Educational Media Reviews Online

This revealing work is overflowing with eye-opening facts about a rapidly evolving economy and culture. With the passing mention that 300 million in India are living on less than $1 day, the film gives very little treatment to the plight of the impoverished. This is by no means a criticism, as it deeply explores the largest emerging middle class on the planet, as well as India’s overall growth in wealth. The overarching message of this documentary is that India is a dynamic society, embracing change, and eager to innovate. India currently hosts 53 billionaires and precipitously also has a growing upper class.

This high quality documentary outlines advances in India’s economy and society. India has rapidly developing space and nuclear programs.

Modern retail is new to India; most commerce is done through specialized stores. Industrialists and investors are confident that Indian consumers will gravitate to malls currently under construction. The government is encouraged foreign investment, manifesting in a two way flow of capital. Caterpillar, Dell, Yum Brands all have a growing presence in India. With approximately 300 million children in India, companies like Disney are also advancing their presence there. Producing over 1000 movies a year, India continues to have a media-savvy culture. The film briefly discusses downsides to its rapid modernization, such as pressure in the job market, and stress on the political system and caste system.

This is a solid, well-crafted cultural profile specifically as it pertains to consumer behavior. India is carving its own cultural identity and not merely absorbing Western culture. Viewers should know that this film ends abruptly, lacking a distinct conclusion or summary. On the other hand, this appears to be a pattern with CNBC Productions. Finally, one may question the title of the work, as a new “Empire” is never really implied (at least in the malevolent or expansionists senses) in the film.