Biopics and Controversies in Bollywood

By Enkayaar, Bollywood Trade News Network

Biopics and controversy seem to be two sides of the same coin as far as Bollywood is concerned. As it is, Bollywood hardly ventures out to make a biopic, and if somebody builds up the courage in himself to do it, he has to fact the opprobrium. Recent history would be evidence to the fact. This had happened in the case of MANGAL PANDEY when suddenly all across the country his descendants and relatives arose who wanted that the film be modified as per their expectations and desires, and not in the manner in which the producer or the director of the movie had conceptualized. It seems to be happening with GURU as well, as it happened with UMRAO JAAN also.

As per the latest reports in the media, GURU, which is reportedly made on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani is evincing interest in all the quarters under the apprehension that some of the characters may not be portrayed in the positive light but are being made villain of the piece for conveniences. To allay the apprehensions, demand is being made by those who feel that the portrayal may lead to slur of character of certain living individuals that the film be Okayed by them before it sees the light of the day.

But this tantamount to invasion of creative freedom and should not be encouraged. If there is a fear of invasion of privacy then the film under question can always go with a tag line that it is a work of fiction and does not have any association with a person living or dead. As it is, the general public is hardly concerned with finding parallels between the characters portrayed on the screen and the supposed living entities. And if the film is unpalatable, and if it does not portray a character as per the general image that the public have of the individual it is after all going to be rejected by the public. Creating an interest in the film before its release builds up a curiosity and it generates publicity for the movie.

Contrast this with the scenario in Hollywood, where Biopics are made on a regular basis and they continue to win accolades both from the critics as also by the viewers. The best example of this is the spoof made on George Bush, and his dubyaism, which was released in the Hollywood, and it was not able to sustain itself after initial euphoria.

Attempt on the part of the filmmakers of the Bollywood to try this new genre of film making needs to be encouraged, as it is confirmation of the proof that Indian cinema is arriving and there are people who are ready to experiment and give a new genre of film making to the audience. It also opens a window for the audience to know about a personality and a successful one at that, which otherwise he may be not in a position or privy to, and can relate with a character of the history. So far, Bollywood Biopics had been specializing majorly on gangsters and warlords. Now an attempt is being made to bring into spotlights successful characters of Indian History and they need to be encouraged and creativity not be stifled by demanding changes that may perceivably harm some interests.