Bombay Talkies
Four stories exploring love, art and humanity in India
About Bombay Talkies
Released: 2013
Platform: Netflix
Rating: TV-14
Run time: 2h 2m
Cast
Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, Saqib Saleem, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Naman Jain, Ranvir Shorey, Vineet Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan
About Bombay Talkies
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About
Bombay Talkies is a 2013 Indian anthology film composed of four short films, directed by four different directors - Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee, Zoya Akhtar, and Karan Johar. The film celebrates the centennial of Indian cinema and pays homage to Bombay, which was once the center of Indian cinema.
The first segment, directed by Karan Johar, follows the story of Avinash and Devki, a married couple dealing with infertility. Devki's desire to have a child puts a strain on their relationship. The second segment, directed by Dibakar Banerjee, revolves around a failed actor who decides to become a star in a different way. The third segment, directed by Zoya Akhtar, tells the story of a young boy named Vicky who dreams of becoming a dancer despite his family's disapproval. The final segment, directed by Anurag Kashyap, explores the relationship between a young boy and his father, who works as a projectionist in a rundown theater.
Making / Production
Bombay Talkies was produced by Ashi Dua and co-produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. The film was made on a relatively small budget and was shot in a span of just a few months. Each director had complete creative control over their respective segments, allowing them to showcase their individual storytelling styles.
Actors
- Rani Mukerji as Devki (Segment: Directed by Karan Johar) - Portrayed the role of a woman dealing with infertility with utmost sensitivity.
- Randeep Hooda as Gaurav (Segment: Directed by Dibakar Banerjee) - Played the role of a failed actor who finds a twisted way to achieve his dreams.
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Purandar (Segment: Directed by Dibakar Banerjee) - Played the role of Gaurav's partner in crime, adding depth to the segment.
- Ranvir Shorey as Vimmy (Segment: Directed by Zoya Akhtar) - Portrayed the character of a strict father who disapproves of his son's passion for dancing.
- Vikrant Massey as Vicky (Segment: Directed by Zoya Akhtar) - Played the role of a young boy who is determined to pursue his dreams against all odds.
- Sadashiv Amrapurkar as Mr. Kumar (Segment: Directed by Anurag Kashyap) - Portrayed the character of a projectionist with a complex bond with his son.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- Bombay Talkies was released on May 3, 2013, to coincide with the 100 years of Indian cinema.
- The directors of the film, Karan Johar, Dibakar Banerjee, Zoya Akhtar, and Anurag Kashyap, are considered some of the most innovative filmmakers in Bollywood.
- The film features iconic Bollywood actors such as Rani Mukerji and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, adding to its star power.
- Bombay Talkies received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling approach and its tribute to Indian cinema.
Awards
Bombay Talkies was not nominated for any major awards, but it received recognition at various film festivals for its outstanding direction and performances.
Quotes
- "Human beings are wired to seek perfection in everything, Devki. And Avinash... nothing is perfect. Neither he nor you." - Karan Johar's segment.
- "Kamyaab banne ke liye naa toh mehnat ki zaroorat hoti hai, naa chahat ki." (To become successful, you don't need hard work or desire.) - Dibakar Banerjee's segment.
- "Tum apna rasta chunoge... koi theek hai, koi galat. Aur tumhare wajah se tumhara rasta theek ho jaayega." (You will choose your own path... some will approve, some won't. And because of you, your path will be right.) - Zoya Akhtar's segment.
- "Yahaan ke logo ki khushiyaan toh karmsheel filmi heroes ke lie hi hoti hai na... hum jaise logon ko toh sirf vakyaanushasan, naukri aur izzat chahiye hoti hai." (The happiness of people here is only for successful film heroes... people like us only need discipline, job, and respect.) - Anurag Kashyap's segment.
Music
The music of Bombay Talkies was composed by Amit Trivedi, with lyrics by Swanand Kirkire. The film's soundtrack features a mix of soulful melodies and energetic tracks that capture the essence of Mumbai and Indian cinema.
Soundtrack
- "Murabba" - Sung by Kavita Seth
- "Apna Bombay Talkies" - Sung by Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, and Sonu Nigam
- "Give It Up" - Sung by Sona Mohapatra and Arijit Singh
- "Murabba (Duet)" - Sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal
- "Bachchan" - Sung by Sukhwinder Singh
About Bombay Talkies
Bombay Talkies explores Indian society and culture through four distinct short films, showcasing diverse aspects of life in Mumbai.