There is Hope for Bangla Cinema to Reach Bollywood´s Worldwide Acceptance
Jason Main
May 27, 2010
When a non-Indian is asked about Indian movies, it is most probable that he will think of Bollywood. This is the challenge that Bangla cinema is now facing – to be recognized worldwide as distinct from the Hindi language film industry based in Mumbai.
Obviously, the Bangla film industry cannot compete in terms of showy blockbusters and budget. The budget of 3 crores rupees is already deemed very expensive for a Bangla movie while other movies of other regional film industries like Bollywood has an average spending of 40 crores rupees per movie, with the most expensive ones having budgets reaching 100 crores rupees.
Therefore, Bangla natok should stick to its major strengths such as strong screenplay skills and plots of its writers and the masterful storytelling techniques of its directors. Clearly, one cannot rely on the star power provided by the actors and actresses alone. It is noteworthy to remember that the best Bangla movies, such as the Apu Trilogy, were made on a shoestring budget.
Aside from a tight plot and simple yet effective storytelling, current Bangla filmmakers should make films that evoke the Bangla culture, atmosphere, and character whether the language of the film is Bangla, Hindi, or English. Especially effective are contemporary and fast-paced romance and action films starring younger actors. This technique will work as proven by the success of filmmaker Sandip Ray when he contemporized the plot of his movies. To top it off, directors and producers should also hit the festival circuit not just to get more funding, but also to expose quality Bangla films to overseas markets.
There are indications that the Bangla industry can compete. It is currently finding its way to reemerging from the dark period of the 80s and 90s. Since 2008, as many as 700 theatres of the 800 theatres nationwide were showing Bangla films. If this trend continues, Bangla cinema can be at par with Bollywood in terms of exposure and acceptance, first in the domestic market and followed by the rest of the world.
For more information on Bangla Natok, visit the Bangla Cinema resource site
Obviously, the Bangla film industry cannot compete in terms of showy blockbusters and budget. The budget of 3 crores rupees is already deemed very expensive for a Bangla movie while other movies of other regional film industries like Bollywood has an average spending of 40 crores rupees per movie, with the most expensive ones having budgets reaching 100 crores rupees.
Therefore, Bangla natok should stick to its major strengths such as strong screenplay skills and plots of its writers and the masterful storytelling techniques of its directors. Clearly, one cannot rely on the star power provided by the actors and actresses alone. It is noteworthy to remember that the best Bangla movies, such as the Apu Trilogy, were made on a shoestring budget.
Aside from a tight plot and simple yet effective storytelling, current Bangla filmmakers should make films that evoke the Bangla culture, atmosphere, and character whether the language of the film is Bangla, Hindi, or English. Especially effective are contemporary and fast-paced romance and action films starring younger actors. This technique will work as proven by the success of filmmaker Sandip Ray when he contemporized the plot of his movies. To top it off, directors and producers should also hit the festival circuit not just to get more funding, but also to expose quality Bangla films to overseas markets.
There are indications that the Bangla industry can compete. It is currently finding its way to reemerging from the dark period of the 80s and 90s. Since 2008, as many as 700 theatres of the 800 theatres nationwide were showing Bangla films. If this trend continues, Bangla cinema can be at par with Bollywood in terms of exposure and acceptance, first in the domestic market and followed by the rest of the world.
For more information on Bangla Natok, visit the Bangla Cinema resource site
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