Slumdog Millionaire: Looking back

The much awaited 81st Annual Academy Awards night arrived on 23rd February 2009 (IST). Indian audience expected it to be a night (or, should i say early morning!) they would never forget and Slumdog Millionaire certainly didn't disappoint.

Slumdog Millionaire swept the world from its feet, bagging as much as 8 academy awards. Indians rejoiced as the awards were for a movie that was based on India. Except for the director and the producer, every one involved with the film were indians, be it the champion musician A.R. Rahman or the star cast of Dev Patel and Freida Pinto. Infact, the childhood of the lead actors were portrayed by kids from Mumbai Slums. Also, the fact that the movie was an adapted play of Vikas Swarup's Q & A, made every indian feel proud of Oscar's home-coming.

But has the Indian Film Industry finally been acknowledged. I doubt so. Lagaan that went to the oscars as India's official entry a few years back was on par, if not better, than Slumdog Millionaire. It was nominated but couldn't appease the jury. I also doubt the fact that if Slumdog had been made by an indian director and producer, things would have been the same. The only happiness i get is from the fact that the champion musician has been acknowledged finally. A.R. Rahman has produced so many breathtaking hits year after year for so long. Dare i say, even an Oscar is not sufficient to justify his legendary talent.

Wish an Indian Movie with everyone indian associated from head to toe, gets the coveted trophy sometime soon. Till then, hail the SlumDog, and bask in its success. (Not much of options we have, do we ?)