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

Review of Volver

2007-03-14T13:35:00.000+05:30

COMINGBACK…..TO………VOLVER

‘Coming Back’ that’s what Spanish word ‘Volver’ literally means. This is not about translation from Spanish to English; It is about a Spanish film with same name appearing constantly in print media, broadcast show to nominations list of award ceremonies around the globe. From about a year Pedro Almarov’s new work is creating waves at festivals and spilling good ink from critic’s pen from all continents. Phew!!! Finally after long time of hearing hype, Mumbaikars could catch the movie at MAMI film festival screening the movie at Fun Republic. There I rushed leaving a social function mid-way at South Mumbai to multiplex at Andheri – Versova link road to catch the 3-30 show. Even after managing to reach at 3 in a crowded local train and loud ruthless auto rickshaw, obtaining a ticket was juggler’s job. Management and aura were jerking words to fill up a whole sheet of dismay and disappointment, so let’s just forget about it and forgive them.
Crowded popcorn smelling mouths were open ajar to see Spanish dames lighting up the screen. The movie was about past returning to the present, situations and grief engaging from time to time on all women’s family. Protagonist Raimunda played by over curved and bulged at right places actress Penelope Cruz have lost her both parents to a house fire common in some bizarre village of Spain, where wind is strong enough to roll the trash cans down the road. To share her grief is her daughter Paulo and sister Sole. A Madrid based hotel stewardess, married to a drunk who keeps losing his jobs and masturbating himself in bed next to her. A day changes entire course of life, events occur to form a new life. Her daughter Pauola is forced to stab and castrate her father, when he tries to sexually abuse her. Saving daughter and burying secret along with dead body of her husband is prime job of Raimunda now on same night when her favorite aunt passes away in the village. Unable to attend she sends her sister Sole to funeral; where alive her mother comes from dead. Sole learns that her mother wasn’t killed by fire but was very much living and hiding secretly in aunt’s house nursing the old lady.
Sole takes her mother to Madrid and hides her in her apartment. Raimunda is form whom her mother hides in fear f finding her live she would start hating and disliking her as she did in past. Meanwhile, struggling with managing expenses by running a neighbor’s restaurant without his knowledge Raimunda is flabbergasted and taken aback to find her mother in Sole’s bedroom. Past reels back, stories untold are been told, conversations unexchanged are talk upon and facts missed are passed to each other. Desperate wailing mother seeks forgiveness from her daughter for her husband’s monstrous act to molest his daughter and make her pregnant. Suddenly, skeletons deeply buried in hearts are excavated and all this leading to a happy ending of all four women to progress in life to better roads in men’s world.
Pedro Almarov has polished his directorial skills in his hometown where movie is based on since his Bad Education to present this well written masterpiece. Cinematographer leaves no flaws behind to toil upon and blends his work well with good edited screenplay. Penelope Cruz has potentates her Raimunda role in all ways and shed the Hollywood siren image to adapt an actress skin. Audiences are laid back in their chairs biting their nails and wondering over ghastly truths in simple life. Movie has raised emotions of trust and love in all relationships. A must watch for all sensible cinema goers. And amigos please do not restrict this mindblower to a screening in festival.

Gracias Pedro and crew for enchanting us to great Cine wonder.

Rating: ****1/2

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

Biography of Jiah Khan

2007-03-13T15:19:00.000+05:30

Biography of Jiah Khan
Last week Bollywood launched a new face with a much written about controversial film, Nishabdh. The story about 18 yr old girl lusting a friend’s 60 year old dad gave Jiah Khan Identity in Bollywood and us audience. So, here with a new face I start my new section of this blog, Biographies of film and Television related personalities, English and Hindi, Bollywood and Hollywood.
Let’s peek into Jiah Khan more

Intro- American citizen born to actress Rabiya and an American father, girl is fresh look of Hindi cinema.
Name- Jiah Khan
Birth Date- 20th February 1988
Star Sign- Pisces
Country- USA
City- New York
Marital Status- Single
Education- A levels in Film studies and Literature from London and Studied acting and English Literature from Strasberg’s institute.
Profession- Bollywood Actress

Filmography:
Nishabd (2007)- Opposite Amitabh Bachchan

Trivia:
Believed to be illegimate child of Tahir Hussain, Aamir Khan’s father. But Tahir Hussain has denied such rumours.

- Was considered for Dia Mirza’s role in Tumsa Nahin Dekha by Mahesh Bhatt.

- Trained in all types of dancing.

Review of movie Saajan

2007-03-12T14:36:00.000+05:30

SAAJAN
Though I am not much of a Television hooker anymore, in today’s humidity for some bizarre reason my fingertips pushed ‘ON’ button on my BPL remote. Overworked fingers started their play of scanning channels, but suddenly they sopped when name of Lawrence Dzousa appeared on screen under Directed by title. It took me no more than lighting of match speed to guess Zee Cinema was showing Saajan today.
In this 1991 cine venture, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit were clumped in one camera frame. The plot though simple had sent emotional vibes to its viewers. Sanjay Dutt plays a polio struck orphan in a church, who lands up in friendship of Salman. The parents of latter decide to adapt young serious limping chap. Toddlers grow up to realize their friendship is stronger than their brotherly love and become inseparable. SanjayDutt becomes sincere and takes up dad’s business and Salman enjoys flirting as profession. Life is all saccharine filled Rasgulla for them. But, Sanjay hides a secret from his foster family. He has apt for poetic language and writes jingles and poems which get published under a pen name. His publications have attained him lots of fans, but one takes him to wonders. A devotee of his works, a small town chick Madhuri sends letters of praise and curiosity for Sanjay to the publishers. Sanjay decides to reply to her zeal and then embarks a pen friendship. Sanjay accidentally or on writer’s wish lands in her town for business and falls head over heels for her. Then comes twist of film with Salman also visiting that town to meet Madhuri and vies for same ladki. Burden of foster love and guilt of being disabled urges Sanjay to sacrifice his love and introduce Salman as the poet. Then our melodramatic Bollywood gets in film, emotions are toiled. Good locale songs are played, tears are flown and film reels to ends with Sanjay and Madhuri finally meeting for happily ever ending.
Movie though usual flick has a good element and well written screenplay. Amalgamation of 3 good actors works for audience; Lighter moments in this romantic triangle are well blended. Music is very much up to mark and doesn’t render audience dismayed. One can watch easily once or twice and a crackpot like me can watch for 7 th time like I did today.

Rating:**1/2

Rating Chart

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

Review of The Namesake

2007-03-06T15:35:00.001+05:30

Read This for your (Name) Sake
Bengalis are known for their excellence in Indian English literature. Be it Shobhaa De or Mahashweta Devi or Jhumpa Lahiri. So, it wasn’t total surprise when Jhumpa Lahiri won Pulitzer’s prize for collection of short stories’ Interpreter of Maladies’. The day she finished her next book, ‘The Namesake’, the eager of her fans knew no bounds to grab a copy and turn pages. The lady didn’t turn them down and lived up to expectations.
The book spans around world tracking us from Calcutta to Cambridge to New York in 1960s and onwards. It traces journey of life of a Bengali family. The head of family, Ashoke Ganguly, a Calcutta resident decides to leave India permanently when he is stuck in near to death experience in a train accident. He leaves for Cambridge where he pursues his higher education and after achieving a master degree takes job as lecturer and joins for research study. The urge for marriage arises which brings him back to Calcutta and searches a bride for himself, Ashima Ganguly. The couple leaves for States immediately after marriage where the lady of house finds herself in truce. Away from motherland she yearns for her mother, her father, her friends a person to talk for. In her rented apartment she searches place for herself, her identity. A year later, she comes to know she is going to have company in her cramped apartment but she is glad to have the company and to add her joy it’s her own blood one that she has given her blood to enrich. The happiness knew no boundaries when a son is born in foreign land for two Indians. But, the boy loses his name when the grandmother who has to name the child dies. The joy of birth replaces with dilemma of naming the baby. And a name of author whose book saved Ashoke from the train accident is chosen, Nikolai Gogol. The baby is named Gogol for time being, only to much later realization to parents that once registered in birth certificate is a permanent name in United States. The pet name or an Indian name ‘Nikhil’ is plastered for him on first day of school, much to dismay of son. He just responds to Gogol. As the years pass by he grows in American culture in traditional Indian family often finding conflicted between cultures in 1 life. Living a dual life one day he realizes he has younger sister to share parents love with. The seasons race along with growth of children that live a dual life. Often drawing them to western lifestyle and prejudicing their own culture. In this dwindling personality, a day comes when he realizes biography of author Gogol and starts despising his name. All through out school and college he hated being called by his name. Once out of home in university in a different city, he amends his name to Nikhil and begins life he was drawn too. Living in hostel he enjoys pleasures of pot, drinks, smoke, girls etc. Life gives him everything he dreamt of. He falls into love with American girls but only to end up alone. After study he moves to New York for job and back home his sister also moves to California for study. On of his low frequent visits to his home, a horror is unleashed by Ashoke. He explains his importance of his name Gogol and the incident from which he was saved yet paralyzed and suffered but the book by Gogol was his savior. Nikhil shudders hearing it and also learns that Ashima is going to be alone for awhile as his father is taking up job in different state for sometime. Back in New York, Nikhil falls in love again with a white girl and moves to her place shared by her parents. Life changes again for him again and to his own surprise he enjoys a life finds whole new lifestyle. Ashima has learnt to adjust herself alone despite initial fears and trials.
Then one day phone rings three places and they learnt their sole protector is no more. Ashoke dies in a hospital at different state. When, Nikhil goes for last rituals of father and collecting his remains, a vague emptiness and sense of loss grips him. In this grief, he loses his girl friend and gets responsible for his mother and sister. His sister moves in with Ashima, whose grief is beyond any limits. The life and the author give a twist which changes them forever. Nikhil now meets a Bengal girl on insistence of his mother. Its something about her that strikes him and indulges him to marry her. They get married with loads of blessings from their families. A year down marriage the touch has been lost and marriage crumbles down, Its as if he is destined to live alone. Another year passes buy his sister Sonia has found a guy for marriage and his mother Ashima wants to move to India for sometime. She decides to spend 6 months in Calcutta and 6 months in America. Another grief that makes Nikhil realizes his emptiness and change in his life forever.
The author has described journey in a delightful manner that pleases reader. The language used is superlative with good continuation. Though the book is definitely not a not put down able but it’s gripping and interesting. The descriptive capability of writer is excellent along with capability to web the story. It is a book which I suggest a reader shouldn’t miss.

Entertainment gossip for today

2007-03-05T16:34:00.000+05:30

The hush hush of today from Entertainment industry is:
- Madhuri Dixit to comeback with Aditya Chopra's movie Aaja Nachle this year.

- Rumors says Abhi and Ash cannot wait more to be a married couple and are insisting parents on rushing up the date matter.

- Amrith Sgar has created set of Pakistan in Manali for his film 1971.

- Bipasha wants desperately to work with Sharukh Khan,

- Kran Johar is tying hard to rope in Slman Khan, Sreedevi and Ram Gopal Verma for his show Koffe with Karan

- Joydeep of Kyunki Sass Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is going to get a makeover after insistence of viewers. Handsome young gentleman is going to replace ongoing funny chap.

- Sharad Malhotra aka Sagar Pratap Singh slipped off 150 feet high cliff and hurt himself during shoot of Banoo Mian Teri Dulhan

- No paprazzi are invited to Liz and Arun wedding

- Georgle Clooney wants to adopt 24 yr old girl

Review of Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd

2007-03-02T15:00:00.000+05:30

Take a tour on this Travels

Last year Vivah brought us a journey of courtship, this a year another movie promises us to take a ride at a journey that just begins just after marriage rituals. Courtship is a way to interact with a spouse in who’s hands you are gonna bestow your life upon at least till divorce. Honeymoon is continuation of same journey in knowing nuances of spending time with each other and sharing a bed with person you have just ritually, legally agreed to sleep next to for rest of your or his/her life. The marriage being compound addition of two complex characters to find a simple solution to their shared combined life, Honeymoon is the journey taken to try and compete with each other and know when and where to compromise to keep marriage click ticking. The new venture from Bollywood has promised to encompass the first step taken as a duo in life from various angles and thereby listing different nuances of being married.
The Honeymoon travels ltd takes us to a tour which all married couples have gone through and singles either passionately wait for it or are scared hell of motion sickness. The movie is amalgam of six different stories of six couples taking their honeymoon tour to Goa in same bus. The couples each come from all different direction of India speak a different dialect and eat differently and think virtually apart but share a common term Married. To describe film I’ll break neatly woven stories in one thread to its threadlings if there is a word like that.
Couple 1- Zaara (Minishaa) and (Abhay) are perfect couple after sharing shameful and embarrassed childhood. They become extremely choreographed well synchronized couple. But there is a secret how they are so symbiotic though a same one, they have hidden from each other till a day suspicion begins

Couple2- Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani both married second time after being lonely by deaths of their respective halves take journey to rediscover love in their pains. They try to blend with each other, but trauma from past recurs and stops them till they over come it

Couple3- Partho(Kay Kay) and Raima Sen love each other and got married, but both have different angles to look at things. Inspite being in intense love, different strokes make their life and honeymoon difficult to handle till they find a solution on this trip

Couple4- Ranvir Shenoy is Gujrati business man married to ever crying disinterested wife Dia Mirza who doesn’t wanna step out of bathroom in the night. Then a biker boy Jignesh (Arjun Ramphal) steps in Goan church with a gun to take his love Dia in his life back, she cheers and sprints away.

Couple5- Amisha Patel is blabbering, broken English muttering Punjabi dame married to her submissive love Karran. Both are happy in love and all mushy as they could get. But on tour day, he discovers a hidden truth about himself that changes him and his behavior towards her completely.

Couple 6: Sandhya Mridul, a Mumbai porgi already cheated in love already finds a suitable NRI Siddarth tei a knot. While discovering each other’s anatomy to refine their nuptial vows, she learns a horrifying secret about his sexual orientation

The tour is set in Goa where everyone tries to resolve their summarized problems and then embark their routine nuptial life in harmony.

Film though had a new morning refreshing look, but oooh la lala wasn’t there. It’s like its there almost but not yet there. Reema Kagti has shown a tremendous potential in her direction and screenplay but couldn’t hide the notable flaws. Acting everyone did their best even Ameesha whom we expect least from. So to judge one is rather difficult. Issues like suicides, homosexuality and infidelity after marriage are well portrayed. Strong and condemnable points that surface as problems post marital are shown in lighter moods. Applause to well written work with a good focus. Technical disabilities can be worked upon. Can be seen once.

Rating: This one’s confused me form **1/2 to ***

Rating Chart

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

Review of Eklavvya

2007-02-25T22:42:00.000+05:30

One L(U)vya Guard

Dalbaatis, Choorma Ladoos are not only things famous of Rajasthan, Thar Desert and its songs or Pink City is not just its priced possessions. There is much to more western state of Rajuts, Marwaris, and also Chauhars. There are Ranajis, Royal Guards, Rajmatas and Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Yes!!! He is originally from Kashmir and grew up amidst lakes and valleys, snow capped peaks and boathouses. Recently, 7 years after venturing terrorist filled jungles and districts of Kashmir, he has explored and excavated Chouhar, Kissan and Ranaji filled villages of Rajasthan. The tiger came out of hibernation and is roaring in other direction to create a new trend.
The story of film that took 7 years in completing but is of 2 hours screentime is about nuances in post independent some small village in a district of Rajasthan. It is about Eklavvya (“Amitabh Bachchan), the royal guard whose duty as set by his ancestors is to serve blindly to family of Ranas. Turning blind by age doesn’t stop him to guard the ex royal family nor does it affect his arch shooting skills, given a bird’s toe as target even blindfolded by a Chouhar policeman Pannalal (Sanjay Dutt, his arm lands bang on target. The family he is serving is Rana Jayawardhane (Boman Irani), who’s dying wife (Sharmila Tagore) is muttering Eklavvya’s name instead of her husband. Enraged by envy and wreathed by jealousy he chokes his wife to death in presence of mentally handicapped daughter Nandini (Raima Sen) and threatens her not to tell about it. Death of Ranimaa, brings her son Harshwardane (Saif Ali Khan) back to beautifully architected palace from London. He comes down and as if Pandora’s Box is open and horror within is unleashed on him. Through a letter from his mom, he is subjected to a secret which he must hide from but obey his dead mother’s last wish. The letter contained horrifying truth about his biological father being Eklavvya and not Ranaji as he could never conceive. Rana who also knows secret by now, wants Eklavvya terminated to save his name and capability. Frustrated and lost, he asks help from his cunning and ever scheming cousin Jyotiwardhane (Jackie Shroff), who along with his son Uday (Jimmy Shergill) are in constant mind and plans for acquisition of vast wealth of Ranaji. Suspicious death of a farmer draws Chouhar policeman (Sanjay Dutt) to palace. Then begins a plot to kill Eklavvya which is overlapped by murder of Ranaji. The tragedy that follows death is gripping and unveils final lap of tragedy.

Parinda was work of great talent and creativity, which hasn’t lost in Vidhu Vinod Chopra in all these years. Screenplay is mesmerizing and takes us to likes of Shakesperean tragedies. The climax is disappointing segment of film, where director has given Bollywood twist to this great fable. Art of narrating story is unique in each of Vidhu’s babies and leads to new definition in art of film making. As for acting Amitabh is second best after Black and deserves a standing applause. Saif Ali Khan is good but restricted in few scenes. Raima is brilliant and poignant and Vidya is ever charming in her miniscule role of driver’s daughter who dreams of marrying Saif Ali Khan. Jackie and Jimmy are perfecto pair for their character and Sanjay is sarcastically hilarious and just simply brilliant. Just to add a lighter note to serious tragedy, people suffering from claustrophobia shouldn’t watch this one as camera angles are at high levels.

Rating ****1/2

Rating Chart

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

Today's gossip

2007-02-23T12:45:00.000+05:30

Sssshh……. Lets Gossip

The stories are:
- Ratan Jain and Pushpa Jain were lucky parents of Kalpana Jain who tied knot to Tamhant Jain. The grandeur wedding saw likes of Shah Rukh Khan ad Gauri Khan, Fardeen Khan, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, David Dhawan, Riteish Deshmukh, Vikram Bhatt, Nagma and Rahul Khanna among others.

- This week saw marketing and promotions of film Honeymoon Travels. The fest was attended by stars of film, director Reema Kargil and producer Farhaan Akthar.

- This week at a premiere of Ghost Rider at Fame Adlabs, was attended by glitterati. The television personalities were Yash and Gauri Tonk, Hiten and Gauri Tejwani, Reva Bubber and Gaurav Chopra. The other showbiz people were Ravi Kisshen, Pooja Bedi along with beau Hanif Hilal.

-Yesterday, we saw launch of designer shop Aza, hybrid collections by Wendell Rodricks, Mana Shetty and Isha Sharma. The guest list at opening included Sunel Shetty, Kirron Kher, Juhi Chawla, Neerja Birla, Haseena Jethmalani, Rhea Pillai, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey, Kehkashan Patel, Alka Nishar and Seema Khan.

-Ajay Devegan and Kajor are rumored to rope in for roles of Ram and Sita for RajKumar Santoshi’s Ramayana.

- Deepa Mehta after Water is thinking of signing John Abrahm again for Exclusion along with Amitabh Bachchan.

- Sridevi is all set to perform on stage after 15 years at 52nd Fair One Filmfare Awards, 2006. Catch her sizzle at 25th February on Sony channel.

- Farha Khan has roped in Rishi Kapoor and Subash Ghai for guest appearances in her Om Shanti Om.

- TV stars Amita Nangia has been fighting with co-star Sajni over her jewellery misuse on sets of Ek Chabi Hain Pados Main.

-Britney Spears after shaving her head has checked into rehabilitation centre.

Gossip of today

2007-02-20T22:53:00.001+05:30

Sssshh………..Lets Gossip

Today’s news from the tinsel town is:
- Saif Ali Khan, who was admitted in hospital on Sunday after a complaint of chest pain, is fine now according to his mother and Censor Board chairman Sharmila Tagore. Parineta star had discomfort in chest at an award function and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for angiography, whose reports are normal. There was a small clot in heart that has been dissolved by medicines. Stress is major cause factor in the state of actor, who was visited by several actors and had blessings of others in fraternity.

- Bollywood dream girl Hema Malini is going to star in film with Bollywood macho Dharmendra. The real life couple will be seen in Pritish Nady’s Hum Aise Hi, directed by Mahesh Manjerekar. The duo will share screen after 24 years.

- Yesteryear actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit is all geared up to vocate for a song now. After an era of mental disturbance due to loss of Sanjeev Kumar and then mother, actress is ready to sing her tunes.

- Sunny Deol and Raj Kumar Santoshi have patched up (no not Sunny’s hair) but their differences after 5 years. The relationship had taken a bad turn due to making of Bhagat Singh films at same time by both parties.

-Kangana Raut has signed a Tamil film for Rs 75 lakh and a luxury car. Good drive way Gangster gal.

-Sandeep Chowta has collaborated with Tata Young for a sensual track.

-Kylie is heart broken after her split with French beau Oliver Martinez. Australian singer wants the model back in her life.

- After losing five members of her family to cancer, Gwyneth Paltrow stays clean to break the tradition.

Gossip from Bollywood

2007-02-19T15:00:00.000+05:30

Sssshh………….. Lets Gossip

Todays hot piping news is:

- Critically acclaimed film Black Friday’s director Anurag Kashyap celebrated the film fame with its stars like Pawan Malhotra, Kay Kay Menon, Nivedita Bhattacharya

- Bollywood runs for charity. Viveik Oberoi, Nagma, singer Raageshwari, Jaggu dada took part in Marathon on Sunday for raising money for cancer patients.

- Sushmita Sen not behind took girls of St Catherine home to Movie Bridge to Terabithia at Fun Republic. She has heart for orphans, she had adopted daughter Renee.

- Nishabd, a venture of Ramu and Amitabh Bachchan together with newcomer Jiah Khan celebrated its music premier at J W Marriot last week.. The presentees were Amitabh Bachchan in a funkier look, Jiah Khan, Ram Gopal Verma and Vishal Bharadwaj

-

Review of new movie Black Friday

2007-02-18T23:57:00.000+05:30

Furious Friday
The Friday stands an important place in history. The Friday 13th was D day considered as a bad omen to start a new venture. No films are released, no businesses are announced. But Friday is very holy for Muslims; they worship at afternoon 1-30 pm on Friday. But it was, the March 12th 1993, the day that rocked biggest cosmopolitan city and financial capital of India, Mumbai. The day is written in Black words in history of Mumbai, thus the Anurag Kashyap has rightly named his film Black Friday based on S. Hussain’s book, a journalist’s account of events after the damaging chapter in history.
The story is account of blasts roped in different stories. The cop Rakesh Maria (Kay Kay) is tracking down the reasons and culprits of blasts along with his investigating team leading him to Mahim based business man Tiger Memon (Pawan Malhotra), who disappears after blast and goes to Dubai for hiding. Then a story of Tiger Memon who is still not caught, reason for converting into a terrorist after his smuggler joint was burnt down in December 1992 riots. He sought help from Dawood and some other businessmen in Dubai with links to ISI in Pakistan; he built up a team of Mumbai locals. The brain washing by him got a few weak people of same community to breach the code of conduct. The revenge was actual triggering factor for the doomsday conspiracy but the ultimate intentions were to shake the city financially and thereby affecting economy of country and also triggering a communal clash post blasts. The another chapter in film is about Tiger’s protégé Badshah (Aditya Srivastava) later turning into police as state witness. The incentive behind his move was Tiger Memon left him helpless and penniless rendering him to different states and different cities every 15 day. The frustration took over and he got caught very easily. Then events unfold one by one with others getting caught. The plot also reveals the brutality which police had to use to interrogate and its justifications with human rights and others ever intervening in between. The surprise item was the Dawood link to Mumbai blasts and his history.

Anurag Kashyap has dealt the sensitive subject carefully and at same time exploiting the books accounts. The real life is brought to us in real life. Cinematographer has done ace job with perfect camera angles and red backlights during interrogation. Background score was blended with seriousness of the movie. Dialogues though not powerful but were serving their purposes to real accounts. The camera work was of elegant quality with refined acting by Kay Kay Menon in his short role and poised performance by Pawan Malhotra as Tiger Memon, even the guy who played Dawood did justice. It was hair raising experience to sit through long movie. It seems trend of movies without editing, but that can be neglected in this movie as it has done full justice to book and its author. The movie was journalists view to 13 blasts that took 300 and more lives, injured more than 1500 people, shook the nation world, rocked the city, but couldn’t stopped its life nor its pace after all we Mumbaikars do not know word as Fear or Terrorize.

Rating ****
Rating Chart

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

Review of Krissh

2007-02-18T23:56:00.000+05:30

KRRU(I)SH THE EVIL.

Today the second nominated film we are going to review is a sequel to a path breaking sci-fi blockbuster. Papa Ban gaya Hero for our Duggu when he announced a project which zoomed drowning career of Hrithik Roshan. The project was called as Koi Mil Gaya. It was a bold attempt to make film inspired by E.T. and Forest Gump. The industry took the step after 20 years of release of E.T. and surprising were results. Jadoo not only created magic at screen but also helped the film to sway away with all awards. Well , the director papa Rakesh Roshan decided sequel to it. A comic book hero who is often the inspirational hero for most of children. Thus, Superman riding on Batman’s back came trapped in Spiderman’s web to Bollwood.
The plot was on Krrish(Hrithik Roshan) who is son of Rohit again Hrithik of Koi Mil Gaya and Preity. But his parents die at early age and he is raised by his grandmom (Rekha) in a village in North India. In childhood, he and his friends on casual play discover that he possess some extra powers not seen in normal human beings. He grows up in a protective world until a day he meets his heroine Priyanka Chopra while saving her from accident. He falls in heads over heels for her. They sing songs and have romantic scenes till a day she announces her departure to Singapore. After much emotional talks Krissh manages to convince his grandma to allow him to follow his heart in Singapore. But, little did he know that in Singapore a crazy Doctor played by Naseerudin Shah who has discovered something very weird and is on the way of destroying the world. But then our super hero manages to stand against him. Next we see is magnificent images of camera and computer magic work as sequences of battle between good and evil. The good wins over bad and the movie is done.
The well scripted movie was in safe hands of Rakesh Roshan who has written script well along with others. The handling of film is brilliant and director clearly has advanced from his previous films. Hrithik prove his a talented actor with ace acting skills. Priyanka Chopra acted as if she was extra. Rekha was good in what she had as a role. Naseerudin Shah has never let us down in acting well mind that not talking about his direction. The film had excellent cinematography and inexplicable actions. Stunts were bewildering and Hrithik did par justice. The film only flaws in lacking attraction and holding capacity for some adults. The film has 2 other nominations. The film is worth watching for Hrithik s sake. Go get up Hrithik s fans and vote for him now if u like the movie..

Gossip of today

2007-02-17T13:07:00.000+05:30

Sssshhh……Lets gossip

Today scores from cinegang are:

- Vidhu Vinod Chopra made a movie after 7 years and his movie ‘Eklavvya’’s premiere was attended by nearly half the Bollywood. The movie was seen by Bachchans and soon to be Bachchan Aishwarya Rai accompanied by her mom Vrinda, Rekha,Lara Dutta, Mukesh and Tina Ambani with their son, Suneil and Manna Shetty, Riya Sen, Zayed Khan, Fardeen Khan, Aftab Shivdasaani, Priya Dutt, along with stars of film

- Guess who is turned 60!!! The light eyed Randhir Kappor celebrated 60 years of his life with the Kapoors and Kapurs. The ex wife Babita with daughters Karishma and Kareena with Shahid minus Sanjay Kapur attended the party. Rishi and Neetu, Shammi and Neela, Rajiv, Ranbir and Sashi were Kapoors hosting up with him. The other party guests were ex Kapoor Reema Jain, Rkesh Roshan, Prem Chopra, Jeetendra, Rekha, Sajid Khan and Ndiadwala too, Malaika Arora with sis Amrita and hubby Arbaaz, Salim Khan, Sridevi, Nitin Mukesh, Noor Jehan and many more.

-Mithun Chakraboty says he isn’t upset with Mani Ratnam. All rumors about he being unhappy with his role in Guru are farce says actor.

- Latest to be in fitness train is apni Kim Sharma. Though she hasn’t been seen jumping in any big movie for a long time now.

-Arjun Ramphal‘s obsession is not his wife nor production company, but its driving, Lately model turned actor has been driving his car in roads of Mumbai at late nights.

- Arbaaz plays a cool and caring dad. Looks after son Arhaan on regular basis also when in shoot calls and checks on him in between scenes. That’s a super Dad

-Noted and talented actor Irfan Khan will see his young son Ayaan perform in Anuraag Basu’s Metro. So, son is following dad’s footsteps already.

- Television industry is not behind films, even in charity work. Recently, an NGO Shaneesha, voluntary organization made a talent show ‘Vivaan’ for street children organized by PANKTI Shah, Pooja Ganerewala and Ninad Desai. The chief guests were from Tele world. Rakesh Paul hosted show and others who walked ramp for fashion show were Nandini Singh, Rajiv and Delnaaz Paul, Rupali Gaanguly, Shraddha Nigam and more..

- The stars of Mamta are in disagreement and not speaking. Apparently, Neha Mehta and Krissh had heated argument over set and are not speaking since.

- Yesteractor Manorma has recently been seen in film Water.

- The new show to join reality show brigade is The Biggest Loser, based on same show name in US AND UK. The show follows overweight individual to a strict regime to lose weight and look fit and slim, the contestants are shot 24x7 on cameras. In India Adnan Sami and Guddi Maruti are roped in for the show.

- News from Hollywood is Charlize Theron is going to play Playboy babe Anna Nicole Smith in a movie about her. The model died last week under suspicious conditions, she was named as gold digger when she married an 80 year old man.

- Maddona to People magazine shows after Marlyn Monroe she wants to do works like that of Gandhi, John Lennon, Martin Luther King. The 40 plus pop diva can do wonders at this age, we guess..

-Posh and Backs celebrated their Valentine’s day lonely. No they are not separated but Beckham was in Madrid for game and Posh in LA with her sons. They just wished each other over phone. Gashhh.. What a lonely thing for them.

- Match Point starrer Scarrlett Johanson was recently awarded Woman of Year by Harvard University. Way to go in spite of being Lot in Translation….

Movie review of Traffic Signal

2007-02-16T15:52:00.000+05:30

STOP IF YOU WANT TO AT THIS TRAFFIC SIGNAL
Frequent traveled on road, am used to traffic signals and traffic in Mumbai. Irony of erecting traffic signal is to stop traffic but the purpose it serves is increase the traffic. I never had thought that some one would be so obsessed with three lights and a pole that He would set and make a movie out of it. Interested what it would be I would have bought tickets, but it was made by national award winner Madhur bhandarkar was drawing factor of audience to the cinema halls. Last of his trilogy after Page 3 and Corporate, a movie named Traffic Signal was released 2 weeks ago, which I sat in Movie Time finding time from my busy schedule.
The story is about a world, a world that exists beyond our imagination at each Traffic Signal of our Highways. There are lives attached, businesses planned, a smaller retail market and lots more than we can think. The fable of one such signal is brought to us by Silsila (Kunal Khemu), the manager of Signal at Kalbadevi . The duty of manager includes smooth running of all types of businesses, taking care of problems of people who flourish there and most importantly collecting weekly hafta of all who earn money there. The film has too many stories woven into one,, there is Chinaswamy who plays Tsunami affected boy came to Mumbai and working as rag picker and surviving in a hope daily to find his parents lost in wrath of ocean. There is a kid who forsakes all his week salary to buy a fairness cream for turning him whiter skinned only to get dismay and disappointment in return. An interesting character, Domnic D’souza (Ranvir Shenoy) is a drug addict and pays for his cocaine by conning street pedestrians through various tricks on the same signal. His love interest is a prostitute, Noorie (Konkona Sen Sharma) with whom he shares some moments of love before dying of drug overdose. Talking of love, Silsila loves Rani (Neetu Chandra), a refugee from Gujarat busy selling handicraft dresses on signal. Silsila is accompanied by his two special friends a boy Paaya and Langda Manya (Upyendra Limaye) who live of begging outside temple near signal. So, this and many more characters are managed by Silsila who collects the money for Asif Bhai who inturn gives collection to Bhai Jaan (Sudhir Mishra) who not only controls network of business at signals but also has other mafia business. The twist is added as extension of flyover to that signal by corrupt politician bribing engineer (Manoj Joshi) . On refusing bribe, the engineer is killed at Traffic Signal in front of eyes of Silsila who realizes big game played to eradicate the signal and is devastated.
The movie is not well written nor well presented. The facts covered and brought to us by movie but are brilliant and Madhur Bhandarkar deserves a pat on back for it.The small facts like illegal Bangladeshi hampering city life and existence of parallel world in prostitution are well racketed. But, movie appears paraphernalia of stories with no clear plot and twist in tale. Cinematography is not one would expect from National Award winning Director. The plethora of characters has rendered a viewer in dilemma, which is central story. The performance by Ranvir tops the list as he played with great expressions of a drug addict. Konkona has never let us and her director down. Second movie olds Neetu Chandra and Kunal Khemu are fabulous and have dome more than justice to their characters. Sudhir Mishra was very poor in trying to act as Bhai, probably he should stick in direction only. The music was an average one. The movie can be watched with ease if you loved Page3, otherwise it’s a green light for others.
Rating **1/2

Rating Chart

* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas .

***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De

Entertainment gossip for today

2007-02-16T13:13:00.000+05:30

Ssssh….Lets Gossip
Today’s hush hush from tinsel town are:

-Salman Khan finds time for his new fan put of busy schedule. He recently donated huge amount to Cancer patient in Children Welfare society. Not only, did he attend the Annual day function but also spent quality time with a 7 year old fan. So, is brat of Bollywood misunderstood by all?

- Booby Deol is feeling homesick while shooting in Chandigarh. It seems he ismissing Papa the great and wifey dearest.

-Rani Mukherjee seems to have taken Koffe with Karan seriously. She was asked on show whom she will give How to lose weight on 30 days, she replied she ll be giving it to Karan Johar. But, lady seems obsessed with the topic and has started working out in Gym.

- Genelia D’souza of Masti is back with a film debuting Aamir Khan’s nephew Imraan Khan directe by Abbas Tyrewala. The film named ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ is already half way claims director.

-Tulip Joshi of Matrubhomi fame was recently taken aback, when a guest at nightclub tried to misbehave with her. She slapped him and lodged a complaint against it.

-The premiere of recently released Hollywood chick flick ‘Music and Lyrics’ saw who’s who of Page 3 circuit. Fame Adlabs played host to Sudhanshu Pandey, Rajit Kapur, Arshad Warsi with his soon to be mom wife Maria Goretti, Soha Ali Khan, Divya Dutta, musician Biddu, VJ turned anchor Sophie Choudhary, Rohit Roy with better half Mansi Joshi, Yuktha Mookhey, Rahul Dev, Anjala Zaveri and others.

- Charlize Therone recently stunned a Television anchor by asking to make out with him in middle of interview. The South African bombshell was bee interviewed by Cuban American Rick Sanchez, she made some remarks about Cub and America which offended the interviewer. To make aura lighter, she asked him ‘Would you like to make out with me, now?’

- Drew Barrymore’s ex wants her back. Fabrizo Moretti is now repenting over his decision to break off with a Charlie Angel.

- Last year we had heard that Tom Cruise was kicked off Paramount studio. This week studio chairman Sunner Redstone affirmed and said starry attitude caused Tom Cruise to fall out with a huge contact. So, who are we going to see in Mission Impossible 4.

- British awards equivalent of Grammys were awarded to Arctic Monkeys and Chillies.

- Dakshaben return dizzy to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Thi. The comeback of Ketki Dave for serial is shot on yacht showing her return from US with her husband. Apparently, she was seasick and felt dizzy all throughout the shoot, but made no fuss about it.

- Prachi Desai of Kasam Se hurt herself after stepping out of moving car. She has been so busy and hectic with shooting, so well stepping out she was in daze of her shoot.

- Sources say Apurva Agnihotri is found being cozy with Suvreen Chawla. The people on set say they have been carrying on for 3-4 months. So what does wife Shilpa has to say of other woman in her married life..

Sssh....Lets gossip

2007-02-11T22:48:00.001+05:30

Sssh……..Lets gossip

From today as special treat to my readers I ll be daily publishing gossips, rumours, events and news from Tinsel world, Entertainment biz of Bolloywood, Hollywood and Television industry and also once a while detailed news or an interview so to all of you here is the place for Entertainment and Books world among them also are editorials of some daily news So keeo reading.

- Amitabh Bachchan is planning to do Vidhu Vinod Choprs’s next based on a Superhero. Seems like son like father, son is busy shooting for another sci-fi action flick. Besides, Big B is also gonna narrate in choreographer Ganesh Acharaya’s directorial debut.

- John who is riding on seven skies for his Oscar nominated movie Water, has expressed his desire to adopt a daughter on his own. He would like to adopt a girl and raise one on its own besides getting married and having children.

-Boman Irani and Shabana Azmi share a lip lock in their forthcoming movie Honeymoon travels. The kiss is neither vulgar nor cheap nor used for marketing purpose, but script demanded it and duo were at ease while doing confirmed both.

-Aadesh Srivastava, a successful musician and singer threw a party in honours of his wirfe, yesteryear actress Vijeta Pandit. Who who of music were present. Javed Akhthar, Poonam Dhillon, Padmini Kolhapure, Kunal Gaanjawala, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam were enjoying a bash. Our American porgi Madhuri Dixit-Nene was also cheering up. The biggest surprise was Vijeta’s sister and an actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit was seen after a long span of time.

- Biker and Greek bodied Dino have fractured his wrist in game of Basketball. Seems Dino cannot handle himself well and is definitely accident prone hunk.

- News that Aditya Panscholi has physically bashed his friend Kangana Ranaut. It is so heard that after a party together, Kanagan was upset and left alone in Auto, our hero followed her stooped rick in midway and got down to argue and later slapped the Gangster girl. Kangana has confirmed that Aditya Panscholi is being physical with her. When asked Zarina Wahab she did not comment about it but admitted he never hit her.

-Hrithik Roshan despite of being injured from a swordscene continues acting for Ashutosh’s Jodha Akbar, Wow no wonder we looooooooove him so much, after all he is Krrish, the superman of India.

-Jiah Khan of Nisabhdh fame has shown her guts by refusing a film to Dhoom director Sanjay Gadhvi

.

- Sanju Baba is fuming, not over his case but producer of Nehle Pe Dehla for sidelining him to Saif in trailers and promos. Apparently, he is no where to be seen in preludes.
- Asha Bhonslae who wanted to slap Himesh Reshammiya is singing song with him. Now that’s we called making up..

- Krishna Tulsi of Kyunki has some rage within her. But instead of lightning on tele screen she lit her make up room for delay in her scenes. Here is what we call angry young girl.

-Bride and Prejudice director was awarded OBE (Officer in order of British Empire) by Queen herself on Monday. But for her celebrations don’t end here, she is soon to be mother of twins. Her husband, Paul Berges and she are very happy to be parents soon after 10 years of their marriage.

- Arrara is back on Television. Yes that’s right, Ektta and Ketki Dave have patched up and we ll be soon seeing Dakhshaben in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi

- Fourth movie of Pirates of Carribean will see same stars as before namely, Johhny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightely.

-Hollywood actress Leah Remini snubbed Pearl Harbour star Scarlett Johanson recently, when she ran into her at road in Miami.

- After 18 months of going around, The O.C. star Mischa Barton has broke up with musician Cisco Alder. The busy lives of star has taken toll on their relationship claimed a source.

-Supermodel Elle Macpherson claims she is desperate for a date this Valentines day. She says she has been single now for almost 2 whole years.

Indian doctors being kicked out of Great Britain after their use as European doctors are in

2007-02-11T22:48:00.000+05:30

Black or White
Strange and true as it may sound, most of places colours mentioned are black or white, a third colour is not even considering a peek at!!!! Be it games, in chess colours of pawns are black or white in which either wins by tactics and moves but brown doesn’t even exist to prove their army. Even, Michael Jackson wrote and sung song of ‘Black o White’ and changed his skin colour from black to white. The shades of our life are also Black and white or stripes in Zebra, tooo. Does anyone have word brown in their song or a mixed shade brown in their life??????? No!! Why, was the question that sprang upon in minds? The answer came today in the papers and for past few months in my life. The unfolding of today’s paper revealed Indian sub-continent medicos were being kicked out of hospitals of Great Britain for the mere reason they are brown coloured and earned their degrees from places where brown people are in maximum. I am still wondering why it is called Great Britain, what so great about a country who initially welcomes guests asks them to feel at home and once guest spread their mattresses of settlement, not just they are kicked in shins to shun them out, but also humiliated and disgraced. And let me tell you that the medicos just aren’t ones to catch hostility of British but the recent amends in HSMP policy for non- EU migrants also have managed to taste the fruit of sour delivered by British.
The acerbic nature of Britain is now open to world, but who really cares for treatment of third world citizens by a rich first world country. It’s only when a Bollywood superstar Shilpa Shetty is mere harassed for few days on Television live show Big Brother by underage, immature British bullies , the House of Commons gets jolted, the Prime Minister and Prime Minister in waiting are awaken and media get stirred with news to diagnose on. And world is divided and biased on controversy of Racism. The results are announced and Shilpa Shetty is voted for winner spot. Hushes all the alleged blames and controversies. The complaints registered by Ofcom television watch Dog Company were actually result of the challenges and abuses faced by Non-Europeans and non-Whites facing for integrating in Whites on their land.
Last year there was a huge discussions, forums and panels about multi-ethnic Britain, Culture secretary Margaret Beckett also announce of various strategies and forms to integrate all into a Multicultural Britain. The irony is that when they do not want other cultures to flourish anymore, why all the big talks. And this is not just talks mere of frustration and without any relevant evidence. The biggest evidence and support of my argument being that once European Union was formed and allowed free entry of Europeans into Great Britain ti work and earn, the non- Europeans had became unwanted and been started kicked out………..
First one to suffer were doctors who after much of hard work and expenses of clearing exams and taking up courses achieved right to register in Britain, which once required Doctors to learn that they had no place or respect in Britain and were forced to return to their motherland. Silent protests were done and legal battle was sought to acquire them equal status, but a judgement by a White judge was passed yesterday in favour of other Whites to Brown skinned. The story doesn’t end here; next up facing the crime of being brown are 30,000 migrants who landed in the racist land to use their skills required by United Kingdom for their welfare and in the course also earning and establishing them there. Only to learn, the immigration rules have changed and brown skin are unwanted as Whites from neighbouring countries have been employed in their places. Thus, forcing the 30, 000 migrants out of the foreign land back to their own country which they had left for various reasons. Again the legal help is sought, but there is no media help nor any political help as one Shilpa had got for just being bullied for TRPs of a show.
To add spice to that nation’s favourite dish Chicken Tikka Masala, I stayed there for 2 years did face some instances of being pulled down for being a third world resident, but such minor discriminations are bearable. But I went through major depression and am going through a career crisis due to changing faces of United Kingdom and their policies. Dentist by profession, I went to apply for International Qualifying exam, a statutory exam giving me right to use my professional skills to treat patients there. The step was taken by me on learning, that there was acute shortage of dentists in Great Britain and they did require a huge number. So after surpassing waiting list of a year got a date for first exam and cleared and have 2 more in row to go. In the mean time, so called Great British changed their employment policies for Indian subcontinent qualified dentists as the shortage was fulfilled by European dentists employed without need of any exams or other qualifications. To aggravate the pain, not only the employment policies were made tougher for us people to get a decent job, but also exams were made harder for us to squeeze and fees are increased making poor third world citizens stop dreaming the impossible of venturing in a country which ruled once upon us. We are nit residing there to rule, but prosper country by prospering ourselves and rendering services and taxes to the country. But, sad is thinking and logic of country who cannot think beyond the skin colour. I am still waiting for my second part exam, a relatively expensive one and which occurs just once a month with capacity of 20 candidates in colleges where passing percentage is below 40$ just to add coins in pots of General Dental council, which alongwith General Medical Council are acting Barbaric thieves, who are looting poor non Europeans on paper knowing there is no need or future for us there as we are Brown skin.
To conclude, I must add this I saw last year in December a headline in BBC which featured a white skin getting killed by other white (which they prefer over Brown n black) medico by negligence. It so happened that a British resident went to an Eastern European doctor (Recently appointed) with some problem, but due to lack of English language knowledge the doctor couldn’t realise the seriousness leading to death of patient. It’s one of many instances occurring due to lack of communication by European doctors whose first language is not English; Guess they are preferred for being white against Brown skin skilled professionals who have been educated from childhood in English. Well, this all I wanted to put upon a monarchy, which once we invited upon as guest rules us and when we went upon their invitation just to limit ourselves to guests, we are being kicked on our arses to fall front face (a deserving action for fools like me who trusted and believed on the double faced no one’s friends white skinned). The open door policy of Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair is now closed on our faces after shoving out some thousand brownies, well this is the price we pay for being nor black nor white.<.

Global Warming: A warning

2007-02-04T19:25:00.000+05:30

Global War(m)ning
The essays in the board exams since my school days had topics like ‘If there was no Electricity’ or ‘Effects of Deforestation’ or ‘A day without natural resources’. The common thought was why ask such dumb topics to comment on??!! But, little did we know that our mere ignorance of facts at that time could be a source of black out for our progenies to come. The U.N. report on world weather working from 6 years stunned world by quoting that humans are responsible for Global warming. They also issued a statutory warning that if this continues it would be soon that world will face huge consequences of it leading to exhaustion of energy sources and major climate hazards.
Year of 2006 was recorded as hottest summer I 100 years everywhere in world and in winter also dipped to extremes. Besides the temperatures the water also responded by Tsunami in South East Asia, Floods in major part of world that are not use to such heavy rains. The ozone layer is thinning causing Ultraviolet rays to penetrate and thereby releasing increased rate of Skin cancer. Mother Earth also cannot bear the hazards caused by us, the snow is melting all over causing rise in sea level and soon to cover the land occupied by us. Earthquakes and volcanoes have increased in number. Nature is at maximum risk with areas of forest thinning as size of fashion models and animals getting disappeared as human values in today’s world.
Time has come to take action before its too late and we don have light to visualize our deeds. Saving the energies is not only the answer but even repairing damage done to the Earth. To set a few examples lets all start planting trees in our habitats, surviving without eating animals that are close to extinction. The job is now in our hands to prevent our tomorrow and preserve today for better present of our fruits. So lets begin…….to stop the criminalization of nature.

Parzania: Controversial stroy of Parsi family a review of the film

2007-02-02T12:05:00.000+05:30

PARI NA ZAA
Unscramble the word of new release of tinsel town ‘PAARZANIA’ and you get my heading of the review of film. Land of beauty and peace, where no troubles and problems exist is dream of every child born on earth. Innocence and creativity are god’s gift given to children to survive in this world, but if this is taken away from them at young change, hell is where we live on. Chocolate buildings with ice cream topped roofs and milky rivers are imaginary places where all children escape from their fears, I did too. But when I grew up, the ice cream melted, milk evaporated and color there was red blood red…. The memories of my childhood of fearless life were flashed back in my brain even horrors of Mumbai blasts and riots when I sat to watch Parzania in theatre.
The film which is based on real life incident is story about a Parsi family who have lost their son in Gujarat riots of 2002.The head of family played by Naseerudin Shah is a small cinema owner in middle class Ahmedabad, living with his nuclear family of wife, Sarika and son and daughter in a mixed chawls filled with Hindus and Muslims in neighborhood residing peacefully with each other. Then a tragedy strikes, a train with some Hindu priests and women plus children is scorched killing few. Then, the carnage begins again its human versus human for same God. But this time it strikes a innocent Parsi family for a fault of living in Muslim predominant area of Ahmedabad. They flee
But, its just mother and the progeny is trapped at mansion where else father is desperately trying to reach home in curfew laden policemen filled streets. The police don’t let him pass; his scooter is burnt in front of police station a sight which police smirk at gladly.
In confusion and run for lives the son gets separated from his mother and sister. They run to fields where they witness scenes which cannot be forgotten. The riots have stopped, but for three the real torment begins now, the search for the loved one makes them witness a series of events which cannot be forgotten in their lives. The hope hat someday they me see his face makes them breathe though with heavy sighs and short sobs. The trial and tribulations of such a family is brought to us by an American protagonist who is in Ahmedabad to work on subject of Gandhi for his thesis.
Hairs were raised on my body without static electricity, the bladder was full and tears were rolling down the eyes, reaction was unbelievable. The belief of India as one democratic nation was lost somewhere deep inside and needs a lot to retrieve. The flag of India which has saffron and green with white interfering in between has torn to two with white ashen to black with frequent carnages and trains/buses even people getting scorched. The existence of peace and integrals has lost somewhere in politics of method of worship. The movie Parzania has scared and wrathed me so much that being neither Hindu nor Muslim but carrying a circumcised penis is becoming a insecure trait. The questions are raised of recent allegations of racism in recent controversy of Shilpa Shetty, more fingers are pointing towards us blaming ourselves of being racist to same color.
The director has tried its level best to erase memories of his ‘Kehta Hain Dil Bar Bar’ from us. But sadly, the flaw isn’t hidden nor is lack of cinematography and screenplay talent. The movie is very poorly traced in spite being rich in plot and message it brought forward. The performances are only saving grace to poorly directed richly factious film. Naseerudin Shah has again proved is master ability in acting with no complaints for viewers. The surprise package of film was Sarika, she has given a powerhouse performance of a simple Parsi wife with a Gujarati accent in English turning into a strong pillar of support along with soldier fighting battle of life for her family. The burst of emotions in human rights commission scene is perfectly carved by her. Corin Nemec does perfect justice to his role of a angry American in India , frustrated with hypocrisy and double standards in land of Gandhiji. Though badly presented, the performances and story sends the viewer through turbulent wave of emotions and hurricane of questions. To conclude I must mention if Nithari shocked us, why didn’t Godhra opened our eyes from ignorance?????????
Rating *** only for pure story and powered acting.

Rating Chart

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

Review of 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho

2007-01-30T14:47:00.000+05:30

GOLD INTO BOOK

Gold, treasure hunting is often dream of all. But few realize their dream and want to achieve their goals. Books often change lives of many have just heard this cliché in marketing rooms of publishing offices. But everyone would definitely believe it after reading Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’. Gold diggers are always considered as evil conniving, false scheming people, rarely it is so. To dream big is easy, but to fulfill one’s dreams is step which not everybody dares to talk. The book opens our most locked desires and stimulates our hormones to enrage the body to get going.
The story is brought to us by a shepherd boy who travels along fields of Andalusia to
Get food and water for his flock of sheep. He has desire and hobby of traveling, which makes him chose shepherd business for exploring the unexplored. The journey is affected when he has a weird dream about some treasure. To interpret his dreams he lands up at a gypsy fortune teller woman’s place and acknowledges that his dreams are linking him to Egypt, where a treasure awaits to be found by his hand. Denying the prediction, he wanders around just to run into a Arab who claims to be king and reconfirms lady’s take of boy finding the treasure. The boy faces state of shock and dilemma to believe or not to believe in his dreams and people who have realized his dreams. But, finally after selling half of his sheep to the king and other half to a friend, he is off to search his destiny on a boat to another continent, with some gold coins and two stones of omens, given by the King in his pocket. He lands in town of Egypt only to get looted of his treasure on very first evening by a person claiming to be his friend. Dismayed, disappointed he wants to go back to Andalusia to be a shepherd again, but his omens defy him against it. And there he is back on road to search his destiny landing him to a crystal merchant whose business is going through a slag phase. Then tables turn and winds change their direction, the counter at crystal merchant get filled up with currencies due to innovative ideas by the boy. The boy realizes by merchant that pyramids at this stage is impossible so decides to drop the whole hunt and go back home. So, he is busy working at his shop to collect money for his return. Year passes by and when sufficient funds are collected, he is way back to port to disembark this country. But then again, omens strike back leading him to belief that his decision to retreat on fear of defeat is wrong and preposterous. Now again he is off to journey in desert, on a camel with caravan making a companion with an Englishman off to same destination with similar intentions. The journey through desert teaches him ample of things of bitter truth and brutal reality. They have to stop at an oasis, unavoidably where he encounters his true love and reason for existence. Not just that but an encounter awaits him, that changes his life. It is no one but Alchemist who knows that a boy is going to arrive for changing his fate. Then there is a penultimate journey to goal that teaches boy a valuable lesson alongwith readers learning patience. The conclusion of story is finesse touch of author bringing us to horizon of our lives.

The author has mastered talent of story telling and gripping audience to a tale that mesmerizes readers. Unfolding of events leads to unraveling of mysteries hid deep within our hearts. The book definitely makes an impact on peoples thoughts. The words have power to change the course of many lives. Paulo Coelho is know to create ripples in book world and he has managed to keep up the hype and expectations by turning book in gold.

Shilpa Shetty wins reality show Big Brother

2007-01-29T14:53:00.001+05:30

BIG SISTER SHILPA
Way to go Shilpa , sister!!!! Ooops sorry Big Brother! The news are finally out Shilpa has won the reality television series of Britain’s Channel 4 presentation. After a series of controversies that shook not only the house within but tremors of it were felt in House of Commons to Indian parliament to worldwide. The mouths have opened; words are flowing out….. Some sympathy, some acerbic well some actually wishing and congratulating her.
Little did she knew living within the walls of the monster house with some bullies who discriminate humans for their color, race, accent and culture that her statements and fight to bullies would create ripples in not just normal world, but also political world. The people are again out pointing that the win is mere sympathy and not gesturing her capabilities to be of differe>

nt colour and culture and live 24x7 with people who dislike it and consider them far superior. The hats should be lifted, and backs bowed in honour to a lady inspite of being famous in her motherland set a foot in another country to be survellied minute by minute. And to add to woe suffered a controversy unknowingly got tormented, suffered tortured and shed tears which were criticized and yet emerged as winner.
Be it sympathy, be it answer to racist allegations by British, be it hype, publicity or be it anything, the final lag is Shilpa Shetty is the Winner of most popular Television show of U.K. and she has done Indians proud here in India or abroad. Hail Shilpa, The Big Brother of India to British.

Catch the review of latest Bollywood movie Salaam-E-Ishq

2007-01-27T21:55:00.000+05:30

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SALAAM-E-SIX
Pot-pourri,, that what we used to do in colleges ahttp://www.trafficzap.com/exchange/exit.php?id=73519&q=821&btn=on">nd picnics. Getting different food items and consuming them or thinking of different games to play at parties. But didn’t know in showbiz also one could use it. The recent movie proved there is no shortage of talent, money and screenplay and stories. Love is in the air, was theme of Richard Curtis ‘Love Actually’, love was protagonist in last week’s film Anwar and now not one but six different aspects of love in a film ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’. The movie was in news first for separation of Nikhil Advani from his guru Karan Johar to make this one, and then roll a poll of stars of it and then the marketing which was definitely something. So after Guru a good movie of year and Risk a average one, audiences including me are looking for visual treat now. The people stepped in to watch multi-starrer, multi story movie for good time only little did they know time was tooooo long.
The movie is about love dissolved in six stories and blended with thirteen characters. Sounds as over sweet cake served with 10 teaspoons of sugar drowned coffee. So let’s venture into their lives………
Story1: About Hindu editor Ashutosh(John) falling in love and marrying Muslim broadcast journalist Tehzeeb( Vidya Balan) against his family wishes. The married life goes smoothly for 2 years till their life changes with she boards a train that crashes hard enough to give her short term memory deficit. And it’s never same as before for both of them. It’s inspiring to see them come out of this crisis and start a new life together.
Story 2: Raju Taxiwala (Govinda) is a Hanuman worshipping Delhi cab driver whose aim if life is to marry a white blonde girl for whom he waits till his hair turns grey. The luck strikes, omens answer and one fine day a girl from Canada does step in, Stefanie (Shannon). But only to his utter disappointment, she is in Delhi to hunt her boyfriend (Kushal Punjabi) who is busy searching a bride for himself with his parents. Their journey travels from Delhi to Agra to Udaipur to Amritsar and finally, Delhi. The journey among two people not understanding each other’s language but conversing through language of world, Love is definitely a thing to watch for.
Story 3: This one is about a Bombay based retrosexual guy Shiven(Akhaye Khanna) who is about to marry Delhi based straightforward girl Gia(Ayesha Tarkia) whose father (Prem Chopra) is always at his back, but only to realize his afraid of marriage and chickened out on commitment on eve of his bachelor’s party. He tries hard to cancel his marriage which is served as humor to us. Only to realize after canceling, that he has made a wrong decision and tries to correct it.
Story 4: Middle age life crisis is what our 40 year old London based businessman Vinay Malhotra (Anil Kapoor) dealing with. He has beautiful wife Seema (Juhi Chawla) and 2 children. But he misses spark in his life and hence gets ignited with a much younger fire bomb Anjali (Anjana). She seduces him and grabs him, he is happy and content and even when Seema finds out he is not ready to admit his mistake and back out. But on verge of losing Seema for Anjali does he realizes importance of his past 15 years of his married life and off he goes to sort things with Seema.
Story5: Kamini (Priyanka Chopra) is a item girl with dream of working in Karan Johar film. But, much to her dismay scandals and unwanted bad publicity doesn’t leave her, and as if all this wasn’t enough for her. She goes and announces that she is love with a fictious man, her friend of childhood Rahul . So Mr. Mystery Rahul(Salman Khan) appears from nowhere and creates a havoc in her life. He comes as storm fills her life with love for him and then disappears only to her craving for him now. There she is shunning the publicity and rejecting big offers to search Rahoool according to character himself only to find that Rahul was his ex co-worker when she was basically a small bar dancer.
Story6: Rather smaller one and just to add lighter moments to audience is about Haryanvi Ramdayal (Sohail Khan) who is trying to consummate his marriage to his bride Phoolwati (Isha Koppikar) with failed n number of trials.

The movie is well directed with good screenplay written by Nikhil Advani and the stories are well woven by him leading to one finesse climax. The biggest and only flaw in movie is too long as long is this review. The editor was missing from the crew and unwanted scenes and songs could be cut. The cinematographer did its job well, but heavier story of John and Vidya slowed the pace of film. Music was mind blowing, with hats off to Shankar Eshaan and Loy to add cheery to ice cream. Performance wise Govinda and Akshaye share numero uno spot followed by Vidya, Anil and Anjana as sultry seductress. Juhi, Salman, John and Ayesha have done far justice to their rolses.
The surprise package was Shanoon who in those tender moments excelled on screen woth another well established actor. The chemistry between them showed produced goosebumps and butterflies within my stomach. Anjana was great in seducing Anil. Priyanaka initially acted like bimbo with cleavage revealing, leg baring dresses but as climax approaches she unfolds her talents of acting to audience. In all 3 hours and 35 minutes of good entertainment but price of time too far paid for that entertainment, hence if editor had been employed a movie would have gone to different altitudes of audience viewing cinema.
Rating:***1/2

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

Review of latest movie Risk

2007-01-23T16:01:00.002+05:30

RISK(Y) BUISNESS
No, it’s not Tom Cruise starter 1983’s comedy/crime flick. Nor it is a new venture in corporate world. But, its latest flick from the gullies of Mumbai, brought to you by K Sera Sera production co.. This year a mfia film director Martin Scortese won the Globe for his mafia based thriller ‘The Departed’ and is also likely to be the most forerunner in Oscars. It is year of mafias in entertainment industry??? The question and doubt uncannily arises in my doubt on seeing movie ‘ Risk’.
‘D’ was their last venture together. Now the duo, director Vishram Sawant and actor Randeep have brought us this presentation, which also marks comeback of one time Most loved and handsome star turned politician Vinod Khanna.
The film is based on Suryakant (Randeep Hooda), a honest cop who takes on job of cleaning Mumbai, not of garbage that’s what our political parties doing these days for recent B.M.C. elections, but of underworld and their activities disrupting Mumbai. His prime target is Bangkok based mafia don Khalid (Vinod Khanna) and his brother Arbaaz (Yahpal Sharma) whose network webs in Mumbai’s dirty cringes and corners. Suryakant is expert in gunning down rouges and has apt for troubles. His girl friend Shraddha (Tanushree Dutta) is harrowed by his life yet wants to be with him and behind him. Now our don has political backing from his made up sister Devki (Seema Biswas) and a foe Naidu (Zakir Hussain) with his political mentor Sarang(Anant Jog). Now our honest cop has a huge duty and taks to perform to get to collar of Khalid. He manages to catch a few rackets and to get warrant to Devki. But attempt to arrest leads a riot for which poor he is blamed and arrested. The honesty makes him give up his uniform and rifle, his prime possessions. The mind is playing games and an offer pops up through phone to join a gang of shooters. The offer is from Khalid who has heard about his shooting skills and courageous outrage. Dilemma is at its peak, heart is pounding and pulse is threading, much to everyone’s surprise he takes up an offer. Little is that they know, the offer is taken to be in enemy camp to root them out. He also befriends enemy camp of Saran and Naidu and criss crosses underworld till the point Khalid is arrested and Arbaaz is killed and Sarang and Naidu are eliminated. But the game and movie doent end here, Khalid retaliated with his left over power and the aids of Suryakant get slaughtered and case against him is about to get suspended. The hero roars and decides to end up the evil and using his aiming mastery, shuts Khalid forever.
Now you know why I mentioned ‘The Departed’ in beginning. The story and screenplay looks stale and repeated, reminds us of Kagar and Ab Tak Chappan. Visram shows yet another row of his rawness and amateurish direction, please join an institute for refreshing yourself and your talents, if present. Randeep is average in acting except for climax where he has shown his ability to truly act. But can someone tell him pushing lower jaw forward and depressing your angle of lip doesn’t imply serious touch noshit cop, only Marlon Brando can pull that off creatively. So next time please speak up and do not murmur to yourself which is not audible even to you. Tanushree if you want longer than role than 2 scenes and a song, learn to act. The overpowered performance by Vinod Khanna as Don can pull audience to theatre and definitely proves the point Politicians and ministers can act superbly. Yashpal Sharma and Seema Biswas are good for their roles. Talent of Makrand goes in waste bin for not being used. Zakir has done a brilliant job. With two songs, with two different music directors one cannot comment on it. But yes a special mention to title song was enchanting and powerful. Average cinematography with lack of dialogues. In all an average movie if you have time see it or just let it be. To end it, after ‘D’ spealling for disaster we all hoped Vishram and Randeep wouldn’t take a ‘Risk’ in their hands, but step is taken and result is on screen a regular cinematic watch with some impressive performances.

Rating **1/2

Rating Chart

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

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Review of Paulo Coelho's The Valkyires

2007-01-23T16:01:00.001+05:30

Where Are thou Angel?
Twenty first century brought globalization and shrinkage of world due to progress all over. But along with this, they brought inflation, terrorism and threat for survival. Thus, in this fast paced techno world, often one wonders if there is that super power that gets them going along with the world. The answer to this question was found in the Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Valkyires’. The autobiographical incident narrated by author makes us believe in existence of a world that is full of our guardian angels instructed by almighty to take care of us. When the trains are exploded, riots are broken, planes are crashed into building with n number of people and innocent children instead of cattle are slaughtered the soul shivers up, but the book calms us and shows us there is going to be a tomor

row.
Paulo has taken an incident of his life, in which he decides to take up an expedition to a desert in America, with his beloved wife, Chris, to search his angel upon insistence of his teacher. There, they are on journey in desert of Los Angeles searching their destiny. The marriage which was on the rocky stage gets rediscovered and rekindles their love for each other. They start searching for strangely dressed warrior women who ride on bikes in desert upon insistence of a scholar. Upon discovering them after series of incidents due to which even Chris who initially doesn’t believe in second world starts believing in it, there is display of emotions, range of rituals and variety of contests which gets them closer and closer to angel. The past flashed in present showing the path of future. Emotions are played with, souls are touched and thoughts are changed in this journey to rebirth their lives. Finally, angels are confronted upon and lessons are learnt and importance of loved ones is realized.
The book is set superbly in terms of a journey that summarizes life and its meaning. The narrator has explored and touched a sensitive note in relationships. The common fact of losing loved ones and hurting them in today is emphasized and solution to that is obtained. The prose of book is a la carte and language used is simple to understand. To conclude, the experiences shared by author are path leading to a good life and belief of a better and peaceful world.

Quot(a)e the loan and get it on low rates

2007-01-18T15:04:00.000+05:30

Quot(a)e the loan and get it on low rates
Higher medical admissions to free secondary education to preferential housing advantages to reservation in government offices for job opportunities, they get it all. And as if that was not enough, they have another bird in their hands. I nearly gasped reading today’s newspaper headlines. It was preposterous to see government planning to give easy and low rate loans to minorities. The dismay and disappointment were feelings I encountered with sunrise today, with knowledge that it was so easy to divide India on any basis be it religion or language and that’s what government and politicians have been doing and striking upon the progress of country.
When it is said India is a growing democracy and economic growth is great in last decade, then why not treat everyone equal, instead of diving them on some or other basis. The medicals students organizing a silent protest to recent riot following desecration of Ambedkar’s statue or all recent protests signify that today’s youth do not want them to be segregated from their own brothers and sisters. Its irony the same people who are blaming Britain of racism in context of recent Television’s reality show are the one’s discriminating their own people on several basis. Enough is enough, now its upon us to fight such atrocities by government and politicians to increase their bank balance of voters bank.

Oscar Water s on hopes of Rang De Basanti

2007-01-18T15:01:00.000+05:30

OSCAR ‘WATER’S HOPES OVER ‘RANG DE BASANTI’
Fingers crossed, putting on lucky attire and chanting prayers are common sights seen among filmmakers and stars all over world before announcement of Academy Award nominations. The lights are on and stress levels are high, till announcements are made. The Indian camp had all the hopes pinned up for their runner, ‘Rang De Basanti’. But, the disappointment was all we were awarded with. But the surprise doesn’t end here, to add to woe Indian film, ‘Water’ earned nomination from Canada.
The film ‘Water’, made by Indian filmmaker Deepa Mehta starring Bollywood stars is produced and marketed by huge banner, ‘Fox’ company. The lobbying and promotions of film by them are extraordinary and cannot match the mere efforts by our country’s production houses. The Indian film industry has suffered a lot nationally and internationally for the petty ignorance and blindness of our countrymen. The film, ‘Water’ which has received accolades from world over and festivals abroad, was originally film from India made here. But, thanks to some politically motivated and religion instigated people stormed in its location and forced the crew to shelve the film. The film had to be shot elsewhere and no production houses were ready to produce and distribute it. The shame was aggravated on knowing that it had defeated Indian entry to Oscars.
The ‘Water’s entry is not on cost of ‘Rang De Basanti’ s exit. But, the lost is due to poor promotion of our films in festivals overseas. It is depressing to see a path breaking film missing an opportunity due to silly ignorance and lack of interpretation power and funds. Let’s hope in future, India won’t be ashamed at cost of Indians.

Engagement of Hype

2007-01-18T15:00:00.000+05:30

Engagement of Hype
Recently, the media from newspapers to news channels and magazines all carried a piece of news too seriously. From cover pages to front page headlines to top stories all were screaming to get us an engagement affair of a Bollywood couple. It’s mindless and dumb to mention the names I am talking about. The doubts and memoirs have been raiding my brain that if any couple has got that much of coverage and speculation as this one got.
Even before, the news were confirmed, the rumors were splashed on print by everyone. Astrologers and numerologists were interviewed and question about the probability of the couples chances to turn in real life couple. The camera followed to every inch of earth they went, be it holy places or premieres. The glances and laughs were guide to build conversations and body language was viewed and guessed that they are seeing each other. The privacy was publicized and hype was surrounding them. The ex boyfriend of lady were interviewed. One cannot help to notice but that rumors of alleged link up with her exs came when their movie was floored and about to release. Be it Salman before Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam or Vivek before Kyun Ho Gaya Na and now Abhisekh before Umrao Jaan. Was it publicity stunt to emerge her career boat that was drowning every time?? Anyways, the films with the beau didn’t work until recent Guru. The buzz is on and lights are all around them till they take their nuptial vow and perhaps the nuptial night would be recorded and made as films!!! Who know????? Let’s all hope and pray for couple, they have their strings attached with all buzz going around them

View over racist comments in Big Brother over Shilpa

2007-01-17T16:08:00.001+05:30

RACISM OR FASCISM
Kashmira is back in Big Boss creating havoc in house and rift among their residents. The emotions are toiled upon and cries , hues and laughs are recorded and broadcasted, tantrums serve us source of entertainment. Recently, Amit had broken down to a bout of uncontrollable hysteria and a psychiatrist had been bought to treat him, endless sniff and cries grunts, the brawls and clashes increase TRPs of show. So, what is it a show or show-off???!!! These days’ headlines are covering besides the engagement of Ash and Abhi a story of Bollywood, not in India though. Strange! As it may sound but truth is news are approaching from London about our ladki mast mast who has increased our Dhadkan and stirred U.P., Bihar by her latkas and jhatkas. The only Indian beauty that has gone a step forward and participated in Britain based reality show ‘Big Brother’, where in 13 celebrities are locked under one roof for 13 weeks and kept under 24 hours surveillance with camera lenses all over and their interactions and living there is broadcasted. And even more surprisingly, people loved to watch this lunatic losers waiting for second innings in their careers after bad first ones live and interact on daily basis. Thus, ‘Big Brother’ was brought to India in form of ‘Big Boss’, with some lost celebrities seeking limelight entering the house to gain some popularity.
Well, Shilpa has succeeded in doing so and even stirring a huge controversy ranging trans-Atlantic. One of contestant, apparently, misbehaved with her and started calling her names like’ Indian’, ‘Paki’ or ‘Dog’. The row started over uncooked chicken made by our porgi for those selfish housemates who don’t even enunciate her name correctly. Then some gals grouped up against her, made fun of her, played with her emotions and made her weep all time. But isn’t that what we suppose to watch and enjoy. Then what’s this all fuss about???????? Is it because she is a good star here or is it because she is genuinely hurt by those no winners??
The remarks has made Indian living them furious and it seems their own rage has come up in form of complaints, without Shilpaor anyone from her own group actually reacting. Indians leaving them for years may have faced various aspects of discrimination due to their race and socio-economic conditions. Is that all come to surface when someone provoked our very own actress or is it real patriotism?? Cannot help thinking in this , when I was in Great Britain lately for a long span of time, I did face certain discrimination but who am I to blame, when our very own country discriminates fellow countrymen on basis of language, religion, sect, education, bank balance etc etc. I cannot just point ginger on someone when my clothes are dirty after all one cannot wash his dirty linen in public.
Hence, a mere combat of words and expressions cannot be regarded as call of third racial world war or communal disharmony in foreign land. But, just difference in views and opinions of fellow contestants with the beauty that has shown immense courage and boldness to face that illiterate people, who have lost their identities and brains. Thus, let us all encourage our proud heroine to face the criticism with respect and dignity, instead of letting us , her and India down to shame just making a mountain out of grain of sand. Its game after all, they should have some publicity stunts to increase the viewers and keep them glued.

GURU(C)KANT FAIL

2007-01-17T14:06:00.000+05:30

Guru(C)kant fail
It all seemed as destiny, a ‘MAKTUB’ in Arabic, meaning everything in world is written by one hand and it cannot be changed at all. Names are called; people were abandoned when some one tried to rewrite their fate. But, then why do I get dreams of holding a Pulitzers prize in hand awarded by none other than Jhumpa Lahiri and Queen awarding me Bookers prize and Amitabhji finally getting Academy trophy for his foray in Hollywood. The eyes open to virtual reality which heart doesn’t accept. Then one fine evening, all changed, adrenalin was gushed in body and nostalgia was over swept by excitement and courage to do something. The gonads were stimulated to secrete exceeds of testosterone to rage my brains to positive energy in pursuing my dreams and realizing my destiny. Reason of such drastic changes was sitting in a 2.5 hour film “GURU”. Madras Talkies has redone it and showed there is still art in commercial cinema.
The autobiographical plot revolves around life of Gurukant Desai, a simpleton from small village in Gujrat, who dared to dream not being simpleton villager and went ahead to craft his life. The story begins in his home village Guru has disappointed his father on failing an exam, but our hero dreams big and hence, wants to venture in Turkey for earning money. Off, he is to Istanbul where he earns money by transporting empty petrol bottles and to add a second income, he learns and masters art of gambling. Upon offered a promotion after many years, he is made up his mind to arrive back to motherland to step in corporate business. The train journey while riding back to village encounters a rendezvous with Sujata (Aishwarya) , who after singing and dancing in rain elopes for a guy, who has chickened out at last moment. Now, Guru wants money to invest in his plan for business and proposes a strategy to his childhood friend Jignesh (Arya Babbar) that if he gets him money he’ll make him 50% partner. But Jignesh asks Guru to marry his sister and inherit money left by his father for her dowry. Abhisekh agrees blindly to marry, without realization that wife to be is Sujata, his train encountered girl. Garlands are exchanged, round are taken around holy fire, bags are packed and off are trio to Swpnanagiri Mumbai now, Bombay then. The dreamer wants to step in textile industry and faces lots of hindrances. Then, he finds his mentor a owner of newspaper, Manikdas Gupta (Mithun Chakravoty) with his young grand daughter whom Guru is extremely fond of and vice versa. And then starts a decade of successful and powerful textile tycoon, who on his road to heights earns more distracters than spectators. First a fight with his partner and bro. in law leading to short time rift with his wife Sujata. Then, his mentor pitching Shyam (R. Madhvan) against him to expose his corporate secrets that lead him to success. Then there are trials and tribulations, people hating him, newspapers blacking his image, his faithful pal (Manoj Joshi) committing suicide and all deserting him except his wife and the grand daughter ( Vidya Balan) of Manikdas Gupta. To strike more to tragedy, he suffers a hemi paraplegia leading him to half side paralysis. The warrants are issued against him, industries are closed and sealed and trial of his life begins. Here, it is to see how he justifies his corporate crimes, loan sharking, and company gulping, bribing politicians and emerges as winner.
The movie surpasses excellent standards of cinema and makes us believe in Mani Ratnam. The director has pulled up a great intense work with poignant scenes like when Guru goes to confront with Shyam and finds his apple of eye Vidya Balan married to him. The battle of emotions and words that follow puts one to thinking of credibility of director. Rajiv Menon has put up an ace cinematography. Abhisekh has broken taboo surrounding his acting skills, definitely moved audience to edge of their seats in his tour de force performance. After tanned bombshell in Dhoom2 and Lucknawi Umrao adas, Aishwarya finally comes back to actingand proves simplicity is best. Mani Ratnam mould her into character that impresses her critics, too. The come back of Mithun is perfect with this role and Madhvan and Vidya are brilliant in their works. Music by A.R.Rahman is melodious to ears as usual and doesn’t break the integrity of film. Inspite of all flaws, the move is brilliant and cannot be missed rather not to be missed for all those who believe in their destiny.
Rating ****

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

Fable of Label Babel

2007-01-13T16:59:00.000+05:30

FABLE of LABEL ‘BABEL’
Hype and speculation had surrounded this one. Rave reviews and awards tagged alongwith the title. The star cast and trade reports made Babel mandatory see for me. So here I am stepping on mew year’s new day in theatre to watch the most talked movie. The seats are comfortable and theatre is empty, guess most audience in India are blind towards intelligent cinema. Anyways munching popcorn I enjoyed the beautiful sights and scenery of movie.
The viewers delight and extraordinary experience begins when a shot is fired in Moroccan desert by local shepherd boy and there are series of events following this all around the world that puts audience in a trance. Richard ( Brad Pitt) and Susan (Cate Blanchett) are American couple who are trying to revive their marriage on a tour in desert of Morocco, which is on verge of breaking up. The bus is driving in sand dunes, when a shot is heard and hits neck of Susan, then unfolds a tale of relationships and destiny. The shot is fired from a rifle Babel by local shepherds who with his brother are testing the rifle, recently bought by their father from fellow villager. Little did the boy know that the shot fired for practice would hit the tourist and shake the world with blames of terrorism and looting? Richard gives a tremendous effort to save his injured wife in no man’s land where health amenities are distant for them to reach. The embassies are called , the media is shaken and blame game with assumptions are played with world politics coming in picture. The innocent boys are on run along with their father for a missed shot as the Moroccan army is after them. The couple’s children in states are left with Mexican caretaker who has to leave for Mexico for her son’s marriage. After trying and suffering a set back from all sources, she decides to take the children with her across the country to her place. The children discover a whole new world which they would have never seen and play the games which they wouldn’t have thought of playing. But on returning back, a tragedy strikes here too. They are left in desert by their help after being confronted by border immigration authorities. The lady is striving to survive in desert to keep kids alive and get noticed for help. The help arrives is a policeman who arrests her andframes ample of reasons to deport her, which he finally succeeds in. The rifle’s real owner is traced back to Japan whose deaf and mute daughter is depressed and self involved due to recent death of mother by suicide attempt and ignorance of guys on her due to her deficiency.
The par excellence of vision by director Alejandro cannot be missed. The four stories that span across three different continent are well woven and interlocked by a common factor the rifle. Cinematographer Rodrigo has provided his viewers with visual treats that have imprinted in memory. The angles and direction of camera with movement of trolleys and swings are in perfection. The casting is brilliant with all actors doing justice to their roles. Cate Blanchett and Japanese girl Rinko having topped the lists. In all a great must watch couldn’t miss movie with flaws so negligible can be termed as Flawless picture perfect cinema.
Rating *****
Rating Chart
* Don’t even bother
** If you have time watch it
*** Worth a see once
**** No chance to miss a good movie
***** Mind blowing smashing good Excellent stuff.

I do not See You

2007-01-09T13:52:00.000+05:30

I Do Not See You
The Golden couple or First Man and Lady of Bollywood is Amitabh and Jaya Bacchan and the same title holds for Arjun Ramphal and Meher Jessia Ramphal in Modeling industry. So when the golden couple decided to venture together in Bollywood, one could not miss them. So there was I trying to see what Arjun and others see in Vivek Agarwal’s and Meher’s debut film as director and producer, respectively. Search is still on as I got nothing but few moments of entertainment in this Suresh Nair’s script.
The Casanova Raj Jaiswal ( Arjun) of London has no complaints about his life good food, good beer and gr88 gals along with a pal ( Chunky Pandey).His life and film takes a turn when he see, feels and talks to a soul of girl ( Vipasha Agarwal) in his bedroom. Our Raj is star of Television there in London, so my guess is that made our sick girl from hospital go and wake star Raj and make her invisible to all. She has a problem the hospital she is living in want to remove her life support system and sell her organs . So you see organ trafficking is also a major business in West too. Anyways she appeals to Raj for him to help her and he has to do all this by proving his sanity to his best bud Chunky Pandey , who is sure of insanity and refers him to psychiatrist Boman Irani. See how he achieves his mission.
The script by Suresh Nair is stale and inspired by Hollywood Movie also, Vivek,s direction lacks creativity. Arjun is good as usual in his performance and Vipasha is very cold in hers. The expressions by Chunky are hilarious and mark his entry back in acting field. Bonam Irani is superb and Sonali does justice to her role too. Kirron Kher is sweet and candy as ever. In all a good eye candy sweet fim good on DVD but now worth spending money on tickets and popcorn.
Rating **1/2

In Kudiyon Ka Nahi Zamana

2007-01-09T12:46:00.000+05:30

In Kudiyon Ka Nahi Zamana
Was I thinking of overpowered and well written “Steel Magnolias” or outrageous andoutlasted “Sex
And City” or “Desperate Housewives”, when I stepped into cinema hall seeing title “Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamana”?? To my utter dismay and surprise, all I could see was some busty heroines or silicone job heroines screaming and scratching on screens in costumes shorter than dignity of today’s politicians and louder than Yash Chopra’s and Karan Johar’s films. The disappointment doesn’t end here; the plot has to be discovered amidst the film and the talent has disappeared as Shamita Shetty has disappeared from screen
The story, if you insist in calling it so, revolves among four women; Mayuri ( Rekha) , Natasha ( Vashundra), Kanika ( Kim Sharma) and Anjali (Mahima Chowdary) in buzzing city Mumbai find time to meet and befriend each other in a beauty parlor. All of them are married except Anjali who is carefree and flirtatious gal, who believe she won’t get married till an age of 25 years. To embark the plot, a bet is played among friends that Anjali will get married soon and she defies it. Hence the game begins….Each of three other friends get a suitable mentor (Sanjit Bedi,Nikhil Chinnapa and Ashwin Mushran) , but meanwhile Anjali finds her love Amar (Ashmit Patel). Now there is competition among friends for getting their own guy as groom to Anjali with getting her own chemistry right with new found love for her life. To add lines to movie personal lives of other 3 are also toiled upon. The failed marriage of Rekha, pregnancy problems of Vasundhara Dhas and harrowed life of Kim Sharma find their places in this loosely made film. Climax is too predictable and uninteresting.
Amar Butala please get a life and give us air to breathe!!!!!!! What have you made and why have you directed this??? You spend too much money on colouring and cutting clothes of ladies and also filling screen up with busts of ladies. Rekha ageing process is bad agreed, but why take such embrassing steps to prove you are not worth of acting any more. Mahima, more words and expressions than silicone and lusts. Kim Sharma please don’t howl more and go to voice therapist. Vashundara was it you in Monsoon Wedding or your clone as you were stone maiden in this one. Ashmit solve your family problem, then take acting lessons from kinder garden and later sign B grade movie. Sachin Khedekar and others failed to get noticed. Music was equally bad. There was no thing called as cinematography. In all a B-grade movie with commercial stars of A grade films. Of colours and boobs, movie is worth forgetting that it even exists and was released.
Rating: Not even worth*
* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De

Synopsis on todays Bandh in Kolkotta

2007-01-08T15:10:00.000+05:30

Dwar Bondh in Kolkotta
Today’s newspapers were printing it in bold jet black ink, newsreaders were reporting in high pitched but hint of sadness is their voice, I couldn’t resist myself to vocate my opinion on disaster beginning new year in literary capital of India, Kolkotta. I am disappointed and in dismay to see land that reaped Tagore and Sarojini Naidu was now sowing over blood of innocent people by the people who were elected by the same people.
The contradiction and paradox is at its extreme heights in these days in West Bengal. Country protectors storming in the police station bashing law protectors, Mamta Bannerjee going onto fast to death for stopping a progressive venture of Tata in Shingur. Little can they see, who miss the fact that rehabilitation is slow and eventual process that follows and also fact the pros which are definitely more than cons in building of plant. The incident is repeated in other land and Bandh is called by major political party. The violence meter is on and protests have taken violent form and democracy is killed. How can the people asking for bandh cannot see amount of lives gone, progress stopped, monetary loss and big hindrance to economic growth? Are this people great puppeteers or are we blind and illiterate fools to elect them to give them right to protest against development of country and its residents and declare bandhs in 300 of 365 days. God give us strength in this new year to survive all Bandhs and violent marches against own progress!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111

A Year of DemoCrazy

2007-01-08T14:01:00.000+05:30

A Year of Democrazy Country
Rewinding the memories of gone year on eve of New Year celebrations, lots of thoughts, issues and events are playing criss cross in my brain. Amidst all this brain racking impulses, there is a despondent, lonely wave which stands out at shore, waiting to gather some spectators. It’s not rejoicing, applauding matter nor rejuvenating fact but a series of disappointing, shameful, disastrous and aggravating series of event,
Civic and oxford dictionary definition of Democracy: “a country governed by the government elected by the people it self and in which people have every right and duty to express themselves” should be rewritten by stalwarts of yesteryear. Democracy no longer has any limitation or regulations in India and recent attitude seen in every citizen is “ Sab kuch chalta hai.” Well, to begin with violent protests seem to be recent trend in all industries and all levels. Gone are days of Gandhigiri and sending flowers or fasts or satyagraha, and dawn upon taking up a hockey stick to bash up professor who fails students or teases a girl of your class, or smash the furniture or break and scorch a public property; ultimate satisfaction guaranteed. The feel at home in ease during travel in metropolis public transports is replaced by fear of bomb exploding or something scorching somewhere or being pelted by stones and chappals for using a public vehicle.
Acerbically or heartily god knows, it was overheard the other day that easy way to become famous is to built your own statue get is desecrated and ask your followers to stage a riot. Earlier this year, we woke up to dailies screaming about silent and non violent protests by medical and engineering and allied graduate students over a very bias and controversial quota system in higher admissions where merit is keen role in portrayal of one’s ability to be there. But the quite satyagraha was given violent status after police intervened and beat the innocent protestors, just as protests of freedom during pre independence era turn into. Finally, students gave up and for self defense sake pelted stones and pushed the attackers on them. But the call for war had started long ago for to cause damage to one of most populated and large democracy. A recent survey showed India as failed democracy, well thank god!!!! Ranking it even as democratic country is a compliment as when I look everywhere it’s difficult to search values and sights of democracy. Recent riots following desecration of Matoshri Thackeray and Ambedkar’s statues have instigated avenging hearts of people who believed in peace. Constitution is toyed upon for self privilege and party progress. The call centre age in which world is experiencing the exploding hike in economic growth and globalization, we are still tearing assembly furniture which is national treasure filled by taxes we pay, over an industrial plant developing in a land which reaps on sowing the blood of poor residents. Short is the vision of visionaries we appoint to govern us that cannot see that improvisation in lives and living standards of these poor residents.
Blame game is favorite in Indians, in fact should be our national sport. The media is restricted and blacklisted along with showbiz as mischief mongers. Hence, the wings are chopped even before bird flies to reality zone. Though, the recent victory in Matoo and Lal cases has reinstalled the some of faith which was long lost in the gone year. But the skeletons in closet (assembly houses and board rooms) are too deep and need to be excavated. Now is the time to get heard and be felt even without hurting a soul or body and getting message passed on in increased demographic but decreased democratic nation. Do not let youth leave country and migrate in search of progress as here is golden soil that can reap longest crops of success. We are the ones to shape our ecofranatic country’s future. Thus, let’s believe in us and on footstep of next year make a resolution to be ranked in one of successful democracies.

Review of one night@ call centre by Chetan Bhagat

2007-01-06T15:22:00.000+05:30

One night at call centre by Chetan Bhagat

The buzz was on about a book which is soon going to see the lights of cinema halls from the book shelves. Being inquisitive, curiosity gripped me about the book as not much authors can awe struck our melodramatic fictional Bollywood. This temptation negated my monthly budget to buy much hyped Chetan Bhagat’s latest “One night at call centre”
Here, I am turning pages of an autobiographical chapter of a much depressed and low call centre team leader. The great expectations from IITian author brought me a major setback. The plot travels only in a span of night at bay of call centre. The night in which six peoples fate working in that bay are twisted to downzone of their live and a call which brings climax of story and their lives at sawn of happiness and new beginning. The narrator uses a too phony incident for readers to accept and digest even with Hajmola. The protagonist (Shyam) is self reviewing, eccentric, hypochondriac, paranoid and constant complaining unhappy freak.
The book travels in past quite a number of times to dates between the protagonist and his ex-girl friend who also co-incidentally is his co-worker (Priyanka) . The dates are too amateurishly and feverishly explained with frequent bouts of male chauvinism. The couple has broken up and have a cold war between them and too add to woe of Shyam, its night when He and other colleagues learn about wonder boy from U.S.A. to whom Priyanka is getting engaged. Now, as if this wasn’t enough, the other 4 colleagues have major drift downward in their personal lives on same night leading to a depressed bay at call centre. The sorrow doesn’t end here, to aggravate the state of depression at bay all six learnt from their no good opportunistic manager Bakshi that they are all part of gang going to get sacked for cost cutting procedure. To break free they all decide to take trip outside call centre to pub in order to get high in alcohol to forget all lows in their life. On way back to call centre they are struck by a life taking incident and then the phone rings which saves their lives and changes their paths of lives, and call is from……..God.
The book may be just another readable. The language used is poor and book lacks page turning effect. The story is too drugged and dragged upon. Though it reveals quite a lot truth about recent effects of urbanization but it lacks an eye opening effect. I was longing to finish book as soon as possible to jump on other interesting book. The author should try a different approach with good language to make books gripped to reader. In conclusion, just worth a read if you have time otherwise you haven’t missed somethin

2006-12-29T15:25:00.000+05:30

BHAGO RE BHAGO THEATRE SE….

When I stepped into my favorite fast food chain Shiv Sagar, I was absolutely delighted to know that the Pav Bhaji maker hadn’t change since 2 years of my absentee from city. The same ingredients under safe hands of the chef assured me of mouth watering, finger licking and tongue rolling Pav Bhaji. Well, similar expectation rose while buying tickets to latest flick Bhagam Bhag knowing ingredients like Akshay Kumar , Neeraj Vora etc under master hands of Priyadarshan. But hardly was I known that my expectations would fall deeper than depths of Mumbai’s potholes.
All’s a world is a stage, was the film trying to show and we all are characters which run throughout our lives. The plot if they insist calling that a plot revolves under drama company headed by Champak Seth (Paresh Rawal) and to his uttermost worse fate has 2 good for nothing women chasing actors , Babla (Govinda) and Bunty (Akshay Kumar). These romeos are always luring after drama heroines and flirting with them leaving them no option but to leave the company. The drama company earns up a jackpot, a businessman (Asrani) from London, to perform there. But their heroine (Tanushree Dutta) runs away from group fed up of the flirts. Hence the company lends up in London with no heroine to stage. The hunt begins for their heroine in London, which is complicated and bigger than Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj. The search lands up them in police station having Commissioner Jackie Shroff for falsely acquiring drugs from local Mafia. In the hunt of their actress Bunty along with taxi driver (Rajpal Yadav) bang with Minni (Lara Dutta) a gal with sucidal tendencies for unknown reasons. Bunty manages to convince Minni by some unknown words and unshown scenes to work in their theatre group. And then the usual mushy romance between the hero Bunty and heroine Minnie occurs off stage during tour of London. Now to add twist to story Minni gets knocked off by a car and on regaining consciousness undertakes new identity with a husband (Arbaaz Khan ) from Liverpool. But then she ends up burning herself. The theatre decides to continue their musical without the Heroine, Cut to Minnie aka Aditi aka Sheetal appears alive and in front of Bunty and Sethji and also during show leading to confusion. Amidst the confusion, the hubby Arbaaz is shot and no one knows who shot him, but prime suspects are bunty, Babla and Sethji. The plot thickens and leading to so call run for the lives, drugs and money………
The script is stale and very poor retake of Marathi movie “Bindaast” along with excerpts taken from new “Ajnabee”. Whats with you, Neeraj Vora first Phir Hera Pheri now this? And for Priyanji please always plots on confusion and commotion do not work. So give us a brek and don’t waste your creativity.Show us something new. Well acting wise Paresh Rawaal was at his best with limited role and space to showcase his overpowered talent. Govindaji had extremely miniscule role, well was it the editor or Akshay Kumar who was brilliant for his role to blame for. Well as for Govinda , he better limit him to politics as his genre of comedy is gone. The bhelpuri and sexy jokes are niches of yore, today its substance which is perceived Virar ke babu.In all for audience its run away from theatre, Bhagam Bhag from theatre.
Rating*
* Bhool Hi jaaon
** Theek Hai Chalalenge
*** Accha Hain Achha Hain
**** Kya Baat HainJhakkaas
***** Dimaag aur Dil Hila De

2006-12-18T00:24:00.000+05:30

AND WE ARE BACK…….
No we are not cast and crew of remake of old Hindi classical nor are we part of Band adding few drums and trumpets to old song and renaming it remix nor are we characters to a great sequel. We are simplest modest, adapting to modern India filled with hypocrites in name of culture, ever struggling youth. The tomorrow of our country ridiculed by today and heavily criticized by yesterday for not coming right on their expectation. But, little is know to them that adaptation theory is rewritten to survival of richest and minorities.
Yes, finally you got it I am talking about the recent hunger strike up taken by doctors of AIIMS, New Delhi against passing of the quota bill in assembly, recently. The strike which was struggling to find a place in today’s dailies. On Thursday, I visited Government Dental College to submit post graduate form; I was struck upon with harsh reality that I had option of 6 seats all over Maharashtra. Yeh to bhahut na insaafi na??? seat 6 aur exam likhne wale 6000. Then I came to terms with the quota system yet prevailing in 21st century which had caused delay in my admission by 2 months though getting excellent marks and good rank .But, only thing that lacked on my report card was a category rank as I belonged to our so called majority open category who are been pushed to limits of minority by quota system everywhere from basic education to skilled professional researches to paid government job. There wouldn’t be a surprise when a time approaches that basic amenities like food and transport will have quota system to give them their so called rights and privilege which they were not given in some x century when they enjoyed living in hell and degrading themselves
My question to all supporters of this quota system is we discriminating them still and not giving them a chance to fight????? We are feeding them and not expecting to fight for their rights. These people are enjoying this easy available life without repaying. The brutality and hostility between us is arisen and hatred ness is ignited by these quotas seeing the most undeserving people in jobs and education that save lives plus write the script of progress of India. Doctors whose noble work and great presence saves lives at eleventh hour are not been given chance to exploit skills
I wanted to join this strike, but then fear of being beaten up and ending in jail for quietly protesting for wrong gripped me. The atrocities during last strike by politicians and our saviors’ police made me awake that I live still in a ruled country only not now by politicians or British but quota that very easily segregates us from our same blood brothers and sisters.
With no acerbic feeling, the honest request to people who govern us to tear down Indian pledge which says all Indians are my brothers and sisters when rights and privileges are different. There is no one India with a common man as it is murdered every step from primary school to post graduate education and also ends slaughtered for entitlement to his employment according to profession. Seeing India in developed or 1st world will remain a dream which never comes true as generation when awakened is suppressed and chloroformed to unconsciousness.

2006-12-15T23:28:00.000+05:30

ARYAN ,HE UNIMPRESSABLE
Phew!! Was my reaction when I got to theatre and saw the poster of movie ‘ARYAN’ at now showing area. Finally, it could see the dim lights of cinema hall , which at some time appeared as an impossible task.With a maximum goof ups producers not having time for the movie etc etc , I thought I wouldn’t see the innocent face Sneha Ullal again. Anyways, now without wasting any more of your time and my words lets get to movie……..
Oh! Ok there was a movie. I must have missed it or must have reseen a movie or was the plot somewhere else?? Hell what was it???? I had expected new and brilliant ideas from new director Abhisekh Kapoor. But, I was left in dismay and disappointment. Our muscled hunk candy hearted guy Aryan (Sohail Khan) is the college heart throb who is a great sports champion and a boxer aspiring to be a national achiever under training of his coach Raveen Singh (Puneet Issar) of Garv fame or Duryodhana of Mahabharata.The tough macho has soft corner for innocent faced beautiful Neha (Sneha Ullal) . She is his life, He is epitome of all wannabe sporties but his epicenter is Neha , in her he finds his strength and meaning of life. Then he steps out in real world leaves his dreams at side and goes after earning job as sports commentator and marries Neha to borne a son. He lives a common man’s life and struggles for survival. Finally there is a turning point, the dissatisfaction and underachievement of his profession eats Aryan terribly and his ex coach ask him to walk the old day’s path again. The path, which he had left to fulfill his love’s and in law’s expectation of survival. The step back in boxing ring loses him everything his love, faith of people in him. The time is never same again, now is the testing times of strong Aryan, that too without his backbone, Neha……….well will he, won, t he???? That’s for you to find out.
The script is poor and looks like stale remake of Rocky and Mithun’s Boxer. The director Abhisekh hasn’t impressed me nor has he made a mark as creative director. Neelabh Kaul lacks the art of cinematography. Where script is repetitive, the music is above average with 1-2 songs soothing to ears. Sohail has given his one of a la carte performance and Sneha is good in her innocence.The response to film from me is lukewarm.To conclude, film may ignite spark a handful audience.
Rating: **

2006-12-14T15:47:00.000+05:30

GARDENER SE FATHER [-IN-LAW] TAK
The resistance to compare present with past is very fragile and easy to overcome. Hence, while exploring latest Chopra venture “Babul”,I couldn’t help weighing it against its mind bending, soul touching “Baaghban”. The differences were valley wide and steep but similarities couldn’t be easily missed. What struck me and awed audience was the message toiled with in this multicultural ritual bound country. Social issues have always been core part of Bollywood movies to generate an awakening among largest viewed audience.B.R.Chopra and productions have been famous for their family oriented movies with a social cause for mass awakening to revolutionized world. “Babul” is no exception to this genre but with touch of modernization agreeable to eyes of all ages.
Ravi Chopra reunites the old team of Baaghban with special additions of latest actor Rani Mukherjee and hunky John Abraham. Cut to start of movie takes us back to commercial success debut of Salman “Maine Pyar Kiya” , the non competitive fun loved car race between father and son. The only variation being Buddy Daddy Balraj Kapoor(Amitabh Bacchan) being ready to cheat to win against his foreign returned macho vacho son no Buddy Avinash (Salman Khan).Though the father son pair looks good in here but not too blending with acceptance of audience. Exceptional impressive papa has a beautiful wife Shobhna(Hema Malini) who plays an momma overwhelmed by his son and always searching grandson with a cup of milk. Seems Dharamji has given lots of practice by hiding for his daily gallons of milk. As always during golf competition while cheating our buddy papa ends up with the painter gal Milli(Rani Mukherjee) that’s what loved ones call her, so we will too. BTW the real name is Malvika. And then the romance begins and soon ends in marriage with a cute fruit of their love. Oops forgot to mention meek presence of Rajat (John) who cares for his best friend Milli more than her parents and secretly loves her. Well coming to Kapoor s who have an elder bro Om Puri who feeds on 18th century rituals and beliefs who doesn’t t allow his widow sister in law(Sarika) to attend any happy occasion for fear of her evil shadow which according me doesn’t comply with her innocent beautiful face. All is happy in that lovesome five some Kapoors and at eleventh hour tragedy strikes………
Nahiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Avi is no more and color clothes are out white is in. That’s when the real hero arises from ashes not Salman but our Balraj Kapoor who decides to make his daughter in law s life cheery and colorful with our lost in film Rajat. But after all good deeds are not cakewalk. He faces path of thorns from his brother and family and others and guess what this time beauty wife is also against him. But, finally tackling all hindrances he is successful. Oh, reminds of something???????Yes, its quite similar to Prem Rog , remember R.K Banner with Rishi, Padmini and Nanda.
Summating, film first half was sweet filled that gave me toothache and earache from clichés. Second half had all melodrama, emotions and subject of film. The music by Adesh Srivastava was peppy though lacking melody except the title song and Saawariya song in which love making was very esthetically portrayed Hooraay Raviji.The star and only star of film was Amitabh whose chemistry with Hemaji wasn’t the sparking one as it was in Baaghban but with Rani it was great as in Black ,KANK.Rani was impressive
In her performance while Salman was quite a mark in film making his actoresque feel to audience. John was very disappointing and proving that family and melodrama is not his cup of tea. Hemaji was dull as if never existed in film. But the most joyful was to see Sarikaji igniting the cine screen even for 5 minutes. In all o good melodramatic, emotional drenched film for one time family viewing.

2006-12-07T15:44:00.000+05:30

TO BOND OR NOT TO BOND
The initial reaction that my body gives to a James Bond book or movie is pumping of that extra adrenaline and oozing of testosterone. Additional masculinity and machismo is the result of the gadgets and gizmos, created by M16.Though never experienced one while stay in Great Britain. The body is geared up to kick and shoot and beat the hell out of recent genre of terrorists proclaiming themselves messengers of God and be Bond James Bond myself.
The genre of metrosexual man was born in my teens hence willingly or unwillingly, I fall into category of universal work and experience. My happiness found no bound on learning James Bond is going to shoot up and fire the cine screen. On leaving London after glorious learning and British accent, I just prayed and hoped I would hear the sweet lingo and magnificent sights of London. Being an avid reader and great fan of British authors, I never miss James Bond novel. The birth of James Bond by Ian Fleming is boon to metrosexual readers like me who want the macho chauvinist image back in gear. Well reading Casino Royale had reinforced my faith in saying “Man and macho are synonyms.” The page turner had increased the nostalgia which was taking waves in my already stimulated fast pacing heart. Well, the moment had come to unveil the cinematic adaptation of this over paced thriller novel and to do honors was none other than super visionary Martin Campbell (entertained us by his par excellence in” The Mask of Zorro” in 1998 and then in 2000 hiked us to tallest snow capped peaks and steepest valleys in”Vertical Limit”).
Sat in seat of newly formed PVR cinema, I was waiting for the movie most eagerly anticipated by world over and munching popcorn without chomping noises though. The credits began and I don know why but was imagining famous scene of Dr.No where sultry ever sexy Ursula Andrews emerges out of blue sea water and steps on beach in vogue sexy enough to seduce Sean Connery.The word I am searching is dismay, surprise or disgust on seeing same scene but Daniel Craig stepping out in knickers with well toned firm body. The gasps and kisses even admiral stares by the women in crowd were quite audible.being on edge to compare our new solitaire to old tiffany like Sean Connery whom I consider “The Bond” or one movie wonder Roger Moore or new trend Brit Pierce Brosnan and not even considering some exes who failed to ignite M16 in their roles.
My joy met no bounds on seeing the Madam M again played by an actress whom I respect more than my grandparents, Judi Dench, Who after promoting our Bond is bit hesitant to send him on any mission. The reason being his goof up in his initial start.The queen s owns agent is shown to be very egoistic and throwing more than attitude than Queen itself. Daniel Craig makes us navigate from deepest part of jungles of Uganda to Madagascar then a resort in Bahamas (where I am planning my next holiday ) and a quick trip to Miami and finally landing to Montenegro to play a high staked poker in “Casino Royale” This journey is embarked upon to by Bond James Bond to synonymies the word “ELLIPSIS” and prove us and Madam M that he is the one designed and designated to put kibosh on bad and evil of world.
Craig is at his best for first path breaking movie.Though he murmurs throughout the film. Yes he murmurs even when seducing Caterina Murino and treasure gal Eva Green. The vestibulococchlear nerve had to be overstretched to hear him introduce and flirt with Jeanne Moreau like Vesper Lynd portrayed by mascara applying Eva Green, who is much less bimbo and more sexy than other Bond Babes, Ursula Andrew being all time sole exception. Craig traverses to catch Le Chiffre played by Mads Mikkelsen who supposedly is financial banker and stock breaker who sponsors terrorist’s organization. Bond is challenged to play against him with money sponsored by treasury who sent curvy Eva Green to guard money, but then there was dilemma as she was busy challenging herself to protect herself from Bond who says sorry murmurs “Do I give a damn”. Finally game of poker is played upon and guesses who else is joining no not the dragon but an agent for CIA. How long can You stay away from perfectly toned British accent Queen s guy, much to dismay of our ladies Eva Green is finally in boxers of Craig and taking him for Honeymoon cruise and then it’s a SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Summary: Craig was at his peak while fitting in others Shoes even by murmuring. Eva Green managed to ignite our hearts through the screen and Judi proved she is the ultimate irreplaceable Madam M. Cinematography was quite dull and lack the actions and gadgets that Bond fans stalk theaters for. In all, a one time see for cinegoers

2006-12-02T16:20:00.000+05:30

Aakhir Galti Kiski
Suffering through paranoia, I scan through every section on newspaper, not only the traditional, the classical, The Times of India but even new age’s papers. Surprisingly these days in all papers tearing headlines that come and yell out of paper are about underage drinking, drinking and driving and pavement dwelling. The newsreader was screaming about Alistair Pereira getting bail. Her mother wants her son s tormentors to be punished. The family of lost people want Alistair jailed, wow it is a good circus out there. Loads of material for debate, for media to glorify and issue for government to get the policies which are not even distantly related to be passed in assembly. Hence, epiphany occurred to me that why I should just sit back, oh sorry sleep down and watch the vehicles pass by. So here I am with my over expressive views to see the flip side or maybe either side of this issue.
Primarily, let me tell you this issue has three sides unlikely two sided coin. Drinking an alcoholic substance is not taboo/nor illegal in any part of world. It is the age and overdrinking that are mischief mongers. It’s always the case, do we eat or consume anything without knowing its effects or side effects. If it has long term or stray effects of over consumption we try and avoid it. But one can avoid over consumption of substances. Being doctor by profession I can advise with ease that alcohol in moderate quantities can produce no harm. Warning, beware one should know his/her limits as the toxic effects vary with person on his/her body mass index. Thereby, proclaiming teenagers or parents or even showbiz as villains is crime one should always be educated of what lies beneath before they dive in water be it pool, ocean or gutter for that matter. Thorough knowledge of drinking and its side effects right from age when drinks are prohibited wouldn’t go unnoticed. But yes over stress on avoidance of drinking without clearing reason may make the adolescent want more to taste the forbidden fruit. Not forgetting to mention the greedy bar owners who will do anything to sell their products to underage guys and gals. The Government has done its job by prohibiting the media from advertising the alcoholic products.
Coming to the other side of coin are recent sufferers who have got unworthy sympathy, thanks to media. Pavement dwellers are equal share holders in guilt of event that occurred. Pavement is neither a home nor bed to doze off. Mumbai being a selfless mother adopts all those who come to her bosom. But then its space being limited the one that arrives should be capable of finding space or understanding and retreating back. The pavement is area made by government to walk upon not to sleep upon. Homelessness has been a major issue since centuries which cannot be overlooked upon now with such a boom in population and economy.
The progress has increased the hunger of our demands and hence more gizmos and gadgets available to play upon. Surviving in democratic nation some responsibility lies of government we elect to have some role in our well being and decent survival. This is the third angle of our issue. The assembly, municipality we elect holds major responsibility towards us and our city. Therefore, expecting clearance of this pavement dwellers and their rehabilitation from the ruling body is not wrong. Also, the people should understand limitations Mumbai has .It is not a rubber jelly, that can be stretched and expanded to meet the area needed for ever ticking population Concluding this essay or editorial or whatever this is I would like to say the remote is on our hands. Aberrations of volume depends whether you want to mute the voice or increase the volume beyond levels of audibility. Right channel with correct tuning is possible with teamwork. So, now is the best time to join hands and let’s not wash each other s dirty linen in public. Its not a wise man’s job to blame and throw ink on someone’s white clothes to make your look whiter. Thus, now is age for right education at right age along with correct reforms and policies in these reforms. The words of wise in end: Hoo!haa!Mumbai! Show the world what is Mu

2006-11-22T16:10:00.000+05:30

"Vivah" yakhran
Sitting at my place in London alone, I used to often wonder when I ll walk down the isle of Heathrow airport to board plane to Mumbai and reunite with my family. I may haven t grown up in joint family but am much attached to my cousins, uncles and aunties. That s the reason I was hell eager to watch Sooraj Barjatya’s Vivah. Having respect for his vision of entertainment made for family viewing eased me to take my parents alongwith to this movie trip. This was the final angle of pentagon woven by Sooraj Barjatya.
Considering, his mega opus launch “Maine Pyar Kiya”, the creativity of director couldn’t be challenged. But the belief of his creativity fell flat on face while watching the fourth angle of pentagon, “ Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon” . An epiphany struck me that one should not change the tracks he walk on until he/she is sure of the short cut reaching the goal , otherwise it would be……….
Anyways, with this mixed reactions and expectations I sat in not so comfortable chair of multiplex at a show time when I prefer to be in bed after good dinner that I had at my aunt s place. Just to add words it was a nice Gujrati dinner with sweet bread called puranpoli shared by Marathi tradition and added upon Surati Undhiu . The tradition was not broken, when characters were introduced. Khadus chachi who is more concerned about her daughter applying Fair and Lovely cream then what’s cooking in kitchen immediately placed me in one of Ekta Kapoor’s soap. With not even pinch of pun intended I love and admire Ekta Kapoor, the success rewrites her. The mention was necessary as Vivah was amalgam of Ekta Kapoor s soap and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.
Anupam Kher being techno dad in this 19th century film and educating his younger son , Shahid about marriage and gals while he has studied in apna Dubya ,s des wid puff of Malboro and dates with a supersexy girl who hasn’t been shown just murmered by Prem aka Shahid when He introduces him to extra shy Amrita who speaks Hindi suddher then shudh Amul ghee. Saccharine content goes up along the script seeing techniques of reducing cold and gaining success at international level just on a phone call away that to from/to Mdhavpur , place unheard by me so please excuse me residents of town. Missing from story was a twist which was added in the rear half and was as low as the mumrmurs of Shahid or dialogues of Amrita throught out the film. Irony of the story is its title Vivah which we all longed to see Sooraj’s style was missing but the Engagement was highlight for the day. Courtship was main play which the director fiddled with. In all it was diabetic movie for selected audience who believe in 19th century values in 21st century Reliance age. Attaboy, seeing opening record of film I must admit Soorajji like Ekta know what we are starving of and have delivered that. To confess in conclusion, I did enjoy movie but in different way………

2006-11-15T23:52:00.000+05:30

JAAN-E-FAN
No, I am neither hysterical nor schizophrenic nor I am even tiny rats ass ashamed to admit that I enjoyed my tour in new Cinemax Kandivali, to watch Jaan-E-Maan. I
had been to movie with my family and friends in spite of mixed reactions and reviews of films pushing it to unavoidable side.
The wave of Nostalgia had swept me completely. No it wasn’t because I was seeing Salman s movie nor because ever bubbly Preity had something in this minutes wide screen presentation and definitely not because was seeing movie at Cinemax Kandivali , normally area called as “Tadipaar area”, In other words locale for outset people. But, primarily reason was I was seeing movie in Mumbai theatre after 2 years. Curiosity of absence of Shahrukh in Farah Khan’s hubby’s film was affirmed by Sajid Nadiadwala’s name as producer. Though the show timings was at 10-30 pm and I was nauseated ad tired of journey, still the thought of Salman-Akshay starrer cake was acting caffeine and keeping me alert.
Enough of adrenaline rush description, and go for movie now.The start pumped the remnant excitable neurotransmitters out of my brain and spine. Mere non dilated eye dream of Salman getting Filmfare by hand of the evergreat Dilip Kumar and yielding applause by yester actors and actresses who have laid foundation for today s actors had me mesmerized the moment when Tom Hanks had received a consecutive year. The story may not be appealing, but quirky remarks and witty conversation of Bonny, whoops Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan though being silly and lame according to my mom and sis who like Mujhse dosti karoge, so you can imagine the choice……. were quiet a bit treat for me.
So, definitely sit back and enjoy the time ride which goes back and forth for I even don know. But the era in which the 40+ stars ooops is back in college with a geek Jughead (Aki) who has laugh that grinds our jaws and wanna be pop star Veronica look alike Preity was reminder of Riverdale campus with hunky Reggie ( Salman) bullying our geeky to get Preity to his concert. All in all the cinemascope before interval was unique in its concept of presentation that kept me glued to interval.Post interval wassame ol love triangle chick flick. Was prediciting outcome as I do of Sidney Sheldon s novels as have read all more than twice containing same old plot of lady in distress.
The same old plot was revealed in second half with circumstances repeated all over for n th time.It was performance of two great stalwarts Akki and Sallu kept film s dull part rolling.While, I found Preity rather all fizzed out from delivering decent performance under banner other than yash johar/ chopra , the supporting cast did their parts but not in finesse way. The film may have limited audience like me but was enjoyable in span of that sleepy 2.5 hours