Dollar Dreams Review

Have you ever had the feeling that you wanted to go, and yet, that you wanted to stay? Though paradoxical, this starting line of a famous song is a question no doubt. Relax, this is not an attempt to start a debate on the grey areas of right or wrong and neither is it the intention of Shekhar Kammula, the writer and director of Dollar Dreams.

The current trend of "let's go to America" is the subject matter of this flick. Shot entirely in Hyderabad with an all-Hyderabadi cast, this is more of an amateurish documentary than a film. But, in all honesty, it is thoroughly refreshing.

The movie circles around the lives of a group of friends and how this "let's go to America" trend affects their priorities, loyalties and future. The changes of attitudes in Indians returning from America, parental and economical pressures to go there, and the obsession for the greenback are all shown in a simple and honest style. The colorful personalities and characters in this group of friends make for some interesting viewing.

The movie does not make any attempts to judge, neither does it offer any solutions. It just states the way of life in the context of today's youth and their dream to travel abroad, and the only message is "to each one his own".

Being screened for the second time, Dollar Dreams has definitely realized Shekhar Kammula's rupee dream. The movie is being sponsored by Channel V, and is now under the banner of 20th Century Fox. An honest documentation of a relevant topic.