Because of it's proximity to Bollywood, Colombo's video shops are well-supplied of the best and latest Indian films ever made. I must say of the hundreds of titles, I have only watched two so far, both of them have not failed to match my expectations.  Both also showed me a glimpse of the cultural richness and creativity of the people of India.

The first film is Bride and Prejudice, which stars Aishawarya Rai. A Bollywood adaptation of the Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It gives a colorful and humorous twist to Austen's novel while it retains the plot of this favorite classic. Well, toss in some great beat, songs and well executed choreography and voila! You have a great classic turned into a Bollywood blockbuster. I remember my children wanting to watch it twice maybe even for a third time had I not decided to give the DVD away to someone who might also enjoy it. What captivated them really were the songs and the choreography a' la Bollywood.

My husband, the Principal, brought home our second Bollywood film today from a local video shop. It turned out to be not only equally entertaining but also informative. The plots runs on the history of India during the time of British rule, when "lagaan" or taxes (tribute) are paid by the peasants to the British Raj and a big portion of it are paid to the British head of cantonment. A peasant village is going through drought and thus, hard time that they can not pay lagaan to the cantonment. A wager was made involving a cricket game match between the village men and the British officers. Read more about Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India. It has gained numerous awards, nominations and accolades. In 2002,  Lagaan was nominated for the best foreign language film at the Academy Award nominations ceremony.