Bollywood: Gods, Glamour, and Gossip

by Kush Varia

While we have become familiar with the idea of "Bollywood" here in the West, we know little about the industry's films beyond a certain celebration of kitsch. Bollywood , the latest in Wallflower Press's Short Cuts introductory series, surveys this style of filmmaking from its origins in colonial times to the present, tracing its impact on both the Indian and global imagination. Chapters explore the history and workings of the industry, the narratives and aesthetics of its films, varieties within the genre, the cultural connotations of specific characters, its larger-than-life stars, and its hybrid and surprising fan cultures. Readings of popular and widely available films illustrate the importance of the cinema's conventions, which range from romantic clichés to a constant negotiation between tradition and modernity.

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Marie-Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief but surprisingly thorough overview of Bollywood, its history and themes. The first part of the book is a rather dry but clearly outlined history of cinema in India, including the political background shaping and limiting the Indian film industry. The remainder of the book, more interesting to me, discusses common tropes and themes in Bollywood and offers case studies of two contrasting or complementary films, often from different eras, to illustrate the author's point.

Nicely illustrated and well-formatted, this is an excellent reference work for a film student and an enjoyable and enlightening read for a Bollywood enthusiast or just someone who wants to know more about India's iconic cinema.

[Benjamin Fasching-Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should be easier after reading this to find the stuff I will actually like. Not all Bollywood is created equal, you know. Now where can I find 1950s Raj Kapoor films in my neighborhood, and why isn't there a cinema showing Amitabh Bachchan hits every night around the corner? Also: tell that dude who is in all the movies, Shah Rukh Khan, to stop shilling for skin whitening creme "Fair and Handsome."

[Doug · Rating 2 out of 5]

At only 112 pages, a rather slight and superficial introduction to Bollywood film; appears to perhaps be a Master's thesis, and as such, is a bit 'scholarly', with annoying citations and footnotes. The copy editing is also particularly bad, with repeated and missing words. Although published in 2012, latest film covered is from 2008.

[Asta S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the ideas presented in the book, particularly the theory that Bollywood movies were based on the assortment of wonders seen at carnivals at the time. I also enjoyed the case studies of particular movies. However, I felt that while it was a brief overview, each topic presented made me want to go find out more about the subject.

[Michael ODonnabhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview for someone like me, who doesn't know anything about Bollywood.

[Saima · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book on a film industry must include color photos!