'Iranians love Indian potboilers'

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, NOV. 18. Iranian cinema was rooted in realism while Indian cinema was steeped in a never never land, churning out colourful and escapist fare. Iranian cinema depicted life artistically drawing from it's culture and religion while Indian cinema was fully dependent on commercial diktats.

"But, do people in Iran like Indian movies? We love your Iranian cinema," one kid asked at the open forum on "Iranian children's cinema actuality and Indian children's cinema actuality" organised by the Children's Film Society here on Sunday as part of the ongoing 12th International Children's Film Festival.

Director of the award-winning Iranian film, "Children of Petroleum", Mr. Ebrahim Forouzesh said Iranians were not very fond of Indian children's cinema, but were in love with the Indian commercial potboilers. "My personal favourites are Raj Kapoor's `Sangam' and Ramesh Sippy's `Sholay,'" he smiled.

The festival director, Mr. P.K. Nair, said Indian children's cinema lagged behind in terms of quality as they suffered from a severe paucity of funds. In contrast, Iranian films were solely financed by their Government. "But, what we get to see are their art cinema, not commercial ventures," he said.

Award-winning Telugu filmmaker, Mr. B. Narsing Rao, said Iranian films depicted life artistically, while Indian movies were invariably weaved as fantasies. Iranian films reflected the times of the century.

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Section  : Southern States
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