Watch Big in Bollywood

Big in Bollywood is a 2011 documentary film directed by Kenny Meehan and Bill Bowles. The film follows the journey of an American struggling actor, Omi Vaidya, who gains overnight fame in India after his small role in 3 Idiots becomes a sensation. The movie begins with Omi, who has grown frustrated with his lack of career success, accepting an invitation from a friend to audition for the role of Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots. Despite his lack of understanding of the script, language, and cultural differences, he manages to impress the casting directors with his performance and lands the role.

Once the film comes out, Omi finds himself catapulted into stardom in India, where he is embraced by fans who love his portrayal of Chatur, a slightly awkward but lovable character. Omi embraces his newfound celebrity status in India and begins to enjoy the perks that come with it, such as attending premiere events and being featured in magazines.

However, Omi's success in India leads to a strain on his relationships back home in the United States, particularly with his girlfriend who feels left behind. Omi also struggles with maintaining his cultural identity, as he tries to balance his American upbringing with his newfound love for Indian culture.

The documentary also delves into the making of 3 Idiots and the impact it had on Indian cinema. The film's director, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, discusses his inspiration for the film and the challenges he faced while making it. It also highlights the importance of the film's message, which focuses on the pressure to succeed in the Indian education system and the importance of following one's passions.

Throughout the movie, Omi's journey is intertwined with interviews from key players in Indian cinema, including Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, who reflect on the role of Hollywood in international cinema and the challenges that come with being a foreign actor in India.

Another interesting aspect of Big in Bollywood is the way it touches on broader issues surrounding globalization and the impact of western media on international cultures. Omi's sudden fame highlights the way in which Bollywood is increasingly becoming a global brand, drawing in audiences from all over the world who are looking for something different from Hollywood fare.

Overall, Big in Bollywood is an entertaining and insightful documentary that offers a unique perspective on the world of international cinema. It is a heartwarming story about a struggling actor who finds success in an unexpected place, and the challenges he faces along the way. It is a great watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema, globalization, or just looking for an inspiring story.

Big in Bollywood is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.