I confess, I am not only an addict, but I have become a "pusher"

[Vinita]

I love this thread.  It reminds me of the prayer and praises insert we get every week in our congregational bulletin. 

My praise success story for this summer, I guess.

Started out with showing Magadheera to my teen writer's group in July.  Followed by Yamadonga. And just last week showed my favourite, Athadu. 

One of the moms of the teens has really taken to Indian movies, she watches them on Netflix Instant Streaming.  Watched on her own movies include Singh is King, which she loved; A Wednesday which she had questions about but I couldn't answer, as I haven't watched it, and My Name is Khan, she thought SRK is the best actor so far. 

She was hoping to come with me to see Dookudu on the big screen but as it kept getting postponed, she bowed out. 

On the evening I showed her Athadu, I left Endhiran with her.  She and her husband both watched it that night and she told me her husband really enjoyed the movie, especially the transformations of the evil multiple robots. 

She really enjoys historical movies, I am thinking Jodha Akbar or Paheli next.  She is interested in bringing her kids to watch Ra.One when it comes out next month. I do hope they show it here in Oklahoma like they did Bodyguard.

[CrossingRebecca]

If she likes historical movies, I think The Legend of Bhagat Singh is spectacular.  It was one of my very first Bollywood movies, and still one that I think is worth encouraging people to watch and think about even if Bollywood isn't ever going to  be one of their interests.

What questions did she have about A Wednesday, which I have watched (and enjoyed)?

[kmemphis]

My friend and I went to India Nite Sunday night, and there were a lot of Telugu and Tamil songs, and she's only seen Hindi movies, so we're going to watch Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana Saturday.

She also needs to watch more Hindi films, but you know. Sid. Trisha.

[jjake61]

My Bollywood club started a couple of weeks ago. 2 years ago I had a really nice mix of kids eual numbers of boys and girls mixed ethnicities, then last year I was back to just girls= all Somali so no nebies to Bollywood.  This year for what ever reason, better recruiting I am back to a 50-50 mix of boys and girls and a nice ethnic mix. (several Hispanic kids new to Indian film. I stated with Brindavanam. All the kids that were familiar with Bollywood had never seen a South Indian film.  They loved it! I am showing 3 Idiots this week then probably anoither Telugu film.

[chrism]

I've been away and have a lot of catching up to do here! Some of you mentioned senior citizens - can you recommend more titles that older people you know have liked?

I've shown a few Bollywood movies (and Bwood-related) to my friends and neighbors in my over-55 community. The people already interested in Bollywood are of course easy; they really liked Chak De, Swades, Honeymoon Travels, Outsourced, and - do you know this one? - Swami. I was a little nervous about that one because they're a very sophisticated film audience but they LOVED its simplicity, sentimentality, and setting. They were totally charmed and bemused by the family relationships and asked questions about that. They liked that it was" nice."  They kind of surprised me because These people really aren't your stereotypical "little old ladies" - they like political, hard-hitting documentaries, but they also like inspirational ones and really, who doesn't like a movie that makes them feel better?! Is there anything else out there like Swami?

My slightly younger friends have loved Duplicate and RNBDJ. I mentioned here a long time ago about my retired filmmaker friends who really liked LBC. But the problem is - longer movies are a problem for the more general, and older, audience and I'm really afraid to try them out on movies over 2 hours (they'll do 2 1/2 though if it's really good) long. The people who are more familiar with Bollywood aren't as afraid of the longer ones but the non-fans are a lot hard to pick them for.

So - can you recommend any relatively short films that would appeal to seniors? Mostly women, so not too much action either. I don't think the youth movies like JTNJN or Wake Up Sid would interest this general (not already hooked) and older audience either. Any suggestions?

[chinchinchu]

Chrism-- I haven't checked the run time but it strikes me they might like Dor (or Iqbal, from the same director). Also Dhobi Ghat would be a good one for a person who has not seen a lot of Indian films -- very lyrical and I don't think it's very long. You might also want to look at Socha Na Tha -- a very sweet and appealing film (featuring stars who will be familiar faces after having already seen Honeymoon Travels as well as Dor.). Believe it was Imtiaz Ali's first film -- again need to check the run time.

Enjoy!

[odadune]

Koshish, which is a fairly sweet and respectful portrayal of a deaf-mute couple, might work for them.  IMDB says it runs about 2 hrs. 5 min.  The speech/hearing capable characters come off as a bit patronizing sometimes, but not in a deal-breaker kind of way.  The epilogue might push a few hot buttons because it involves

Spoiler (hover to show)

the male lead, now a widower, kind of guilt-tripping his speech/hearing capable son into marrying a mute girl, the daughter of the employer who's been so helpful to the widower over the years.

[CrossingRebecca]

I liked Swami too.  There's a kind of a remake of it in modern terms, but it's a much less well done movie, IMHO.

Some others that might appeal to older folks, with run times on the shorter side:

Eklavya 105 minutes

Zakhm (1998) 124 minutes

Dharm 103 minutes

Firaaq 101 minutes

Monsoon Wedding 115 minutes

Mr. and Mrs. Iyer 122 minutes

Guzaarish 126 minutes

The Pool (2007) can't find the run time, but it's on the shorter side, I think.  I keep pushing this one because I almost missed it, since the descriptions sound grim and the cover picture is abysmal.  But a lovely film about many of the complexities of life, with stellar performances by Nana Patekar and the younger stars.  I wouldn't exactly call it a "feel good" movie but you are mildly hopeful by the end; at least you are not destroyed emotionally.

and one that's still impossible to get, but that should eventually come out:  Today's Special.  Not an Indian movie, but about NRI's, about Indian issues, and with a great performance by Naseeruddin Shah.  The DVD did not release on schedule.  Still, well worth watching, a delightful and thoughtful comedy.  I heartily recommend it, to the extent that I have pre-ordered TWO copies.  Can you hear my annoyance at the fact that it still hasn't released?

[Remini]

Definitely Dor and Iqbal. You can't go wrong with those movies, they are wonderful and touching, and there's no love story in them

[CrossingRebecca]

^I approve heartily  of both Dor and Iqbaal, but is the assumption here that older women don't enjoy love stories?

[Remini]

^I approve heartily  of both Dor and Iqbaal, but is the assumption here that older women don't enjoy love stories?

No, of course not, sometimes they enjoy them even more than us youngsters I just mentioned it so she could have two movies WITHOUT the love story taking center stage I know I was glad that Dor and Iqbal had other themes than undying love

[theboldandthebolly]

I love this thread.  It reminds me of the prayer and praises insert we get every week in our congregational bulletin. 

My praise success story for this summer, I guess.

Started out with showing Magadheera to my teen writer's group in July.  Followed by Yamadonga. And just last week showed my favourite, Athadu. 

One of the moms of the teens has really taken to Indian movies, she watches them on Netflix Instant Streaming.  Watched on her own movies include Singh is King, which she loved; A Wednesday which she had questions about but I couldn't answer, as I haven't watched it, and My Name is Khan, she thought SRK is the best actor so far. 

She was hoping to come with me to see Dookudu on the big screen but as it kept getting postponed, she bowed out. 

On the evening I showed her Athadu, I left Endhiran with her.  She and her husband both watched it that night and she told me her husband really enjoyed the movie, especially the transformations of the evil multiple robots. 

She really enjoys historical movies, I am thinking Jodha Akbar or Paheli next.  She is interested in bringing her kids to watch Ra.One when it comes out next month. I do hope they show it here in Oklahoma like they did Bodyguard.

 

That is so cool!!! I love to hear that people are open minded enough to give something a try and her husband watched too! Love it 

[Vinita]

One of the moms of the teens has really taken to Indian movies, she watches them on Netflix Instant Streaming.  Watched on her own movies include Singh is King, which she loved; A Wednesday which she had questions about but I couldn't answer, as I haven't watched it, and My Name is Khan, she thought SRK is the best actor so far. 

She really enjoys historical movies, I am thinking Jodha Akbar or Paheli next.  She is interested in bringing her kids to watch Ra.One when it comes out next month. I do hope they show it here in Oklahoma like they did Bodyguard.

That is so cool!!! I love to hear that people are open minded enough to give something a try and her husband watched too! Love it 

Yeah, I'd forgotten but she also came with me to watch Ra.One.  And waited for three hours with me, as it was late in getting here.  Now that's dedication. 

I now need good vibes for Don 2 to come here. Or any of the Indian movies that are releasing in December, really. She is looking forward to the next one we can go watch in the theater.

[Poonam]

Udaan runs for 1 hr 34 min. It's a pretty intense sort of movie and atypical of BW, but nevertheless, a great watch. Another favorite of mine is Aamir, a superb thriller with all sorts of subtexts woven in.

If you can lay your hands on some old Smita Patil movies, those might fit the bill too. Mirch Masala for instance is relatively short with an amazing raw appeal.

[CrossingRebecca]

A reqqest to to help a teacher with informational resources to "Bring Bollywood to Rural Pennsylvania"
http://www.sparked.com/ask/Bring-Bollywood-to-Rural-Pennsylvania

I need to back away from this because my behavior towards the site as a whole (microvolunteering, a cool concept that I encourage others to check out) is becoming addictive and getting in the way of responsible living in other areas of my life.

[Vinita]

I posted this in the "obsessed with Shahrukh Khan" thread but I think it belongs here too. 

Again, not about me but one of the ladies I introduced to Shah Rukh through my India movie nights. 

She sent me a PM saying, and I quote, "Been on a Shah Rukh kick lately. What have you done to me!". 

*shrugs* I told her, "I didn't have anything to do with it.  I am just the messenger.  The man is addictive on his own."

She's has Netflix Instant Play and watched My Name is Khan, Mohabbatein, RNBDJ and OSO in the last two weeks.  We've watched Ra.One and Don 2 in the theater together.

Last night she sent me a PM saying OSO has made her top ten favourite movies list. 

I gave her the URL to this site and told her to read some of the discussions when she has the time. 

Another one for the Shah Rukh Fan Army.   

MY FIRST SUCCESS!  MY FIRST SUCCESS!
I feel like her mom(she's my age).  I don't know if I should tell her all the great things about SRK or let her find them out on her own.  I understand that there is something there to begin with, that not all people who are introduced to BW or even SRK, love it/him. 

But to have one of my own, someone who I introduced to Indian movies to be so into them now.  I feel a little bit of what I felt like when my kids were born, proud and terrified, all at the same time. 

No wonder people like being missionaries, the one you turn makes makes it so worth it. 

[Dariya]

I gave up pushing long ago, for the most part.  My mom has some films/actors that she likes, and my sister will watch anything enjoyable that has Akshay Kumar, but none of my family or friends has really taken to Indian movies like I have.  I've had my family sit through so many awful ones I don't blame them for being wary of my recommendations     But I was watching Delhi Belly the other day and my mom wandered in and started watching it too, and she had tears in her eyes by the end from laughing so hard!  She even asked if we could watch it again later and this time my dad, who has passively seen many BW films without really caring, also watched it and thought it was great.  
Come to think of it, the last Indian movie my dad expressed fondness for was the Telugu movie Happy.    I have no idea what is in that film to attract a 60 year old guy who loves history and politics, but there you go.  My sister liked that one too.

I showed my best friend Dil Se a couple years ago -- it was her first and only BW movie.  She said it was a good movie, but was more caught up in how "old" it looked.  I lent my French teacher my KKHH dvd, and she and her family loved it -- then her assistant teacher wanted in on the fun so I lent him Dil Se, and he loved it -- so much so that the next Monday he had our whole class watch it!!  They were interested but thought Chaiyya Chaiyya went on for too long    

 If I can ever convince any of my girlfriends to watch another BW movie, I'll go with Band Baaja Barat.  How could I fail?  

 

[Spook]

Hey guys. Been awhile since the collapse of my club. Well after some healing, I have gone back into the pusher game. Showed Ram Lakhan to two girls, one who has never seen B-wood and the other who has only seen DDLJ. It was a gamble throwing them in the deep end of masala movies, but my god they got into it REAL quick. The B-wood virgin is now a convert, and the one who already had seen B-wood likes it even more now. AND I had the added benefit of making them instant Madhuri fans despite her not having much to do as she usually does.

[Vinita]

I'm freaking out over here, people. I need help. 

A friend I've been pushing to since last summer invited me to her mom's place.  The mom is showing OSO and I thought it would be just my friend, the mom and a few of the  mom's friends.  I just found out that it's the mom's MENSA group. 

Now I'm freaking out.  I don't know much about MENSA groups, but aren't they the ones with the high IQs, the smart guys of the academic world? 

I am billed as "a guest from India to explain the nuances of this movie to us". How in the world am I going to explain the "nuances" in OSO to this bunch?  I don't know how to talk to smart people, let alone MENSA level people.

*freaking out*

[Dariya]

Vinita, can I ask what on earth possessed your friend's mom and her group to want to see OSO?? I assume that none of them have any experience with BW, and I would expect a bunch of geniuses to want to watch Salaam Bombay or something of the like.  I think you should explain to them that it is not the most subtle of films and that the "nuances", of which there are many, mostly have to do with poking fun at the industry.  Which makes me wonder how much they will find funny as they won't be familiar with any of the films/personalities referenced...    Then again I suppose there is plenty to laugh at even for the clueless.    I'm sure some other BWers will be more helpful than me -- I am neither a MENSA member nor have I seen OSO recently enough.

[encore]

I don't know how to talk to smart people, let alone MENSA level people.

I suggest you memorize the rapid fire lines that Big B is saying in the link below.  When anyone asks "Whaaaat?", just roll your eyes (and-you-must-roll-your-eyes) and say "Oh that will be very clear in what you are about to watch."

And do indulge in some heavy snacking while the rest are watching.

Hope this helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl2T-Itb7WQ

[Dil Bert]

How in the world am I going to explain the "nuances" in OSO to this bunch?

http://dw007.wordpress.com/2007/11/17/om-shanti-om-filmi-references/

http://www.bollywhat-forum.com/index.php?topic=22202.0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Om_Shanti_Om

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Bollywood/OmShantiOm?from=Main.OmShantiOm

[Vinita]

encore and Dil Bert, thanks guys.  I really appreciate it.  Now that I have a concrete plan, I'm not so freaked out.  
*goes off to do OSO homework assigned by encore and Dil Bert, dancing happily to D-e-D*

Dariya, I'm not sure of the answer to your question. I will ask my friend and get back to you.

[dustdevil]

My optimistic take on this is that they like to express their "MENSA-ness" with an open-minded curiosity about things, and are hoping to expand their cultural horizons.

I think OSO could be a lot of fun for a smarty-pants audience, because it's got all of the references and allows you to talk about some of the big stars. Plus you'll never run out of inside jokes to explain to them!

[MinaS]

My optimistic take on this is that they like to express their "MENSA-ness" with an open-minded curiosity about things, and are hoping to expand their cultural horizons.

I think OSO could be a lot of fun for a smarty-pants audience, because it's got all of the references and allows you to talk about some of the big stars. Plus you'll never run out of inside jokes to explain to them!

I agree with dustdevil. I think OSO is a great intro film because there is so much going on, it is like a masterclass in Bollywood Masala. Presumably they know it is not Satyajit Ray and they are looking to find out about these films. Have fun!