Kala Shah Kala - Is Blackface OK in India?

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return_to_hades

@return_to_hades

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 7 years ago

So I stumbled upon this trailer on YT today.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyk4qsV2Tew[/YOUTUBE]

I was immediately taken aback because the man in the first clip appears to be in blackface. Upon watching the trailer I know that the movie is taking a stand against colorism. The theme seems to be fighting against typical Indian prejudices.

But the use of blackface baffles me. The actor is not so dark in real life. Here in the United States, it is highly offensive and racist. Even in the trailer, despite intent, the blackface makes it seem like its poking fun against dark people (could be my US conditioning).

I'm curious - is blackface OK in India? Don't people see its problematic? Why not cast someone who is actually dark skinned instead of bad skin darkening? There are so many dark skinned people in India, I am sure they could find one actor who could do the role.

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Frequent Posters

@TheRowdiest

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 7 years ago

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

I'm curious - is blackface OK in India? Don't people see its problematic? Why not cast someone who is actually dark skinned instead of bad skin darkening? There are so many dark skinned people in India, I am sure they could find one actor who could do the role.

may be its because the actor playing the dark skinned character Binnu Dhillon is famous , awesome comedian and will bring the audience in theaters

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hedwig_fawkes

@hedwig_fawkes

Voyager

Posted: 7 years ago

unfortunately, India has real issues with racism.

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Sara singh

@sarasingh86

Rocker

Posted: 7 years ago

Seems like this movie will face quite some critique for its subject. It is indeed sensitive topic and times have changed, people have evolved but this very much exist in society, Interesting to see how it is received.

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Haila_tu

@Sorry_Bol

Voyager

+ 2

Posted: 7 years ago

Downey Jr did it in Tropic Thunder and it was a riot.

People are too sensitive today. Everything is offensive to someone.

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MoonOrchid

@MoonOrchid

Dazzler

Posted: 7 years ago

Just watched it.

Lol not only there is the 'blackface' thing but they also have many dialogues that would be deemed VERY offensive in UK by many .. @PC@ moviegoers..

'You don't turn red you turn purple'

'He's as dark as an engine'

..and so on.

Still it's a comedy and as such I can see why they'd take liberties.

I think we have become too sensitive in this day and age.. everyone gets easiily offended, even if it's a comedy. People in general should take things more lightly.

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HappynessIs

@HappynessIs

Beginner

Posted: 7 years ago

India has immense problems with racism, colorism, sexism, and casteism. Whenever I mention this, I have epithets thrown at me - sickular, feminazi, pseudoliberal. Without even admission of a problem, how will society beat it?

ETA - Forgot to mention, society's attitudes reflect in movies. Recently, I read an article which examined mainstream movies for marginalized characters. Most main characters carry high-caste last names. Those from the lower strata are presented as in need of help or caricatures.

Edited by HappynessIs - 7 years ago

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Not gonna tell

@sherlockthor

Inactive

+ 5

Posted: 7 years ago

not if its done right!

have you seens tropic thunder... !

one of the best films of robert downey jr. its hilarious and he got a oscar nomination for that!

if its done in right context then its not so bad really ..

they do white face all the time too

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Moodyblue

@Moodyblue

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 7 years ago

Colourism is deeply ingrained in our society, people casually make fun of other people's skin colour I.e.dark skin colour and expect the person to take it lighty.

I was going through Sargun Mehta's IG feed where people have raised objection over the blackface but Sargun's reply was on lines of that it is not relevant in india🥱.

Edited by Moodyblue - 7 years ago

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MoonOrchid

@MoonOrchid

Dazzler

Posted: 7 years ago

#10

Originally posted by: Moodyblue
Colourism is deeply ingrained in our society, people casually make fun of other people's skin colour I.e.dark skin colour and expect the person to take it lighty.
I was going through Sargun Mehta's IG feed where people have raised objection over the blackface but Sargun's reply was on lines of that it is not relevant in india🥱.

oh.. wow..

He must have answered ironically... or he really doesn't know how prevalent such issue is .. not only in India but in many countries, too.