Bollywood - Short Cuts by Kush Varia Paperback

About the Book

"While we have become familiar with the idea of 'Bollywood' here in the West, we know little about the industry's films beyond a certain celebration of kitsch. This volume surveys this style of filmmaking from its origins in colonial times to the present, tracing its impact on both the Indian and global imagination. It explores the history and workings of the industry, the narratives and aesthetics of its films, varieties within the genre, the cultural connotations of specific characters, its larger-than-life stars, and its hybrid and surprising fan cultures. Readings of popular and widely available films illustrate the importance of the cinema's conventions, which range from romantic cliches to a constant negotiation between tradition and modernity."--P. [4] of cover.

Book Synopsis

While we have become familiar with the idea of "Bollywood" here in the West, we know little about the industry's films beyond a certain celebration of kitsch. Bollywood, the latest in Wallflower Press's Short Cuts introductory series, surveys this style of filmmaking from its origins in colonial times to the present, tracing its impact on both the Indian and global imagination. Chapters explore the history and workings of the industry, the narratives and aesthetics of its films, varieties within the genre, the cultural connotations of specific characters, its larger-than-life stars, and its hybrid and surprising fan cultures. Readings of popular and widely available films illustrate the importance of the cinema's conventions, which range from romantic clichés to a constant negotiation between tradition and modernity.

Review Quotes

A passionate and engaging introduction to popular Hindi cinema.... Showing that there is much more to Indian cinema than lavish song and dance sequences, Bollywood: Gods, Glamour and Gossip demonstrates the diverse ways in which popular cinema can represent a negotiation between the forces of tradition and modernity.--Iain Robert Smith "Viewfinder"

Varia's book is valuable for historical sharpness, but most of all for insights that are up-to-date.... Recommended.-- "Chocie"

This accessibly written introduction to the joys of Bollywood is packed with lively and illuminating case studies and makes an ideal addition to the growing literature on Indian cinema.--Stella Bruzzi, University of Warwick

About the Author

Kush Varia is an independent scholar who gained his Masters from the British Film Institute and Birkbeck College, University of London. He has worked as a researcher for the British Universities Film and Video Council, an archive producer for BBC Motion Gallery and as a visiting lecturer in Film Studies at Roehampton University.