Wednesday night in Mumbai the 15th Star Screen Awards marked a first for Southeast Asian cinema as the Best Couple award was won by two male actors whose characters pretend to be gay. That's news, given that homosexuality is still illegal in India. And it signals a shift in the homophobic society that two major Bollywood stars agreed to play the roles. Since the movie's release in November, superstar John Abraham's yellow swim trunks have become nearly as popular as that blue pair, and apparently he even appeared in them during the black tie ceremony on Wednesday. (Since 2002, he's been dating a female co-star from his first movie, Jism.) The other actor, Abhishek Bachchan, is married to international icon Aishwarya Rai who was nominated in the same category. Dostana aims to be a frothy, over the top comedy that good naturedly pokes fun at all stereotypes including gay cliches. While I'm not a fan of the "OMG! They're Gays!!! But Not Really!" storyline, I did laugh once during this trailer, which is a giant leap from my reaction to previews for Boat Trip or I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.
Mixed reactions: for India's COMMERCIAL cinema this is a step forward. But this would be considered retrograde by many other societies' standards.
The blue trunks seem more impressive in the trunk area ;)
Posted by: SJ | January 17, 2009 at 06:03 AM
Jonathan Abraham in a tiny bathing suit is nothing to laugh at. Unfortunately, this movie doesn't look like it is, either.
Somewhere there is another trailer with Abraham tugging his suit up over his luscious butt cheek. Dreamy.
Posted by: mrpeenee | January 20, 2009 at 03:00 PM