Watch Original Copy

Original Copy is a fascinating documentary that takes a look at a unique aspect of Mumbai's cultural heritage: the city's vibrant cinema culture. Specifically, the film focuses on Mumbai's popular single-screen cinemas and their proprietor, Mohamed Ali, who is one of the last remaining film projectionists in the city. The film follows Ali as he navigates the challenges of running his business in a rapidly changing city. Despite facing competition from multiplex cinemas and a dwindling audience for Hindi-language films, Ali remains committed to his craft and the unique moviegoing experience that he provides.

The documentary is directed by Florian Heinzen-Ziob and Georg Heinzen, and features interviews with Ali, his family, and his loyal customers, as well as several industry professionals who offer insight into Mumbai's rich cinema history. Through these interviews and stunning shots of the city's bustling streets and colorful movie theaters, Original Copy paints a vivid portrait of a city and a community in transition.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its exploration of the art and science of film projection. In an age when nearly all movies are shown digitally, Ali remains committed to projecting films on celluloid, utilizing a process that he describes as both technical and artistic. He discusses the many challenges of working with celluloid film, from repairing old projectors to keeping up with the latest advancements in projection technology. This dedication to the craft is shared by many of his fellow projectionists, who are also struggling to keep their businesses afloat in a rapidly changing industry.

Another theme explored in the film is the importance of community and tradition. Ali's cinema serves as a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds, who come together to enjoy the latest Bollywood blockbusters or classics from the Golden Age of Hindi cinema. As one customer puts it, "These kind of cinemas are the lifeline of Mumbai." Similarly, many of Ali's employees have family connections to the cinema, and share his passion for preserving Mumbai's cinema heritage.

Despite its focus on a single individual and his business, Original Copy has broader implications for the future of Indian cinema and the role of tradition in a rapidly modernizing society. The film offers a unique perspective on a rapidly changing industry, and provides a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of Mumbai's cinema culture. Overall, Original Copy is a beautifully shot and engaging documentary that will appeal to cinephiles and anyone interested in the intersection of tradition and progress in contemporary India.

Original Copy is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.