The film, out on DVD now, does have it's moments but what surprises me is that Stellan Skarsgard actually appears awkward thru most of the movie. Now there are moments when Naseer and Stellan actually seem to bring the lackluster script to life but for the most part the film just prods on, rather unsteadily, despite the presence of some fine Indian actors.
However, as one of the earlier reviews point out, the movie does bring about the look and feel of a city like Bombay and all it's paradoxes. It's touching to see remnants of a culture perched against a back drop of the South Bombay skyline that's amongst the most expensive piece of real estate in the world. WHile a film like this would not help western audiences, looking for an insight into Indian culture and rituals, it does provide entertainment in the form of mannerisms, superstitions, culture specific behavior (like Ghote's middle-class Maharashtrian background, the Goan wedding event taking place in some suburb in Bombay) that are so uniquely Bombay - a place with such an amazing identity and diversity that it leaves a permanent impression on you!
However, as one of the earlier reviews point out, the movie does bring about the look and feel of a city like Bombay and all it's paradoxes. It's touching to see remnants of a culture perched against a back drop of the South Bombay skyline that's amongst the most expensive piece of real estate in the world. WHile a film like this would not help western audiences, looking for an insight into Indian culture and rituals, it does provide entertainment in the form of mannerisms, superstitions, culture specific behavior (like Ghote's middle-class Maharashtrian background, the Goan wedding event taking place in some suburb in Bombay) that are so uniquely Bombay - a place with such an amazing identity and diversity that it leaves a permanent impression on you!