Bollywood spotlight Series is back for a second year of Indian films curated and presented by Vidhi Salla of Vidhi’s Bollywood Jukebox in collaboration with The Latchis Theatre. Brattleboro’s historic local theater will showcase four different Indian films, twice every week: Sundays at 4pm and Wednesdays at 7pm.

As with all her movie events, Salla will present a cultural introduction before every screening and have on display a pop-up bazaar of Indian handicrafts inside the venue. This year, in addition to attending the screenings, audiences are welcome to participate in an online discussion and Q&A about the films that Vidhi will be hosting after the conclusion of the series. The exact date for the discussion will be announced during the series. Admission to the screenings is by a suggested donation of $10 but no one will be turned away; all the movies will be shown with subtitles in English.

This year, the series will begin with a period drama called Bajirao Mastani (2015). The screening will coincide with the Brattleboro Literary Festival since the film is based on a Marathi-language novel, Rau by Nagnath S. Inamdar. In addition to her introduction to the film, Salla will briefly talk about the theme of historical fiction in Indian cinema and how it is used to entertain as well as educate audiences. The second film is one of the biggest, most memorable Bollywood blockbusters, Sholay (1975) in the style of a western revenge drama. Week three features Monsoon Wedding (2001), technically an international production, and one of director Mira Nair’s finest films that goes well beyond the titular plot of an Indian wedding. The series will conclude with 3 Idiots (2009), a coming-of-age comedy entertainer with a commentary on the Indian education system. It was the most successful film in the year of its release.

Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis and advance booking is not required. In keeping with the tradition of last year’s Bollywood Spotlight Series, Salla is encouraging audiences to dress up in their Indian finery for the opening showcase on October 15th. More information about each of the films and the series can be found on vidhiism.com or latchis.com. Below is the full schedule:

Week 1
Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Run time 2h 38mins
Sunday, October 15th, 2023, 4pm
Wednesday, October 18th, 2023, 7pm

Week 2
Sholay (1975)
Run time 3h 8mins
Sunday, October 22, 2023, 4pm
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 7pm

Week 3
Monsoon Wedding (2001)
Run time 2h 30mins
Sunday, October 29, 2023, 4pm
Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 7pm

Week 4
3 Idiots (2009)
Run time 2h 51mins
Sunday, November 5, 2023, 4pm
Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 7pm

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