Sapna Dutta posed this question on Take Two Sunday 23rd November. Listen again to the full debate.
What does the concept of British Asian mean when it comes to films? Is it only the likes of Gurinder Chada who have created that meaning after successful films like Bend It Like Beckham? Does she hold the monopoly when it comes to British Asian filmmaking? Do you think others have tried and are trying to recreate Gurinder's magic or is it about the Asian scriptwriters and small time directors who are really the people who have really created the meaning of British Asian film?
When it's the pound versus the rupee the rupee always wins as we have forthcoming films like Bride and Prejudice that cast Bollywood actors and have South Asian location. Is this really then a British Asian Blockbuster in the making, or another 'crossover' film?
Sapna spoke to the writer of Brit-Asian blockbuster East Is East, Ayub Khan Din. Current EastEnder but former Bend It Like Beckham star Ameet Chana also gave us his insight into the world of British Asian films.
Here's what some of you think:
"Outstanding British films embody our daily lives with the realisation of our dreams. The likes of the Brit-Asian films of late are in a similar vein to Four Weddings and Sliding Doors & Mike Leigh's work. Remember My Beautiful Laundrette? now was this in 1985 classed as Brit-Asian? No. A well written/directed film will leave it's own mark whether labelled British or Brit-Asian." - Guy, Headley Hampshire
"To my mind, British- Asian movies need to be more realistic, even though films are supposed to be a fiction, it is a neccessity to be based on some realities to attract the audience." - Julaiga Abdul Rahman, France
Continue the discussion online via the Message Board.
Which of the following British-Asian films is your favourite?
East is East 28% Bend It Like Beckham 67% The Warrior 2% Bollywood Queen 4%
Total votes: 111
Votes are indicitive and do not reflect public opinion.
"Who wants to be the next Gurinder Chadha ! I certainly would not want to make simple fatous comedical films which follow similar lines are very repetitive and boring." - Sardul Sikander
Read what others say and tell us what you think on the Message Board.
How to Make a British-Asian Blockbuster?
