Slumdog does a Michael Phelps, bags eight

Slumdog Millionaire has swept the Oscars winning 8.

The movie is a major hit in the west. In India it has been average and opinions vary. For some it is the arrival of the Bollywood brand of Indian cinema onto the world's stage. For others, it is the repackaging and selling of Indian poverty to an expectant western audience.

I was underwhelmed by the movie somewhat, but then I have experienced Bollywood. Let us look at some points of debate.

Does Slumdog repackage and sell Indian poverty?
Off course it does. So, have all the masala Bollywood movies from long past. They packaged it as it suited them and sold locally. Danny Boyle packaged it more bluntly and sold it internationally.

Does Slumdog have a good story - Bollywood ishtyle?
At various levels yes. Here are some threads that run through it.

Underdog winning against The Big Dog. The David versus Goliath thing.
People have loved that kind of thing for ages. Why, they even like it outside movies as in sports and wars sometimes.

Good versus Evil / Poor versus Rich
Then there is the good versus evil thing that gets people. Slumdog has that too.

The Love Angle
There is the love thing, the overcoming of hurdles to finally culminate in the happy ending.

Bada Bhai - Chota Bhai
This movie has it and with scenes from childhood, teenage and adulthood. Almost reminds me of Amar Akbar Anthony, Deewar, etc.

The song and dance
There is only one at the end. Could have done with a few in between as well.

Rags to riches
It is all there at the core of the movie. The west loves to ogle at our rags. We like their riches. It is a beneficial exchange. What's not to love?

Bachpan ka Pyaar
Childhood sweethearts. Hmm...

Many a Bollywood star and superstar have thrived on one or the other of the above concepts. Unfortunately for them, there was no Danny Boyle to package and give it an international exposure.

Let us keep in mind, the Chinese food we eat is not exactly as made in China. But in India people are crazy about the Indian version. This must definitely surprise the Chinese.

And so the West has loved this Hollywood version of Bollywood. They are even giving it their highest awards.

And contrary to opinions, Amitabh Bachchan has magnamously praised Rahman and others on their Oscar wins at the end of this post