Rahul asks to sacrifice linguistic identity

Is adapting world cinema's language the only way of going global? Actor and film maker Rahul Bose agrees. Speaking at FICCI Frames '09, Rahul commented, "If we want a film to be truly global, it will have to sacrifice its linguistic identity. You can't have songs and dances in a global film. The classic Hindi cinema idiom is not going to spread any more that it already has."

He was addressing a session on 'Globalization of Indian Cinema' on day three of the media & entertainment summit. The session also had PNC Ltd's Pritish Nandy, Fox Searchlight Pictures' Jill Gwen and High Point Films' Kerry Fitzgerald in participation.

Rahul added, "You make what you want to make and it carries appeal across cultures and if it will make sense to somebody in Toronto or Berlin. One will either have to tell special stories or tell them specially."

He pointed out that besides the stumbling block of opting for English as the language, film makers aspiring to go global would also have make sure that a film, "shouldn't be over a hundred minutes and should adapt the cultural nuances of the international audience."

Rahul cited Kallari Payattu (ancient martial art from Kerala) and children's films and documentaries like Aamir as ways of making it to the global stage. Roping in international stars is another way of making the mark.

Making a reference to Slumdog Millionaire, Jill Gwen said, "If you have a great quality product with content that is very provocative, endearing and intriguing, people will go to the movies."