Slumdog Crorepati

Slumdog millionaire has stoked the passions of the myriad columnists in this city. But they're torn. On one hand a film inspired and filmed in India has shone bright on the global stage and the patriotic juices are flowing. But on the other the film's content (slums, poverty, filth, violence) challenges the pride of the new shiny India. Some complain that Slumdog is only successful because western audiences are suckers for the 'joy amidst misery' genre, and that the film plays to the prevailing stereotypes of India. There is clear frustration that despite reflective glass malls and sleek limousines dotting its cities, the west still only wants to know about the old India. Exposes of dark underbellies are not particularly welcome ('White Tiger' has landed a similar response). Anyway, Indians will be able to decide for themselves on 23 January when 'Slumdog Crorepati' is released locally dubbed in Hindi. I might go along just to see the crowd reaction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aikc11rp_9Q