On the film set of "Lahoo Ke Do Rang," or "Two Bloods Clash," extras wait for instructions during the filming of the movie's bloody climax, while a pair of dueling sword fighters practice their fight scene (next page).

"The beauty of India's mainstream movies," observes Pico Iyer, "is that... they never change. Every film is a giddy three-hour mixture of slapstick comedy, social tragedy, fantasy, and farce -- all set to East- West music played at a manic pace. Every film has a pair of star crossed lovers, a villain, and a troupe of costumed dancers for the six musical numbers that are required."