The Returns Of IIFA
Vivek Oberoi and Namal Rajapaksa, at mass wedding
IIFA Colombo cost the Sri Lankan government about Rs. 850 million. The event was perhaps not a flop, but certainly not a hit. None of the A-Listers (Aishwariya, Amitabh, Abhishek) were there and neither were many of the Khans (Shah Rukh, Amir, Saif Ali). One Khan that did show up was Salman Khan, and he’s back in town today, to film a movie here. Another return visitor was Vivek Oberoi, hanging around with Namal Rajapaksa and visiting former LTTE cadres. Both of these former beaus of Aishwariya have followed through on a connection to Sri Lanka even though her father-in-law Amitabh pointedly has not. Are two visits and one film worth Rs. 850 million? Er. Probably not. At least not yet.
Locations
I enjoy watching Hindi and Tamil dance numbers because the locations change so much. They are dancing in the hills, then the beach, then by a lake, etc. Despite each star churning out dozens of films per year, they still have time for these multi-location shoots. Sri Lanka – having a variety of scenes within hours of each other – would be ideal for some of these dreamlike sequences. One could, for example, shoot at an alpine-like lake in the hill country, then by the Kandy Lake, then back to Colombo. Or, shoot in the Ella hills and then down to Arugam Bay. These combinations would all be possible within a day. Probably faster if Namal was riding in your convoy. To get the same diversity in India would take days at least.
Vocations
What Sri Lanka lacks, however, is the skillset of Indian cinema. Modern Indian films are the technical equal of the west in terms of special effects, cinematography, etc. Indian advertising looks and sounds good. Indian movies are now quite awe-inspiring and they’ve developed the show-tune far beyond western abilities. Sri Lankan cinema, notable exceptions aside, still lacks the professionalism and polish of India. Namely because it’s not so highly capitalized.
If more Indians started filming down here we could learn from and eventually begin to compete with the best. Sadly, the most obvious talent source would be from Tamil Nadu, but their trade associations seem intent on boycotting. With interaction from India, however, Sri Lankan skills could improve, along with our standards. As a theoretical benefit, we might also become a bit less defensive, but Tamil Nadu seems intent on aggravating that trend.
Tourism
Being featured in Bollywood films should also boost tourism to Sri Lanka. Many Indians are unaware of how beautiful Sri Lanka is, but they are certainly aware of Bollywood. Getting featured in the latter should bring more people down.
Is all of this worth nearly a billion rupees? Are the Indians going to take more money and jobs out than they put in? I don’t think it’s worth so much money yet, nor do I think it’s benefits to Sri Lanka have yet to be seen. Regardless, this engagement with India is just a start. Cinema is one obvious connection, but hopefully all the headlines about Khans arriving there are a hundred Singhs at House Of Fashions. For every Bollywood film one hopes there are also Vivek Oberois who take time off to visit the disadvantaged. IIFA was a bit expensive up front, but it may be bringing some long-term returns.
Negative and pessimistic as usual for Indi!
Well not everyone is a Rajapakse ass licker
Bollywood is certainly big and I think it is better cinema than most Hollywood. Indian cinema seems to thrives on exotic, expensive locations (Rio, NY, London to mention a few films that I’ve seen ) so a cheaper location like SL may not be much of an attraction (they seem to be trying to make teh film more posh by setting in these places). However we may attract more Indian tourists which will be good.
I have a soft spot for Bollywood starlets and would have loved to have seen more of them but it was impossible to get anywhere near without a ticket.
Having it was good, but it should have been handled by the private sector with logistical support from the Government and perhaps a small subsidy. No point wasting too much public money on this.
By the way, did the cost estimate include all the free give-aways? I can’t remember (free airline tickets, hotel rooms, food, hairdressing services etc)
er, how is this negative? It’s basically saying the Bollywood engagemen is a good idea and talks about ways it can be good
Vivek Oberoi should stick with what he knows best.
It is obvious that the author and the anti Rajapakshas who are giving disgraceful remarks ( chandana) are not living in this world. The author says the only khan who visited was Salman and very confidently says that saif ali khan did not show up. My advice to them is if you dont know just keep your mouth shut. Saif Ali Khan not only came to iifa colombo but gave a spectacular performance and so did Karina Kapoor. As a person who went to the iifa ( and not like the day dreamer author and chandana) the iifa was not only not a flop it was very entertaining and who cares whether Aish, Amithab didnt come, we only wanted a good show and that we definitely got.
And you people who are eagerly waiting for this nation to fail because of sheer jealousy of the Rajapakshas are a selfish and uncivilised lot, you would even sell your family to get even with some body. Vivek Oberoi is doing something to make these people who have had horrible experience smile and be happy. What have you done? Hats off for Vivek for caring for others who are not as well off as most of the commentators of this forum. At least now stop thinking through a political pin hole and try to help this nation to stand up after 30 years of stagnation whether it is the Rajapakshas or the Wikramasinghes who are leading the country.
I agree with this idea. Yes as a nation we should help each other and try to keep them happy! Oberoi is doing a great job!!
funny article. who ever wrote this didnt know who came to IIFA & who didnt. Saif was present with bebo(karina). i was there for three days & it was fantastic. Thx to SL people,they treat us like one of their own. dont undermine Lanka, they are better people than many in india. have a visit & see the difference. hats off to Salman & Vivek for helping out of those inneeds. real Indians….
GoSL Should try ways and means to mend fences with Kollywood, Bollywood most unreliable for long run.
Yes, I too agree with this idea.
Moron, Get your facts correct. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor were in attendance you LTTE sympathiser!
Corrected the error about Saif Ali. Hope that clears up my terrorist credentials
nope, once a terrorist always a terrorist. it’s like that sheep joke,
“A Tourist visiting a Greek Village and saw a Old Man sitting on a bench, the tourist wanted to knowa little bit about the village, and the old man said see that house on the hill I built that. I should be called Con the builder, and see that boat in the harbour, I built that. I should be called Con the boat builder, but fuck one sheep!!!”
Does anyone know who the guy in the Blue shirt is?