Teaching with a difference
Sonam Wangchuk, a mechanical engineer from Leh, who inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu played by Aamir Khan in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, plans to set up an alternative university.
Acclaimed Korean filmmaker Lee Joon-ik says he loved Bollywood blockbuster 3 Idiots and wants a director from his country to remake the movie.
Joon-ik, known for films like The Throne and King and the Clown, says the concept of 3 Idiots is globally relevant.
“I mostly make films about Korean history so I don’t think I can do that. But I hope some young directors in Korea can remake 3 Idiots. That would be better,” Joon-ik said in an interview.
“I have seen a couple of Indian films. My favourite Indian films are ‘3 idiots’ and ‘My Name is Khan’, which had Shah Rukh Khan, who is a huge star. These films are not just talking about the Indian scenario but have a wider, global theme. It is something I really liked,” he added.
While 3 Idiots talked about the education system, My Name is Khan was on the apathy that Muslim community was subjected to in the post 9/11 America.
Joon-ik is in the city to attend the 47th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where The Throne was premiered.
This year at IFFI, the country focus is the Republic of Korea and its film The Age of Shadows, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kim Jee-Woon, will bring the curtains down. The film is also Korea’s official entry for the Academy Awards this year.
Korean film The Tunnel was the opening film of the country-in focus section at the festival.
It’s the director’s first visit to India and Joon-ik says it is nothing less than a wish come true.
“It’s my first time in India and I am really happy to be here. I always wanted to come here. So, I am looking forward to the festival. It is screening some great films.”
Many Bollywood films have been inspired by Korean cinema, and Joon-ik feels this is a good way of learning from each other’s cinema.
“I think that’s a good way to go. It encourages a positive mindset to learn from each other’s cinema and collaborate. Even if it’s remaking films, I think it’s a wonderful trend.”
Asian cinema faces a stiff competition from Hollywood in terms of content and reach but for Joon-ik, there’s no pressure and he just focuses on making films that connect with people.
“I don’t care about global or national audience that way.
I just want to make films which will connect with people, irrespective of where they are.
“I never felt any pressure from Hollywood. I am trying to learn from them too in terms of what they do. With that learning, I wish to make something which is even beyond the Hollywood standard.”
Renowned Korean filmmaker Im Kwon Taek, best known for his films such as Wife, The Family Pedigree, Evergreen and Chunhyang, Ghiwaseon and Low Life, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival.
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