What I am struck by the tremendous amount of creativity among Indians in all spheres - whether in Music or Movies or in Technology but apparently the Indian masses are stuck in their Masala traditions. Even the Indian movie critics - who are supposed to promote the experimental or innovative efforts at movie making - seem to judge movies by their marketability rather than genuineness of spirit. It is indeed heartening to find that young movie makers are undeterred by these and continue to create art close to their soul rather than based on public approval. I am an unabashed admirer of Indian creativity in this context.
Take the case of movies like 'Alag' or 'Benares' or 'Encounter, the Killing'. What is notable about these movies is that every frame of these movies is pulsating with action, the makers of these movies grip your attention from the word go and keep you enthralled for the entire duration of the movies and yet Indian movie goers as well as critics give them lukewarm reception. On the other movies like 'Fanaa', 'Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham' or 'Ham Aapke Hain Kyon' take such a long time to make a point that one can go for a game of tennis while watching the movie and come back and you would not missed any of the action except for a few songs. Such movies receive raves from the Box-Office as well as accolades from critics as well - as if what matters most in the final analysis is that every movie shall be a chick flick.
It just goes to prove a point that market success and genuine creativity in most cases reside on different planets. But I am thankful India is producing as many Orson Welles or Prakash Dwivedis as they are producing Karan Johars and Kunal Kohlis.
