The passion of film-making
Documentaries and art films are not meant for all audiences. Some people like only commercial cinema, whereas there is a whole group of people who won’t stoop to such levels. Art cinema or parallel cinema or crossover cinema reflects the age-old adage that art reflects life. The scenes in such movies are graphic and tend to be too realistic for average tastes. However, epics like Pather Panchali, are too slow for audiences of today.
And who wants to see so much drama and pathos on screen? Fantasy, imagery and imagination are more successful formulae for screen adaptation. I personally like docu-dramas and art films. Mirch Masala remains to be an all time favourite. All the colours of rural India come alive. There are also documentaries made by Amul on the milk trade that are very informative. I love watching all the details and the data presented out in graphic form. Some DD relays on history, archaeology and science from IGNOU are worthy of mention here.
Why don’t they make DVDs of these neat, knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyable movies?
One art director I have to mention here is Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Although I don’t remember all of his works, I remember doing heavy research on his filmography while working on a film trade web-site. Mira Nair is the Satyajit Ray of modern times and I thoroughly enjoyed her docu-drama Monsoon Wedding. The characters were fresh, the script well thought out and the direction immaculate. The performances were also a triumph of sorts with my favourites being Shefali Shah and Rajat Kapur, as the notorious uncle.
Although I prefer not 
to watch too much violence, a recent film A Wednesday was a real eye-opener of sorts. It brought out the plight of the stupid, common man of Mumbai and the trials and tribulations he faces in daily life. Naseeruddin Shah was absolutely convincing as the menacing terror on an ordinary Wednesday. Although I don’t have the time I would love to enroll for international documentaries and films at various theatres across the city. Prithvi is too far to attend and NCPA too expensive. You won’t believe this, but I actually thoroughly enjoy the multi-media shows at Nehru Planetarium. Space can be a supremely fascinating subject. Sometimes, I actually watch documentaries meant for school children from the government. And, who says they are boring? If you understand the content, it can be really rewarding. I make it a point to visit all the temples they show on National TV. Some are in an utter dilapidated state and need immediate attention. Who knows? Some day I might whip up my own film?
Neha Singh
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