A star-studded evening
30 April 2013 12:04 AM GMT
A thunderous applause for every single statment. And no, this was not the choreographed audience of a TV talk show. It was for one of the most awaited evenings at the centenary film festival going on in the capital. The screening of Bombay talkies after a panel discussion by the young and vibrant directors was on schedule for the sunday evening. The last minute cancellation of the screening didn't seem to mellow down the enthusiasm in the the audience. Here's how it played out!
The cheering, the smiles emanating out of the star struck audience at Auditorium I, Siri Fort on Sunday, even made the director Dibakar Bannerjee go shy. Dibakar in his opening statement, accepted the appreciation by saying, ‘You dont have to clap at everything we say,’ giving way to another round of applause! To discuss the broad based theme 'Celebrating 100 years of Indian Cinema- The road ahead', the three directors of Bombay Talkies- Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar, Dibakar Banerjee, and the veteran actor Dhritiman Chatterjee came down to Delhi. The discussion was streered forward by Kaveree Bumsoi.
Talking about the convergence of parallel cinema with the mainstream, Dhritiman Chaterjee opined on the different film industries in the country. His point of contention was that the different industries act like isolated islands in this country. So, nobody from the Bengali film industry knows the marvels of south Indian industry and vice versa.
Quite an irony in a world where we call ourselves globalised, isn't it? Apart from promoting the four short films in Bombay Talkies, the directors rued the stress and the threat they feel from the political censorship of their films. Zoya voiced her opinion, saying, ‘Once we get the censor certification, we need to be protected. How can somebody attack a cinema hall and how can we be told that the movie is being put down because of the law and order problem.’ Dibakar and Karan echoed the same sentiments sharing their personal stories.
When the house was opened for interaction, a powerful voice from the crowd took up the mic to share her concerns about censorship. It was that of Shonali Bose, the director of Amu, a film that elaborates on the theme of 1984 riots in Delhi. While Shonali shared her story, Amu was being screened in a parallel hall at the festival. Her concern about the sense of shroud on an important historical riot in the country found resonance both in the audience and directors.
Amidst the fanfare, the evening drew to a close in a short while, leaving audience wanting for more. Bombay talkies is about to release on 3 May. This compilation of four short stories, set as a tribute for 100 years of cinema, will also be screened at Cannes International film festival.
The cheering, the smiles emanating out of the star struck audience at Auditorium I, Siri Fort on Sunday, even made the director Dibakar Bannerjee go shy. Dibakar in his opening statement, accepted the appreciation by saying, ‘You dont have to clap at everything we say,’ giving way to another round of applause! To discuss the broad based theme 'Celebrating 100 years of Indian Cinema- The road ahead', the three directors of Bombay Talkies- Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar, Dibakar Banerjee, and the veteran actor Dhritiman Chatterjee came down to Delhi. The discussion was streered forward by Kaveree Bumsoi.
Talking about the convergence of parallel cinema with the mainstream, Dhritiman Chaterjee opined on the different film industries in the country. His point of contention was that the different industries act like isolated islands in this country. So, nobody from the Bengali film industry knows the marvels of south Indian industry and vice versa.
Quite an irony in a world where we call ourselves globalised, isn't it? Apart from promoting the four short films in Bombay Talkies, the directors rued the stress and the threat they feel from the political censorship of their films. Zoya voiced her opinion, saying, ‘Once we get the censor certification, we need to be protected. How can somebody attack a cinema hall and how can we be told that the movie is being put down because of the law and order problem.’ Dibakar and Karan echoed the same sentiments sharing their personal stories.
When the house was opened for interaction, a powerful voice from the crowd took up the mic to share her concerns about censorship. It was that of Shonali Bose, the director of Amu, a film that elaborates on the theme of 1984 riots in Delhi. While Shonali shared her story, Amu was being screened in a parallel hall at the festival. Her concern about the sense of shroud on an important historical riot in the country found resonance both in the audience and directors.
Amidst the fanfare, the evening drew to a close in a short while, leaving audience wanting for more. Bombay talkies is about to release on 3 May. This compilation of four short stories, set as a tribute for 100 years of cinema, will also be screened at Cannes International film festival.
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