Three years back, Dev Benegal and Upamanya Chatterji came across an agony-aunt column in a local newspaper. This set them on a voyage of discovery. A voyage encompassing the sexual fantasies of Indians, who, as India celebrated 50 years of independence, were celebrating by pouring out secrets about their sex lives through agony-aunt columns. At journeys end, Benegal and Chatterji came up with 'Split Wide Open'. 

It is not an expose' on the hypocrisy Indian society practices when it comes to sex. It is an exploration of relationships and how globalization effects them.

'Split Wide Open' the new film by hot young Indian director Dev Benegal has wowed international and Indian viewers. The film was screened at the trendy Leicester Square Cinema, London, and has been described by the 'Sunday Times' as a 'savage satire on moral lawlessness' which is 'perversely entertaining'.

Exploring the conflicts of modernization on the social and moral fabric of an India still rooted in tradition, 'Split Wide Open' is a fast-paced ultra-hip mosaic unlike anything previously seen from India.

Dev Benegal's sexy fast-paced comedy of class conflict and capitalism in full bloom is an absolute delight. 'Split Wide Open' is a boisterous love letter to Mumbai, the crazy Manhattan of the sub-continent, in which anything and everything happens at a deliriously fast pace. Yet at every turn, the film examines the (often horrifying) moral conundrums rapid social change engenders.

'Split Wide Open' is a tough film to take especially if you live in Mumbai. Mumbai is the central character. You could, in fact call the city the villain of the piece. What a villain and what a piece.

And if you live a comfortable existence in the city, you will feel as guilty as hell, and deeply ashamed that this is really what Mumbai is like, or - and here is the redeeming feature - this is what part of Mumbai is like.

'Split Wide Open' focuses on the value changes in Mumbai after the liberalization phase began in 1991. Mumbai viewers especially can find the city's reflection in the film.

'For a taste of life Mumbai ishtyle' 

Verdict: Like Mumbai, some bullshit, plenty smart.

"One country, two worlds. That is what India and being Indian means to me. My film is about live TV, the hype of sex and the need to talk. About modern Indians who want to go out and form part of the globalization and other changes going on."

('Split Wide Open') asks: how do we define our morality when life is lived out at such extremes? What rules do you apply - can we really apply our elitist middle-class approaches to it?

"In a struggle to survive, how does a 10 year old beggar girl make the distinction between shelter and abuse? What happens to the expatriate Indian from London who sees television as an answer to her search for identity? How does knowing English empower a petty water hustler who works on the streets of Mumbai? In 'Split Wide Open' I look at globalization and it's impact on the lives of people on the street."

The true stars of the film are the insightful-yet-not-self-righteous screenplay and taut storyline. The noir- style cinematography, fluid cutting, sync sound and background music deserve to be mentioned. The film has been getting rave reviews at international film festivals.

In an age where swear words and frontal nudity are the keys to making an arty film, Dev Benegal's 'Split Wide Open' comes across as a reassuring to see notable exceptions to this trend.