Waste of time

In other words,this film is a surreal ride.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

One of the most under rated and understated films that showcases the hypocrisy of Indian Cinema with unabashed bravery.This is a fine film that has wonderful script and has some fine actors to enact the parts. Om Puri as Subramaniam and Navin Nischol as Manu Kapoor stand out. The others have given wonderful performances too. The writing was superb, the character of Kajal portrayed by Perizaad Zorabaian was etched out beautifully. It has a modern outlook and thwarts the hypocrisy too. Damn, she was one courageous woman who did that role, perfectly well. Pat Cusick played the role of Patrick Stormaire with a poise of mockery and dignity. It's a rare case for Bollywood and a one to watch. Above the performances lies the script and yet, the acting has taken the film to a different live. Look at Om Puri shouting in typical South Indian Accent as "Balls, Balls, I want more Balls" when shooting a song sequence. There are such fine moments of splits and wonderful moments of courage too. This is added to a touch of emotion and it's all blended well into a wonderful film.The departments of cinematography, editing play a lesser role as the film in itself is a kind of spoof on the way Bollywood films are shot and some shots are so laughable that they create a hilarious feeling. This is one of the better films of Nagesh Kukunoor and I rate it as one of the finest films made on Bollywood itself. Never before was the Bollywood film making thrashed as it did happen in Bollywood Calling. It's a 4/5 for this film. If anybody wants to have some good laughs at the way films are made in Bollywood, this is certainly a competent choice.

Bollywood Calling is a ticket to get a sneak peek behind the iron walls of Bollywood. This movie unearths of what lies beneath the glossy magazines - the Jykell and Hyde effect, the newcomers struggle, the punctuality, the casting couch, the double standards and more importantly the larger than life image of super stars.As usual in all of Kukunoor's movie, the script rules the roost. Om Puri's performance is worth mentioning. Navin Nischol plays the role of ageing actor to the perfect T (reminds you of your parents favourite actor). Perizad shows definite potential. Pat Cusick is alright.There is only one song in the movie which gives the flavour of South Indian songs back in the 80's.Though Bollywood Calling is a comedy the tone is definitely dark. With corporate culture seeping in, I hope that changes all that.I watched this movie when it was first released and believed that Kukunoor deserves much more. Post Iqbal and Dor, there is sudden renewed interest for Kukonoor's movie which is a positive sign. I am happy for Kukunoor for what he has done for himself today.

If you're an outsider who wants to get an insight into the real Indian mindset, then Bollywood is Calling. I think the lead character was excellent. Playing the part of a B movie actor is a bit of a thankless task but I thought the white guy was tough and as believable as he could be. With some experience of Bombayites, I can say that not only was this film funny, sad, absurd, etc. - it was also realistic. Well, just about as realistic as Bollywood really is. Anyone who thinks this was over the top simply has not faced the reality of India. India IS over the top and life there is a drama. So, I don't think it was just an affectionate dig at Bollywood. If anything it was a dig at the arrogance of a white man coming to the world's most productive film industry and telling them they're ignorant and unprofessional. Well, that was just ignorant - but quite typical of westerners, in my opinion. Great movie, watch it, and maybe learn something. I'd give it a good 8/10.

This latest film by Nagesh Kukunoor (Hyderabad Blues, Rockford) is definitely worth a watch! It is about a B-grade Hollywood actor who, dying from cancer and with his career spiraling downward, takes up an offer to act in a Bollywood movie (in Hyderabad) as a last ditch effort to resurrect his career. The entire movie focuses on how adhoc the movie-making process is in Bollywood; how the stars are revered and nobody really cares two hoots about quality and production values! For instance there is no script! The screenplay is written a few pages at a time the day before the shoot! There isn't much insider stuff in the movie, so it is watchable for non-filmi people too.Om Puri has done an excellent job! It makes you wonder if all you need is a great actor and the movie will carry itself! Nagesh Kukunoor has come a long way from his previous ventures. There still are a few flaws in the screen flow - you can see some patchy sequences in places - but a vast improvement over Hyderabad Blues! And he has to learn to use music effectively in the movie. There is almost no music in the movie except where absolutely necessary! You know how we all believe there is too much background music in Indian movies; he over-compensated for it by using too little music! The story is light-hearted and almost trivial, unlike typical Bollywood movies with a "strong social" theme; the jokes are funny but not hilarious! Maybe that's why it didn't fare well at the box office.The bottom line: It is funny and reasonably well-made. The actors all did a great job. Easy-going movie, doesn't play with your emotions a lot! Worth a watch.