BOLLYWOOD DOUBLE FEATURE

Mondo Macabro has carved itself a formidable reputation over the last few years as a leader in presenting adventurous film fans unique movies from around the globe in definitive editions (often in their original aspect ratios), re-mastered, and with intriguing extras. Each of their releases is like an adventure into some forgotten shadow-drenched corner of the globe. Their newest acquisition, The Bollywood Double Feature, is no exception. Featuring not one but two India-lensed features, this double dip is a perfect introduction to the weird pleasures of Bolly-exploitation. Bandh Darwaza and Purana Mondir are legendary examples of Bollywood's take on horror, featuring outrageous set pieces, menacing atmosphere, and an overall feeling of grand fantasy. Combining age-old superstitions and exotic supernatural legends with dark humor, ridiculous song-and-dance numbers, and a zealous approach to mythic material that finds no qualms poking fun at taboo, these features are as instructive to watch for their take on another culture's approach to the supernatural as they are good goofy fun.

Directed by Shyan and Tulsi Ramsay, Bandh Darwaza is hailed as the Indian version of Dracula (although only the film's beginning and ending suggest such similarities). In it we find an exotic revision of ancient vampire legends instilled with more color and bizarre imagery than noticeable in British and American products of the same ilk. Whereas the Western take on vampirism focuses primarily on isolated archetypes of Nosferatu, treating their titular monsters as simplistic bloodsuckers, Bandh Darwaza combines the horrifying appeal of the roving undead with sorcery and sacrifice, evoking within its adventurous mingling of skin, sin, and demonic prowess the cosmic effect of myth. When a childless woman asks an evil magician to help her conceive, he demands that she hand her newborn over if it is a girl. When she does indeed give birth to a girl, she refuses this pact, and is poisoned by her treacherous maid, who brings the baby to Black Mountain, where a great evil gathers power. Her husband saves their baby girl, slaying the dark prince. Years later, as the girl becomes a young woman vying for the sexual attention of a male friend already in love with another, the treacherous power of Black Mountain reaches out to her, drawn by her own jealous nature. Soon the vampire awakens and an uneven, overly long, yet fascinating frolic commences.

Fresh and innovative in execution, offering an explosion of Faerie tale sensuality, fantasy and wonder, to the Western fear fan this hidden classic resembles a fever dream in both its plot execution and setting. Treated with the care which we've came to expect from MM, this movie shows the general stylistic approach with which the Indian culture approaches our beloved genre. Over-the-top set pieces are merged with riotous action, insane special effects, and a general air of playfulness that, instead of lessening the effectiveness of their unique approach to the supernatural, actually heightens it. While not overly serious or effective as straight-laced horror fare, more interested in entertaining with fast-paced action and strange humor than seriously probing themes of violence, death, or mystery, this film is skin slapping, gyrating, fire spewing eye-candy.

The second disc of this double feature further explores Bollywood's fascination with the theme of karma, justice, and the transgressions of one generation visited upon another. Purana Mandir offers up its scares in unabashed funeral finery, throwing subtlety to the wind in its lovingly detailed splashes of grue, monstrous images, and outrageous shocks. Harkening back to its own doom-haunted legends, an ancient curse provides the basis for the miseries of a king's descendents, whose females are doomed to turn into monsters and die while giving birth. One of these women takes on the challenge of the Archetypal Hero and embarks upon a dangerous quest with some friends. She travels to the temple where the nightmare began but will she have the strength of body and mind to end the terror that has long spilled into this realm?

A satisfying story well told, this plot is again similar in construction and delivery to a traditional fable, offering larger-than-life ideas (and morals) within exploitative scenarios. Thankfully, the directors know their first job was to entertain, so we are spared over-simplistic moral preaching. We are not, however, spared scenes where ridiculous creatures and over-acted moments of danger become laughable. Still, even when this feature stumbles, the results are surprisingly fun. Everything is played out on a cosmic mainframe, from the quality of the acting and fiery lighting to the lush settings and FX. And while a majority of their charm lies in their ability to poke fun at themselves, we never get the impression that the scares are played only for laughs. A degree of seriousness, even reverence lurks just behind the laughter. The chaos of the surface action is bellied by an atmosphere of faith, harkening us back to a time and place where people truly lived in fear of their lives, afraid that demons walked every alley, angry gods inhabited every grove. Perhaps this is an unconscious leftover element of this deeply religious culture, spilling over into their fantasy. Or maybe it's intentional, meant to instil an otherwise pair of rip-roaring horror shows with some authentic unease. Or maybe it's in my own mind . . . either way, this careful blending of the grotesque and mirthful, clownish and somber, is a fine introduction to this enjoyably eccentric form of storytelling.

An uneasy, chilling sense of doom and warning -- a degree of ominous apprehension -- exists beneath both of these noisy, enjoyable façade of the action, suggesting the ever persistent belief in/fear of the unknown that exists within/beneath the symbols and plot patterns of all art/entertainment. While these films will be honored for their feisty stylistic insanity, and are enjoyed primarily as hallucinatory enjoyment, those looking for something deeper will also be pleased, finding that both Bandh Darwaza and Purana Mondir merge the joys of childhood 'make believe' with images appealing as much to the child within as they do to the adult hunkering for some fetishistic madness.

Bandh Darwaza and Purana Mandir are both presented full frame. A warning in the beginning announces that, due to the poor condition of the original films, some impediments will be noticeable. Such minor problems as splotching, softness of image, and grain are apparent, yet they don't hamper the enjoyment of the viewing experience, and are admirably few in number. The films look extremely good considering their source. Colors are bright and alluring, capturing the mythic and supernatural proportions of the stories as well as the over-acted performances. Audio is a bit muffled at times, but the sound effects and epic musical scores come through clearly, adding much by way of mood.

With over six hours of material in these discs, MM manages to make the supplementary material as intriguing as the features. The extras here are substantial -- a welcome refutation to the fluff that so many other companies cram on a disc. Besides the expanded Mondo Macabro Preview Reel (whose melody rings in your head for days!), this combination of background information and documentation celebrates not only the two feature films but the very culture that created them. "About Bollywood Horror" is an economically written text essay discussing a few of the conventions unique to these films, including the emphasis on song-and-dance numbers and often misplaced humor. Next is another text essay from Pete Tombs, "Ramsay Family Values," wherein he discusses the major influences and appeal of these directors/producers, and how they entered the field.

"Freddie, Jason, and Saamri" is a featurette that explores through monologue and clips the sensation of Bollywood's own home-grown horror icon, the devilish Saamri. Narrated by critic Dmar Khan, this extra is an informative look at the cross-influence of horror themes. Most significant to this package is the colorful, intelligently structured "South Asian Horror," which uses film clips, critical analysis, and narration to explore the differing genre contributions from Bangcock, Pakistan, and Southern India. From the wild supernatural thrills of Bollywood and the cheaper yet grittier and more sexually explicit wonders of Pakistan to the grander myth cycles of Southern India, this documentary explores the motivation and influence of such films as "Veerana," "Kabrostan," and of course our two feature presentations. An insightful and well made tour through a wild, wondrous world of imagination!

Review by William P. Simmons