Salaam Bombay! (1988)

One of my all time favorites.

Too much about the plot just didn't add up, the writing was bad, some of the scenes were cringey and awkward,

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

The story revolves around a boy named Krishna who was abandoned by her mother and swears to return when he gathered Rs 500 for his brother's bicycle which he trashed. He visit Bombay and worked as a tea servant and he known as Chai pau in his circle.Watching 80's 90's movie in this era is a bliss and we can't even compare the cinema which have made in those era which remain a golden era for Bollywood with movies like DDLJ, Andaz Apna Apna, Angoor to name few. This was on my list since 1 year and never got time to watch it.Every applaud, every award is small for a movie like this. It shows the darkest side of Mumbai in a most perfect way and the performances made it a brilliant watch altogether. The cinematography is so impressive that you actually feel the movie while watching. It is a very brave attempt for the director and writer to show such dark and witty side of the city.No one can ever imagine that the child character (Krishna) played by Shafiq Syed was his debut movie. His expressions are so real with full of emotions that it will keep you hooked with the film soul. Nana Patekar and Irfan Khan (Cameo) are a compelling watch as well. Some of the child in the movie are actual street children who has been given special training to prepare for the roles. The movie was a second nomination for an Oscar after Mother India in a best foreign film category.Salaam Bombay is witty, Dark, Gloomy which may appeal negative to some audiences, but then its an art of cinema which comes with a disclaimer 'All characters and events depicted in this film are entirely fictitious'.

One of the 3 Indian movies to be nominated for an Oscar in over 50 years since the 'Best Foreign Film' category was created, this movie stands out as a tribute to the city of Bombay that houses Bollywood. Brilliantly shot, on a shoe string budget it brings together the 3 aspects of the city we all love and admire - its colors, its chaos and its children.Brilliant camera-work, direction and cinematography clubbed with heart rendering performances from Nana Patekar, Shafiq Syed and Raghuvir Yadav make the movie a 'must-watch' for me. The decrepitude of the city with drugs, prostitution, lawlessness, corruption and apathy of the society towards the kids comes out brilliantly in the film.Shafiq's near flawless portrayal of young Krishna / Chaipau showcases the determination of innocence.The film could have done with some editing and retakes. There are a couple of poorly shot, distracting scenes in which the young actors accidentally stare into the camera, but that is a minor and pardonable flaw, in my eye.The only problem that I see is that it labors a lot to set up the universe and does not move the story forward too much. This is more than made up for by the fantastic setting up of the universe. Another point I would like to make is that it tries to address too many minor themes, which does not do as much justice to the themes as one would have liked. The movie is Hugo, Requiem for a dream, Kaalia (1981) and much more wrapped into one.Mira, however, does not let you lose sight of Krishna and his struggle to get back to his "mulak", which to me is a testament to her film making abilities.

I belong to India and born in the city of Bombay(Mumbai) itself. This is for me by far the best Bollywood (Hindi) movie i have watched. I do not agree that Bombay is all about what is depicted in this movie. There is also brighter and prosperous side but, what is shown, is also not false.It is a movie about a small village boy(Krishna) who ends up in Bombay after being left behind by his circus troupe at his village. In Bombay, he ends up in company of people who is feared by all parents. He stays in slum near a local railway station. His best friend(Chillum) is a drug addict, who ultimately dies leaving behind nothing but sorrow and despair. Krishna's love is a prostitute who is hoaxed and sold to a rich man. Krishna makes every effort to support his friend and love and earn himself some money to return home but in vain. For him, life is a serious of disappointments only broken by short spells of joy.The movie honestly reveals that sadly sometimes in life, especially for the poor, happy ending never comes.

Chillum (Addiction). Manju (innocence). Chaipao (Hardship , frustration , ignorance ,eagerness , ambition). Empathy . Its way above normal Bollywood Movies.Something that upcoming Directors and movie makers should look at.Mira Nair makes us look into the lives of these superbly written and executed characters.What you feel at the End is empathy.Loved every bit of it.Well performed and very well directed.Normally you don't expect a Bollywood movie to be of this much level and class.But this movie will surely change your views about Bollywood cinema.Bollywood cinema at its best.Mira Nair you Rock!!! A Must see for all Bollywood Movie Freaks.