Bollywood 2007:Water Shed or Tear Shed

Bollywood trade pundits in 2007 appeared nervous as film after film returned flop. Reams and reams of space was devoted by them to proclaim 2007 as the year of doomed. Although, they had some relief towards the end when few of the films made it blockbusterly big. Despite the late home run, many of them may want to forget the year quickly. To be fair to them, their only way of judging, the bang for bucks statistic, is fairly important a factor.

But for the discerning audiences 2007 was a real water shed year. Given the genre of films released and amount of experimentation done with the medium. This meant that several films only attracted niche viewing and not much cash. But in all they gave great viewing experience to a section of moviegoers. Paise mein dollar vasool! Since even a minority in India is also couple of millions, a huge cross section had a real treat this year.

No single year has seen such differently paced and treated films being dished out. It turned out to be a real-time, several course meal served right through the year. There are examples galore.
Take 'Saawariya', which was simply beautiful poetry on screen with mind blowing performances and music. It was a visual treat where you just surrendered your buds and cones.

Then there were no pretence hilarious flicks like 'Bheja Fry', 'Ek Chaalis ki Last Local', 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd', and 'Dhamaal', which without any dilution went about their task of tickling the funny bone.

There were real-surreal, never attempted in India, kinds like 'No Smoking'; bizarre and quiver sending. And 'a simple tale emphatically told' types like 'Manoram-Six Feet Under'.

The year also saw true life situations rolled into powerful films in 'Parzaania' and 'Black Friday'. Much has been said on the depth of these films and that too unanimously. 'Bow Barracks For Ever', did you ever hear about it? Unfortunately, the film that sank without trace had such moving potrayals and unblemished performances by Victor Banerjee and Lillete Dubey.

Then there were slick, clever, mainstream but well treated movies like 'Chak De' and 'Tarein Zameen Par'. The two touched the emotive chords in a real big way. The latter no wonder returned more successful than equally powerful 'Apana Aasman', which many would not have even noticed.

There were surprises galore. A well directed and acted in 'Laaga Chunri Me Daag', which told a very mainstream story did not do well. And on the other hand the powerful and rocking but very urban 'Life in Metro' went on to be a hit. Often, this genre of films do not have such a ball at the box-office.

A clutch of directors also tried a 'Dus Kahaniya', again a very bold concept, but the only wish as a viewer was that a majority of ten minuters could have been directed and scripted better. Although some of them were amazing. The concept needs a retry, perhaps next time with a better bouquet of movies.

The year also saw some creatively dud commercial hits like 'Om Shanti Om', 'Partner' and 'Welcome', proving that senseless fare continues to be the biggest market. The year may also see Kareena Kapoor's over the top acting in 'Jab We Met' winning awards. While a stunner of a performance in the solid 'Dharam' by could have been Father in Law, may not even make the jury blink.

Yet, in the same breath, there have been praises galore for 'Jhonny Gaddar' another unassuming movie and Niel Nitin Mukesh's historinics . Not very successful at box-office but admired by who ever saw it. Hopefully, Niel may get noticed by some jury some where.

So what else can one expect out of a year! Such huge variety, a true treat. Bollywood keep it up! Give us an even better 2008.