directors in one film. It would be interesting to see their unique style of filmmaking in this anthology film.
Satyajit Ray: When one is celebrating 100 years of cinema in India, one has to include master filmmaker Satyajit Ray in the celebrations. Dibakar Banerjee's story is based on Ray's short story 'Patol Babu, Film Star'. While the story was written in the 1950s, Banerjee adapts it and gives it a contemporary twist. The story is of a middle-aged man who gets his moment of fame playing a bit role in a movie.
100 years of cinema: 'Bombay Talkies' talks about the varied emotions that we go through while watching films. It gives a tribute to the entire experience of film viewing.
Katrina Kaif: Zoya Akhtar presents Katrina Kaif in a cameo in her short film. Kaif plays herself in the film and comes at a point of time to meet the main protagonist, a 12 year old boy, who after watching Kaif in 'Sheila Ki Jawaani' wants to dance like her.
Ranbir Kapoor: The film has a Kapoor as well! According to reports in the media, Ranbir Kapoor plays the narrator in the film who links the four stories into one. Ranbir also plays the quintessential filmy hero in Dibakar Banerjee's film. "He (Ranbir) is totally associated. He is a shadow of god associated with the film. He is there in every frame. He is there as the ultimate hero against this average common man. Without Ranbir this could not have happened," says Banerjee.
Rani Mukerjee and Karan Johar: Rani Mukerjee looks simply stunning in all the frames of 'Bombay Talkies'. Rani also teams up with friend Karan Johar after a long time. The last time they worked together was in 2006 in 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna'. While the film got mixed response from viewers, Rani's performance was lauded. In 'Bombay Talkies', Rani plays a happily married woman whose life changes when she meets a young intern at her workplace. The pairing of Randeep Hooda and Rani Mukerji is also a fresh one.
Amitabh Bachchan: Anurag Kahsyap's 'Murabba' story narrates the tale of a man who comes to Mumbai to meet the mega star Amitabh Bachchan all the way from Allahabad. The superstar plays a key role in the story and even makes an cameo in the film! And why not? When one is celebrating 100 glorious years of cinema, the Shehanshah has to be part of it.
Sync with reality: Even though the film celebrates cinema, it narrates stories of the common man and how cinema influences there life. Dream, desire, thought, joy, pain, want, love, sorrow all expressed through lives of ordinary people.
Naman Jain: The little star plays the main lead in Zoya Akhtar's story and is supposed to be the highlight of 'Bombay Talkies'. The talented little actor has already appeared in numerous ads and even won a National award along with his co-actors for 'Chillar Party'. In Zoya Akhtar's story, Naman dances like Katrina Kaif and dreams of becoming super dancer just like the actress.
Anurag Kashyap: The whole film started with an idea that producer Ashi Dua put forward to Anurag Kashyap two years back. Kashyap brought forth the idea of roping in other directors to make the anthology film. Anurag is known for experimenting with different genres. In the recent past, his production house has churned out some very interesting films and in 'Bombay Talkies' Anurag pays his personal tribute superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Perhaps a bit autobiographical, Anurag's story is bound to strike a chord among those who have grown up on a staple diet of Bachchan's films.
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