23 reviews
A Billion Colour Story is a rare Indian cinema that is progressive and asks the right set of uncomfortable questions. The movie is a take on the difficulties faced by a family who have "Progressed", in a country which is still confused with its caste system, religious intolerance and small thinking even 20 years after the second millennium. A Billion Colour Story is a gentle reminder on how like minded and progressive people fare within our society.
A Billion Colour Story is beautiful shot in black and white throughout, cinematography is just spectacular, with camera placement and angles wonderfully different in comparison to mainstream movies. The screenplay & direction is the main strength of this movie that fires some very uncomfortable questions to the common man living in India. The screenplay is very well crafted and put together, provocative and subtle at the same time, depicting the uneasiness of the characters wonderfully well. Production design, music, costumes and makeup are all very decent. Casting is a major plus to this movie. Considering the budget, the actors on the payroll have done a wonderful job, well almost.
Overall, if one lives in India and consider themselves "Progressive" A Billion Colour Story is just for you, as one can easily relate to it and compare the difficulties faced by us in general, moreover the movie will be nostalgic on many counts for progressive people living in India. The movie may not suit people who are religiously sensitive. But for any like minded people A Billion Colour Story is a must watch, just to re-examine the society that we live in today. Full credit to director and producer Sathish Kaushik to give life to this wonderful movie. 7.8 stars out of 10 for a beautiful screenplay and some spectacular cinematography.
A Billion Colour Story is beautiful shot in black and white throughout, cinematography is just spectacular, with camera placement and angles wonderfully different in comparison to mainstream movies. The screenplay & direction is the main strength of this movie that fires some very uncomfortable questions to the common man living in India. The screenplay is very well crafted and put together, provocative and subtle at the same time, depicting the uneasiness of the characters wonderfully well. Production design, music, costumes and makeup are all very decent. Casting is a major plus to this movie. Considering the budget, the actors on the payroll have done a wonderful job, well almost.
Overall, if one lives in India and consider themselves "Progressive" A Billion Colour Story is just for you, as one can easily relate to it and compare the difficulties faced by us in general, moreover the movie will be nostalgic on many counts for progressive people living in India. The movie may not suit people who are religiously sensitive. But for any like minded people A Billion Colour Story is a must watch, just to re-examine the society that we live in today. Full credit to director and producer Sathish Kaushik to give life to this wonderful movie. 7.8 stars out of 10 for a beautiful screenplay and some spectacular cinematography.
- madhukar30
- Dec 24, 2020
- Permalink
Written directed and shot by one single man turned out this greate I only imagine what a whole crew and high budget could have done , that said it's one of the most beautiful, emotional, good drama heavy film circling the ideas of religion and communism
- lrlogesh-32018
- Jun 19, 2020
- Permalink
Loved the screenplay and story! The movie defines todays hatred scenario in indian society and Hoe love can win over it.
Its an amazing movie citing the differences between formalism and pragmatism, The idea behind taking a higher moral ground and believing in the wisdom of humanity and not just a sub-branch of it. I am sure you will love it as well.
- pranjalgupta-53104
- Apr 5, 2019
- Permalink
How a white Englishman ended up at the 3rd annual Dallas Fort Worth South Asian Film Festival is a tale of its own, but as I settled in to my seat at the Perot Museum, Dallas TX to watch Billion Colour Story, I was not properly prepared for the emotional journey ahead. Black & white and subtitled films usually disappoint my simple tastes, but this was a very human tale with highly believable characters, and a solid plot you can relate to.
The pacing is good, the acting superb and the music and score were well balanced. If I had a criticism it was that the dubbing, subtitling and audio soundstage was at times not very polished - but this is an indie film on a tight budget, so lets not be too harsh. In any case, it did not really distract from the otherwise excellent film.
The beautiful Hindu mother Parv, and her optimistic Muslim husband Imran are both film makers, and they have a dream project which, if they are to complete, they must sell their family home to raise the finance. The film follows their story, and that of their 11 year old son Hari as they experience a variety of racial prejudices and narrow minded bullying along their journey to make their film.
I found myself drawing parallels that many post Brexit Brits and Trumps American's alike can relate to. This modern, liberal minded multicultural family have to face the realisation that the tolerant world they knew is changing, and those backward opinions that have long been suppressed in the shadows on the edge of society have moved into the open, to the detriment of all.
We watch the character of Imran turn from the naive eternal optimist, to a man torn between his faith in humanity and the new reality to which he is exposed.
We also watch his son Hari, who despite his innocence, is wise beyond his years and appears far more attuned to the world around him than his father. As the film closes we are deeply touched by the actions of young Hari, and we see that despite the evils we have seen in the film, there is still hope for humanity in India. We are also left wondering if we, in the real world, are reverting to an intolerant society, then what must we do to stop that change.
The pacing is good, the acting superb and the music and score were well balanced. If I had a criticism it was that the dubbing, subtitling and audio soundstage was at times not very polished - but this is an indie film on a tight budget, so lets not be too harsh. In any case, it did not really distract from the otherwise excellent film.
The beautiful Hindu mother Parv, and her optimistic Muslim husband Imran are both film makers, and they have a dream project which, if they are to complete, they must sell their family home to raise the finance. The film follows their story, and that of their 11 year old son Hari as they experience a variety of racial prejudices and narrow minded bullying along their journey to make their film.
I found myself drawing parallels that many post Brexit Brits and Trumps American's alike can relate to. This modern, liberal minded multicultural family have to face the realisation that the tolerant world they knew is changing, and those backward opinions that have long been suppressed in the shadows on the edge of society have moved into the open, to the detriment of all.
We watch the character of Imran turn from the naive eternal optimist, to a man torn between his faith in humanity and the new reality to which he is exposed.
We also watch his son Hari, who despite his innocence, is wise beyond his years and appears far more attuned to the world around him than his father. As the film closes we are deeply touched by the actions of young Hari, and we see that despite the evils we have seen in the film, there is still hope for humanity in India. We are also left wondering if we, in the real world, are reverting to an intolerant society, then what must we do to stop that change.
- lardwarrior
- Mar 3, 2017
- Permalink
I enjoyed watching this thought provoking movie.. this movie will rekindle our existence of being humans beyond cast creed or religion .. Hats of to the story and idea..
- roopak-haridasan
- Oct 20, 2019
- Permalink
- rdrakesh-98791
- Dec 29, 2020
- Permalink
A brilliant tale that captivates u ...also fr the fort time I felt an appreciation fr the film makers effort
A Billion Colour Story was primarily shot in black and white, making up about 90% of the film. I'm still pondering whether director Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy made the right call with that choice. I bet the cast, including Dhruva Padmakumar, Gaurav Sharma, Vasuki, and Rashmi Somvanshi, are wondering the same thing.
The film is thoughtfully crafted, tackling themes of tolerance in a world that's increasingly divided by violence, racism, and distrust. There are moments of darkness that highlight a growing sense of hopelessness, suggesting that humanity is often at odds with itself, and many are in conflict. One of the key characters argues for the need to believe that not everything is lost, emphasizing that the inherent goodness in people still exists. The kid learns that we need more love stories instead of revenge tales, and more real-life heroes rather than just superheroes. Unfortunately, the ending seems to suggest that this film aims to remind us of the importance of believing in one another, rather than waiting for a mythical savior who may never come-something that could be seen as blasphemous by various religious groups.
The black-and-white cinematography is striking, and the performances from the cast are solid, but the dialogue often feels overly preachy and hard to take seriously.
The film is thoughtfully crafted, tackling themes of tolerance in a world that's increasingly divided by violence, racism, and distrust. There are moments of darkness that highlight a growing sense of hopelessness, suggesting that humanity is often at odds with itself, and many are in conflict. One of the key characters argues for the need to believe that not everything is lost, emphasizing that the inherent goodness in people still exists. The kid learns that we need more love stories instead of revenge tales, and more real-life heroes rather than just superheroes. Unfortunately, the ending seems to suggest that this film aims to remind us of the importance of believing in one another, rather than waiting for a mythical savior who may never come-something that could be seen as blasphemous by various religious groups.
The black-and-white cinematography is striking, and the performances from the cast are solid, but the dialogue often feels overly preachy and hard to take seriously.
Started watching this movie randomly and war truly amazed with the content and acting.. just brilliant.
- gaus-11105
- Jan 22, 2021
- Permalink
We are ordinary people before we associate with any particular nation, religion, culture, gender, etc.
Seeing the whole world divided under one pretext or another, it seems that humanity is disappearing somewhere.
Tolerance and diversity do not touch us; In fact, it slips into the mouth. We promote discrimination. Our thinking is becoming a stigma for society.
This is the case all over the world. Where does the consciousness of dividing people on the basis of religion, class, caste, etc. come from?
After watching a movie called A Billion Color Story, these things kept playing in my mind.
The film manages to capture the religious divisions, intolerance and prejudice. It is a flat and smooth story of oppression given to the people of the society by the people living in the society. These are the things that are elegantly advocated in this film.
The film speaks in its own language - the world is fast becoming ugly due to violence, discrimination and skepticism. Because of this, people are feeling sad and discouraged. All of these must be final.
- inducedemf
- Aug 31, 2020
- Permalink
A beautiful concept which is handled with such grace. It shows a mirror to the people of India and tells us how day by day we are taking away every great thing from the land called India. A young boy witnessing the divide in the society and it affects his small family. A beautiful message which hopefully is seen and felt by as many people as possible. DELIGHTFUL WATCH.
- samyakjain-60719
- Jan 23, 2021
- Permalink
If it weren't for Netflix, I wouldn't have been able to watch such a beautiful movie. What is disappointing is that no one talked about it in the year it was released nor afterwards until I chance upon it today. The message is very clear and the story, so relatable. I want to watch more from the N Padmakumar.
It's a fantasy movie beautifully inacted...loved all d actors..specially the family.it's the real problem of all d indians today.
- chaturvediram
- Mar 28, 2021
- Permalink
Loved the subject, the story, the acting and everything else about this movie. The narrative brings out visceral emotions to say the least. Right depiction of the divisive and polar nature of politics and mass psychology that we are all witnessing shamefully in democracies that are supposed to uphold diversity.
Cheers to the filmmakers for choosing to speak about the subject so candidly and effectively.
- ananyachand-90331
- Jun 5, 2020
- Permalink
This movie is tremendous script writing and depicted in a wonderful way...Movie starts with Black and White, finally ends in COLOR, which interrelated with the story rhythm, sad and happy (mixtures).
Please do watch this movie and it definitely shows where we are all standing!
Please do watch this movie and it definitely shows where we are all standing!
- gsubramania
- May 3, 2020
- Permalink
Talk about a film that should and will provoke much thought and bring about a much needed discussion on the precipice that is Humankind is: A Billion Colour Story!
Right from the outset "this little film that can" captivated me slowly at first; then, fully before I knew I was locked in for 2 wonderful hours! This film could not have been released at any better time in our history and is a much needed reinforcement for humanity when perhaps it is at it's petty worst as far as racism, creed, and religion(s) find themselves at odds instead of a tolerant peace!
Whether you live in Mumbai, Omaha, Paris, Capetown, or BattleCreek... this film will resonate a message that needs to be heard & shared.
Right from the outset "this little film that can" captivated me slowly at first; then, fully before I knew I was locked in for 2 wonderful hours! This film could not have been released at any better time in our history and is a much needed reinforcement for humanity when perhaps it is at it's petty worst as far as racism, creed, and religion(s) find themselves at odds instead of a tolerant peace!
Whether you live in Mumbai, Omaha, Paris, Capetown, or BattleCreek... this film will resonate a message that needs to be heard & shared.
- peterlsmith-564-962159
- Dec 29, 2019
- Permalink
It's simply beautiful movie. Very Simple but with great acting . A touching story showing how India is changing
- rajeshgupta-67987
- Jun 27, 2020
- Permalink
Every indian should watch it, very interesting movie depicting the crisis the country is going through in a very intelligent manner.
This is a very good movie for watch. This film talks about indian social probelems based by religion. Good direction best cinematography. All actors were good.best recommend for watch.
- yohanmadu-34397
- May 29, 2021
- Permalink
This movie is so great in every way I highly recommend it the actors are really sweet and by sweet I mean sweet in the best way somehow yeah it's a story that we all need to see and be
this movie is so great in every way I highly recommend it the actors are really sweet and by sweet I mean sweet in the best way somehow yeah it's a story that we all need to see and be
this movie is so great in every way I highly recommend it the actors are really sweet and by sweet I mean sweet in the best way somehow yeah it's a story that we all need to see and be
this movie is so great in every way I highly recommend it the actors are really sweet and by sweet I mean sweet in the best way somehow yeah it's a story that we all need to see and be.
this movie is so great in every way I highly recommend it the actors are really sweet and by sweet I mean sweet in the best way somehow yeah it's a story that we all need to see and be
this movie is so great in every way I highly recommend it the actors are really sweet and by sweet I mean sweet in the best way somehow yeah it's a story that we all need to see and be
this movie is so great in every way I highly recommend it the actors are really sweet and by sweet I mean sweet in the best way somehow yeah it's a story that we all need to see and be.
- curtispeace
- Dec 11, 2024
- Permalink
Billion people in India still believe in its diversity and the unity among us . From my bottom of the heart i loved the deliberate writing and creation about the culture of our Country. We live together eat together smile together celebrate together.
The End of this movie made me cry.
It also revealed the current situation of film making industry and how they only sticked on business mentality and not supporting the new comers with such a great concept and writings like this.
The little boy in the character of Hari aziz acted beautifully. And the The all casts are very very fantastic. Love the actors and film makers for this beautiful creation.
The End of this movie made me cry.
It also revealed the current situation of film making industry and how they only sticked on business mentality and not supporting the new comers with such a great concept and writings like this.
The little boy in the character of Hari aziz acted beautifully. And the The all casts are very very fantastic. Love the actors and film makers for this beautiful creation.
- chakrabortyb-76534
- Apr 20, 2024
- Permalink