Renowned British film critic Peter Bradshaw will be in Mumbai in October to mentor young film critics
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 28, 2015)


On June 22, 2001, Peter Bradshaw reviewed Ashutosh Gowariker's award-winning drama, Lagaan, for The Guardian. The British critic wrote: "Larger than life and outrageously enjoyable, it's got a dash of spaghetti western, a hint of Kurosawa, with a bracing shot of Kipling. Ashutosh Gowariker's film is virile, muscular storytelling, with rich musical dance numbers. A heavily bewhiskered Chris England plays a vicious bodyline bowler. Go and see it."

Fourteen years later, Peter is looking forward to bumping into Aamir Khan and wife Kiran Rao at the MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival, presented by Jio, in association with Mumbai Mirror, which runs from October 29 to November 5. "They're mammoth names and I would be delighted to meet them. Aamir is the Titanic of Bollywood and I understand how packed his schedule is. If he has the time, I'm looking forward to a chat," says Peter, speaking to Mirror from London.

Peter, who will be visiting Mumbai for the first time, will be mentoring aspiring film writers and critics over a two-day workshop at the MAMI Young Critics Lab, along with Meenakshi Shedde. "I'm going to emphasise on commitment, engagement and passion. Hollywood has long given up on the musical genre and this is why Bollywood is so vital," he points out, admitting that he loves reviewing Bollywood films but hasn't been able to do one for quite a while due to their limited screenings in London.

Writing a film review, he points out, is not like writing a college paper. Since no one is compelled to read your review, you have to force the reader to keep from turning the page or scrolling you over. He admits that there are grey areas when a filmmaker becomes a friend. "I love meeting young filmmakers and championing their little minds. But when you know them on a personal level, of course, it's difficult to review their work. Some critics advise you to seal yourself from the outside world. That's not how I see it," he insists.

Peter adds that readers value comedy, and the key is to focus on the big picture and zoom into the tiny details. He has travelled to film festivals across the globe but has never mentored budding critics outside the UK. "Mumbai is a world-renowned centre of cinema, with a glorious film heritage. I am hugely excited," he exults.

The 53-year-old plans to further his own education about Indian writing and critiquing during his week-long-stay in the city and is excited to blog about Hindi and regional cinema too. On the 'India week' on BBC he's fascinated by the rail routes and cinema culture. "It might sound funny but I'm keen to stand inside the big and busy railway station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) and ride in a local train. I'm a cliche," he guffaws.