Bombay (film)

See Bombay (disambiguation) for other uses.

Bombay (1995) is an award-winning Tamil feature film drama directed by Mani Ratnam, starring Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala, with music composed by A. R. Rahman. The film met with a strong reception upon release.

The film is centred on events, particularly during the period of December 1992 to January 1993 in India, and the controversy surrounding the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya. Increased religious tensions in the city of Bombay (now Mumbai) led to riots. Shekhar (Arvind Swamy) is the son of traditional Hindu parents. He is studying journalism in Bombay and returns to his village where he comes across Shaila Bano, (Manisha Koirala), a Muslim schoolgirl. The story revolves around their relationship in the midst of religious tension.

The film caused huge controversy upon release in India and abroad, for its depiction of inter-religious relations. The film was well received critically and commercially, and was screened at many international film festivals including the Philadelphia Film Festival in 1996 where it was an audience favourite.

It was subsequently dubbed in Hindi and Telugu.

Plot

Shaila Bano is shocked to see Shekhar following her

Shekhar (Arvind Swamy) is the son of traditional Hindu parents in a seaside village in Tamil Nadu. A journalism student studying in Bombay, Shekhar visits back home to see his family. On one of his return trips, he lays eyes on Shaila Bano (Manisha Koirala). Initially shy, Shaila seeks to distance herself from Shekhar, but after frequent run-ins, and days of pursuit, Shaila begins to like Shekhar. Eventually, they both fall in love.

A marriage proposal is vehemently opposed by the lovers' fathers. Shekar's father refuses to accept Shaila as his daughter-in-law, telling Shekhar to find another partner, whilst Shaila's father announces the need for an immediate marriage between his daughter and a Muslim man. Shekhar's father says if the two ever get married, he will cease talking to his son. Shekhar reacts angrily to his father's refusal to accept Shaila, and so leaves, back to Bombay. Shaila, under increasing pressure from her father, escapes from the village and joins Shekhar. At first, Shaila is overwhelmed by the city, having relocated for the first time from rural surroundings to a city life. However, with time she adapts to her new lifestyle. The two get married. Both newly weds move into a new apartment.

A few months later, Shaila falls pregnant and gives birth to twins, Kabir and Kamal. The twins are raised in both religions. Shekar continues to work as a journalist, whilst Shaila works at home, looking after the children. For six years, the family live in Bombay, settling in well, and begin the process of repairing relations with their respective families. The relatives visit the family in the city for the first time in over half a decade, and are overjoyed to see their two grandchildren.

Meanwhile, in India, religious extremism launches each community against the other, causing a wave of Hindu/Muslim riots that leave hundreds dead in Bombay. Targets of violence from both sides, Shaila and Shekhar worry increasingly over the safety of their children, who do not have a fixed religion. They are constantly under threat. The growing tension threatens to bring tragedy to the family.

Awards

The film has won the following awards since its release:

1996 Political Film Society (USA)
* Won - Special Award - Bombay - Mani Ratnam

1996 National Film Awards (India)
* Won - Best Editing - Suresh Urs
* Won - Nargis Dutt Award - Best Feature Film on National Integration - Bombay - Mani Ratnam

1995 Filmfare Awards (India)
* Won - Best Film (Critics) - Bombay - Mani Ratnam
* Won - Best Performer (Critics) - Manisha Koirala

Soundtrack

The soundtrack features 6 songs composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics by Vairamuthu.
*Antha Arabi - A. R. Rahman
*Poovukku Enna - Noel, Anupama,
*Uyire Uyire - Hariharan, K. S. Chithra
*Kuchi Kuchi - Hariharan, Swarnalatha
*Kannalanae - K. S. Chithra
*Bombay Theme - A. R. Rahman

The track "Bombay Theme" from the soundtrack is an instrumental piece composed, arranged and conducted by A.R. Rahman. It was recently featured in the soundtrack and score of the Nicolas Cage film Lord of War, released in 2005. It also featured in Volume 5 of the chill-out compilation Café del Mar, released in 1998.

Trivia

* The film was banned in Singapore and Malaysia upon release.

External link