Bollywood Calling

Bollywood Calling is a ticket to get a sneak peek behind the iron walls of Bollywood. This movie unearths of what lies beneath the glossy magazines - the Jykell and Hyde effect, the newcomers struggle, the punctuality, the casting couch, the double standards and more importantly the larger than life image of super stars.

As usual in all of Kukunoor's movie, the script rules the roost. Om Puri's performance is worth mentioning. Navin Nischol plays the role of ageing actor to the perfect T (reminds you of your parents favourite actor). Perizad shows definite potential. Pat Cusick is alright.

There is only one song in the movie which gives the flavour of South Indian songs back in the 80's.

Though Bollywood Calling is a comedy the tone is definitely dark. With corporate culture seeping in, I hope that changes all that.

I watched this movie when it was first released and believed that Kukunoor deserves much more. Post Iqbal and Dor, there is sudden renewed interest for Kukonoor's movie which is a positive sign. I am happy for Kukunoor for what he has done for himself today.

Bollywood Calling is a great introduction into Indian cinema. It's not a typical Indian movie, but its story is of the creation of a typical Bollywood potboiler. The film is enjoyable on a number of levels, and the more one knows about Indian culture, Indian movies, and filmmaking in general, the more fun it becomes.

Hyderabad Blues was an experimental film that got lucky, Rockford was a pathetic filmmaking exercise and Bollywood Calling is finally a bonafide movie.

It has maturity, good plot lines, well-developed characters, humor and realism (though a little exaggerated at times). Even though it seems like a movie for a niche audience (people who are interested in the filmmaking aspect of movies), it's not just about that - it's a regular movie for regular audience.

It's a better-made movies than most of the junk we see lately. Watch it - it's fun! BTW, Om Puri is extremely funny. I've always seen him poor and dying but this role is particularly refreshing!

Bollywood Calling is one of the most underrated comedy movies of all time. It's a satire on 80s & 90s commercial films of Bollywood. The whole movie is a laugh riot. You'll thoroughly enjoy the film.

All acted well but undoubtedly Om Puri stole the show with his amazing comic timing. Navin Nischol was also amazing. Nagesh Kukunoor, the director should be celebrated more. It was showcased at the Rome Film Festival and the MAMI Film Festival. Give it a watch, you'll not be disappointed.

If you're an outsider who wants to get an insight into the real Indian mindset, then Bollywood is Calling. I think the lead character was excellent. Playing the part of a B movie actor is a bit of a thankless task but I thought the white guy was tough and as believable as he could be. With some experience of Bombayites, I can say that not only was this film funny, sad, absurd, etc. - it was also realistic. Well, just about as realistic as Bollywood really is. Anyone who thinks this was over the top simply has not faced the reality of India. India IS over the top and life there is a drama. So, I don't think it was just an affectionate dig at Bollywood. If anything it was a dig at the arrogance of a white man coming to the world's most productive film industry and telling them they're ignorant and unprofessional. Well, that was just ignorant - but quite typical of westerners, in my opinion. Great movie, watch it, and maybe learn something. I'd give it a good 8/10.