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Om Shanti Om - I'm an American and have questions

posted 16 years ago by LovGyrl
31 replies | jump to latest

Hi,

I'm new to Bollywood films. Om Shanti Om is the first film that I've seen. I don't think a lot of Bollywood films are released in the States. I really enjoyed this movie. I thought it was superb. I saw it on Youtube and the English translation subtitles were not very good. There were scenes that were not translated at all, but I was able to catch on and even understand some of the language though I've never taken lessons. Anyway, all of the actors were excellent, especially the actor who played Om. He has an incredible singing voice. Since I am new to Bollywood movies, I don't know what to see next. Would someone please recommend some Bollywood movies that are very good. The story, songs, plot, actors, etc., were great in this film - so something similar would be great. I'm open to suggestions. Do you mind giving a brief summary of the ones you recommend? Please recommend ones with good English translations or subtitles. Does the DVD of Om Shanti Om have good English subtitles? I wasn't sure if the Youtube version I saw was someone's attempt at a good English translation (subtitles) or if that was in fact what is on the DVD. I'm probably going to buy it from Amazon.com, but wanted to check on the subtitles first. Thanks for your help - can't wait to view some more great Bollywood films.

[–] HeadleyLamarr 16 years ago

Post your question on the Indian cinema board and you will get decent recommendations from there. Most films are released in the US and the DVDs have English subtitles. May I suggest Devdas - and details can be had from the IMDb page for the film.

'say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos'

[–] LovGyrl 16 years ago

Thanks. I will! :)

[–] seagull-75 15 years ago

Here is my recommendation: Johnny Gaddar(2007), Jodha Akbar(2008), Fashion (2008), Race(2008), Maharathi(2008), Shabd(2005), Ghajni(2008), Don(2006), Fanaa (2006), Mission Kashmir(2000), Dil Chahta Hai(2001), Parinda(1989), Darna Mana Hai (2003), Darna Zaroori Hai (2006), Bhoot(2003), Vaastu Shastra(2004), Lagaan(2001), Jaane Hoga Kya(2006), A Wednesday(2008), Main hoon na(2004), Mr. India(1987), Darr (1993), Aamir(2008), 1920(2008), Sarkar Raj (2008), Apne (2007), The President is Coming(2009), Chak De India(2007), Gauri: The Unborn(2007), No Smoking(2007), Woodstock Villa(2008), Kidnap(2008), Rang De basanthi(2006), Rock On (2008), Omakara(2006), Phir Hera Pheri(2006), Zinda(2006), 36 Chinatown(2006), Bunty Aur Bubli(2005), No Entry(2005), Black(2005), Kaal(2005), Karam(2005), Parineeta(2005), Lage Raho Munnabhai(2006), Dhoom(2004), Khakee(2004), Lakshya(2004), Bardaasht(2004), Chameli(2004), Krishna Cottage(2004), Maqbool(2004), Hawa(2003), Kal Ho Na Ho(2003), Koi Mil Gaya(2003), Samay: When Time Strikes(2003), Ek Hasina Thi(2003), Ek aur Ek Gyarah(2003), Chalte Chalte(2003), Devdas(2002), Raaz(2002), Company(2002), Humraaz(2002), Kaante(2002), Road(2002), Aankhen (2002), Aks(2001), Asoka(2001), One 2 Ka 4(2001), Fiza(2000), Josh(2000), Jung(2000), Kya Kehna(2000), Sarfarosh(1999), Duplicate (1998), Dil Se (1998), Kaun?(1999), Virasat(1997), Daraar(1996), Khamoshi (1996), Agni Sakshi(1996), Dilwale Dulhani Le Jayenge (1995), Rangeela (1995), 1942: A love Story(1994), Khalnayak (1993), Gardish (1993), Khuda Gawah(1992), Maya Memsaab(1992), Tezaab (1988), Nagina(1986), Arth(1982), Namak Halaal (1982), Silsila (1981), Don (1978), Trishul(1978), Amar Akbar Anthony(1977), Dharam Veer (1977), Sholay (1975), Deewar (1975), 36 Ghante(1974), Bobby(1973), Zanjeer(1973), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Pakeezah (1972), Johny Mera Naam (1970), Aankhen(1968), Padosan(1968), Farz(1967), Jewel Thief(1967), An Evening in Paris(1967), Guide(1965), Woh Kaun Thi (1964), Taj Mahal(1963), Bees Saal Baad(1962), Mughal E Azam(1960), Chalti Ka Naam Ghadi(1958), Howrah Bridge(1958), Mother India(1957), Paying Guest(1957), CID(1956), Mr and Mrs. 55 (1955), Taxi Driver (1954), Mahal (1949).

[–] seagull-75 15 years ago

Oh add.... Junoon(1992), Gangster(2006), Vaada(2005) to that list as well...if you want more just e-mail me at [email protected].

[–] gauravu_diginet 16 years ago

I think if you like this movie then you must watch:

KAL HO NA HO (starring shahrukh khan) - Its a great movie...you'll like it.
DIL CHAHTA HAI (starring Amir khan) - Great locations, nice story and awesome music.
DON (kinda made like hollywood) - Good action packed movie.
LUCKY (nice movie shot in Russia) - unique hindi movie.
get additional info about the movies from imdb.

[–] segara 16 years ago

I think it's great when new people discover Bollywood. It's always such a fun ride. LovGyrl, I think you should check out bollywhat.com. It was created by non-Indians for those people who didn't grow up with B'wood, but have come to love it, as well as those who did grow up with it. Their forums (http://www.bollywhat-forum.com/index.php) are great and everyone's really nice and knowledgeable about the culture, music, the industry, and everything. So, I totally recommend you starting your Bollywood journey over there.

My recommendations to start you off(all of these are available on Netflix):

Aaja Nachle
Jab We Met
Jodhaa Akbar

[–] mekeItellu 16 years ago

I sort of got into Bollywood movies within the last year or so. You might like these movies:

Jab We Met

Kaho Na Pyaar Hai

Bride and Prejudice

Dil to Pagal Hai

Mujhse Dosti Karoge

Na Tum Jaano Na Hum

Fanaa

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Veer-Zaara

[–] cookiebabe 16 years ago

It's seriously ironic that "Om Shanti Om" is the first movie for you to see. I would reccomend "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" , "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and "Main Hoon Na" as some good, fun movies. I also thought "Paheli" was a sweet love story though I hate SRK's moustache. For some non-Shahrukh Khan movies I would reconmend "Lagaan" and for a realy sad but good movie "Fanaa". When you feel like you understand Bollywood more, go back and watch "Om Shanit Om" and it will be fun to watch the cameo's come on. That was my favorite part. Hope these suggetions help!

[–] thakkar1016 16 years ago

Hope you enjoy bollywood. This is one of the better movies, in my mind, and I enjoyed it immensely. And although there are numerous horrible and low production value movies, you can find a great deal of enjoyable movies like this one, along with classics. You just have to know which ones to pick, and the IMDB ratings can help you out there.

Just a note. You mentioned that the guy playing om (shah rukh khan) had an incredible singing voice. Let me let you in on a little bollywood secret. The actors in the movies don't actually sing the songs themselves, generally speaking. Because every bollywood movie has songs, it would be absurd to expect every top-notch actor to also be a top-notch singer. Most of the time, playback singers are used, and they are extremely common here, where film music currently leads the music industry over pop and individual artists/bands.

I would expect the dvd to have good subtitles, but make sure you get the original. Piracy is big in India, and depending on where you get the dvd from, there are a lot of stores here selling pirated copies as well. (Most indian stores have pirated copies of the movie available immediately after its release, and then they get the original when the official dvd releases).

BTW, if you liked this, here are a few suggestions:

Kal Ho Na Ho (same guy in the lead, very funny, but also very touching, more realistic and relatable).
Jab We Met (another cute love story)
Johnny Gaddaar (if you're into action suspense/thrillers, this is hands down the best indian action thriller of the 21st century)
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (probably the funniest indian movie of all time, or close to it)
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (sequel to above mentioned movie, also hilarious, but has a strong moral message attached to it as well, great movie!!)

Taare Zameen Par (very touching movie about a young dyslexic kid in a somewhat harsh academic enviroment)

My recommendations would be to start with Kal Ho Na Ho, as it is has at least one familiar actor, and it is an all around enjoyable movie. The first half is a true laugh riot, and the second half is an overwhelming of emotions, similar to Om Shanti Om.

[–] dvdusi 14 years ago

No doubt: Lagaan.
Lagaan is the movie to watch for a newbie. Hehe.
Oscar nominated in 2002, I think.

And then there is Taare Zameen Par aka Like Stars on Earth, which will get a DVD release in the US 12th January 2010, through Walt Disney.

- Get busy living or get busy dying.

[–] guyanese_goddess_uk 16 years ago

hmmm the only one that comes to mind is...

Zubeidaa...oh also Veer-Zaara! :)

I watch alot of bollywood movies and those are the only ones that come to mind that are 'no words in the english language to describe how good' level! XD

Also check out Lagaan and Jodha-Akbar if you like historical movies hope that helps! :)

For Something To Exist It Must Be Proven First.

[–] vishalzala 16 years ago

this was actually inspired from old black and white movie - madhumati-
indian thoughts this was the dumb movie and i didnt like that movie ..because i had saw madhumati(in that movie india's most beautiful actress acted named MADHUBALA

if you really like bollywood movies just reply that message

[–] HeadleyLamarr 16 years ago

indian thoughts this was the dumb movie and i didnt like that movie

Huh? Indians made this into the biggest money making film of all time. That must have taken quite the reverse of hating.

'say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos'

[–] ivilin_mn 15 years ago

Maine Pyar Kiya(with Salman Khan) that's the best hindi bloclbuster for me! You can watch it here online:
http://www.rajshri.com/movies/nowplaying.asp?band=low&fileID=moviesRomance6

[–] seagull-75 15 years ago

Actually Ghajni broke that record recently I think...it did $40 million in overseas markets alone...

[–] IAmTheRedDragon 15 years ago

I too am a Western fan of Indian movies, and a lot of good movies have been suggested on this board so far - and to that list I would add 'Dor' (2006), more of a serious film but with moments of humour as well. It's a really beautiful, absorbing, very moving film, beautifully photographed, well-written and well-acted. It gets 8.5 stars here on IMDb - see http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0824316/ for details.

[–] thakkar1016 15 years ago

I would have to agree completely. Dor didn't really achieve commercial success, but it was simply brilliant. It had a unique and innovative story, brilliant photography (as mentioned), and the acting by the main actors was simply top-notch. Gul Panag, Ayesha Takia, and Shreyas Talpade all did simply amazing jobs, and in my mind Shreyas stood out unbelievably strongly in this movie as a superb actor.

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] HeadleyLamarr 15 years ago

Rang de Basanti - lots of shades of Jesus de Montreal

In fact OSO was an original spoof. And it seems ridiculous to put Pather Panchali on the list with those other names.

'say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos'