Watch Bombay Blue

Bombay Blue is an enthralling miniseries that aired on Channel 4 back in 1997. This captivating TV show boldly dives deep into the heart of Bombay, now known as Mumbai, India's bustling, multifaceted commercial metropolis. This series narrates the city's rich and varied tapestry, exploring the vast cultural, social, and economic dimensions, and human stories that are woven into its fabric. It explores cultural coexistence, ubiquitous poverty, thriving in the corners of the glitz of Bollywood, pervasive corruption, and the audacity to dream big in a city that never sleeps.

Bombay Blue consists of six awe-inspiring episodes that unfurl layered narratives that mirror the cosmopolitan life within the city, subcultures, and microcosms distinct to Bombay. The story unfolds through the eyes of the main protagonists who are as complex and diverse as the city they live in. These characters include a local gangster, a bar dancer, a corrupt cop, to name just a few, each wrestling with their personal demons while striving to make their mark amidst the chaotic swirl of city life.

Set in the bustling, vibrant streets of Bombay and the beautiful, deserted beaches of Goa, the show offers a vivid and stirring portrayal of existence in one of the world's most densely populated cities. The inherent charm, traditions, and stark realities of life in India, particularly in Bombay, are brought to light with an illuminating blend of sensitivity and earnestness. The credible narratives are intelligently intertwined with the gritty ambiance of the city, rendering a nuanced perspective to the viewer that remains evocative long after the screen fades.

The talent ensemble consists of a mix of veterans and fresh faces from Indian cinema and theatre. Their arresting performances add depth and authenticity to the characters that they portray, making the viewers fall in love, empathize, or despise them, leaving a memorable impression. Each character's evolving story raises powerful questions about morality, survival, ambition, and the blurred lines that define them in a city as paradoxical as Bombay.

The narrative architect is none other than critically acclaimed author and screenwriter Farrukh Dhondy. He masterfully spins a web of interconnected stories, blending fiction with reality, creating a work that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a testament to his screenwriting prowess that such a riot of colourful personalities and tales is presented with deft control and an underlying theme of human resilience.

The cinematography of Bombay Blue is one of its outstanding aspects. It beautifully captures the city's juxtapositioning from the bustling local trains, crowded bazaars, skyscrapers, to the streets lined with crumbling colonial remnants. The camera angles, the use of lighting, colours, and the framing of shots provide an immersive cinematic experience, making the viewers feel as though they're traversing through the city's narrow bylanes and expansive horizons.

Equally compelling is the series' haunting background score, which resonates in sync with Bombay's diverse soundscape. The music imbues the narrative with additional layers, accentuating the emotion of a scene or a character's internal turmoil. The soundtrack is a fruit of collaboration featuring traditional Indian music with the contemporary sounds of the late 90s, embodying the city's spirit.

Created at a time when international television was just about discovering the hues of Indian society and culture, Bombay Blue can be considered a pioneering effort. It presents a compelling portrait of Bombay, neither romanticizing the city nor depressing its viewers with an overly pessimistic portrayal, but rather showing it in all its vibrant, complex, and contradictory glory. In many ways, Bombay Blue stands as a fascinating piece of global television, which, while being deeply rooted in its local context, appeals universally due to its humanistic, empathetic approach.

Overall, Bombay Blue was a bold and innovative piece of television from the late ’90s. For those interested in understanding Bombay's bustling life, nuanced realities, and myriad human stories, watching this well-crafted show is a must. Its masterful narrative, nuanced characters, exceptional performances, and vivid presentation, is likely to leave viewers captivated, intrigued, and moved.