Bombay Talkie (1970)
James Ivory's romantic drama set against the glittering, chaotic world of the Bombay film industry.
Bombay Talkie - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1970
- Directed by: James Ivory
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 18, 1970 (United States)
- Production Companies: Merchant Ivory Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Bombay Talkie - Plot
An English novelist travels to Bombay to watch one of her novels translated to film. She chases after the movie's leading man while the screenwriter chases after her.
Bombay Talkie - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for the film's vibrant Bombay setting:
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Bombay Talkie - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- James Ivory
Main Cast
- Shashi Kapoor
- Jennifer Kendal
- Zia Mohyeddin
- Aparna Sen
- Utpal Dutt
- Nadira
- Pinchoo Kapoor
- Helen
- Sonoo Arora
- Iftekhar
Writers
- Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
- James Ivory
Producers
- Ismail Merchant
Bombay Talkie - FAQs
What is Bombay Talkie about?
Bombay Talkie follows Lucia Lane, a bored English novelist who arrives in Bombay as one of her books is being adapted into a Bollywood film. She becomes infatuated with the film's charismatic leading man, Vikram, while the sensitive screenwriter Hari quietly falls for her — setting off a tangle of desire, ego, and cultural collision.
Is Bombay Talkie based on a true story?
Bombay Talkie is an original story, not based on real events. It was written by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and James Ivory, drawing on their deep familiarity with Indian culture and the Bombay film industry. The film reflects their keen observations of the clash between Western visitors and the vibrant world of Hindi cinema.
Where can you watch Bombay Talkie online?
You can watch Bombay Talkie on Amazon Video, where it's available to rent or buy. It's a great pick for fans of classic world cinema and the early Merchant Ivory style.
What makes Bombay Talkie a unique Merchant Ivory film?
Bombay Talkie stands out in the Merchant Ivory catalogue for its playful, self-aware look at the Bollywood film industry from the inside. Shot on location in Bombay with a cast blending Indian and Western talent, it captures the glittering excess and emotional turbulence of Hindi cinema with both affection and sharp wit.
Who are the main actors in Bombay Talkie?
The film stars Shashi Kapoor as Vikram, the magnetic Bollywood leading man, and Jennifer Kendal as Lucia Lane, the restless English novelist. Zia Mohyeddin plays Hari the screenwriter, while Aparna Sen, Utpal Dutt, Nadira, and Helen round out a rich and memorable ensemble.
Is Bombay Talkie worth watching today?
Absolutely — Bombay Talkie is a fascinating time capsule of early 1970s Bombay and a witty, melancholy meditation on desire and self-delusion. Shashi Kapoor is magnetic, and the film's insider look at Hindi cinema gives it a texture few Western productions of the era could match. A rewarding watch for cinephiles.
Who wrote the screenplay for Bombay Talkie?
The screenplay was co-written by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and James Ivory. Jhabvala, a Booker Prize-winning novelist, was the primary literary voice behind most Merchant Ivory productions. Her sharp, ironic sensibility is very much present here in the portrait of Lucia Lane's romantic misadventures in Bombay.
Where was Bombay Talkie filmed?
Bombay Talkie was filmed on location in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. Cinematographer Subrata Mitra — known for his work with Satyajit Ray — captured the city's film studios, streets, and social spaces with a vivid, immersive eye, giving the film an authentic sense of place that studio shooting could never have achieved.
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