The Indian film industry is the largest in the world in terms of volume: in 1997, 931 films were realised. There are more than 12.000 cinemas across the country, and at least five times as many "video halls". A vast proportion of what is roduced are the average Bollywood "masala movies", cheap melodramas based on three vital ingredients (romance, violence and music). Although most of them are dreadful in aesthetic terms, they mean escapism for the masses, a chance to adream.

However, India has also produced some wonderful films from brilliant directors, foremost among them being Satajit Ray. For 40 years, he turned out conssistently excellent work, gaining international recognition. In 1992, shortly before he died, he was awarded an Oscar.

Salaam Bombay, shot by Meera Nair on the streets of Bombay, won the Golden Camera Prize at Cannes in 1989.

http://www.pondichery.com - Stephen Schotte - 1998