Babalu
Babalu
1980, English. Directed by Tony Labat.
In a powerful collusion of traditional and pop cultural mythologies, Labat confronts his Cuban heritage and identity, and critiques the representation of this culture by the mass media. Donning theatrical face-paint and a wig, Labat transforms himself into an icon of Babalu, the Afro-Cuban folk god. His use of Babalu as a cultural metaphor is steeped in irony; to millions of Americans, Babalu is the theme song of Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo on TV's I Love Lucy. In other sequences, Labat deconstructs the stereotypical gestures and objects — macho posturing, jai alai, maracas — that are used by the media to signify "Latin culture."
- Runtime
- Unknown
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
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Babalu isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 January 1980.
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- Released
- 1 January 1980
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Babalu: quick answers
Is Babalu worth watching?
Babalu doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
Does Babalu have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Babalu. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Babalu parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Babalu yet.
Which OTT platform is Babalu on?
Babalu isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 January 1980. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Babalu?
If you liked Babalu, try Nacho Libre, Encanto, The Brother from Another Planet.
Who directed Babalu?
Babalu (1980) was directed by Tony Labat.