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1997(1st) ~ 2024(28th)
Family Fanta
Priyadarshan
India2009 138 min 35mm C Asian Premiere
Billu is a faithful embrace of the Bollywood format represented by notorious three-hour running time, jubilee of energizing song and dance interspersed throughout the movie, and invariable happy ending. But the film goes beyond explaining — it confirms the signature Indian love of and enthusiasm for cinema, i.e., fundamentals of their mighty local film industry, a driving force behind their successful establishment of a film empire called Bollywood. In that respect, Billu shows the true color of the Bollywood formula. Indians’ devotion to their national stars is not a mere fandom; it’s close to religious worship. That’s why the main character Billu’s remarks that he is friends with a star actor spreads like a wild fire, provoking envy, jealousy, and resentment among town folks, even before anyone bothers to confirm the claim. Billu’s unable to offer clear explanation or denial because of his own fear that the super star may have forgotten all about him. The last scene wherein Sahir KHAN tearfully shouts Billu’s name is of course a happy ending, a cliché. Nevertheless, it leaves us hope and comforts those who have ever doubted their loved ones’ memory of them being compromised by time, by oblivion. (OAK Mina)