Renowned director of classics like “Annie Hall” and “Manhattan,” Woody Allen, reportedly made a journey to Mumbai to engage with some of Indian cinema’s most accomplished filmmakers. Allen, currently facing distribution challenges for his latest work “A Rainy Day in New York,” expressed his eagerness to glean insights from the maestros of musicals, melodramas, and masala movies.
“I’ve always held admiration for how they seamlessly blend comedy, romance, drama, action, and song-and-dance within a single film,” Allen shared during an interview with The Times of India. “Their knack for crafting narratives with wide-ranging appeal is something I’ve been striving for across decades.”
Allen exhibited a particular interest in connecting with Rajkumar Hirani, the visionary behind box office hits “3 Idiots” and “PK.” These films are among India’s highest-grossing, and Allen hoped to uncover Hirani’s techniques for balancing humor and social commentary, along with his adeptness in navigating India’s censorship landscape.
“His genius is apparent,” Allen asserted. “He possesses the ability to make audiences laugh and reflect simultaneously, avoiding any hint of preachiness or offense. His impeccable timing and editing skills, crucial for comedy, are noteworthy as well.”
Allen’s admiration extended to Karan Johar, the creative force behind romantic gems “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.” These two films have etched themselves into Bollywood’s romantic history. Allen’s fascination rested in Johar’s prowess in establishing emotional bonds between characters and the audience. Additionally, Allen marveled at Johar’s utilization of music and costumes to amplify emotional impact.
“A romance virtuoso,” Allen praised Johar. “He possesses the art of inducing tears and swoons through his narratives. His keen eye for style and glamour is an attribute I find myself lacking.”
Allen expressed aspirations for potential collaborations with Indian filmmakers in the future, and he even entertained the thought of starring in one of their productions.
“Creating a musical with them sounds like an enjoyable endeavor,” Allen mused. “Perhaps I could portray a neurotic New Yorker falling for a beautiful Indian woman, and together, we’d navigate various challenges through song and dance. Such an experience would be refreshingly distinct for me.”
The reactions to Allen’s India expedition spanned a spectrum, garnering mixed opinions from Hollywood enthusiasts and Bollywood aficionados alike. While some lauded his openness and curiosity, others found humor in what they perceived as his desperation and insignificance.
“Could he truly glean anything of value from them?” a Hollywood insider pondered. “His expertise lies in crafting mundane tales of older men romancing younger women.”
“Who is he, anyway?” a Bollywood devotee quipped. “He resembles a grandfather figure. It might be time for him to retire and pave the way for emerging talents.”
Allen, unfazed by the negativity, remained enthusiastic about his time in India.
“It’s a splendid nation,” Allen enthused. “The populace exudes warmth, the cuisine is delectable, and the culture is exquisitely rich. I’m thoroughly relishing my experience here.”