Bollywood comes to Yuma
Every four to six weeks, a local movie theater is magically transported to India for an evening of that country's increasingly popular - and always colorful - movies coming out of Bollywood.
The movies are brought to town by the India Association of Yuma. The group works to bring provide culture from the homeland for fellow Indians, as well as a general public that's interested in India's art and customs.
"These movies are open to everybody. I would say about 40 percent of people who come aren't Indian," said Vinod Mohindra, the association member who created the film series. "We have many regulars who show up for every movie. There is a lot of interest, but not everyone in the public knows the movies are here."
The next showing is Thursday at 7 p.m. The movies are brought in from a distributor in Los Angeles and are shown at Main St. Cinemas, 111 S. Main St.
Thursday's movie is "Dil Bole Hadippa" or "My Heart Says Hurrah." The movie tells the story of a fellow who returns to India to recruit good players for his father's cricket team in England.
Mohindra started the series last April, and 21 movies have been shown so far. Average attendance has ranged between 70 and 100 people at each showing.
"It is important for us that we are getting current entertainment from the homeland," he said. "At the same time we have the chance to get together and socialize a little."
Prior to the film series, members of the Indian community in Yuma would trade movies on VCR tapes and host movie parties in members' homes.
"But no matter what kind of home theater equipment you have, a real movie theater is a real movie theater. So it is very good to see a movie at the theater."
Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids. Tickets bought just a few days prior to the showing or at the door cost $11 for adults and $9 for children.
People wanting to RSVP or to be notified about future movies can reach Mohindra by e-mail at vmohindra@usa.net.
In addition to the movie, Indian snacks are often available for sale.
Movies from Bollywood, as India's film industry is called, have earned a growing popularity with audiences in the United States. The movies are known for a certain style, which is defined by bright colors, dancing, music and lively plots.
"Bollywood is now the No. 1 movie producer in the world. They now produce more films than Hollywood. They also do a lot of background for Hollywood," Mohindra said.
"The movies are high quality, too. If it wasn't for the language, you would not be able to tell the difference (from Hollywood). There are high-quality story lines, too. Once in awhile you get a dud or a highly hyped movie, though."
