Open to find out whatever you want to see

Wish you a Happy new year

2007-12-30T18:53:00.000+05:30

Dear Friends, family, colleagues, Fellow Bloggers and all my readers,
Wish you all a Happy new year in advance and as we are standing just at dawn of 2008, I promise you all 2008 will see whole new Blog in fact blogs with separate all reviews movies old and new, books old and new editorials and loads or more. Each topic segregated in separate blog and introducing more ideas in one blog, just abstract essays on day to day life and events. I just need to buy some more time as my career may be at verge of major turning point, not just career even life. All I need is 3-4 months and your wishes and blessings. Time is tough on me at moment plsss bless,pray and wish for easing my luck now
Thanks Promise to be back soon with bang

Apologies

2007-09-27T10:28:00.000+05:30

Dear readers, family and friends and my most impp all my feloow super Bloggers,
I am writing this post to apologise all of you for disappointing you all. Well, I am caught up in career storm, well wanna soon be full time blogger and writer, so have to have bucks to settle for that. Hence, am just caught up in some exams to be given for furthering my educations, For which I require your support and wishes. I ll be back next Year in Jan, with loads of movie reviews with all movies seen on first day of release and review by next day plus loads of old movie reviews, books, editorial views and loads. Just kindly bless me and wish me that I get through some of major hindrances soon and find time for enlightening you withh Bollywood, Hollywood and Literati.

Review of new film Life in a ...METRO

2007-05-20T12:50:00.000+05:30

Life not so Good in this…. METRO

With genre of multi starrer films dawning on issues of disarranged couples, broken marriages, premarital sex, and compromises after marriages, gay rights and many more, one more comes out from Bollywood right through UTV’s pocket, Life in a Metro. Set in every busy and buzz city Mumbai, film is about three protagonist living an extremely dull life making aura dull. The lives of Shilpa Shetty, Konkana Sen and Sharman Joshi intermingle in huge 468 sq.km area. Somehow and also share a common fate of being dejected in love fields. Yaawn…Hmmmm… No new spice when the marriage between Shilpa Shetty and Kay Menon is falling apart from just boredom and stress of living in city. Konkona Sen, younger sister of Shilpa Shetty is trying hard to lose heart and even her virginity to same person (can you imagine that) and Sharman Joshi in fever of becoming rich is stuck up with a gal Kanagana Ranaut, whom he flirts with but doesn’t have guts enough to propose.
On deep thoughts and proper vision, director has chosen sex and music as chief protagonist. The link between characters and their stories is physical attraction and 3 unshaven men appearing at screen at any given time and place (Much to annoyance of audience gathered from grunts and growls in theatre) start shrieking in loud melodious voice and tuning guitar along with their vocals. Added surprise element is an old couple trying to retrieve their romance after death of their married halves. Nafisa Ali, an ex dance teacher of Shilpa Shetty is staying in an old age home, where our married woman meets Shiney Ahuja a divorcee, is awaiting her old flame who turns out to be much to audience surprise and waahs Indian superman Dharmendra. Unhappy Shipa somehow or by some reason is attracted and drawn to Shiney to an extent of desire to sleep with him, but shortly before a jolted alarm wakes her up from crime and sends her running out of red light drudgery lanes of Mumbai. Konkona Sen trying hard to find right man to go on bed with encounters Irrfan Khan, a strange bizarrely weird personality. She gets attracted to her colleague and starts dating him, only to walk in when he is busy making out with her manager, a man. Its second time in Bollywood poor Konkona has to open door to see her boyfriend in poses of Brokeback Mountain. C’mon guys give her beauty credit and let straight guys date her for once. Dejected, Depressed she quits job and enters new firm to find Irrfan Khan as her new colleague. Helping the irritatingly lovable Irrfan for shopping for his arranged marriage, she falls for him. Sharman Joshi our modern Bhilaite call centre guy uses his flat as brothel for his seniors to get gals to screw. Only he doesn’t realize that his big boss Kay Kay Menon gets his love interest Kangana for corrupting her. The pay raise lures and promotion greed makes him agree to play Key to this sex scandal, but till a day, he sees his girl lying in his bathroom drunk with phenyl. And Boom the extra marital affairs get exposed, love is lost, people are hurt, senior couple face difficulties in meeting and Emotions are played. And again 3 men in their guitar mumbling their melodious number at some crossroad of city and making climax more baffled with plethora of all characters of film dispersed bizarrely for their true love and life.
The stale screenplay is even made duller by poor and flawed direction. Anurag Basu has failed to freshen up his talents and the movie. The string between stories is also too weak and lacks intensity. The camera angles capture right emotions and movie along with scene, but movement of scenes is only wrong. The pace of screenplay in this 2 hours movie is lost at many times and dull throughout movie. Multistory with serious captivity can be bred and treated differently. The lifesaver and drawing power of this movie is performances. Each and every character of movie has done par justice to their roles and special mention to Irrfan Khan, who has tremendously exceeded in his portrayal. Dharmendra deserves a standing ovation for his superfluous comeback after n number of years. The music though melodious fails to jive up screen and just its untimely presentation serves an irritating irk to audience. Pritam and his band mates have done their job but too many songs in this hardly scripted movie don go well. The kiss and tell controversy may save Shilpa’s fate and of film besides the performances

Rating**1/2

Rating Chart

* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De
Technorati Tags :Movies,Life in a Metro, News Releases, 2007 Movies, Shilpa Shetty,Kay Kay Menon,Irrfan Khan,Konkona Sen,
Shiney Ahuja, Sharman Joshi,Kangana Ranaut

Review of film Chachi 420

2007-05-16T11:52:00.000+05:30

Cross-dressing has been subject of extremes; well one can laugh at it or look at disgust. From gays to entertainers all have different outlook of dressing in opposite gender’s wardrobe. Though carried out from ages, stage artist to idiot box cast to big screen stars, all have transformed into opposite sex, though for few moments. The makeover has caused hilarious moments though some with spice of vulgarity and outlandish humor. So, let’s look at one such movie where cross-dressing was used in main script to generate momentum of the movie. Inspired from Hollywood flick Mrs Doubtfire wherein Robin Williams wore frocks and fake breast. Kamal Hasan directed himself in this laugh riot. Divorce of Tabu and Kamal Hasan renders the choreographer lonely and misses his dear daughter, getting to meet fortnightly.
With help of Johnny Walker, the make up artist at studio, Kamal dresses as old lady to apply for caretaker job at his in laws to be near his daughter. Entangled in funny script and eyes of landlord Paresh Rawal when a lady and dance assistant Ayesha Jhulka. Both cannot stop falling all over him and when he is her. The humor though sarcastic and loose provide good tummy turner laughs and one cannot stop rolling when the mean, villainous father in law Amrish Puri starts vying for the lady. Amrish Puri, who has broken marriage of daughter for marrying a poor choreographer starts planning his marriage with the same son in law who has undergone makeup to be governess. Om Puri who plays scheming, cheating employee of Amrish Puri can’t help but worrying and suspecting the old governess.
The screenplay is funny and outright humorous with total double meaning jokes and dialogues. The superfluous direction of Kamal Hasan has been noted with equally good character swapping of both roles as him and her. Tabu also has done noted job with Paresh Rawal cant stop being funny. Amrish Puri also has left one more memento in his memorabilia performances. The hall f fame of actors has a huge room for Om Puri who masters all characters he has played. The trashy and witty dialogues with mirthful screenplay has kept the movie alive and one of the memorable film of Comedy genre

Rating: ***
Rating Chart

* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De
Technorati Tags:Movies,1990s,Kamal Hassan,Tabu

Review of Book "Interpreter of maladies"

2007-05-05T16:36:00.000+05:30

The stories of immigrants are what Jhumpa Lahiri has presented to us in her compilation of short stories, “Interpreter of Maladies”. Originating from India and its subcontinent and lasting in continents of west is highlight of her writing. The conflicting cultures, lost relations, effluent in home away from away and other challenges faced are what we see in this book. Being an immigrant herself, the pains and gains of their life are not alien to her, thus well presented by the author.
The ups and downs of housewives, the generation gap, the fatal attractions and much better interpreted.
The nine story book is sewn together with story of an American born Indian couple offering condolences to each other every night and dealing with loss of their unborn child. Another story set in 1960s when East Pakistan was at unrest to form a new state as Bangladesh, a resident on work in USA experiences and dilemmas of its family in region of tension and war. Narrated by a small girl, one can experience the insecurity of Mr Pirazada, while eating his meals each day he faces for his welfare of daughters in their homeland. Then comes a story of American born Indian family on holiday in India for first time. The tour guide is stunned by revelation by the lady of house, an astonishing secret which cannot be let out. An old Bengali woman safeguards a building while speaking of her past fortune she left on other side of border. The complicated and controversial affair between a Bengali married man and American is what we read in another chapter. Also, Story of a newly wed Bengali woman coping up with her loneliness in America by child sitting job is what we read. An Indian bred husband trying to adjust with norms of his American bred wife and a Bibi Haldar longing to marry, but her illness came in way. The last story traverses three continents through life of an Indian who travels from India to London to Boston.
The stories may not be page ripping or page turner, but they give sense of elation on read. The couplets may feel as read and heard, but the author has given fresh look to the stories. The grammatical exploration f relationships make this book pleasant read. The deeper hidden meaning to stories is what Jhumpa Lahiri famous for. The book with its flow is definitely must read for all book lovers. The page by page, life and relationships are unveiled by Jhumpa in this one. So just by one copy and give it read.
Rating***1/2

Rating Chart
*- Don’t even look at Cover
** Read it only if you desire, otherwise don spend on it
*** Good Buy and better read
**** Splendid for your collection
*****- Must read and buy Dare you miss it

Biography of Gul Panag

2007-04-26T15:56:00.000+05:30

Gul Panag

The beauty who has recently won accolades for her performance in DOR is our star chosen to discuss upon.

Born: 3rd January 1980 at Chandigrah, India

Star Sign: Capricorn

Army family background and studied at various places in Chandigarh, Patiala, Ooty eyc.

Became famous when she was crowned Femina Miss India in 1993. She awed audience and judges by her cute dimples and apt intellect. When she walked the ramp in Miss Universe, she squeezed herself to final 10 at sixth place.

She stayed at par from camera and news for nearly 10 years. She stepped in limelight with a film in 2003. She was famed and loved for her work in serial Kashmir.

Filmography:

Dhoop (2003- Played widow of a soldier in Army played by Sanjay Suri. Impressive performance, Won critical acclaim but film didn’t do well on box office.

Jurm (2005): Short role in Bobby Deol, Lara Dutta starrer suspense movie which worked fairly on Box office

Dor(2006): Mind blowing movie with a tour de performances. Won all critical accolades.
Technorati Tags Biographies Gul Panag

Interview of Tusshar Kapoor

2007-04-23T20:54:00.000+05:30

The Golmaal Kapoor

It’s not easy being son of a famous star, who was raved for his dancing skills besides acing in acting. But, it’s more difficult being a millionaire producer’s brother who runs a company worth God knows how much producing serials and Television and is known as First woman of Television. Despite of all this and initial criticism on his acting proweress, Tushar Kapoor has finally managed to carve a niche for himself. With accolades for recent comic roles and a Filmfare nomination, the boy has stuffed cake in critics’ mouth who voiced against him. Let us catch a few moments with Golmaal boy….

What have you been doing lately?
I’ve been doing well, thank you so much.. have been shooting for Dhol, Agar and Shootout at Lokhandwala. Then, I’ve signed on Ashwin Dheer film. There’s the sequel of Kya Kool Hain Hum, which we’ve been working on. I’m also slated work in a Balaji film.

How vocal is Ektaa about your criticism
I’m my biggest critic, but Ektaa does get sceptical. Normally, she’s controlled in her praise as well as criticism. She didn’t like Shart and Yeh Dil and always tells me to be careful about my choices. Early on, even dad (Jeetendra) said that I should start doing more films. Today he aggress that it’s important for me to do right projects.

Do you get bogged down by criticism?
It does bug me. I’m not one of those who’ll say ‘Oh I take criticism sportingly’. It pinches me, hurts me. I hate when I am not liked..but I’m not the one who’ll do nothing about it. I sit and take notice of what went wrong in a performance and why. I think constructive criticism is important for shaping up an actor.

Your sister is reigning queen of soaps. Has the thought of television ever crossed your mind?
Good suggestion, but I’m not interested. I’m involved in the company and attend board meetings and am aware of functioning of the industry. But there’s where my association with Television ends.

Haven’t you found your comfort zone with friends like Manish Malhotra, Urmila Matondkar and Sunita Menon?
That’s true. I never had friends when I came into industry. There are few friends I made in last couple of years and they’ve stuck with me.

Do you miss someone special in your life?
Frankly, I don’t, I’m too immersed in work to think about a relationship. And hey singledom has its own charm

Ever wished you were a superstar?
Of course, I desire to be one. But if it has to happen it will happen.

Being star sons Abhisekh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan became popular from day one. You have a star pedigree too. DTespite honest performances, why is it taking time for you to reach to top?
I respect Abhisekh and Hrithik. They’ve worked hard and proved themselves. Success doesn’t come for free. I’m also working hard. The rest destiny will decide. I’ve long road ahead and I’m prepared for it.
Technorati Tags Interviews Tusshar Kapoor

Tolerate Intolerance

2007-04-19T00:36:00.000+05:30

TOLERATING INTOLERANCE
Our duties and rights have all new meanings in current democracy. As part of free country governed by people elected by its population, we have learnt to be patient with impatience shown by some extremists over issues that hardly matter to our or anyone else’s life. While writing this piece, with reference to another topic, a Star News report flashing caught my eye. A bus was scorched after it ran over a boy and killed it. Are we ridiculed to this level, the accidents also have to be avenged in such a way?!!!!! Is this the country of idols of God and Goddesses in temple, church and mosque or country where demons walk on earth and declare their own judgment and impeach punishment according to them???!!!!! Being a youth of today’s genre like another youth I can’t help pondering over such dilemmas, queries!!! The responsibility as citizen, I want to fulfill and see country progress in present age of Globalization.
But, we are always laid back with some decision makers who think they have their won law and judicial system. Just days ago, Star news office was torn down to pieces for showing a report on an inter caste marriage and there was whole woah woah over Shilpa Shetty and Richard Gere kiss. I am ashamed to present this India to the world. The prevailing ignorance and arrogance in India sitting on nuclear, community, financial and God know what kinds of time bombs; increase the rotation speed of clocks. The judicial system where at one, is all gearing up and improving its loose ends, a parallel system of judiciary is budding at other end. The new boundaries of morals and taboo are now drawn and anyone even dare to breach it have his/her worst dreams come true.
The nuances and traumas of one’s life are going in public and mishandled by some, wrongly presented by others, misinterpreted by more and falsely reacted by nearly all. The literature and education has lost its norms to culture/creed and low thinking of current trend. Roasted minds, frustrated hands are scenario seen at every corner where abnormal fate encounters. “Eye for eye makes world blind” Gandhiji had once preached in India, but whole India is change since then. The vengeance is suave trend of today, whether living or dead the poison has to be spat out and horror is unleashed. Scorching buses, unwanted riots, stone pelting are arms of democracy used to express oneself, get heard and share limelight of media. Financial losses, shame of country, suppression of truth are drawbacks that sideline this new democratic front. When everyone is talking about shrinking the world, outsourcing, etc we are still stuck in our petty internal revenges. The scars of Babri riots, 1993 blasts, Sikh riots, ULFA unrest, Ltte demands and list goes on are so raw that we do not need red chilly powder of some kisses or nudity or moral standards to burn them off. The petty internal childish confrontations over nothing should be dislodged as a prank of past and get engaged in mystical current affairs to lay down map of India in glorious world rather than embarrassed, neglected sector. India vows to be one of largest democracy, but tables are turning towards Demo Crazy country.
Technorati Tags Editorials India Protests

Biography of new Bond babe Eva Green

2007-04-17T21:47:00.000+05:30

Babes of James Bond are most desired women all over the world and recent addition to busty ladies is Eva Greene.

Born on- 5th July at Paris in France, Eva Gaelle Greene along with non identical twin sister. 5’6 heighted bombshell is fruits of Swedish dentist and French actress of Algerian origin.

Education:

Studied at a French school and at Ramsgate, Kent
Studied acting from St Paul Drama School in Paris and Weber Douglas academy of dramatic art in London.
Studied directing at Tisch School of arts in New York University

Filmography:
1. The Dreamers (2003)- French film
2. Arsene Lupinic (2004)- French film
3. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)- English film
4. Casino Royale (2006)- English film

Trivia:
- Daughter of French actress Marlene Jobert
- Has a fraternal twin sister who is married to Italian count
- Face of Emperio Armani campaign
-Her favourite actors include Orlando Bloom and Edward Norton
- Voted #16 on top hot Maxim’s list
- Lost out Constant Gardener role to Rachel Weiz and turned down a role in The Black Dahlia
- Plays Classical music
- Fifth French actress to play Bond girl

Interesting Quotes:
- I am a very shy person in life, very reserved, but you know, it's Bertolucci. I've seen Last Tango and it's not pornographic, it's not vulgar, it's not sick, so I trusted him. He's a master of love and eroticism, but it's good because I stopped being self-conscious. I felt like I was on drugs or anaesthetised because you have to be. You have to let yourself slip away and forget everything, forget the sound guy and all that." On playing nude in The Dreamers

-"It must be very shocking for the American people, but what I don't understand is why they are so crazy about that. I don't understand why you can't see naked people on screen but we can see a baby being killed. It's quite strange. They're too puritan, too uptight."

-"I don't want to be a Hollywood star. I just want to do my job and enjoy it. My aim is to find my true identity and to remain true to myself."
-I'd rather be thought as an international actress rather than a French one. Because I don't know what's coming up for me, my ambition is not to be typecast. So I'm working on my English accent, as well as my American one. I don't want to be like 'Okay, I'm French, and I want to succeed in Hollywood!' Juliette Binoche has set a good example of what I want to do, because she works all over the world, and that's what I want to do as well
-I don't have a problem with someone having plastic surgery, but I think it's crazy for everyone to have the same body
-"I don't believe in awards. It's very good for the ego, I suppose."

Technorati Tags Biographies Eva green

My take on recent controversy of Intercaste marriages

2007-04-13T13:49:00.000+05:30

A courageous chore for all of you guys and gals out there. Try signing yourself as Mrs Sita Khan or Mr. Aslam Mehra and see a turbulent havoc that follows.
The print media, broadcast media, the judiciary system, moral police, the NGOS, workless workaholic political parties and government would be more concerned about your welfare than your own family. The sex education ban than kissing in public ban, now I hope they don’t ban right to love someone who doesn’t worship God same way you do. The call centre age with all its progressive fronts is getting a major set back by some ignorant, arrogant blindfolded, self righteous, unknown custom worshipping hyped up losers. They think themselves as security people who are blessed on Earth to protect either their religions or caste or God only knows which Indian culture or tradition and create their own boundaries with all those stepping out are forbidden. This week we saw two different couple caught under eyes of media and government and ire of many. Umer and Priyanka did a serious crime according to some pea sized braines committed a crime of loving each other knowing their scriptures read from different side!!!
But, is it crime to love some and not see his/her last name. If its not justified how marriage of Rajiv Gandhi to Sonia Gandhi is justified or many such instances. Or is it just because they were rich and famous, they were escaped and the poor common citizens have to be axed of their wrath. It’s sad to see someone with its family recently get burnt because of getting engaged to a different caste. It is depressing to know that police have to be wasted in protecting a couple who decided to legalize their love in spite of different places of worship. Is our religion, caste and location our sole identity and aim to strive better in these areas is sole purpose of our life. In age where we talk about globalization and shrinking world, these minor differences create a major impact and leave youths like me unplaced in current Indian scenario. The affection and caring for mankind is lost to preaches and speeches f some saffron or green or white coloured people who have no shame in claiming you different from each other in name of God, one which created all of us.
Dismay and disappointment is what we are gathering from all such controversies rather than cameras of international media. The recent hoolaboo of Shilpa Shetty being racially abused was turmoil and now if just swearing few words on colour is being racist, what is killing or not allowing same colour people to love is????? Its hypocrisy and that’s what India is filled with and ruled by. I question all those followers of religion, in which holy book is it written you aren’t allow to marry someone that doesn’t enunciate things way you do it or someone who has different place to pray from you. God has made unions why humans are tracing to break it. Are these other side of coin, if yes then why when we toss this ugly side comes up and not the better one? I feel now when Indians are acquiring things beyond boundaries, we should start erasing boundaries in our mind created by our forefathers for no rhyme and reason. It is time now when love should replace all the hatred around and should breach bars of caste, age, colour, nationality and Sex. Yes even sex, why torture some who decide to express their desire in different way. We don not want another World Trade centre or Bali bombing or 7/7 in India or anywhere. The best combat against terrorism and extremism is Love. Thus its nod of our approval that is required for Umer and Priyanka not protection by High Court judgment. Can we start being tolerant or is it yet an alienated word in land of cultures and communities, a land where someone can easily fool us in name on religion, caste, creed, minority status??!!!! Wake up before you realize there is no sun to wake up to.
I want a suggestion from all readers is love and marriages in a different caste or class ok?? Is it a matter of personal choice or USPs of all wasted organizations and political parties? Are those dreams of crossing barrier limited to books and Bollywood’s masala screenplays?? Please do leave your comments as I want to know what India of today thinks like…
Technorati Tags
Editorials Intercaste marriages

Review of Makdee

2007-04-12T14:50:00.000+05:30

Spinning the Web

It is an art to lay out web, mastered not just by technicians of Spiderman movies or our eminent designers. The technique used is studied and marvelled by Vishal Bharadwaj, now a director then a music director. Debuting by film based on , he set to showcase his talents and succeeded in doing so. The movie was broadcasting on Zee Tv. this week prompting me to analyse the finely laid out mesh.
The movie is set in village filled with ignorant and backward villagers and infested with twins silent Munni and mischievous Chunni. Also, in a village is a mansion infested by a magical witch Makdi (Shabana Azmi), who according to uneducated villagers turns anyone who dares enter in her house an animal. Chunni known in whole village for notorious pranks along with her partner in crime, Gollu, adopted son of village’s poultry owner and butcher. A sulky mean that he was always loved to bully children, and once as revenge to a prank in a mistaken identity drives Munni into witch’s habit. Chunni of repentance enters the devil’s world to encounter witch and her sister turned into chicken. Pleads and woes of Chunni soften a witch and agrees to return her sister back, if she gives 100 chickens at rate of one per night to her. Scared Chunni agrees to the and starts stealing chickens off the owner. Guilt and fright overburden her with duty of playing her sister’s role, too. Life becomes a living torment with the secret she cannot digest nor can she reveal. Suddenly, a day the poultry owner played immensely well by Maakrand Deshpande realises the missing chicken and makes Golu admit the real culprit. Enraged he runs after the chicken owned by Chunni to butcher it. Terrified that her sister is going to get butchered she runs and all land in castle, only to discover the real truth. The witch is cons who along with two police constables have laid out the ploy to trap all who enter castle and make them dig for treasure lying deep in grounds of the home. The trap doesn’t hold Chunni anymore and by her brave efforts and courage breaks the web and emerges as heroine having caught the culprits.
Relatively simple children story adapted in fabulous screenplay is all what Makdee is about. Vishal Bharadwaj has marked a deep debut and shown that he is one of extra ordinary talented film makers of country. Excellent set with good camera angles add good great cinematography and spiced it with good direction is seen in the film. Shweta Prasad has not only stunned audience by her textbook portrayal of twins and has received critical and popular accolades and loads of award trophies for her table. Shabana has just made another seamless performance and can be easily mistaken as witch by her make up artist and facial expressions. Stage or films, Maakrand just know what it takes to be best and he has done the same. The film is good entertained for all ages and definitely not at all worth missing.
Just get entangled in this Makdee’s web

Rating ***
Rating Chart

* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De
Techonrati Tags Movies Movie Reviews 2000s Vishal Bharadwaj Shabana Azmi

Review of Dhoom-2

2007-04-10T14:49:00.000+05:30

VROOOM TOOO…………..

Where to vroom is the question? Answer is Bollywood as it is matching its status with Hollwood. Who said Babes and Bikes and Gizmos were Bond’s assets, well our Choras have learnt to swivel in air, fly with bikes and even choris have learnt kick boxing and cartwheel stunts. Don believe me go see Yash Chopra’s sequel to Dhoom. It was age of remakes and sequels; instigated Sanjay Gadhvi also managed to wash hands in flowing water.
The conspiracy is of reputed brilliant con thug Hrithik who by his invented gizmos and gadgets and astonishing makeovers manages to put dust in every eye to get prized possessions of earth. His strategies to loot bewilders police and leaves them clueless to organise a trail or link to him inspite of he leaving metallic alphabet Z as his trademark at site of robbery. After raking the worldly treasures, he approaches to India for showing his skills (as if anything is left here to loot) So, our last film’s super cop Abhisekh Bachchan is summoned along with police’s ace shooter Bipasha Basu. The brainy cop by some intellect and logic guesses the time and place of next robberies in country. Twice he fails to catch the fishy thief along with his ruffian friend of lastfilm Uday Chopra who has still managed to keep his Tapori lingo and shirtless bulges. In one such robbery, our con is surprised to see a share in his loot that appears from nowhere. The masked face on removing mask turns out to be our very Miss World Aishwarya with irritating habits attracts Hrithik and pleads him to take her as his assistants. The hero, yes he is Hero of film says he will decide and then Crazy Kiya re, the song and dance by our porgi does crazify the thug to take her to next destination of robbery. But guess what the con’s assistant is bigger con, she is Insp Jai( Abhisekh) s gal sent in enemy camp to capture him. Bips is shot and cannot travel to Brazil where next robbery is scheduled, but says she has God knows from where a twin in the country who will host them there. On reaching Rio De Janeiro Jai AND Ali (Uday) find a bikini clad tanned busty Bipasha who doesn’t know Hindi. But that doesn’t stop Ali from loving her and singing a hopeless and useless song on beach with all bikini clad babes driving audience crazy.(Psst Uday is after all son of producer). So again a robbery is planned by both and in some scenes they fall in love, but our burglar finds lady who stole his heart is police’s friend in disguise. The pain is immense and asks our crazy babe to shoot him. The attempt of which makes her realise she is also attracted to the chor (Isn’t she engaged to Abhi). The thief meets cop and challenges him to catch and they toss a coin not one of Sholay shake a leg sing a song and audience enter to climax after much skin show and cleavage revelations not just by the heroines but Uday doesn’t have less one. The climax is surprise, one to watch out for.
Though the story has no freshness from its predecessor, the attempt is good one with new plots to robberies. The gadgets and gizmos are of stunning quality and action sequences by Alam Amin are ones we don’t see often in Bollywood and turn to Hollywood for it. Cinematographer has shown beautiful art work, even shooting tightly dressed women of film. The script lacks oomph factor but tricks to rob our bewildering and innovative. The sound is loud and at times screeching ears making it unbearable. Hrithik steals screen from extras and proves that no one but he should be the next superstar and youth icon. The acting by Abhisekh was impressive but he was dull in movie. And pls teach Aishwarya and Uday Chora to act. It was only tanned looks and cleavage show for them as well as extra Bips who had to pose in sensual way through out the films. It seems ladies had been put on screen in bikinis for male audience to attract to ticket windows. Aishwarya clearly overacted with some incense dialogues as Uday does normally. The movie is worth watching for good action and camera work and again Hrithik’s talents as he lit up screen inspite of babes whose cleavage and buttocks filled screen for half the time. Watch it and then decide to vote
Techonrati Tags
Movie reviews Movies Dhoom-2 2006 releases
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Kiss and Jail

2007-04-05T21:39:00.000+05:30

A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous. ~Ingrid Bergman . Little did she know that he offended the police, politicians and culture of India!! The police stations over city have recently become scenes of Hindi and English romantic movies. The couples who offend some narrow minded people by display of affection are swarming the police. Culture savers are enraged on such sights, its taboo to express your love in public. It is crime to physically say I love you outside your house. Now, that sex education is banned am sure it will take couple of more months to ban kissing some one outside four walls and few more to stop people walking holding hands. That is what our educated, financial capital is narrowing to.
An arranged marriage is what culture says normal to be, where should couple meet and explore each other in courtship? A poor man living in shared accommodation cannot tell his wife her importance by a kiss anywhere!!!! It’s depressing that culture word is being misused so badly for gaining few votes and immense popularity, where in seven letters word is so intense and have deep rooted meaning to it. And the propagandas of such culture don’t even know its significance in building and enriching Indian heritage. Khajurao temples where sex is beautifully depicted is one of important tourist place to study Indian culture. Kamasutra, a beautiful Indian guide of sex is so badly misjudged and named porn. Are we protecting culture by banning the youth and jailing them for a kiss to their loved ones or destroying our culture of tomorrow????? Guess, the tourist also have to be careful know as it is ok in their land to say I love you and express it frequently, but in India it is crime and shame to do so, is it????

Ban on Sex Education in schools: My opinion

2007-04-04T22:45:00.000+05:30

It seems crimes of Mumbaikars are surfacing up; the intolerable heat wave is taking toll on them. 41 degrees Celsius is really HOT!!!! Oh my Goshhh, I said Hot hope that’s not banned. The newspapers are reporting that these days sex education is banned from schools in state. The Ftv and AXN are under scrutinizing eye of the information and broadcasting industry, counting the obscene scenes and vulgar diction used. The dictionary definition of vulgar is definitely alien to one of Information and Broadcast ministry. One cannot seem wondering over the country striving to be most populated being sexually repressive in public. The adolescents of our motherland will have to keep update on their hormones and have to keep in control much against nature’s wishes.
The research and public health are bust cultivating methods to curb figures of venereal diseases and pregnancy terminations; the government is making tremendous efforts to alienate the physiological process of reproduction from the growing buds. It’s more blood raging than depressing that our ministers do not want the teens to learn right ways of life. Taking culture as curtain all are hiding facts of sex behind it, as if it is taboo and a crime to use your hormones in right direction. The queries of rising number of infants are rising in my analysing brain with the satire facts about sex in the city ooops country.
Porn industry is having blast with their trade to zoom high. Poor adolescents going to have spend on internet for adult site or cosmopolitans or the triple xxx movies to learn how to use their organs. The raging hormones are going to be exploited by explicit positions without learning true meanings and facts about it. The sultry beautiful treasure moments of making love will be reduced to just mere derivation of physical pleasure from raging testosterones and adults. The health department may have to overburden with work of awareness, unwanted pregnancies, and risk of venereal diseases rising due to unsafe sex. In the awakening of twenty first century, hope globalisation teaches the classroom politicians the importance of professors lightening youth with real norms of sex.

Review of Lage Raho Munnabhai

2007-04-02T14:37:00.000+05:30

Lage Raho Raju aur Vinod bhai

It was 2003, when a film released turn paths and genre of hilarious movies. The movie wasn’t some cheap double meaning movie, one that has sexual tag attached to this sexual talk deprived country, nor was it a situational comedy neither was slapstick or rib ticking type. This was learn and laugh movie, one you don’t get to see at all in emotionally drenched, family tied, romantic and extravagantly coloured Bollywood. Vidhu Vinod Chopra of Parinda fame had it enough of sitting in director’s chair after debacle of Mission Kashmir. So he sat out to produce a film and hired Raj Kumar Hirani to call cuts. The result was Munnabhai MBBS, which gave a jump pad to lots of careers. Sanjay Dutt loomed in skies of tops; Arshad Warsi who had lost hope in his film career directly zoomed out to audience in this one. Raj Kumar Hirani and Gracy Singh got excellent welcome package with blockbuster and awards to take home with. Boman Irani was defining the comedy after this one. Phew…so much and just 1 movie, sounds impossible and guess what movie didn’t need to have huge mansions, colourful outfits revealing the unwanted parts of body or any pun filled jokes. It was straight from heart movie to our hearts. Come back to 2006, the team still on highs of its first movie decided to do a sequel as every one in industry was busy announcing sequels or remakes. The result= Lage Raho Munnabhai. So, continue reading to see what Munnabhai continued……P.S. alongwith his Circuit
Sequel but new plot with no tags from its prequel except two central characters: Munnabhai(Sanjay Dutt) a local ruffian of some slum area of slum filled Mumbai who loves to bash up people, bully them to pay the money to their lenders and earns by non social behaviour, which is very social according to me and all people in Mumbai and also loves to listen radio, not Vivid Bharti but FM. He likes to hear a lady’s voice daily screaming ‘Good Morning Mumbai’. He is so infatuated with her voice, that he imagines her and falls in love so much that he asks his dear friend, follower, co-partner etc etc jewellery laden Circuit (Arshad Warsi), to find out ways to approach her. They also have a friend Punjabi builder (Boman Irani) for whom they work to carry out demolitions where people do not leave out of wish. Now, it so happens that our RJ Vidya Baalan) organises a radio quiz on 2nd October. The Gandhi questionnaire by her is solved by apun ka Munnabhai with help of history teachers kidnapped by the gang to answer the questions. According to reward, Munna goes and meets the lovely gal in her studio who is impressed by his Gandhi knowledge and requests him to give a lecture on Bapu in her old age home run by her father. Oooops, where will he get the Gandhi history, half heartedly he steps in state Library and starts reading Independence books and Gandhi biographies till a day ghost of Gandhiji(Dilip Prabhavalkar) appears to him. The ghost creates ripples in him and his life leading him closer to his love. Then something occurs, his gagng unknowingly destroys old age home of patron with whom he is busy holidaying and connecting to girl and her old ones. The Paaji has acted nasty and now blackmailing him to tell his love interest real profession of Munnabhai. Tired tormented he seeks help of the Gandhi ghost, who preaches the non-violent way of protest. And, now film turns to learn with laugh aspect with satyagrahas and protests in Gandhi manner of ruffian lingo Munnabhai.
Vinod’s protégés haven’t failed him, even after leaving him. Be it Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Pradeep Sarkar or others, but Raj Kumar stands out not only by still being with him but also mastering his talent film by film. Script deserves a standing ovation alongwith a chapter in books of Film institutes of India. Though I am personally not happy with sequel when I compared to prequel, but then it would be wrong to do so. The film has whole new approach with complete freshness in its handling and bringing to us. Sanjay Dutt has again proved that Munnabhai is puurfecto role for him and Arshad has inhaled Circuit and brings out on screen so classy making it difficult to exhale out of laughing for us. Screen stealing is expression righteous for his a la carte talent exhibition. Boman has managed to do great job but J DOT ASTHANA rocks for him. Vidya Balan has done good job And Dilip Prabhavalkar has also done fabulous copy work of Gandhiji.
Film has not only created wonders on screen and box office, but also in economy and daily life where Gandhigiri has become household name and favourite topic to study for children. Honesty and non-violence, truth and trust which had just become printed synonyms of Thesaurus and Oxford have now brought to practical use by this film. Inner voice and consciousness is also relived by this masterpiece. For whole team, Lage Raho….making films of this genre and teaching us while we are short of laughing all the way.

Rating- ****1/2
Movies

Interview of Rajeev Khandelwal

2007-03-30T21:46:00.000+05:30

KAHIN TO LEFT RIGHT MEIN HOGA.
This one has managed to be in news since his foray in Tele industry. First for being loved by girls for his sweet, innocent look, then for his on screen love interest Aamna Sharif turning in real love. Then be it walking out of Ekta Kapoor serial or making new ventures tabloids never left him. Huge girl fan following gave him Best Actor award in Popular category at recent award ceremony.
Let’s see what he has to say:

Q. You like to be in control of yourself, don’t you?
A. Yes, I don’t ever take a step which I am not convinced about. Why should I? This may rile some people but I’m entitled to my decisions and mistakes.

Q. So haven’t your some of decisions backfired?
A. Even if they have alright, I am not God. If I left my engineering college to do Bachelor’s in Chemistry at St Xaviers …or left Delhi for a career in Bombay…they were my calls. If I quit Kahinn to Hoga, my first popular show with Ektaa Kapoor or if I chose to do Time Bomb with Ketan Mehta which may not have been commercial success but may have took me ahead as actor. I am glad to have made those decisions.
Having said that, there are many small decisions, especially about my relationships were wrong completely wrong.

Q. Would you work with Ektaa Kapoor again?
A. Yes. I would. I’ve never had a problem with her as a person. The problem was mine, I couldn’t relate to Sujal of Kahinn to Hoga anymore. Unfortunately, I have very transparent, vulnerable face. If I am not convinced about something it shows. I couldn’t have carried on cheating the viewers. I would work with her for sure.

Q. What’s the plus of being star?
A. When my fans scream my name, when they turn up in droves to events I attend. And when cops let me go even if I have bumped signal saying ‘Saabji, meri Biwi aapki badi fan hai’

Q. Who’s your closest friend at work?
A. Aamna Shariff is my dear friend. Then I have friends at the club where I play tennis.

Q. Any plans to do the films?
A. Yes, definitely this year. I’ve got offers but never took them seriously.

Q. Do you believe in God?
A. No, I believe in karma. But you will find over 50 idols of different Gods at my house, these are from my fans.

Q. Any plans for marriage?
A. Definitely, I believe marriages are made in heaven. Maybe I will marry next week or two years from now. Who knows?

Q. Marriages to Aamna?
I don’t know. I love women. I know what I am looking for in a woman. She must be strong and yet gentle and sensitive. Will she be my equal? She could be better than me. She should be able to read my mind.

Review of Little Miss Sunshine

2007-03-29T15:20:00.000+05:30

Big Great Sunshine

Beauty pageants are soon became part of entertainment world, advertising stage and launch pad of filmy careers for participants rather than talent shows to reach out to those who cannot or do not have right path to express their endowments to the deserved heights. Days of Sushmita winning the universe by her wit topped creamy bullet shot one liners to bizarre questions by judges or Aishwarya spinning world with her smile are of yore now. Globalisation and Modernisation have made the competitors of these shows to be tailored right from zero ends. Laminates for sparkling smile, nor Colgate nor Pepsodent gift but skill if cosmetic dental surgeon, or polished diction and upgraded vocabulary by expert to correct way of walking and posing to inches of mouth opening while speaking all is trained and look after for them. But, this week we witness to a beauty pageant of a kind hitting to theatres in city. Little Miss Sunshine was the name and laughing as was its fame. A six year old Olive (Abigail) dreams day and night of becoming a beauty queen and gets enrolled in a talent contest Little Miss Sunshine in Redondo California. But, the problem is she resides in Aberkirky some 1000 miles apart. The family decides a bus trip to take her to destination which turns a tour of springing emotions, flashing egos, lost deals and people, identity loses, aim shifts and much more. The family is made of each eccentric members, a father who is loser in life, a mother who is divorced once and yet is unhappy with her marriage, a cocaine snorting swearing grandfather, a gay uncle who has suicide attempting tendencies on losing his love to a competitor and a worshipping step brother who besides detesting everyone in family hasn’t spoke a word to anyone since 9 months.
The each of above characters is packed in bus to ride down as aircrafts and luxury is unaffordable to single person earning family. The journey takes them to emotional turmoil and a hilarious 110 mins. to us. The bus breaks down and there is no repair to it besides pushing the vehicle till it starts, the father loses his book deal leaving him with no income much to enragement of mother. The uncle, an eminent scholar meets his love interest with the competitor on their way and grandfather loses his life in sleep. The tour doesn’t end here, determined to reach the goal, they carry the corpse in trunk against the law. The brother is flabbergasted and disgusted on learning his colour blindness wouldn’t let him fly jets, his dream for which he kept silence pact. Finally breaking down, he opens mouth with swearing the family. The determined goal is reached after whole journey of life and then is another tummy wrecking laughter of contest. A simple small budget movie which leaves you in urges to pee after unlimited bouts of laughter has strong message to be read. The determination of girl and family despite hindrances to stand in front of judging agony aunts and sharing stage with artificially tanned and trained girls is worth mentioning.
The chairs of cinema could have been wrecked due to jumps of joyous laughter and satirical humour. The screenplay was worth its Oscar and direction though a usual one was a remarkable. The story and performances were starts of this cine wonder. Abigail by her magnificent portrayal of Olive earned an Oscar nomination and Alan Arkin took home the trophy for snorting cocaine and swearing on everything that moves. Toni Collete again did a job with excellent flair and Steve Carrel made us prove his sexuality. Greg Kinnear wasn’t as loser as the father in his performance. Naturally, a movie that is must watch for all and grab the running message of determination and courage.
And rightly said, Smaller in sizes proportionate to Better and Bigger results.
Rating ****1/2
Rating Chart:
*- Whatever
**- Please just let it be
***- Hmmmmm
****- Wow, That’s simply fantastic
*****- Is this for real or what!!!!

Review of Namastey London

2007-03-28T16:40:00.000+05:30

Welcome is Namastey in India. Hence in Namastey London we welcome London!! Do we???!!!! The Indian immigrants all over had one more movie based on them besides Namesake. This proves Globalization impact on India. Besides importing Walmart and Vodafone we are also importing daughters of NRIs who have lost their culture after studying foreign languages and history of land they reside in. Boozing, Fagging, clubbing and defying parents becomes Chalta Hai for that genre. Isn’t it same here??!!! Vipual Shah takes up job of cleaning one of such NRI’s (Rishi Kapoor) daughter (Katrinal Kaif). He takes help of desi Punjabi munda (Akshay Kumar) and result is Namastey London or whatever they insist on calling it.
So here we are taking insight of Katrina who loves thrice divorce British and wants to marry him much against his father’s wishes. He agrees on one condition a trip to India and schemes for bachelors from all over India to meet her spoilt British dame, though not honored by queen. Lost in all cities, Rishi finds solution to his puzzle at his hometown in Punjab. The Jat cow milk drinking Akshay impresses him so much that he marries his daughter immediately to him. Trying to sprint away from country, Katrina seeks advice of his friend Imran (Upen Patel), one of another NRI Londoner who has defied his parents by moving in with a white girl without marriage. He asks her to marry him and get him to London same night without any registered proof of marriage. London brings a shock of being single yet married to Akshay when she announces her marriage plans to her white boss. Dejected Akki doesn’t give up and decides to fight her back. But his way chosen is my befriending her and drawing her close and allowing her to marry the white. The game of persuasion intermingles with sacrifice emotional tour sublimed with some dialogues of national integration and making India proud. Katrina who has been a good showpiece throughout the movie is melted with heat of his love and…. Then comes climax of amateurishly written movie. The camera angles give us tour of London and some well bred cities of India with worship places but fails to capture the correct essence of cinema.
The director has forgotten his lessons of film making or was on holiday to Gabbon or Madagascar where movie making is alien word. Screenplay showed us diary of 1st grade school girl and dialogues are copied from a skit played in some school. Akshay has tried hard enough to cope with slow and predictable pace of film. Rishi provides a little extra mileage and Katrina is a well sculpted mannequin with emotions portrayed subsequently. Upen is extra feature in the film full of predictions and boredom. Serious advise to all do not watch even if you have time and extra money for draining it down the gutters.
Do not do Namastey to Namastey London!!!!!!
Rating *

Rating Chart

* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De

Review of film Hattrick

2007-03-27T15:51:00.000+05:30

BAD TRICK

World Cup mania is still on here in India. The fight for entry in Super8 is one India faces today against Sri Lanka. The wishes, prayers and cheers are on and our Bollywood isn’t behind in this craze. This year Multi starrers with multiple stories hit theatres, glued with different cements. Some used fevistick, some Love, some used Honeymoon, some arranged marriage, some used events of past. The film director initially known for his debut film Kacche Dhagge tried one using Cricket as the pasting factor a movie. Curious enough all stamped to theatres nearby and being monkey in jungle followed the suit….
Setting Cricket as backdrop, the 35mm frame was bout three stories badly combined. A retired bowler David Abraham (Danny Denzogpa) spends his retired life by breathing cricket, training some local boys and watching cricket. A kidney failure comes as misfortune, and lands him at hospital run by non zealous Dr Satyajeet Chauahan. His life is dedicated to treating patients and pointing out mistakes I vegetables cooked by his wife, daily. Then we see a spoof of Munnabhai where an interesting patient David breaks norms of hospital much to dismay of Dr Satya. The other frame is of newly wed couple Sarbjit (Kunal Kapoor) and Anjali (Rimi Sen) whose interests vary as nuclear interests of USA and Iran vary. He cannot stop watching cricket, she can’t stand ball pitching the bat. On insistence of a close friend, she starts watching cricket for cricketers and becomes obsessed with Dhoni’s looks. The marriage starts experiencing waves of Tsunami and then continues saga of wars, emotions, tears and love and all. The third angle of triangle is completed by a janitor Hemu Patel (Paresh Rawal) at Heathrow airport. The aim of his life is to attain a British citizenship and show off t his friends in pub while watching his favorite sport Cricket. Then life takes a new turn when her daughter defies him, citizenship dream has hurdles and his friends find out his real job designation.
Screenplay is weakened by bad cement material used to gel the 3 stories. Considering induviual stories the Danny and Nana’s story and Paresh’s stance are good. Direction is just above average and lacks fresh look. Danny, Nana and Paresh are excellent in their roles while Kunal and Rimi struggling in managing their ones. Music is pale and dialogues are stale. Watch it if you have money to spend and nothing to do.

Rating: **

Rating Chart

* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De

Review of film 'The Namesake'

2007-03-25T01:40:00.000+05:30

A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY CALLED ‘THE NAMESAKE’

Books and movies though both aspects of entertainment and literature, but when one adapted to another creates a hugely bizarre results. So, being a true movie buff and avid book lover it really scares my wits off to see a movie based on book. Will it do justice to book or am I going to be disappointed or is it going to offend book. Just few weeks before I finished writing my review of Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘The Namesake’. Spindling stupendous words and exotic grammar that dwindled me to the book was about to go under camera lens. Though the face behind camera was a known and well though in expert hands one still can never be too sure. Following were revelations of first day first show of Fox light‘s latest production.
The book which I have read and reviewed was picturised in front of me with Ashok Ganguli (Irfan Khan) in 1970s something traveling in a train where a co-passenger and a train incident help him decide to migrate in new country. Flown to United States for further study, he returns to search a company his bride in India and lands up to see Ashima (Tabu). Fascinated by his shoes Ashima agrees to marry a stranger and fly to even more strange land with no one she knows around. Then begins a journey and a struggle to make a foreign land own home. They have 2 additions in their family a son and daughter. Son for some weird reason is named Gogol after Russian author Nikolai Gogol. Disgraced by his name and Indian standards of living, Gogol(Kal Penn) grows up and graduates. After reaching a legal age he changes his name to Nikhil, much against his parent’s wishes. The influencing cultures, conflicting standards, compromising parents and embarrassed children are well shown in scenes by director. The twist comes in story when Gogol realizes his name was respect to author whose book saved life of his father after a train accident. The name symbolizes the happiness obtained after the accident, a new life, a boon given by God. The truth is narrated by Ashoke when he leaves for a 6 month job at Ohio leaving Ashima alone in house for first time in life. Gogol falls in love with a white girl, goes camping with her celebrates his birthday with her family disappointing his. One day they learn that their mentor Ashok has died of heart attack alone in hospital. Darkness glooms over and then is fight to their soreness.
Mira Nair has excelled in all forms, a true narrator, and story teller. The minor elements are so wonderfully taken care of by her. Screenplay is well adapted by Sooni Taraporewala and not at all disappointing Jhumpa’s fans. The movie is an emotional journey that makes us value our loved ones. It makes one nostalgic about their life and importance of different relationships that go on intertwining in our web. The immigrant Diasporas is so well portrayed. The actors have added cream to a well baked cake. Tabu and Irrfan Khan are gems of India which are adept for their role and stunned audience by their performances and Bengali accents. Kal Penn is surprise package which after comedy genre has just cake walked with a emotional turbulent act. Mira nair is just kept her audience wah wahing from Salaam Bombay to Missispi Masal to Monsoon wedding and now Namesake. And, I can comfortably say that seeing the movie was like reading Jhumpa’s grammatically excellent words. A must see for all movie goers and for all who have relations and ties in their life.
To end, For your loved ones’ sake go and watch ‘The Namesake’.

Rating Chart-****1/2

Rating Chart
* Bhool Hi jaaon / Whatever
** Theek Hai Chalalenge / Please just let it be
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain /Hmmmmmm
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas / Wow, that’s fantastic
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De / Is this for real or what

Review of the book Blasphemy by Tehmina Durani

2007-03-22T15:55:00.000+05:30

Blasted Femme
Tehmina Durani had stirred controversies and questions in her autobiographical account My Feudal Lord. Now, she is back with her new book with new fable to reveal deep hidden truth. Blasphemy, inspired on a true story is set in Southern Pakistan. Tehmina approaches our hearts and held them with journey of teenage girl through rough times to attain happiness in her later life. She exposes brutality in name of religion and ignorance making faith a weapon to destroy mankind. A serious scavenger eating up world trade centers, trains and hotels these days.
Set in some bizarre small town of Pakistan is 15 year old Heer, daughter of a low class widow dreams about a vivid future with a friend’s brother who loves her flawless beauty. Her dreams crash when her widow mother arranges a match for her with a renowned spiritual person who was awed by her one glance somewhere in past. On denial to offer, a mother pleads of her poverty, class and upbringing of her 3 siblings 2 sisters and a possessive loving brother. Sacrifice is made and goat is cut to a high class family with name attached to a Shrine. A dowry is paid enough to maintain the class and daughter is wed off with ample of money, jewel and gift and fame, which bring lost relatives back in return. The pretty teenager with all new hopes and dreams enters a Haveli (Traditional one or two storey house with big courtyard and no backyard) fill with maids, spies and horrendous secrets. The nuptial night with butterflies in her stomach turns into most painful abuse of her life. The physical torture that followed every night didn’t need words to explain. The sexual abuse wasn’t enough torment for the girl that the slapping, trashing and beating started. The most bewildering and flabbergasting fact for Heer was the man Pir Sain who ill behaved with her in darkness of their room was a walking God outside that four walls who people worshipped and were scared of. The devil was caretaker and owner of Shrine and Allah’s child for all people. They sought his blessings for their sorrows, thanked him for all good deeds and asked remedies for their ill fates. The double standards of Haveli and its residents shocked Heer. She knew her fate was decided and written to be subservient to holy monster, whose monstrous acts were even lashed on maids that reside in his home. His mother Amma Sain mistress of house was like 3 blind monkeys that couldn’t see, talk or hear anything. Her duties were to bless who came in Haveli act as hostess and bend to her son’s wishes. The physical torture led to a miscarriage of his child in Heer’s womb. But, that didn’t stop Pir Sain from his pleasures for he repented nothing on what happened. Heer’s life was same she received company from a maid, an old caretaker of Pir Sain during his childhood days. The maid was raped and married off and later murdered in suspicious way. The heights of all agony were reached when Pir Sain tried to molest his elder daughter. To save her daughter, Heer fed other young maids to him. Torn between religion and duty she was forced to drink whisky, erotic drinks, engage in orgies, enjoy lubricious porn videos and feature in them. As if all this wasn’t enough, He forced her to have sex with other men and enjoy watching it. Behind the purdah was carried out unspeakable sexual abuse and unbearable physical abuse. A son was murdered by father on learning that son has loved his father’s mistress. Unable to bear more secrets, tortures, abuse Heer sought Allah’s help each day till a day a robed figure appears and offers her to kill the Devil. But even his deathleaves some ghosts behind in form of his trained son. Aimed to reveal true facts of Shrine and acknowledging those ignorant to brutal truth, Heer tries and falls in trap of fate till death being her only escape. But, a framed death turns her life to living mode.
As you see, a book that crunches you, clenches your fist and forces you to shut eyes of horror is what Blasphemy brings to us. The well narrated book keeps us praying for protagonist Heer’s torment to end. The words have effect on our souls and stories within story cringes our heart. An eye opener and brutal reality is well interwoven by Tehmina. An unstoppable book by a great writer is what Blasphemy has to offer. Thus, read it at your own risk of bearing the abuse of protagonist.

Rating ***

Rating Chart
*- Don’t even look at Cover
** Read it only if you desire, otherwise don spend on it
*** Good Buy and better read
**** Splendid for your collection
*****- Must read and buy Dare you miss it

Review of Just Married

2007-03-20T21:21:00.000+05:30

Just Merryed
Just in call centre era, where live in relationships, single parents, same sex couples are becoming easy words to gulp down with morning cuppa of tea, Bollywood is lagging behind in time. Last year we saw Vivah taking us through journey of courtship of 2 unknown people set by parents. Then we take a bus ride with six defrayed couples on their honeymoon to Goa. Now, Boskie aka Meghana Gulzar brings us embracement of a newly wed couple who know nothing but name about themselves to their new life as a couple. So, munch your candies and sip the ice teas and step up on the fast track view of the movie.
The NRI Abhay Sachdeva (Fardeen Khan), who by all means defies rule of a NRI, is settled in India after parent’s cries and woes. He gets trapped in match making abilities of traditional Indian parents. After a whole chapter of blackmailing, he is made to sit next to a Ritika Khanna (Esha Deol) and agni generally used for marriage purposes in Hindu wedding. Ritika Khanna who is equally flabbergasted on marrying a guy, whom she barely meets one time where her aunt is busy chatting, gets another volt of shock to know that they have to leave for 5 day honeymoon next morning of their nuptial night. Off is duo to a bus in Ooty with fellow passengers as old couple (Kirron Kher and Satish Shah), who on occasion of their 40 th anniversary are on troop arranged by kids. The bus journey is passed by introductions and general information gathering. The newly weds are all nervous about approaches to each other. They encounter more couples on honeymoon in their hotel. Anu (Perizaad Zorabain) and Rishab (Bikram Saluja) are busy into exploring each other heedless about their surroundings. Shoheb Mirza(Mukul Dev) doesn’t matter about her wife’s (Anya) whereabouts on honeymoon. Australian NRI Arjun Kohli( Raj Zushti) is touring with his long time girlfriend Australian Amrita(Natasha). The sexual desires of Abhay are in state of dilemma of expressing itself to Ritika and receive a big jolt when he learns that it is really difficult to even touch icy Ritika. Ritika, meanwhile is facing all her fears come true in bedroom in solace with Abhay. Afraid to sleep on same bed, she sleeps on sofa and tries very hard to stay away from touches of Abhay. Frustrated nut understanding hubby also separates bed for her to sleep peacefully, but till a day all anger surfaces up. The first argument of marriage is deep and uncovers all truths and beliefs of arranged marriage. Then in process of understanding each other by discovering horrifying and sarcastic truths of their fellow travelers, value and respect for ach other increases. Live in relationships, other woman, habit sharing, and ignorance for each other are all problems with which the couples stuck with. The journey encompasses various aspects of marriage unknown to many. The climax is taken a metaphor for hardship which brings the main couple close to each other and blends them.
Meghana Gulzar after a gap of 4 years hasn’t disappointed me a bit. The Filhaal girl has struck back with a good grip on screenplay dialogues and direction. The surprise packages of movie were lead couple. Fardeen Khan and Esha Deol have put audience in shock by their awestruck performances. Kirron Kher proved that role was just written for her. Satish Shah, Mukul Dev and Perizaad did gr888 job. Bikram Saluja did go little over the edge in his performance. The script is good masterpiece. The movie really puts us commitment freak individuals at ease about marriage issues. The issues of infidelity and mismatch couples are well handled and showcased. Movie is great watch for everyone and worthy Rs.100 to spend on. So, Just go see Just Married.

Rating ***

Rating Chart

* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De

Review of Water

2007-03-17T15:23:00.000+05:30

Unquenched Water
Oscar fever was over on Star Movies and so were awards ceremony with celebrating the immensely talented cinema. But, for India the fever has just began. Last week, we saw release of Water Oscar nominated film for Best Foreign Film based in India and nominated from Canada. Irony isn’t it?? But then the movie is also based on ironical subject. Deepa Mehta set out to make her last of trilogy some years ago in Varanasi, where the film was based on. But, then some bunch of double standard scared of exposure, burn the set threatened to chop the crew up. Upset and defoliated Deepa had to shelve the project and went into transgression, till a day she realized she had to complete her dream. Shot in SriLanka and produced in Canada, her hard work paid off with an Oscar nomination and film released in India. The film was worth watching for her hard work if not for her reputation of previous films or controversy or Oscar nomination. So, undisputedly I sat through these 150 min. movie and here’s a quick synopsis of it.
The 1938 era of movie in a town on banks of Ganga , shows us an widow ashram where Gandhi is an unknown, unheard entity. Entry of new child widow Chuhiya (Sarla) changes the whole ambience of the brothel where widows were fed to demons of hell. A 7 yyear old Chuhiya cannot place herself in old hags who pass their time in chanting some mantras and believe every pleasure in a world is door to hell from heaven. Solitude and torture assures them of heaven and to serve the caretaker Madhumati (Manorama). Once a child widow in same ashram now Madhumati runs the ashram now by snorting cocaine, bossing others and selling young ashram girls to Braham seths for money to run the ashram. Her acquaintance and partner in crime is a eunuch played perfectly by Raghuvur Yadav, who also supplies cocaine and news of outside world. In the ashram of hell, there also is mentor of Chuhiya , Shakuntala Didi (Seema Biswas) who works her heart out, prays, cooks and protects Chuhiya as her daughter and takes care of the old and bed ridden. She believes in God and serves Him selflessly, studies Vedas and also sees smooth running of ashram. Chuhiya finds a friend and playmate in twenty something Kalyani (Lisa Ray) who is allowed to keep long hair for sex business, Keeps pet pup and is forced to stay separately and eat separately in fear her presence would corrupt the whole breed of widows. Chuhiya runs into John Abraham one day, Brahaman recently graduated as lawyer and die hard Gandhian. He falls in head over heels for Kalyani sighting her fair affluent smooth skin, dark blue tinged deep eyes and wild cat looks with innocent body language. The proposal for marrying a widow faces a lot of criticism outside and inside ashram as well. Manorama threatened of losing a good pimp to marriage locks her up and tells the widows it’s unholy for widow to marry and she will bring curse upon. Even Shakuntala does believe her till a day a learned man acknowledges her with new law of widow marriage. She helps Kalyani for uniting with Narayana. Off she sprints with him with a hope of marriage only to learn that she has slept with her would be father in law. Confident that marriage wont takes place, she returns to ashram and is denied the entry. Dejected she commits suicide and her death awakens Shakutala didi to reality. Manorma of greed even sells Chuhiya for a night to a Brahmin seth. Shakuntala on realizing truth wants to free Chuhiya and triumphs in doing that with a bizarre rendezvous with Gandhiji.
The film though has and excellent script and message, it lacks in many aspects. Oscar was a hype given too poorly written film. Even ace director like Deepa Mehta couldn’t survive a bad screenplay. Dialogues are feeble and cinematography is not convincing. As for roles Sarla was boon in shelving of film in India. This discovery in Sri Lanka is astonishing and appraising. Seema Biswas has brilliantly mastered her role one of best performance. John and Lisa are expressionless and were forced to act. Manoraa was brilliant and Raghuvir Yadav showed his extra talent in gender bias role. Even the Oscar nomination cannot justify this badly sewn movie. The subject was magnificent and informative making us aware of our past genre.
There wasn’t much FIRE in WATER to bake the EARTH.

Rating **1/2 for the subject
Rating Chart:
*- Whatever
**- Please just let it be
***- Hmmmmm
****- Wow, That’s simply fantastic
*****- Is this for real or what!!!!

Interview of Dame Judi Dench

2007-03-16T12:07:00.000+05:30

To all my friends and readers as a special treat to all, I am started a new section of interviews of people related to Entertainment industry. And who better than lifelong British actress Judi Dench

MADAME M AT WORK

She has won an Academy for mere 15 minute role, has been awarded Dame Title by Queen, and has been nominated for Best Actress maximum number of times. At 79, she places herself with great ease in the five final list nominated for prestigious Academy Award. The British actor has worked in theatres to Broadway to golden screen. She is recently roped in to work for a Broadway in London. Acknowledged commonly as Madam M in James Bond movies, the star has showed that her powered talent doesn’t regress with age.
This year she has been nominated for Best Actress category for her tour de force performance with Notes on a Scandal along with other British star Kate Winslet. Here is excerpt from her recent interview published in a renowned Daily.
Q: Why haven’t you directed a movie?
A: I have directed in theatre, about six or seven. With theatre directing, they gang up against you actually. The say ‘We are going to a pub’ and don’t tell you where the pub is! Its a really curious thing. As a director you have to get a lot of wayward people over a line at the same point. And that’s very difficult because everybody works at different speeds. I think it’s a really difficult job.

Q: What was your first ever paid acting job?
Playing Ophelia at Old Vic in 1957. I got paid 3 pounds 10 shillings per week.

Q. Do you ever still have to audition for roles?
A. I think sometimes we might be without knowing it. If you are having a kind of friendly meal with somebody and you suddenly see those very beady, gimlet eyes looking at you, you might be auditioning then.

Q. You are regarded as an icon of theatre than cinema. Can you talk about your relationship with cinema?
A, There are few plays of Shakespeare that I haven’t done. When I was young, I was interested in working in cinema, but a director told me ‘You have everything wrong in your face.’ I settled with that, since I preferred theatre anyway. I have no control over a film. I don’t know what will be left on the cutting floor. In contrast, the control you have in a theatre is very attractive to me. What finally got me into cinema was Mrs. Brown. That was done for TV originally, but Harvey Weinstein saw it and decided it should be a movie. Today, when I am in US, I get asked, ‘Have you done anything else apart from playing M in the Bond movies?’- that’s 30 years of theatre out of the window.

Q. How did James Bond happen?
A. I was just asked to be in them. It actually was a complete departure having a woman playing M. I didn’t realise at the time it would be so noticed. I’ll do another next spring.

Q. What sustains your zest for work and life?
A. I think I never ceased to be grateful of the fact that I am able to a job I really love. We are maybe 1-2% in the world, people doing what they are doing really committed to. I love being part of a company and telling a story. There’s an author who writes something, a director organising it and you giving it to the audience.

Q. Are there directors or actors that you particularly like to work with?
A. I’d like to work with Jack Nicholson…there are lot of people I want to work with. It was exciting and working with Vin Diesel. I have an audience of 13 year old boys from 007- maybe with thw Vin Diesel movie, the age is going up to 17-20 now and maybe I’ll arrive at an audience aged60-70 someday

Review of Damini, movie

2007-03-15T13:02:00.000+05:30

Damini the film
Domestic sex took hype some months ago when reports of late Pramod Mahajan’s son Rahul Mahajan was allegedly accuse of beating his newly wed wife. But, domestic sex is much more than beating a wife, maid or servant. Though this one got wrapped up soon leaving few tags behind in print media to ponder over it, the brutal abuse hasn’t yet be condemned to way a movie did. The reason for household violence entering my frame of mind was a movie I saw recently for umpteenth number of time. Damini, movie released in encompassed several hidden facts of domestic violence. I am not here to write about domestic violence, but just to review a movie which as stupendously laid down norms of hiring a domestic help in homes today.
Raj Kumar Santoshi fabricated this serious screenplay through eyes of her protagonist Meenakshi Seshadri. A small time stage dancer living in some chawl of Mumbai is liked and loved by Rishi Kapoor. Son if big industrialist Rishi faces some opposition from family in decision to make Damini aka Meenakshi his bride. Love succeeds and Damini becomes new bahu of one of the Who who’s of town. The newly wed is taunted and tormented mentally, but she bears it all in name of love till a day when she witnesses a horrifying event that change entire course of her life. Holi day brings her to see a rape of a poor maid servant in their house by her brother in law and his friends. The screams and shrieks amidst colour and music bring Rishi Kapoor also to eye the shameful act. The hush hush up process is own while Damini decides to fight for justice of poor girl. Then is plethora of corrupted police crew and play of false witnesses, framed up stories in court to convince Damini of poor mental health and sending her to mental asylum. Rishi is forced to let down his wife for a while till dust is settled. A highly shrewd and corrupt barrister played brilliantly by late Amrish Puri ploys new lies after a lie and buys judge, law and amends judgment. Disappointed Damini doesn’t want to accept defeat, even after betrayal by her own family; she manages to escape from the mental institution. The luck lands in her lap as she runs into Govind, a drunken lawyer lost and dejected by law. Govind takes up Damini’s case. Meanwhile poor maid is butchered in hospital and her death is given name of suicide. The case got new life and better judgment by Govind questioning law of its blindness towards injustice towards poor and female sex.. The movie also encompasses various aspects of irrelevant, vague questions asked to break prime witness.
Raj Kumar Santoshi is used all his tools to sculpt a brilliant screenplay and well directed film. Dialogues are strong pillars of the movie that hold it up high. Powerhouse performances by Sunny Deol and Meenakshi Seshadri had earned them Filmfare. The conniving, evil scheming lawyer would be one of the best performances by late Amrish Puri. The hair swishing and suspenders had become trademark of him and film. The questions raised by the film were too many. The issues of domestic violence, raping a minor, judicial system all were very well reviewed and presented. A good question raising movie that can divert many ideologies.

Rating ***

Rating Chart

* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De