From Slum to Sun..

(picture courtesy of Google Images)

The Oscars should now end the Slumdog debate...

The Oscars were handed out. The red carpet was laid out. Slumdog Millionaire bags 8 Oscars.

It would be stupid for me to say that I was "surprised" by last nights red carpet event in LA. To be honest, I felt the film deserved everything it was rewarded for last night. But of course, there will be those who still slate the film, like the many Bollywood actors and actresses in their plush Juhu Beach apartments, who say "Slumdog" is a bad representation of India - well of course it is, because you live in 8 bedroom houses with no slums around you. But what film has caused such debate, such criticisms, such praise, and such coverage, in the history of modern cinema? That's why it should be celebrated, because Slumdog is now one of those films that will become part of popular film culture, much like Shawshank, The Godfather and many others. I'm not comparing these films to Slumdog of course. No, what I'm suggesting is the fact that its recognition means the film now must be regarded as a modern marvel because of the debate it has caused. Without everyone talking about it, the film would have been forgotten.

If anything, although I disagree with the nominations and chosen winners sometimes, the Oscars are the perfect way to give a film its rightful recognition, simply because the media hype and perceptions of the Oscars do so. I hope that we don't continue slating the film because its done with now, and its received its recognition. 

The irony in India is, however, that everyone is celebrating the victory saying its a "great victory for India". Although whilst I read the BBC's post-Oscars report, I quietly sip my lemon tea pondering on this very important question - I wonder how many of these same people were the ones slating it in the first place...