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DVD - Bombay Calling
Directed by Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal (Nat'l Film Board of Canada)
Reviewed by John Sekerka
Ever wonder who's on the other end of the line trying to sell you the latest whatever? It may be Charles, a gregarious devout Catholic with a brilliant smile, numerous girlfriends on the go, who just happens to be pitching from across the Atlantic. A delicious peek at the infiltration of globalization and it's effects, The NFB's Bombay Calling, directed by Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal, focuses on the exploding overseas telemarketting scene in India.
In the film Bombay is portrayed as a volcanic melting pot of millionaires and beggars, of Bollywood frivolity and deeply rooted religious traditions, and nowhere is the dichotomy more evident than with the free spirited youth and their separation from the old ways. They eagerly man the mics, treat every sale as an Olympic event, and celebrate raucously in their rock 'n' roll cubicle room. This isn't the doom and gloom most would expect behind the drudgery of phone solicitations.
Even selling phone plans to unsuspecting Brits is greeted by screams of ecstasy, high fives, hugs and finger snaps as every limey sucker has been reeled in. Bombay Calling captures the recent Indian youth experience as the West out-sources more and more tech-related jobs to India. Long days by the zealous staff turn into spirited boogie nights in this go-go lifestyle of all work and some play that involves all the rah-rah coaching, team love, culture classes (viewing Crocodile Dundee) and accent lessons (Missouri vs. Texan for example) that come with it.
What's striking about Addelman and Mallal's film is that they don't present any characters with moral dilemmas involved with their particular craft - despite the fact that most come from traditional family settings with very humble lifestyles. In fact many are quite proud of their achievements, and are especially fond of their financial rewards, which are surprisingly good.
Following the exuberant subjects is quite intoxicating, as they giddily ride a wave of thrilling euphoria, plunging their Indian way of life into a pool of questionable Western values. Who knew outsourced jobs could be this damn entertaining? Of course, as with all these ventures, this bubble is about to burst; but just as quickly another bubble is being blown. Bombay Calling showcases a wonderful microcosm that captures India's uneasy step from third to first world nation status, and some of the trappings that come along with that leap. As a nice side note there's a hilarious look at the Indian heavy metal scene in the bonus features, which could easily be another gem of a documentary in itself.
© 2007 - John Sekerka