Real or reel: This new photo book delves into the film culture of a working-class neighbourhood in Bengaluru
A new photo book titled 'Reel Duniya, Real Duniya' explores the intersection of cinema culture and daily life in the working-class Bengaluru neighborhood of Laggere. The project documents how film influences the social fabric and community identity of the area.
Why it matters
This work highlights the importance of local cultural documentation and the role of cinema as a communal experience in urban India.
When Eshwari R and Mahima Gowda first visited the industrial neighbourhood of Laggere in 2024 as part of a fellowship project, something caught their eye: a prominent statue of Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan. “Since both of us are from Bengaluru and so familiar with the film culture here, it was the first thing we recognised. We had never seen such a wonderful statue of him before, and that too, right outside someone’s house. It was a public thing, but also very personal,” says Mahima.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in