Bollywood on Clark
Moviegoing is a national pastime in India, and it has often been noted that its studios produce more films than those of any other nation–about 700 per year in a variety of regional languages. While some 200 of these are filmed in Hindi, many of the remaining movies are dubbed into that language to take advantage of the country’s largest market. The most influential of the regional cinemas comes out of Bombay, commonly referred to as Bollywood; the majority of its offerings are musicals.
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Though Hindi speakers are the Adelphi’s target market, Indians aren’t the only ones who patronize the theater. Gandhi has noticed that Nigerians belonging to a church a few doors south regularly attend screenings. “I am not sure if they speak Hindi,” he says, “but I believe they understand what is being said.” Tibetans also come to every premiere. “Tibet borders India, and they speak Hindi better than I do.” Other regulars include Afghans, Iranians, Syrians, and Pakistanis. He says, “There isn’t any barrier or problems here between Pakistanis and Indians.” Gandhi notes that Hindi films have changed in recent years. Movies are increasingly filmed in other countries, such as Switzerland. “They want to show movie patrons different locales,” he says. More films include English too. “I think they are trying to appeal more and more to Indians living in the United States.”
Minutes before show time, Gandhi closes the box office and runs upstairs to become the projectionist, just as generations of Gandhis have done before him. “It’s in the blood,” he admits. “You either know this business or you don’t.”
