Title: “Buddies in India (2017): How Wang Baoqiang’s Chinese Movie Redefines Cross-Cultural Comedy with Heart”
In an era where global cinema often prioritizes superhero spectacles or formulaic rom-coms, Wang Baoqiang’s directorial debut Buddies in India (《大闹天竺》, 2017) stands out as a bold, chaotic, and surprisingly poignant fusion of slapstick humor, mythological homage, and Sino-Indian cultural dialogue. While dismissed by some critics as overly eccentric , this underrated gem offers international audiences a fresh lens to explore modern China’s cinematic ambitions—and why Wang Baoqiang remains one of Asia’s most compelling comedic actors.
- A Modern Spin on Ancient Mythology
Loosely inspired by Journey to the West, China’s 16th-century literary masterpiece, Buddies in India reimagines the pilgrimage of Tang Sanzang (Xuanzang) as a chaotic quest for inheritance. Wang stars as Wu Kong (a nod to Sun Wukong, the Monkey King), a working-class man tasked with escorting his billionaire employer’s son (Bai Ke) to India to retrieve a will. Their journey—filled with absurd challenges, Bollywood-style dance sequences, and over-the-top villains—serves as both parody and tribute to classical Chinese storytelling .
What makes this narrative uniquely engaging is its meta-commentary on globalization. The film juxtaposes China’s rapid modernization (symbolized by skyscrapers and tech moguls) with India’s spiritual traditions, creating a visual and thematic clash that mirrors today’s East-meets-West cultural collisions. A scene where Wu Kong battles henchmen atop a speeding truck adorned with Hindu deities exemplifies this playful duality .
- Wang Baoqiang: The Everyman’s Superhero
Wang’s performance anchors the film’s emotional core. Unlike his iconic “Foolish Gen” roles in A World Without Thieves (2004) or Lost in Thailand (2012), Wu Kong is a flawed anti-hero—stubborn, hot-tempered, yet fiercely loyal. Wang’s physical comedy shines in sequences like a drunken brawl at a Mumbai marketplace, where his rubber-faced expressions and acrobatic stunts evoke silent film legends like Buster Keaton .
However, it’s the quieter moments that reveal Wang’s depth. In a rare introspective scene, Wu Kong confesses his insecurities about being “just a bodyguard” to Bai Ke’s privileged character. This vulnerability reflects Wang’s own journey from rural poverty to stardom—a narrative that resonates with global audiences navigating class divides .
- Cultural Hybridity: China and India’s Shared Cinematic Language
While Hollywood often reduces India to exotic stereotypes, Buddies in India engages with Indian culture through equal parts satire and reverence. Director Wang films Varanasi’s Ghats with the same awe as Zhang Yimou’s wuxia landscapes, while a subplot involving a mystical “peacock feather” mirrors Slumdog Millionaire’s blend of destiny and chance .
The film’s boldest move is its musical numbers. A Bollywood-inspired dance sequence featuring Wang in traditional Indian attire isn’t mere parody—it’s a celebration of Sino-Indian pop culture synergy. As scholar Li Jie notes, “This is less cultural appropriation than a joyful remix of two ancient civilizations speaking through modern entertainment” .
- Subverting Expectations: Comedy as Social Critique
Beneath the surface chaos, Buddies in India tackles themes rarely seen in Chinese comedies:
- Wealth Inequality: The billionaire’s inheritance plot mirrors China’s Gilded Age excesses.
- Rural-Urban Divide: Wu Kong’s rustic pragmatism clashes with Bai Ke’s metropolitan naivety.
- Environmental Anxiety: A dystopian subplot about a “smog-resistant” plant critiques industrialization .
Wang’s direction leans into absurdism to soften these critiques. For instance, a villainous CEO’s plan to monopolize clean air is defeated via a fart joke—a cheeky metaphor for corporate greed’s self-destructive nature.
- Why Global Audiences Should Watch
While the film underperformed domestically due to its tonal shifts , international viewers will appreciate its unapologetic originality. Here’s why it matters: - Cultural Bridge: It showcases Sino-Indian collaborations beyond geopolitical tensions.
- Genre Innovation: Merges kung fu, road movies, and musicals into a uniquely Chinese formula.
- Wang’s Vision: As both director and star, Wang challenges the notion that Chinese comedy is mere imitation of Hollywood.
As critic Zhang Wei argues, “This is a film that demands multiple viewings—not because it’s perfect, but because it’s fearless” .
Conclusion: A Chaotic Masterpiece for the Globalized Age
-Buddies in India* isn’t a polished Oscar contender—it’s a messy, vibrant, and deeply human exploration of what happens when ancient stories collide with modern realities. Wang Baoqiang’s willingness to embrace imperfection makes the film relatable: like its protagonist, it stumbles, laughs at itself, and ultimately wins you over with sheer sincerity.
For foreign audiences tired of predictable blockbusters, this Chinese movie offers a wild ride through mythological landscapes, societal critiques, and cross-cultural camaraderie—all anchored by Wang’s irreplaceable charm.
References:
Plot analysis and Wang’s directorial style.
Domestic reception and thematic critiques.
Cultural hybridity and mythological influences.
Wang Baoqiang’s career context.
Scholarly interpretations of Sino-Indian cinematic dialogue.