"Big in Bollywood" is a must-see for any American, or NRI (non-resident Indian) who's interested in the Indian film industry, or just wants to know what it would feel like to be a movie star. Omi Vaidya, best known for his featured role in the Indian blockbuster "3 Idiots," takes his filmmaker college buddies along for the premiere of his first big movie, and the camera is there to witness as Omi becomes famous before our eyes.
The filmmakers do a great job being on hand for memorable moments in Omi's first publicity tour, and the lively editing keeps the story moving. Omi is a charming guide to his new world of big-movie business, knowing just when to make the joking aside that keeps everything down to earth. Omi's mother Bharati, wife Minal, and camera-toting pals are all likable and funny, and by the end of the film, it feels as if they've become your friends.
Fans of Bollywood will be happy to see icons like Aamir Khan, but those new to Indian cinema won't feel lost, as the movie gives some basic information about the industry, with the help of snappy graphic animations. The cinematography is pretty shaky at parts, so I took off some stars for that, but the entertaining content of the film makes up for it.
The shots of the enormous crowds of fans from the red-carpet point of view are astonishing. I left the film feeling happy for Omi, but pretty glad that I'm not "Big in Bollywood" myself.
The filmmakers do a great job being on hand for memorable moments in Omi's first publicity tour, and the lively editing keeps the story moving. Omi is a charming guide to his new world of big-movie business, knowing just when to make the joking aside that keeps everything down to earth. Omi's mother Bharati, wife Minal, and camera-toting pals are all likable and funny, and by the end of the film, it feels as if they've become your friends.
Fans of Bollywood will be happy to see icons like Aamir Khan, but those new to Indian cinema won't feel lost, as the movie gives some basic information about the industry, with the help of snappy graphic animations. The cinematography is pretty shaky at parts, so I took off some stars for that, but the entertaining content of the film makes up for it.
The shots of the enormous crowds of fans from the red-carpet point of view are astonishing. I left the film feeling happy for Omi, but pretty glad that I'm not "Big in Bollywood" myself.
