Even before Partition, Indian cinema’s formula for success has consisted of love stories, dancing and awe-inspiring landscapes.
But a new leading role is emerging — the Bollywood superhero.
The rise of science fiction comes as Indian audiences increasingly grow used to the special effects standards of Hollywood, whose studios have already relied on Indian workers for outsourced support on big-budget productions.
But superheroes in one sense are part and parcel of Indian culture, where the majority religion of Hinduism is rooted in epics.
“Long before James Cameron created ‘Avatar,’ we had the first blue-skinned guy with a bow and arrow,” said Indian American producer Sharad Devarajan, referring to Hinduism’s Lord Rama.
Among the nominees for best picture at the International Indian Film Awards, Bollywood’s premier event which is being held in Tampa, is “Krrish 3,”a science-fiction film about a scientist and his superhero son.
