Honestly don't understand what all the bad ratings are all about. I came back tired from work all ready to watch some mindless cat videos on my phone and crash. My roommate just casted the documentary on our TV screen (Thanks Netflix!) and the film got me interested right from the start. Maybe it's because I went in with no expectations.
I loved the tiny details the movie goes into to show what Sunny might have faced while trying to enter Bollywood as a world-famous pornstar. I was very interested to see what worked for her team that was working on the rebranding of Sunny. Sunny Leone comes across as a meticulous businesswoman who is very aware of what her brand stands for. She's also adept at hiring talents that work tirelessly and passionately for her. Being an outsider in Bollywood is hard enough. I think it's unfair to consider whatever she has achieved till now as just a facade. The team has quickly realised she won't cut it as an actress. But they look like thick skinned business people who can take a hit if it comes their way, and although that's not surprising it's refreshing to see a documentary that shows things as they are.
The film also shows the dichotomy of India's conservative culture and the Bollywood that entertains that culture, through the brand of entertainment that Sunny is.
What I would have liked to see less of was all the emotional scenes connected with the death of her parents. It felt like they were interspersed just to make Sunny feel more ...I dont know...human? But we already know that. But I understand where the director is coming from. Although I couldn't stop myself from comparing those bits to the sob stories "reality" talent hunt shows come up with on Indian television.
Sound and editing are pretty nice. Made me Google for Dilip Mehta. And then I realised Deepa Mehta and David Hamilton have worked on the film. And then it all made sense. :)
