You tell 'em Williard!

"Bollywood elements have been heightened but they are realistic, they never go over-the-top," says Carroll.*

So says Williard Carroll, director of Marigold, a Holly-Bolly hybrid coming to a theater near you sometime after extensive test screenings. It appears they haven't settled on the marketing just yet.

Marigold stars Salman Khan and Ali Larter (Final Destination, Legally Blond). The story is basically that of an American girl--an emerging actress--who while training for her role in a Bollywood film, falls for the dashing desi choreographer. [I should be so lucky!]

Williard got bit by the Bollybug a few years ago when he was in India. What did him in? Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, featuring none other than one Salman Khan. Upon returning to the States, he watched 150 Bollyfilms over the next 6 months. In case you're counting, that's one-a-day with Sundays off...

"They sort of reminded me of American movies in the '40s and '60s -- a somewhat melodramatic plot, very emotional -- the emotional stuff really rang true to me, and I love the musical and filmmaking talent" in India. [Link]

I agree entirely but hey, we obviously have the same tastes. He was executive producer of The Brave Little Toaster, one of the best cartoons EVER! I watched that thing like 100 times when I was a kid. The songs are odd. The story is odd. And gee did I feel bad for that toaster when I was a little kid...


*Um, he obviously hasn't seen the knife-wheelchair thing in Satte Pe Satta.