Bombay

What happens when love defies boundaries, not just of religion but also of societal expectations? “Bombay,” directed by the visionary Mani Ratnam, dares to explore this very question in a poignant tale of love, resilience, and hope. A cinematic masterpiece from 1995, this movie continues to resonate with audiences for its emotionally charged narrative and socially relevant themes. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this film an enduring classic.

Quick Facts

• Release Date: March 10, 1995
• Lead Cast: Arvind Swami, Manisha Koirala
• Director: Mani Ratnam
• Producers: Jhamu Sughand, Mani Ratnam, S. Sriram
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Runtime: 141 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 (based on 72 votes)
• Budget: ₹8 crore
• Net Box Office Collection (India): ₹20 crore
• Overseas Collection: ₹12 crore

Bombay Plot: Love in the Time of Conflict

At the heart of “Bombay” lies a story of forbidden love. Shekhar (Arvind Swami), a Hindu man, falls in love with Shaila Banu (Manisha Koirala), a Muslim woman, in their picturesque village. Their love blossoms despite the disapproval of their families. The couple elopes to Mumbai, seeking a fresh start. They soon become parents to twin boys, who symbolize the union of two worlds.

However, their idyllic life is shattered as communal tensions rise in the city. The 1992-93 Mumbai riots serve as the film’s backdrop, pushing Shekhar and Shaila to fight for their love and their children amidst chaos. This emotionally gripping plot captures the human cost of communal violence and the triumph of love over hate.

What Makes Bombay Unique?

Originality and Emotional Depth

Mani Ratnam’s narrative deftly blends romance and socio-political commentary. The movie doesn’t shy away from portraying the grim realities of religious discord, making its message both poignant and relevant.

Underlying Messages

• Unity in Diversity: The movie champions harmony and mutual respect across religions.
• Parental Love: The bond between Shekhar, Shaila, and their children highlights the universal nature of familial love.
• Hope Amidst Chaos: Even in the darkest moments, the film portrays hope as a guiding light.

Direction and Vision

Mani Ratnam’s direction is a masterclass in storytelling. His ability to juxtapose tender romantic moments with harrowing depictions of violence is commendable. Compared to his earlier works like “Roja,” “Bombay” stands out for its daring exploration of communal tensions. Ratnam’s use of symbolism—such as the twins representing unity—adds layers to the narrative.

Performances: A Stellar Cast

The lead actors deliver unforgettable performances:

• Arvind Swami (Shekhar): His portrayal of a passionate and determined lover is both convincing and heartwarming. Swami’s nuanced performance makes Shekhar relatable and heroic.
• Manisha Koirala (Shaila Banu): Koirala’s expressive acting brings depth to Shaila’s struggles as a mother and wife. Her chemistry with Swami is electric.
• Supporting Cast: Talented actors in supporting roles add authenticity to the story. The child actors playing the twins are particularly memorable.

Cinematography and Visuals

The cinematography by Rajiv Menon is nothing short of breathtaking. Key highlights include:

• Vivid Landscapes: The serene village contrasts sharply with the bustling chaos of Mumbai.
• Use of Colors: Warm tones dominate romantic scenes, while darker shades heighten the tension during riots.
• Memorable Frames: The burning backdrop during pivotal scenes is etched into cinematic history.

Music and Sound Design

No discussion of “Bombay” is complete without mentioning A.R. Rahman’s iconic soundtrack. The music elevates the film’s emotional impact:

• Soundtrack Highlights: Songs like “Hamma Hamma” and “Kannalane” remain timeless classics.
• Background Score: Rahman’s haunting melodies perfectly complement the movie’s dramatic moments.
• Sound Effects: The cacophony during riot scenes and the silence in emotional moments create a visceral experience.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories

• Budget: Made on a modest budget of ₹8 crore, “Bombay” was a financial risk given its controversial subject matter.
• Filming Challenges: Shooting in riot-affected areas posed logistical and emotional difficulties for the crew.
• Censorship Issues: The film faced censorship hurdles due to its sensitive themes but eventually released uncut.

Box Office Performance

“Bombay” was both a critical and commercial success:

• India: Collected ₹20 crore, making it a blockbuster.
• Overseas: Earned ₹12 crore, resonating with global audiences.

The movie’s bold theme and gripping narrative ensured packed theaters for weeks.

Audience and Critical Reception

Critical Scores

• IMDb: 7.1/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (audience score)
• Metacritic: 75/100

What Critics Loved

• Mani Ratnam’s daring storytelling.
• A.R. Rahman’s groundbreaking music.
• The emotional resonance of the performances.

Audience Praise

Fans were moved by the film’s universal themes and its ability to make them laugh, cry, and think.

Achievements and Awards

• National Film Awards: Best Editing (Suresh Urs)
• Filmfare Awards: Best Music Director (A.R. Rahman)
• International Recognition: Screened at global film festivals, including the Philadelphia Film Festival.

The movie’s impact on pop culture is undeniable, with its themes sparking discussions on unity and tolerance.

Fun Facts About Bombay

• Real-Life Inspirations: The story was loosely inspired by real interfaith couples.
• Iconic Music Video: “Kannalane”’s visuals were shot in lush, remote locations.
• Language Reach: Originally in Tamil, the film was dubbed in Hindi and Telugu to reach a wider audience.

Similar Movies to Explore

If you loved “Bombay,” here are six movies you might enjoy:

1. Roja: Another Mani Ratnam classic exploring love amid conflict.
2. My Name Is Khan: A moving tale of interfaith relationships.
3. Hey Ram: Delves into communal violence and personal redemption.
4. Maqbool: A gritty adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
5. Slumdog Millionaire: A rags-to-riches story set in Mumbai.
6. Parinda: Explores crime and family ties in Mumbai.

Recommendation

“Bombay” is a cinematic gem that balances love, family, and societal commentary with finesse. Its powerful performances, mesmerizing music, and bold message make it a must-see for any movie enthusiast. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, its emotional depth and relevance will leave a lasting impression.

Have you seen “Bombay”? What did you think about its portrayal of love and conflict? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Bombay Cast & Characters

Actor	Character
Arvind Swamy	Shekhar Narayanan Pillai
Manisha Koirala	Shaila Banu Pillai
Prakash Raj	Kumar
Nassar	Narayanan Pillai
Kitty	Basheer
Tinnu Anand	Sakthi Samaj Head
Master Harsha	Kabir Narayan
Master Hridhay	Kamal Basheer
Sonali Bendre	Dancer in the song ‘Humma Humma’
Nagendra Prasad	Dancer in the song ‘Humma Humma’
Rohini	Shaila Banu Pillai (voice)
M. V. Vasudeva Rao	Vasudeva Rao
Priya

How is Our Review?

Let us know if you liked our review of Bombay through the comment box, so that we can keep creating such content for you.