Before
Danny Boyle took us to the heart of India with
Slumdog Millionaire, there was
Salaam Bombay! Directed, produced, and written by
Mira Nair, Salaam Bombay! is the story of struggle and redemption. Nair centered her 1988 film around young Krishna, who jealous and upset with his brother decides to set fire to his motorbike and thus forcing their mother to punish Krishna. She does so by sending him to the circus where he must return home with 500 rupees so he can pay for his brothers bike. While struggling to get the money, Krishna learns about the harsh struggles of life, love, and the importance of being a man. A fantastic coming of age film that echoes the Italian Neorealism films of
De Sica, Visconti, and early Fellini. After taking home various awards as Cannes and from The National Board of Review,
Salaam Bombay! became India's second film ever, at the time, to be nominated for Best Foreign Picture at the Oscars®. Tis the season now for award films, this is one to rediscover.
