Bollywood Hero

I TiVoed this show in random desperation for anything to watch, and found myself sucked in, and really rather touched.

I have no interest in, or liking for Bollywood movies. I fear I have no cultural connection to them, don't speak Hindi, and find the whole song-and-dance thing distinctly disruptive to my suspension of disbelief. Still, despite all this I really enjoyed Bollywood Hero.

This may seem a little bizarre, but the obvious affection the people involved in this show have for the Bollywood genre in a strange way reminds me of Tarantino's affection for campy movies. I can't help but be sucked in by such obvious passion.

I was really expecting this to be some canned crap, another western take on the glory that is Bollywood (ala slumdog). But this miniseries really has a heart and soul of its own. I do agree with those who have stated that it would have been nice if they had examined certain aspects of Indian culture such as the caste system more closely, but one does have to keep in mind the time constraints and the target audience. I would not say that this is a series for people who watch primarily Bollywood movies. This is because it is very westernized in terms of the language use, some minor raunchiness, and the type of humor in general. It is, however, absolutely wonderful for those of us who appreciate American humor and at the same time absolutely adore masala films. I'm just worried that there might not be enough of us. I also agree that the English language songs were at least a little painful, but only at first. They will grow on you. And how could I possibly not love something that includes Bachna Ae Haseeno and Dhoom Taana? I was really annoyed at people calling slumdog a Bollywood movie, because it really wasn't. You can make a movie in India and throw in a song during the end credits with sub-par dancing, but that does not make it Bollywood. This show, however, really has that special something that makes it worthy of the Bollywood name. If you don't like Bollywood, you probably won't like this. If you only like Bollywood and don't want to see anything new and different, you probably won't like this. But if you like Bollywood and you'd like to see something new and different, you might just love this.

When I purchased this movie from Amazon marketplace, it was solely for the reason that Julian Sands was in it, plus it was super cheap. I got no particular affinity towards Bollywood style movies, so it wasn't that fact that was a motivation factor.

I will say that Chris Kattan actually did a really good job with this particular comedy. But of course, his movies and TV work are usually quite funny and enjoyable - and so was this, so it is well worth a watch.

The story in "Bollywood Hero" is about Chris Kattan (yeah, he is playing himself) who is fed up with Hollywood and goes to India to star as the lead in a Bollywood movie titled "Peculiar Dancing Boy". However, halfway across the world, in a whole other culture, Chris finds more than he had hoped for.

The story is actually quite good and enjoyable, and it is really brought well to life on the screen by a really good ensemble of cast. Chris Kattan plays quite well opposite Pooja Kumar, and they had good on-screen chemistry.

This was a mini-series, though, not a movie, and I hadn't picked up on that, so it was a surprise to find out that this was a little over three hours. But do not worry, because there isn't really a dull or boring moment throughout the entire length of the feature.

"Bollywood Hero" provides good entertainment, and I suppose could work well as a stepping stone to make the transition from traditional Western movies and into the Indian/Bollywood movie genre.

Former SNL cast member Chris Kattan, plays 'Chris Kattan' an American actor who goes to India to 'prove' to Hollywood he's a misunderstood 'action' film actor.

What ensues over the 3 parts of BOMBAY Hollywood, is a standard boy-meets-girl, girl-loves-boy (but boy doesn't realise it), then boy-loves-girl plot, all set in a film that's part travelogue, part display of India's talent, film culture, styles.

It's a bit creaky, but, for someone like me, who's never been there, it's interesting less for the story, and more for the colourful background.

Julian Sands plays an actor whose Hollywood caché is long past, and has found steady work as a stock 'European' in Bolllywood films.

There are some nice performances by some of India's acting community, and, it's refreshing to NOT see Hollywood's standard 'xerox' talent.

Honestly, it's not great, just, average. The ONLY part I TRULY liked was the end - at which point is the film's 'money shot': eschewing the standard closing credits, is a huge, colorful closing musical production number, featuring the entire cast.

That alone was the only standout for me.

Now come on guys, stop being so hard on this new series.. Its fresh, original and very entertaining.. When I first saw the preview, I dismissed it as being just another satirical look at Bollywood from the Hollywood point of view kinda thing.. But its not. Its better and truly speaking a fresh of breath air..

Chris Kattan does a wonderful job portraying a struggling actor in the United States being stereotyped by his past roles like on SNL and such.. An Indian director, also debuting his first film for the first time, gives Chris Kattan a chance in his movie by being the lead actor in the hopes of globalizing the movie for a larger audience which is not just confined to being in India.

All the supporting actor like Pooja Kumar and Neha Dhupia also do a good job by complementing Chris Kattan's humor and making it seem real..

So for all those people who're undermining this series to be a "Slumdog" wannabe or something. Stop being ignorant and just watch the show. Its fun and very entertaining..