That may be true in India, but what about audiences in America? Bollywood films are released in the US by Hollywood studios as well as independent exhibitors, and arguably, the reception of terrorist-themed films might be different here.
Anil Mehrotra, who has been bringing Bollywood films to Boston theaters for 13 years, says he has never worried about terrorism as a sensitive movie theme. “Any movie, no matter what the subject, if it’s made tastefully, should do well,” he says. “Most people I talk to are fascinated by the colors, the colorful costumes, the basic premises of evil losing against good. And they find the music enthralling.”
Maybe watching too many Bollywood movies about terrorism would somehow normalize it, and we’d become desensitized to the real thing. But really, I feel like I could use a little desensitization, after eight years of W. hissing “terrorism” to advance his agenda, and keeping my nerves jangled with bogus threats. I don’t mind seeing the bogeyman humanized, nor considering what makes him or her tick. It may even help dispel my xenophobia.
As long as I have a president who’ll address the underlying causes of terrorism, I’ll vote, pay my taxes, and leave the heavy lifting to him. If Bollywood wants to help me laugh at my fears a bit, bring it on.
Seetha Narayan can be reached atseethnarayan3@gmail.com.
