Thanks to a refreshing handful of talented South African Indians who have had the chutzpah to dabble in the film industry, a local film which has invoked mass appeal has once again made its mark at the box office.

First launched at the Durban International Film Festival 2010, Attack of the Indian Werewolf played to a sold-out reception and I soon realised why. Having watched the film premier and attend the question and answer session with the gifted writer and director, Masood Boomgaard, it became clear that the film’s success was rooted in the light hearted spirit in which it was made. I admire Boomgaard’s fearless enthusiasm to take on the challenge of bringing his hilarious ideas to life. Currently showing at Suncoast Cinema due to the encouraging response, the film still cracked me up the second time around as it played on the nuances, quirks and slang unique to Durban Indians.

When my mom recommends a Bollywood movie, it’s got to be good. So popcorn and coke in hand, the significant other and I treated ourselves to a movie night at the Nu Metro Cinecentre at Suncoast in Durban.

Expecting a traditional Hindi movie with epic sets and countless songs and crying scenes, we were pleasantly surprised that Jhootha Hi Sahi (translated as ‘right even if it’s a lie’) steered away from the formulaic Bollywood movie and cast a soft light on a group of young Indians and Pakistanis living in London.

When I met veteran Bollywood actor Vikash Gokhale recently in India, I asked him why modern Indian popular cinema was so unashamedly unintelligent.

“These movies are made for those with a six-year old intellect,” he replied. I chuckled, and then choked when I realised that I could, very glibly, act out many a complete monologue straight from memory.

Last Updated (Thursday, 29 April 2010 00:36)