Indian Films at Ames Public Library
Today is 12/2/2008
In Hindi with English captions, unless otherwise noted.
Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage [You Are Starting to Look Good to Me] (DVD FOREIGN AAP) 180 min. 2002.
Footballer Rohit saves the lovely Spana from molestation at the hands of her father’s archrival in the mob underworld. However, after Spana and Rohit recognize their love for each other, Spana’s father announces her engagement to a boy of his choice—the son of a close friend and mob associate—and warns Rohit to forget his daughter and leave the city.
Ab ke baras [Now or Never] (DVD FOREIGN) 170 min. 2002.
A story of true love that follows the desperate struggle between two tormented souls who are torn apart by destiny. The gods offer them a one-time chance to reunite.
Adi Shankaracharya (DVD FOREIGN ADI) 120 min. 2003.
Based on the life of Shankaracharya, a great thinker and the founder of the Advaita philosophy.
Aetbaar [Trust] (DVD FOREIGN AET) 160 min. 2004.
Dr. Malhotra believes he is simply a protective parent, while his daughter Ria thinks he is possessive. All is well until Aryan walks into their lives. He is all that Ria’s father abhors—unpredictable, overpowering, and obsessive.
Agnipankh [Wings of Fire] (DVD FOREIGN AGN) 134 min. 1982.
The story of Air Force pilots based in Sringar, Kashmir.
Alibaba aur 40 Chor [Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves] (DVD FOREIGN ALI) 125 min. 2004.
This is Ashok Ranglani’s Alibaba, not the classic 1980 film, which is currently unavailable in the U.S. Alibaba uses magic passwords to enter the cave of Zakali with his 40 thieves to take the gold coins. His greedy brother Kasim tries to replicate the coins but is killed by Zakali. Zakali hides his 40 thieves in oil jars and enters Alibaba’s home. Alibaba tries to outwit the thieves and avenge his brother’s death.
Amar Akbar Anthony (DVD FOREIGN AMA) 184 min. 1977.
Three brothers are separated at a young age; and when they are reunited, they find that all three belong to different religions. Music is by Laxmikant Pyarelal. Directed by Manmohan Desai.
Angoor [Grapes] (DVD FOREIGN ANG) 129 min. 1982.
Raj Tilak and his wife are on a trip with their twin sons, who are both named Ashok. The Tilaks reason that since the boys look alike, why not give them the same name! They adopt another set of identical twins whom they name Bahadur. The trip ends in disaster and the family gets divided, with each parent having one Ashok and one Bahadur. Many years later the two sets of siblings meet again with comic effect. This film is based on Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors.
Ankur [The Seedling] (DVD FOREIGN ANK) 136 min. 1973.
The class conflicts of the idle rich landowners and the toiling peasants are dramatized in a brief extramarital liaison between an attractive village laborer and her young employer. This film, directed by Shyam Benegal, launched a new style of naturalism using recognized Hindi accents. It adapted psychological realism and regionalism to the conventions of the mainstream Hindi movie.
Ansh, the Deadly Part (DVD FOREIGN ANS) 165 min. 2002.
Groups of corrupt government agents battle each other for control.
Antarmahal (DVD FOREIGN ANT) In Bangali with English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu captions. 118 min. 2006.
Set in 1878 Britain-controlled India, Antarmahal explores the lengths to which superstition and despair will drive a man. Through an aging man, and those affected by him, the reality of ruthless obsession and unfettered desire for power is exposed.
Aparajito [The Unvanquished] (VIDEO FOREIGN APA) In Bengali with English captions. 113 min. 1956.
This second volume in Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy follows Apu and his family to the city. (See Pather Panchali, #1, and The World of Apu, #3)
Asoka [Ashoka] (DVD FOREIGN ASO) 169 min. 2001.
Traces the life of Emperor Ashoka, the grandson of Changragupta Maurya who ascended the throne of Magadha in the third century B.C. To extend his kingdom, he wages a bloody war with the neighboring kingdom of Kalinga, leaving it ravaged and devastated. Confronted by the aftermath, Ashoka is remorseful and renounces war to dedicate his life to spreading the teachings of Buddha.
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