BASMATI BLUES
US, 2017, 105 minutes, Colour.
Brie Larson, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Scott Bakula, Saahil Sehgal, Tyne Daley, Donald Sutherland.
Directed by Don Baron.
This is an American production with an American cast, but the main action takes place in India, all the atmosphere and colour of India, religious rituals, the political and social conditions. It is also a musical in the vein of the Bollywood musicals, the main cast, especially Brie Larson, all singing.
Ultimately, it is a film supporting Indian culture, Indian work conditions, justice – and the resistance to American capitalistic imperialism.
Brie Larson portrays a scientist in the US who is working on modified rice. She is praised by the authorities, especially by the officials of the company, Donald Sutherland and Tyne Daley. At short notice, she sent to India to persuade farmers there to make contracts with the company and buy the rice.
It is a new world for her (which she expresses in song), is generally welcomed, well accommodated, but also encounters a young man, a student, on the train to her destination, later meeting with him by chance, their clashing, differences of opinion, yet an attraction which will develop, of course, into a love relationship (and songs and dancing).
She meets with locals, especially the family of the young man. She also goes to laboratories, where there are facilities for her to continue her work. However, she is also required to consult with farmers and growers to argue the case for their taking on this imported rice. An ambitious local young man works with the American company, indulges in some intrigue, especially in dealing with the farmers.
It soon emerges to those concerned that this is an exploitation of the Indian farmers, that they will be compelled to buy the rice, that they will not be able to grow their own. At first, they do not realise this so powerful is the propaganda, even with the arrival of the two officials.
However, she is supported by Scott Bakula who comes to India to work with her.
There are demonstrations, hostility towards the Americans as well as applause for them and the initiative.
However, ultimately she sees through what has happened, defies the authorities, joins the local farmers in promoting their own crops and labour.
Probably best to be in a good mood to be able to accept this American- Indian blend, the bursting into song, the repercussions for the social issues between India and the US.
