Some are of the opinion that by resorting to stereotypical gay representation, the film does the community great disservice. However, the fact that it is a mainstream film with two mainstream heroes taking the plunge to the extent of even showing a prolonged smooch and courtship should have the pink brigade cheering. Add to that the acceptance of this relationship by Kirron Kher, who plays Abhishek’s mother in the film, in keeping with Dharma Productions philosophy, it’s all about loving your family.
In this issue, we have therefore, we have Dostana special interviews with the three stars and some trade analysis. As per the buzz, producer Karan Johar has made a neat over-the-table profit. Going by the response to the film, the distributors should also be satisfied. What will emerge over the next few days will be interesting -is the movie as acceptable in small mofussil towns as it is in the urban centres? If yes, then this could well be another sign that things are a changing. And yes, the government may please consider doing away with the archaic Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, known as the “Anti-Sodomy Law”.
While social barriers are being broken down in the entertainment industry, economic and class barriers continue. The standoff between television producers and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) continues. Even members of the fraternity are willing to admit-off-the-record of course–that the workers deserve better pay for the back-breaking physical work that they put in. It is indeed a pity that the more affluent sections of the entertainment industry have not let the rich dividends trickle down to those lower down in the system. Putting certain guidelines in place to better the lot of the foot-soldiers is certainly required. Producers such as Ekta Kapoor and Dheeraj Kumar could–perhaps lead by example. Meanwhile till the impasse is resolved, it’s reruns of old serials, movies, best of reality shows and countdown shows for the television junkie. Colors of course being an exception, due to its contractual obligation to the participants, has managed to stay afloat and several channel-surfers have now started following it shoring up the channel’s and show’s TRPs in its last lap. However, all good things must come to an end and with three of its most popular shows-Fear Factor, Big Boss and Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena off the air now, it will be interesting to see whether the channel can continue with its strategy of disruptive programming.
