The past weekend I managed to drop into a wonderful resort in Lonavla for a dear pal's marriage (he is the first person I know who was born on the same day as me). SiK's wedding gave me another opportunity to soak in the pleasures of a Gujarati wedding experience for the second time this year, after me and SiK himself dropped in Baroda for Ta's wedding. Although I still feel weddings in India are mostly over elaborate, showy affairs held more to satisfy the natural urge of our countrymen to strut in front of their society at large, rather taking away from the simple beauty at the centre of it of two people coming together, it was quite enjoyable. I somehow have never felt very comfortable at large weddings, which is why I mostly stay away from them. But for SiK's I had to make it. Plus it was the chance of a road trip after a long time with TusLun. Avi and Rambo also came along for the ride.
I have to re iterate something I had felt before as well. Gujarati weddings seem to have the best babes in town. These ladies don't just look good, they know how to deck themselves up to keep the temperatures soaring for any hot blooded male. The place seemed to exude a level of sensuality, which I am not really used to at family functions over here. My company for the trip may have just dropped me out of their tour party if I had drooled any more :) . Of course, the food being the most amazing I have had in a wedding for a while was just an added bonus.
As for the function itself, it was pretty good fun. I didn't stay for the actual wedding per se, as we had to leave that night, but this was probably worth it. At least for the sight of seeing SiK breaking out into a jig on the stage as he danced to his beloved's tunes ;) ...
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
2012.. Blah!
I really got to stop wasting my time and money on these kinda crapfests. I mean, I guess I deserve it. What was I expecting? The Dark Knight? But still, I had actually likedone of Emmerich's earlier movies, Independance Day. Atleast that had charming characters you rooted for.
This one was simply a CGI fest, and not too good also I felt. Somehow the effect of the world getting destroyed was just not there. This is what too much of CGI can do. Or it probably is just a vindication of the fact that no matter how much special effects you have, you cannot replace a good script and good acting.
I dont want to give the impression that I'm some sort of art house fanatic or that Cusack and Ejiofor are bad actors. I loved movies like the recent Star Trek and The Dark Knight. Its just that these guys were plain cheesy and over the top in this one. For starters, why the heck are we rooting for Cusacks family when the rest of humanity is going under? There is hardly any connect with the characters, which is required in this kind of flick which focuses on a group of survivors. I can get past the cliches of Cusack and co. escaping from every danger in the nick of time with hardly plausible scenarios. But this was plain bad. Even the supposedly "deep" scene between two monks near the Himalayas somewhere seemed laughably funny. Something about emptying your head and all. Yea, makes sense, if you want to enjoy this movie.
I guess I should not be ranting when it was pretty obvious what will be in the movie. But it is sad when these kind of fare make hundreds of millions and genuinely felt movies hardly rake in anything. I think I will be giving Emmerich's movies a break for some time now. Add that to the Michael Bay list (unless of course, he makes another Bad Boys, which by the sheer force of Will Smith's and Martin Lawrence's charm actually is quite enjoyable).
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Glory of the Old Ones...
These days, i find myself going back in time sometimes. I mean, one pertinent example would be the books I sometimes come across in some bookstore and decide to splurge on. I think it actually started a couple of years back, when something made me re connect with that wondrous land C.S Lewis created for kids, Narnia. I had a craving then to get all the Narnia books and get transported back to the days I had first read them, in the comfortable environs of the library of the Jubail British Academy. Oh, I didn't just want to read them. I also wanted to be transported back to being that kid who lost himself in Narnia along with Peter, Edmund and the rest of the gang.
Since then, I have been trying to get back literature I immensely enjoyed as a kid. I even went back and read a couple of my favorite Enid Blyton series during those days, the 5 Find Outers. Go Fatty! (Though I have to admit, I did not enjoy those as much as I thought I would, and ended up giving them as a birthday gift to my cousin's kid!). A lot of them, I have been able to trace. Though some of them are still lost to me. I would love to get my hands on some of Nina Bawden's work, which I used to love. I remember the White Horse Gang was my fave. But despite this, I was delighted at coming across some which I had even forgotten about. Like the other day, while browsing in Odyssey, I came across the complete collection of The Borrowers. This series, the result of a wonderfully imaginative germ of an idea, of little people who live in the recesses of our houses, was something I had forgotten about. Of course, once I saw it, I had to grab it.
Shucks... where are those old Buster's I used to be crazy about??
Since then, I have been trying to get back literature I immensely enjoyed as a kid. I even went back and read a couple of my favorite Enid Blyton series during those days, the 5 Find Outers. Go Fatty! (Though I have to admit, I did not enjoy those as much as I thought I would, and ended up giving them as a birthday gift to my cousin's kid!). A lot of them, I have been able to trace. Though some of them are still lost to me. I would love to get my hands on some of Nina Bawden's work, which I used to love. I remember the White Horse Gang was my fave. But despite this, I was delighted at coming across some which I had even forgotten about. Like the other day, while browsing in Odyssey, I came across the complete collection of The Borrowers. This series, the result of a wonderfully imaginative germ of an idea, of little people who live in the recesses of our houses, was something I had forgotten about. Of course, once I saw it, I had to grab it.
Shucks... where are those old Buster's I used to be crazy about??
Monday, October 12, 2009
Arzee the Dwarf
Arzee the dwarf, the refreshing new book from first time author Chandrahas Choudary is a good read. A small book, the hardback version comes in at less than 200 pages. However, the book could have been even better if certain cliches of every story had been avoided.
Arzee is a small man. A pretty small one, or a dwarf to be more precise, living in Mumbai. He has been working as a assisstant projectionist at the Noor cinema for almost a decade. The story starts off with Arzee playing cards with his friends, and telling them the news he has been carrying around in his mind for the whole day. The head projectionist, Phiroz, is retiring after more than 30 years at the Noor, and Arzee would, in all probability be promoted in his place. His life seems to be looking up, and he starts having dreams of a normal life like everyone else, including marriage, kids, the works.
However, the next day, he hears a piece of news which brings his world crashing down, and things which looked so rosy just a day ago, suddenly seem anything but.
The book is peppered with interesting dialogue and characters, like Deepak, the betting syndicate member after Arzee to get his money back, or Phiroz and his daughter, as well as Arzee's mom. However, certain things could have been done without. The hairdresser model girlfriend, who also seems classy, is just too much of a far cry to be believable. The way she falls for this dwarf who is hardly sophisticated, with barely anything said between them, does not make much sense. And the climactic melodrama could have been done without.
However, in spite of these glitches, the book is an arresting read, and should be tried.
Arzee is a small man. A pretty small one, or a dwarf to be more precise, living in Mumbai. He has been working as a assisstant projectionist at the Noor cinema for almost a decade. The story starts off with Arzee playing cards with his friends, and telling them the news he has been carrying around in his mind for the whole day. The head projectionist, Phiroz, is retiring after more than 30 years at the Noor, and Arzee would, in all probability be promoted in his place. His life seems to be looking up, and he starts having dreams of a normal life like everyone else, including marriage, kids, the works.
However, the next day, he hears a piece of news which brings his world crashing down, and things which looked so rosy just a day ago, suddenly seem anything but.
The book is peppered with interesting dialogue and characters, like Deepak, the betting syndicate member after Arzee to get his money back, or Phiroz and his daughter, as well as Arzee's mom. However, certain things could have been done without. The hairdresser model girlfriend, who also seems classy, is just too much of a far cry to be believable. The way she falls for this dwarf who is hardly sophisticated, with barely anything said between them, does not make much sense. And the climactic melodrama could have been done without.
However, in spite of these glitches, the book is an arresting read, and should be tried.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
JFK
"What is Past is Prologue"…
I just got over another viewing of Oliver Stone's JFK, this time the Directors cut, which runs for around 3 hrs 20 mins. As always, I was not bored for a single second of this high octane, virtually paranoia driven dialogue. And I got reminded again why it is one of my favorite movies. I've always been a fan of the political thrillers with espionage thrown in, and JFK is undoubtedly one of the best (if not the best) of these. This is Oliver Stone at his best (which is telling, because there have been a lot of instances, especially in recent times, when it seems he has lost it). His Vietnam trilogy not withstanding.
Based on the true life memoirs of Jim Garrison, who was, as per the movie, the only person to bring a trial in the Kennedy assassination, this movie holds you from the first scene till the end. Unless of course, you’re the kind who rates a movie’s greatness based on the special effects. In which case, I would suggest you go for the Transformers sequel, as most of the world seems to be.
Kevin Costner plays Jim Garrison, the New Orleans DA, who (after 3 years) discovers that things were just not right with the investigation and findings of the Warren commission regarding the murder of John F. Kennedy. Together with his office, a small yet dedicated bunch, he sets out to investigate. Against all odds and a labyrinth of characters, threats, murders and political intrigue, he manages to bring forth the case to trial. Regardless of the outcome of the trial, the final monologue by Costner has to be seen to be believed. And felt. No matter how many times I see this, it always brings a lump to my throat, as Costner elaborates on just why this is so important. Reminds you that Costner is capable of being there with the very best, despite some of the crap he dishes out at times.
As for the actual case, was there conspiracy involving the CIA, the govt, the FBI, and the anti-Cuban and anti-communist forces? Or is Oliver Stone just a paranoid genius, as many say? Well, I don’t know, but the power of the movie can be gauged from the fact that it turned me, a completely disinterested person, into a believer.
I just got over another viewing of Oliver Stone's JFK, this time the Directors cut, which runs for around 3 hrs 20 mins. As always, I was not bored for a single second of this high octane, virtually paranoia driven dialogue. And I got reminded again why it is one of my favorite movies. I've always been a fan of the political thrillers with espionage thrown in, and JFK is undoubtedly one of the best (if not the best) of these. This is Oliver Stone at his best (which is telling, because there have been a lot of instances, especially in recent times, when it seems he has lost it). His Vietnam trilogy not withstanding.
Based on the true life memoirs of Jim Garrison, who was, as per the movie, the only person to bring a trial in the Kennedy assassination, this movie holds you from the first scene till the end. Unless of course, you’re the kind who rates a movie’s greatness based on the special effects. In which case, I would suggest you go for the Transformers sequel, as most of the world seems to be.
Kevin Costner plays Jim Garrison, the New Orleans DA, who (after 3 years) discovers that things were just not right with the investigation and findings of the Warren commission regarding the murder of John F. Kennedy. Together with his office, a small yet dedicated bunch, he sets out to investigate. Against all odds and a labyrinth of characters, threats, murders and political intrigue, he manages to bring forth the case to trial. Regardless of the outcome of the trial, the final monologue by Costner has to be seen to be believed. And felt. No matter how many times I see this, it always brings a lump to my throat, as Costner elaborates on just why this is so important. Reminds you that Costner is capable of being there with the very best, despite some of the crap he dishes out at times.
As for the actual case, was there conspiracy involving the CIA, the govt, the FBI, and the anti-Cuban and anti-communist forces? Or is Oliver Stone just a paranoid genius, as many say? Well, I don’t know, but the power of the movie can be gauged from the fact that it turned me, a completely disinterested person, into a believer.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sacred Games
After reading Vikram Chandra’s Sacred Games, I felt like I was suddenly leaving. Leaving Mumbai and all the grit and grime and fantasy of India’s maximum city. Barring Shantaram, I don’t think I have read another book based in this wondrous city (and there have been quite a few) which took you so much into the lives and motivations of the characters which inhabit it. This could have been another cop and thief story, but Chandra turned it into a behemoth of a book (the hardback version is 900 pages) and turned it into a multiple character study of people who you can believe would represent a cross section of Mumbai society.
The basic thread of the storyline goes like this: Sartaj Singh is a police inspector almost into middle age, who is disillusioned with most of what life had to give him. One day he gets a tip off that Ganesh Gaitonde, India most notorious gangster is in Mumbai and in hiding. On reaching there Gaitonde tries to talk to Sartaj, but eventually ends up killing himself. The rest of the story deals with the lives of Gaitonde and Sartaj and how it ended up at that confrontation.
However, there are a lot of subplots involving other characters. But none of these seem to bother you, and they take you along with the flow of the main thread. There is Katekar, a constable who was Sartaj’s assistant for so long in his cases, and his wife and kids. Then there is Sartaj’s mother, and her past. A brutal chapter is spent on elaborating on the trauma she and her family faced during the partition. There is also a upper class woman and the case of somebody trying to blackmail her. As well as the female CBI officer, and a chapter dedicated to her mentor’s training and initiation. Among others, there are also religious gurus and aspiring starlets who would go to any lengths to achieve their aims.
But undoubtedly, the narrative that captivates the most is Gaitonde’s himself. The rise from a small time crook, to a gangster of untold riches and who can command any woman he wants in his bed. There were times when I felt a bit uncomfortable with the portrayal of this supposed cold blooded killer with a humane touch, but then I realized, that is probably what Chandra wanted. Gaitonde was driven by the need for power, so much so that despite the fact that probably he wasn’t such a bad person at heart, it got overshadowed.
While reading this book, there are times when you feel you are actually there with the characters in the bustling metropolis they are a part of, especially if you have experienced this city first hand. And that, to me, is its biggest success.
The basic thread of the storyline goes like this: Sartaj Singh is a police inspector almost into middle age, who is disillusioned with most of what life had to give him. One day he gets a tip off that Ganesh Gaitonde, India most notorious gangster is in Mumbai and in hiding. On reaching there Gaitonde tries to talk to Sartaj, but eventually ends up killing himself. The rest of the story deals with the lives of Gaitonde and Sartaj and how it ended up at that confrontation.
However, there are a lot of subplots involving other characters. But none of these seem to bother you, and they take you along with the flow of the main thread. There is Katekar, a constable who was Sartaj’s assistant for so long in his cases, and his wife and kids. Then there is Sartaj’s mother, and her past. A brutal chapter is spent on elaborating on the trauma she and her family faced during the partition. There is also a upper class woman and the case of somebody trying to blackmail her. As well as the female CBI officer, and a chapter dedicated to her mentor’s training and initiation. Among others, there are also religious gurus and aspiring starlets who would go to any lengths to achieve their aims.
But undoubtedly, the narrative that captivates the most is Gaitonde’s himself. The rise from a small time crook, to a gangster of untold riches and who can command any woman he wants in his bed. There were times when I felt a bit uncomfortable with the portrayal of this supposed cold blooded killer with a humane touch, but then I realized, that is probably what Chandra wanted. Gaitonde was driven by the need for power, so much so that despite the fact that probably he wasn’t such a bad person at heart, it got overshadowed.
While reading this book, there are times when you feel you are actually there with the characters in the bustling metropolis they are a part of, especially if you have experienced this city first hand. And that, to me, is its biggest success.
Monday, June 29, 2009
A tribute to MJ
So the King is dead. Long live the king.
I am, of course, referring to the untimely demise of the King of Pop, MJ. Though i hadn't been listening to his songs for a long time now, other than the occasional song ("Stranger in Moscow" is one of those few which i found evergreen with me), after i heard of this, i uploaded arond 50 of his classics into my mp3 player and vowed to listen to only him for the next week atleast.
As the beats came back, so did the memories. Billie Jean, Beat It, Dangerous, Liberian Girl, Give into Me, Man in the Mirror, and a lot of others. MJ was not just any musician. He was the kind of musician who came along once in two generations. His music and videos probably revolutionalised the whole MTV music video culture. I still remember how terrified i got as a kid when i saw and heard 'Thriller' for the first time. I remembered those days in Saudi Arabia, all those years ago, when i used to listen to his tapes over and over again, on the old tape recorder we had at the time. MJ and Bryan Adams were probably my introduction to the wonderful world of music.
Of course, in recent times, he was becoming too weird for anyone. There were always those allegations of child molestation, as well as rumours of his bankruptcy. Not to forget his deteriorating skin condition.
I dont know enough to comment on these, so I'm not going to. But, all i do know, is that his music will live on. And deservedly so. Here's to you, MJ. From a kid who grew up with you a big part of his life.
I am, of course, referring to the untimely demise of the King of Pop, MJ. Though i hadn't been listening to his songs for a long time now, other than the occasional song ("Stranger in Moscow" is one of those few which i found evergreen with me), after i heard of this, i uploaded arond 50 of his classics into my mp3 player and vowed to listen to only him for the next week atleast.
As the beats came back, so did the memories. Billie Jean, Beat It, Dangerous, Liberian Girl, Give into Me, Man in the Mirror, and a lot of others. MJ was not just any musician. He was the kind of musician who came along once in two generations. His music and videos probably revolutionalised the whole MTV music video culture. I still remember how terrified i got as a kid when i saw and heard 'Thriller' for the first time. I remembered those days in Saudi Arabia, all those years ago, when i used to listen to his tapes over and over again, on the old tape recorder we had at the time. MJ and Bryan Adams were probably my introduction to the wonderful world of music.
Of course, in recent times, he was becoming too weird for anyone. There were always those allegations of child molestation, as well as rumours of his bankruptcy. Not to forget his deteriorating skin condition.
I dont know enough to comment on these, so I'm not going to. But, all i do know, is that his music will live on. And deservedly so. Here's to you, MJ. From a kid who grew up with you a big part of his life.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Dukes of Hazard
Thank God (yea, the one i dont believe in much) for the mavericks. The non conformists.
This was the thought that ran through my mind as i sat gulpin away mug after mug of the Kingfisher on a Friday nite after a tiring week in office. With my project mate and chief partner in crime, AsP. Must be the only time a PA in infy had to promise a beer to his resource to get something done! ;)
I like something about the ones who retain their recklessness for life even after supposedly growing up. Which is tough to find in the place and industry i am in. Where people try to become avuncular even before their into their mid twenties. Can't stand them. The so called 'respectable' order they try to bring into everything in life. The home. The demure wife. The two kids. The housing loan. Gimme a friggin' break.
Coming back to this particular nite, as the beer poured in, we started enunciating on the ladies we loved and lost, the intimate adventures with them, the self obsession we have for ourselves (which probably finally explained to me why i love bein pampered by whichever girl i am with at the time), and the managers who have tried to make life hell. Finally, as my last bus was about to leave, AsP decided it was not enough. With the promise of a midnight drunk drive on his trusted Activa, we stayed back to down a few more. In the meanwhile, called AA back from where he was halfway to his home, and AA bein the sweet guy he is, came back to watch us indulge ourselves and listened patiently to whatever we spewed on the nite.
Finally, after a couple of cigarettes more, we decided it was time to take the trip to Sus Rd. Staggeringly, we got onto the Activa and let loose. I would never promote the idea of drunk driving, but somehow on the nite, it was great. Poor AsP did not realise how much out of his way he would have to go to let me off home, but go he did. And took the lonely trip back to his joint. Thanks to the hangover next morning, I could not even wake up for my weekend tennis session with Ab, despite his six missed calls and life threatening SMS'.
Like i said, Thank God for the mavericks. The world won't go round right without 'em.
This was the thought that ran through my mind as i sat gulpin away mug after mug of the Kingfisher on a Friday nite after a tiring week in office. With my project mate and chief partner in crime, AsP. Must be the only time a PA in infy had to promise a beer to his resource to get something done! ;)
I like something about the ones who retain their recklessness for life even after supposedly growing up. Which is tough to find in the place and industry i am in. Where people try to become avuncular even before their into their mid twenties. Can't stand them. The so called 'respectable' order they try to bring into everything in life. The home. The demure wife. The two kids. The housing loan. Gimme a friggin' break.
Coming back to this particular nite, as the beer poured in, we started enunciating on the ladies we loved and lost, the intimate adventures with them, the self obsession we have for ourselves (which probably finally explained to me why i love bein pampered by whichever girl i am with at the time), and the managers who have tried to make life hell. Finally, as my last bus was about to leave, AsP decided it was not enough. With the promise of a midnight drunk drive on his trusted Activa, we stayed back to down a few more. In the meanwhile, called AA back from where he was halfway to his home, and AA bein the sweet guy he is, came back to watch us indulge ourselves and listened patiently to whatever we spewed on the nite.
Finally, after a couple of cigarettes more, we decided it was time to take the trip to Sus Rd. Staggeringly, we got onto the Activa and let loose. I would never promote the idea of drunk driving, but somehow on the nite, it was great. Poor AsP did not realise how much out of his way he would have to go to let me off home, but go he did. And took the lonely trip back to his joint. Thanks to the hangover next morning, I could not even wake up for my weekend tennis session with Ab, despite his six missed calls and life threatening SMS'.
Like i said, Thank God for the mavericks. The world won't go round right without 'em.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
To be a fan...
These days, with the second season of the IPL in full flow, I was thinking back to the days when, for the first time, i truly felt what it was like to be a fan. A fan of a team of individuals you may not have any connect with, yet you egg on like they were somehow related to your life.
The first major sporting event i really followed was the 1996 Cricket World Cup, but, though i felt pretty bad when India went out to Sri Lanka in that eventful semi final, the actual passion of following a team came during the 1998 Football World Cup, France '98.
The Dutch football team is one I've always had a strange connect with. Maybe I was initially drawn to them because of the silky skills of the mercurial Dennis Bergkamp, the non flying Dutchman (he was well known for his fear of planes, and never really travelled by them.). Maybe it was the Orange. I dunno. But, as France '98 started picking up steam, with the pre quarters, i started paying more attention to the others. The speedy and inventive midfielders like Overmars, Seedorf and Edgar Davids (who, for me, was the midfielder of the tournament). The wonderfully talented De Boer twins, Frank and Ronald, and the others.. Kluivert, Zenden, Jonk... all backed up by that excellent keeper, Van Der Saar.
It started of with that pre quarterfinal against the Yugoslavs... They admittedly did have some good fortune, with that accomplished striker, Predrag Mijatovic, missing a penalty for the Yugoslavs. Then, in the 92nd minute, with everyone looking towards penalties, Davids unleashes a shot from the edge of the box... speculative... but it went in and Holland were through to the quarters, where they would face a fancied Argentine side, who themselves had come through a harrowing match against the English on penalties.
This one was set up beautifully towards the end for a photo finish. With the scores level on 1-1, in the 89th minute, a long ball was hopefully presented in the Argentine half... and who would be there to receive it, but... Dennis Bergkamp. This was his moment. You could see it coming. With all the finesse and precision that has marked some of his best goals, he unleashed what was probably the goal of the tournament, into the roof of the Argentine net. The Dutch were through. Bergkamp had lived up to his billing. By now my excitement had reached fever pitch.
The Dutch were to face the mighty Brazilians in the semi final. Though i had an inkling that the Dutch had their best moment in the tournament already, i was still hopeful. That they would make their ancestors of Total Football, who had failed to win football's top honour, proud.
The match started of innocuously. The first half went scoreless. Then, in the early minutes of the second half, Ronaldo gets in. 1-0 to Brazil. Holland kept pushing. In the 87th minute, a cross comes in from the right, and Kluivert, rises above the Brazilian defense to powerfully head in the equaliser. The Dutch had scored at the death again. In the ensuing extra time, both teams came close to breaking the deadlock, but it finally had to be penalties.
Cocu missed and Ronald De Boer missed, and the Oranje dream was over. Brazil was through to the final. After that, i really didn't care about the 3rd place match with Croatia. Though Zenden provided another glimpse of why the Dutch brand of football is so beloved, with a beautifully taken goal. Croatia ended up winning that 3rd place. But as far as i was concerned, my beloved Oranje had lost earlier.
I went out to my balcony, and raised my fist to the humid middle eastern air. AAgh.... So this was how it felt like to be a fan.
The first major sporting event i really followed was the 1996 Cricket World Cup, but, though i felt pretty bad when India went out to Sri Lanka in that eventful semi final, the actual passion of following a team came during the 1998 Football World Cup, France '98.
The Dutch football team is one I've always had a strange connect with. Maybe I was initially drawn to them because of the silky skills of the mercurial Dennis Bergkamp, the non flying Dutchman (he was well known for his fear of planes, and never really travelled by them.). Maybe it was the Orange. I dunno. But, as France '98 started picking up steam, with the pre quarters, i started paying more attention to the others. The speedy and inventive midfielders like Overmars, Seedorf and Edgar Davids (who, for me, was the midfielder of the tournament). The wonderfully talented De Boer twins, Frank and Ronald, and the others.. Kluivert, Zenden, Jonk... all backed up by that excellent keeper, Van Der Saar.
It started of with that pre quarterfinal against the Yugoslavs... They admittedly did have some good fortune, with that accomplished striker, Predrag Mijatovic, missing a penalty for the Yugoslavs. Then, in the 92nd minute, with everyone looking towards penalties, Davids unleashes a shot from the edge of the box... speculative... but it went in and Holland were through to the quarters, where they would face a fancied Argentine side, who themselves had come through a harrowing match against the English on penalties.
This one was set up beautifully towards the end for a photo finish. With the scores level on 1-1, in the 89th minute, a long ball was hopefully presented in the Argentine half... and who would be there to receive it, but... Dennis Bergkamp. This was his moment. You could see it coming. With all the finesse and precision that has marked some of his best goals, he unleashed what was probably the goal of the tournament, into the roof of the Argentine net. The Dutch were through. Bergkamp had lived up to his billing. By now my excitement had reached fever pitch.
The Dutch were to face the mighty Brazilians in the semi final. Though i had an inkling that the Dutch had their best moment in the tournament already, i was still hopeful. That they would make their ancestors of Total Football, who had failed to win football's top honour, proud.
The match started of innocuously. The first half went scoreless. Then, in the early minutes of the second half, Ronaldo gets in. 1-0 to Brazil. Holland kept pushing. In the 87th minute, a cross comes in from the right, and Kluivert, rises above the Brazilian defense to powerfully head in the equaliser. The Dutch had scored at the death again. In the ensuing extra time, both teams came close to breaking the deadlock, but it finally had to be penalties.
Cocu missed and Ronald De Boer missed, and the Oranje dream was over. Brazil was through to the final. After that, i really didn't care about the 3rd place match with Croatia. Though Zenden provided another glimpse of why the Dutch brand of football is so beloved, with a beautifully taken goal. Croatia ended up winning that 3rd place. But as far as i was concerned, my beloved Oranje had lost earlier.
I went out to my balcony, and raised my fist to the humid middle eastern air. AAgh.... So this was how it felt like to be a fan.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Day in Baroda
Me 'n SiK finally made it for Ta's marriage. A trip which had started off as a plan for 4 days, including sight seeing around Gujarat, finally whittled down to a single day's rush to catch the marriage and reception and rush back to attend work on Monday. A slew of factors, including my ten day break and SiK's engagement contributed to us only being able to spend a day for this. But we had promised to ourselves we would attend her marriage whatever happens, and we did, finally.
I have to say... Despite my reservations about Modi's Gujarat, i was impressed with what i saw. Baroda (or Vadodara) was a clean, developed and quite modern city. I wish more Indian cities took off after the model i saw there. Each part of the city seemed to have been carefully planned and laid out and the buildings were all neat and modern. Me 'n SiK definitely wished we could have had a couple of days more there.
As for the bride herself, Ta was probably the most excited and bubbly bride i have seen till now. She had an easy vibrancy and positivity which rubbed off on us pretty easily. It has only been a few months since we came in touch with her, but it already seems like we've known her for long. The days in Infy came back to me when we three did a lot of things together. My favourite of the lot: When we formed the team of three for the PE Sports Day Table Tennis Tournament. Despite the fact that all three of us hadn't played in quite a long while, we reached the second round in all sections (the double, and the singles for each of us).
SiK is also getting hitched by the end of the year. Here's to the good memories. And to the everlasting buddies, without whom life would have been such a drag.
I have to say... Despite my reservations about Modi's Gujarat, i was impressed with what i saw. Baroda (or Vadodara) was a clean, developed and quite modern city. I wish more Indian cities took off after the model i saw there. Each part of the city seemed to have been carefully planned and laid out and the buildings were all neat and modern. Me 'n SiK definitely wished we could have had a couple of days more there.
As for the bride herself, Ta was probably the most excited and bubbly bride i have seen till now. She had an easy vibrancy and positivity which rubbed off on us pretty easily. It has only been a few months since we came in touch with her, but it already seems like we've known her for long. The days in Infy came back to me when we three did a lot of things together. My favourite of the lot: When we formed the team of three for the PE Sports Day Table Tennis Tournament. Despite the fact that all three of us hadn't played in quite a long while, we reached the second round in all sections (the double, and the singles for each of us).
SiK is also getting hitched by the end of the year. Here's to the good memories. And to the everlasting buddies, without whom life would have been such a drag.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Ghostwriter
I just finished watching another episode of Ghostwriter. For the uninitiated, Ghostwriter was a popular kids show during the 90's which involved a gang of kids in NY and their invisible ghost friend, who they couldn't see, but who could make words out of letters. With the help of this ghost buddy, they went around NYC solving various mysteries. The episodes were always in 4 or 5 part mysteries, and I used to love them. I remember in Saudi, as a kid, i would want to wear pens around my neck just like they used to. Got a couple of my friends to do the same too.
Anyways, the funny thing was, i just realized how much i still like the show, 10-15 years after i first saw it. Now when i revisit it, i realize the show was not only entertaining, but also dealt with a lot of issues which a lot of adults would do good to take note of. It celebrates the power of togetherness and friendship, as well as showing glorious examples of steadfast loyalty to the ones you love, passion and determination, as well as an aversion to violence in any form. I remember the show was probably one of the first ones i saw where the kids who made up the gang where all of different ethnicities. There was Jamal, the African American, Tina the Chinese American, Alex and Gaby, the Hispanics as well as Lenni, the true blue American. Yet, without ever getting preachy, it managed to make us care for these kids and put across the point that with tolerance, understanding and friendship, the differences don’t really matter. Another thing i liked about it was the importance given to writing. It genuinely encouraged kids to take up writing more.
The poignant thing is though, all the kids who played a part of this have now all gone to the 'Where are they now' list. I looked up their limited profiles available on IMDB, and it looks like hardly any of them went onto any more acting assignments. Though they all seemed to have graduated from university. That was surprising for me, considering they all seemed to have the natural flair for the screen. Especially the unmentioned leader Sheldon Turnipseed (Jamal) and Blaze Berdahl (Lenni), who seemed to have it in them to carry it off on the big screen.
I don't know if they still make 'em like this for kids, but somehow i doubt it.
Anyways, the funny thing was, i just realized how much i still like the show, 10-15 years after i first saw it. Now when i revisit it, i realize the show was not only entertaining, but also dealt with a lot of issues which a lot of adults would do good to take note of. It celebrates the power of togetherness and friendship, as well as showing glorious examples of steadfast loyalty to the ones you love, passion and determination, as well as an aversion to violence in any form. I remember the show was probably one of the first ones i saw where the kids who made up the gang where all of different ethnicities. There was Jamal, the African American, Tina the Chinese American, Alex and Gaby, the Hispanics as well as Lenni, the true blue American. Yet, without ever getting preachy, it managed to make us care for these kids and put across the point that with tolerance, understanding and friendship, the differences don’t really matter. Another thing i liked about it was the importance given to writing. It genuinely encouraged kids to take up writing more.
The poignant thing is though, all the kids who played a part of this have now all gone to the 'Where are they now' list. I looked up their limited profiles available on IMDB, and it looks like hardly any of them went onto any more acting assignments. Though they all seemed to have graduated from university. That was surprising for me, considering they all seemed to have the natural flair for the screen. Especially the unmentioned leader Sheldon Turnipseed (Jamal) and Blaze Berdahl (Lenni), who seemed to have it in them to carry it off on the big screen.
I don't know if they still make 'em like this for kids, but somehow i doubt it.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Three Cups of Tea
Mortenson's "3 cups of tea" is a marvel. Though it is written as a novel, it is an actual account of Greg Mortenson's journey through the years, ever since he made a promise to the village headman of a small, impoverished and remote village in the unforgiving altitudes near the Himalayas in Pakistan. That was a promise to build a school for Korphe's children. Mortenson was reeling at the time from a failed attempt to climb K2 and as fate may have it, wandered lost and disillusioned into this village. Here he was taken care of by the people and especially its headman, Haji Ali.
Mortenson has been declared as "An American Hero" by many. I'm not sure about the American part of it, but he definitely is a hero. At a time when Americans were treated with fear and hostility in that part of the world, this is a person who has made it a virtual second home, with his tireless dedication to the cause. A cause which ultimately is as powerful an attempt to curb the growth of religious extremists in the region as any war waged. A large proportion of the kids who join extremist groups end up doing so because of a lack of alternatives. A lack of an alternative to studying in an extremist madrassa. Or to joining fundamentalist groups thereafter. Mortenson’s schools give these kids in areas that are far beyond the reach of their countries' governments, a chance to a normal education, especially the girls. And he comes across as an unbiased citizen of the world, who tries to clear up a lot of misconceptions people, especially Americans, may have had about Muslims since 9/11.
The book takes us from his arduous journey building one school, to finding his network of support in Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as the US, to building hundreds of schools in the area. There is a part where he goes into the heart of the Wazir tribes villages, and how he gets locked up for sometime, before they let him go, and of how, plenty of so called conservative mullahs become vocal supporters of his cause for education of their children, especially the girls.
The books tagline says "One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time". There could not be a more fitting title. At a time when the world is reeling under the effects of terror in various forms, this is an inspiring account which can restore faith in the power of goodness. I would suggest everyone to get a copy of this one or at least check out their website at: http://www.threecupsoftea.com/
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Hard Rock in Pune
Finally got a chance to drop into the Hard Rock Cafe in Pune today with the two "Su" gals.. Sushi and Suzy :) ... Got to admit, i was blown away by the decor and the ambience. Been hearin bout Hard Rock for a long time now, and since its finally come to Pune, we had to check it out. Loved the interiors and the music. And that add on.. When the waiters (and one very sexy lady) got on the bar and all danced to a tune. I guess all you can say is.. Rock On!
An Ode to Malayalam Cinema
I saw a couple of movies in the last few days which made me feel maybe, just maybe, there is still hope left for Malayalam cinema. Once the pantheon of path breaking and intelligent cinema made on shoestring budgets with fantastic actors, Malayalam cinema since the turn of the century is a sorry shadow of its former self. These days a true fan finds it hard to find a few meaningful and worthwhile movies every year. While Bollywood seems to be moving in the right direction with its new breed of filmmakers and actors, Malayalam cinema seems to have moven in the opposite direction. This may be because of the demise of such great auteurs as Padmarajan, Bharathan etc, as well as the slow corrosion of cinema of the neighbouring states, including the superstar culture. While Mohanlal is one of the finest actors i have ever seen, the number of worthy movies he has done in the last ten years are very few and far between. Ditto for Suresh Gopi. Mamooty might have fared a bit better.
Coming to the movies that I saw, the first was "Thirakatha" (Screenplay). The story was that of a young filmmaker who wanted to make a movie on the life of a yesteryear starlet and her relation at the time with a current reigning superstar. The subject was an intriguing one for the protagonist, as the starlet faded away as swiftly as she came to the limelight, and no one seemed to know of her whereabouts. The main protagonist was played by Prithviraj, who in my opinion is a brilliant young actor, and who seems to genuinely want to do good cinema, rather thn cashing in on crass starry roles. The starlet and her lover were played by Priya Mani and Anoop Chandran, both brilliantly. While this one atleast got a decent run in cinema's in Kerala (probably because of the popularity of its director, the gifted Ranjith), the next one I saw probably hardly saw the light of the day in the state.
This one was called "Sanchaaram" (The Journey) and was the story of two adolescent girls in a village in Kerala. After being together since childhood, they realise that they have feelings for each other. How they and others around them in conservative Kerala society deal with this forms the rest of the story. I felt it beautifully evoked the alternative sexuality the girls had to come to terms to and captured their angst, as compared to certain overhyped Hollywood productions ("Brokeback Mountain", "Milk") on the same. Those movies to me seemed to give way too much preference to the sex and physicality between the characters rather than their feelings. The director, writer and producer of ths film, Ligy J. Pullappally, supposedly came across the story after she heard of two girls in Kerala who wanted to kill themselves because society wouldn't let them be who they were. In her own words: "On January 25, 2000 I received an email about a young woman at a university in the South Indian state of Kerala. She and her girlfriend had fled the school, presumably under the threat of expulsion as a result of the rumors of their love affair with each other. The women were recovered and sent back to their respective families. The next day, one of the young women’s body was found floating in the reservoir of a dam. It was a tragic loss of young life and potential, a suicide. It was, I would learn, an all too familiar circumstance in the South Indian state of Kerala." This was a beautiful movie which i feel, sadly, a large section of the movie going public wouldn't have seen.
Maybe there still is hope for the lover of the Malayalam cinema of yore.
Coming to the movies that I saw, the first was "Thirakatha" (Screenplay). The story was that of a young filmmaker who wanted to make a movie on the life of a yesteryear starlet and her relation at the time with a current reigning superstar. The subject was an intriguing one for the protagonist, as the starlet faded away as swiftly as she came to the limelight, and no one seemed to know of her whereabouts. The main protagonist was played by Prithviraj, who in my opinion is a brilliant young actor, and who seems to genuinely want to do good cinema, rather thn cashing in on crass starry roles. The starlet and her lover were played by Priya Mani and Anoop Chandran, both brilliantly. While this one atleast got a decent run in cinema's in Kerala (probably because of the popularity of its director, the gifted Ranjith), the next one I saw probably hardly saw the light of the day in the state.
This one was called "Sanchaaram" (The Journey) and was the story of two adolescent girls in a village in Kerala. After being together since childhood, they realise that they have feelings for each other. How they and others around them in conservative Kerala society deal with this forms the rest of the story. I felt it beautifully evoked the alternative sexuality the girls had to come to terms to and captured their angst, as compared to certain overhyped Hollywood productions ("Brokeback Mountain", "Milk") on the same. Those movies to me seemed to give way too much preference to the sex and physicality between the characters rather than their feelings. The director, writer and producer of ths film, Ligy J. Pullappally, supposedly came across the story after she heard of two girls in Kerala who wanted to kill themselves because society wouldn't let them be who they were. In her own words: "On January 25, 2000 I received an email about a young woman at a university in the South Indian state of Kerala. She and her girlfriend had fled the school, presumably under the threat of expulsion as a result of the rumors of their love affair with each other. The women were recovered and sent back to their respective families. The next day, one of the young women’s body was found floating in the reservoir of a dam. It was a tragic loss of young life and potential, a suicide. It was, I would learn, an all too familiar circumstance in the South Indian state of Kerala." This was a beautiful movie which i feel, sadly, a large section of the movie going public wouldn't have seen.
Maybe there still is hope for the lover of the Malayalam cinema of yore.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Firaaq
I think I'm in love. With Nandita Das. Of course, her choices in her acting career have never been anything but exemplary, so I was expecting her maiden directorial venture, Firaaq, to be good atleast. But i was unprepared for the extent to which i was moved by this moving tapestry of a few lives after the Gujarat riots.
Inevitably, there will be the usual community lovers who will cry out without even watching the movi of how these movies only show one side of the story or only the suffering suffered by one community. I loved the response she had for one of those. "I'm not pro-Muslim, I'm pro-humanity'. It expressed the sentiment throughout the movie beautifully. Or how she responded to Modi's response to have a 'special' screening of the movie by retorting that the movie has been released, he can go watch it.
The film is helped in a large measure by the amazingly talented ensemble of actors, the more famous of them being Naseerudin Shah, Sanjay Suri (a very under rated actor in my opinion), Deepti Naval, Paresh Rawal and Shahana Goswami (of Rock On fame).
Incidentally, i went to watch the movie with Af, a pal who follows Islam, but who i found to be more liberal and openminded than most others i know. A fitting response to all those prejudiced and so called educated fools out there.
Heck, i sure hope she keeps making movies more often.
Inevitably, there will be the usual community lovers who will cry out without even watching the movi of how these movies only show one side of the story or only the suffering suffered by one community. I loved the response she had for one of those. "I'm not pro-Muslim, I'm pro-humanity'. It expressed the sentiment throughout the movie beautifully. Or how she responded to Modi's response to have a 'special' screening of the movie by retorting that the movie has been released, he can go watch it.
The film is helped in a large measure by the amazingly talented ensemble of actors, the more famous of them being Naseerudin Shah, Sanjay Suri (a very under rated actor in my opinion), Deepti Naval, Paresh Rawal and Shahana Goswami (of Rock On fame).
Incidentally, i went to watch the movie with Af, a pal who follows Islam, but who i found to be more liberal and openminded than most others i know. A fitting response to all those prejudiced and so called educated fools out there.
Heck, i sure hope she keeps making movies more often.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
See no evil
There is a criminal trial going on in Austria right now which is grabbing a lot of headlines both for the sensational nature of its trial and the gruesomeness of the actual crime itself. I came across an in depth article of the crime at the link below, and I was gripped with a sense of utter despondency while reading its description:
http://www.hotklix.com/?ref=link/484439
Although I have been confronted with the concept of what I thought was pure evil before, this was the most recent one which I came across. I always wonder.. to what extent are we capable of cruelty to another person? Examples I have heard and read of seems to point to a limitless capability for the same. And you cant help wondering... can anyone be driven to that extent by their inner demons and desires?
http://www.hotklix.com/?ref=link/484439
Although I have been confronted with the concept of what I thought was pure evil before, this was the most recent one which I came across. I always wonder.. to what extent are we capable of cruelty to another person? Examples I have heard and read of seems to point to a limitless capability for the same. And you cant help wondering... can anyone be driven to that extent by their inner demons and desires?
Monday, March 16, 2009
Cafe Leo's
Dropped into Leopold's the other day with one of my fave partners in crime, Ar S. I was in Mumbai to see my parents and sis off, and once done, i figured its time i visited this place i'v heard a lot about. Since AS is still recovering from a bad accident, we had to take the long taxi trip from Goregaon to Colaba, though it did provide us a good view of Mumbai from one end to another. Considering that i have been wanting to visit the place ever since i fell in love with "Shantaram" and its characters, when we did finally zero in on the place, it was a bit surprising. It looked like an innocuous enough place. The place had become more famous recently in the light of the recent terror attacks in Mumbai (there are a couple of bullet holes still preserved in the glass). However, the place was thronging with foreigners and Indians alike. I guess that is the one of the best responses that people can give... "cant scare us off".
Anywayz... we stayed there for a while before we decided to get off and hit one of our favourite sheesha joints for a puff. Considering it was his recovery period, he wasnt really supposed to have anythin to drink.. but what the hell.. we had finally come to Leopolds, so we ordered a couple of Becks'. The whole time i was there i kept imagining i could see Gregory David Roberts and his pals discussing life, love and other philosophies on one of the tables, but i guess i was letting my imagination run away a bit there.
So thats another spot added to my list of fave hotel getaways in Mumbai and Pune.
Anywayz... we stayed there for a while before we decided to get off and hit one of our favourite sheesha joints for a puff. Considering it was his recovery period, he wasnt really supposed to have anythin to drink.. but what the hell.. we had finally come to Leopolds, so we ordered a couple of Becks'. The whole time i was there i kept imagining i could see Gregory David Roberts and his pals discussing life, love and other philosophies on one of the tables, but i guess i was letting my imagination run away a bit there.
So thats another spot added to my list of fave hotel getaways in Mumbai and Pune.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Benjamin's Button
I wasn't too impressed with the movie. It was too long and too boring, to put it bluntly. At no point could I really connect with the character and Brad Pitt, though a good actor, was too wooden in this movie. It's too bad David Fincher almost won an Oscar for this movie, considering he has made some gems in the past, including the underrated 'Zodiac' from 2007.
One aspect of the movie critics seemed to be harping on about was supposedly the amazing chemistry between Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. And one picture I saw the other day from the movie really made me believe it. The one above... The way they are standing in front of the mirror with Cate's reflection looking back at the real life Pitt, made it look amazing.
Unfortunately, in the movie itself, the chemistry was hardly there, and the scene shown above was hardly noticable. The movie ended up (for me) looking like a wannabe 'Forrest Gump'.
Thank God it only won the Oscars which it really deserved, for art direction and makeup.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Why must Salim die?
I stumbled upon a book promotion event today in Crossword. I had been there to kill some time on my own before dinner, when i saw the chairs arranged for a session of some sort. I came to know that the author Mukul Deva was promoting his new book, "Salim Must Die". On first appearance i got to say i was not too impressed, but i thought I'll stay on since i didnt have much better to do this Saturday evening (a sharp contrast to my last coupla Saturday's ;)). I have to admit, i think i was impressed enough to give one of his books a try.
The guy was a former military guy who has written some books, including his first novel, 'Lashkar', which is supposed to be India's first military thriller. What impressed me the most was the fact that he didn't seem to be shying away from making strong statements and he seemed to have done his homework very well. He had strong views on the growth of fundmentalism and the response the Indian government(or the lack of it), and was not afraid to be drawn into a discussion on them. On top of that, he was articulate and pretty much in tune with the 'dude' lingo we seem to use so much.
I had to leave the session during the question and answer part, but i think i will defintely try to see now why Salim must die!
The guy was a former military guy who has written some books, including his first novel, 'Lashkar', which is supposed to be India's first military thriller. What impressed me the most was the fact that he didn't seem to be shying away from making strong statements and he seemed to have done his homework very well. He had strong views on the growth of fundmentalism and the response the Indian government(or the lack of it), and was not afraid to be drawn into a discussion on them. On top of that, he was articulate and pretty much in tune with the 'dude' lingo we seem to use so much.
I had to leave the session during the question and answer part, but i think i will defintely try to see now why Salim must die!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The years lost...
Why is it that when i think of my childhood these days i get a feeling of poignant sadness? A feeling of a wonderful time lost with the weathers of growing up? Yea, i know everybody is supposed to feel that way about their childhood.. the yearning to go back in time and experience the pure innocence which only a child can feel.
I came across a facebook community recently, which was devoted to the city of Jubail, Saudi Arabia. This was where i spent a good part of my formative years, between 1986 and 1994. The pictures touched a chord within me that has left a deep imprint. I remembered everything suddenly... Fanateer area, the Farm 2 shopping center, the Commissary, the beaches, our wonderful house, and best of all, my old school.. the Jubail British Academy. The school which i still consider the best of my life... where i made some of the best friends of my life (although as it always happens with the friends u have when you're 10 years old, you lose touch with most of them). We were Indians. We were also Pakistanis, British, Canadians.. it never seemed to matter. I remember i especially had quite a few Pakistani friends there. I remember Adnan, Najeeb, and others. Sadly, I have no idea whatever happened to them after that, though that hasn't stopped me from thinking.
The city itself was a quiet, peaceful and clean industrial city. Not exactly what we would have called 'happening', but one of those places which you know you will just miss and long for when you're gone. As with most middle eastern cities, it was developed, orderly and comfortable. I remember the nice parks, the beautifully laid out roads with date palms lining the sides... which made them perfect to take a bicycle ride with friends or to go for a walk with your parents. Maybe i feel this way because its where i was a child. Where i was in the most innocent part of my life. The time when friendships and relations were untainted by feelings of disappointments, petty jealousy and sexual attraction to the opposite sex. When liking a girl and approaching her meant asking her to be your partner in the art class and nothing more. I remember her... the German beauty who i liked in class 2 and asked to work with me in art class. I remember her Golden hair and wide eyes. And i remember the pure simple joy i felt when the next time she asked me to be her partner. Wonder whatever happened to her.
Growing up is inevitable. And the slow loss of innocence is also inevitable. Which is probably why the best years of your life may seem bittersweet when looking back. Because it has been tainted since then by all the memories of things which came after. The disappointments, the heartbreaks, the self realizations. I dont know if i ever will go back to Jubail and Fanateer... and I'm not sure when i do, if i will feel the way i used to about the place.
Friday, February 06, 2009
My Yearender for Bollywood
With all the year end reviews going on, i thought i'll put in my own fave hindi flicks of the year gone by. I gotta say i was influenced to do this after hearing procalamations that certain mediocre(and dumb) movies (an example wud be Ghajini and Rab ne whatever) are cinematic masterpieces. Considering the Indian movie industry is producing some absolute gems these days, i thought it was blasphemous that these overhyped star vehicles are getting all the plaudits as usual.
So here's my fave from the last year in "Bollywood":
1) Mumbai Meri Jaan - My favourite of the year. This movie marked that rare achievement of bringing together an excellent ensemble of actors and a great director with a theme that was thought provoking. I had seen Nishikant Kamath's Tamil movie Evano Oruvan and found it to be unique and fresh. This time he brings the protagonist of that movie, Madhavan and combines him with Paresh Rawal, Kay Kay Menon, Irrfan Khan and Soha. It was a brilliant character study of these characters and how the Mumbai blasts affected them. Although it doesnt provide solutions. If you just want an easy thrill, i would suggest 'A Wednesday', which in my opinion is a bit overrated.
2) Rock On - This was a movie which had a predictable storyline, cliched situations and some actors who had never really made it big. But wow! The way the story was presented was fresh, original and the actors all did a great job, particularly Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal and Shahana Goswami.
3) Dasvidaniya - The movie that touched me the most the last year. Vinay Pathak gave an endearing performance as the man stricken with cancer and only having 3 months left to live. Some say it was inspired by 'The Bucket List', but somehow, i liked this one much better.
4) Aamir - Another movie which i went for on my gut feeling. It released in the same weekend as Sarkar Raj, and somehow i got the feeling this would be a richer movie experience. Boy, was i right. The movie was 1.5 hours of a pure thrill ride, with the ending putting everyone with the question of what would they have done in the same situation?
5) Jaane Tu.. - This was another movie which i was not expecting to like. After all the story seemed age old and the actors did not seem too charismatic. However, like Rock On, this one was brilliantly presented and hit all the right spots. The comic touches were perfect and you ended up caring for this bunch of kids.
I know no one will agree with me... but i thought i had to put in an honourable mention to Tashan. The public seems to have misunderstood it. I thought it was a brilliant spoof of the movies of the 80's with the larger than life villain, the loverboy caught in the wrong situation, the childhood lovers meeting up in later life, 2 people fighting 20.. but somehow it turned out to be one of YashRaj's biggest flops. Which probably persuaded Aditya Chopra to make the utterly irritating Rab Ne... considering it a safe investment.
So here's my fave from the last year in "Bollywood":
1) Mumbai Meri Jaan - My favourite of the year. This movie marked that rare achievement of bringing together an excellent ensemble of actors and a great director with a theme that was thought provoking. I had seen Nishikant Kamath's Tamil movie Evano Oruvan and found it to be unique and fresh. This time he brings the protagonist of that movie, Madhavan and combines him with Paresh Rawal, Kay Kay Menon, Irrfan Khan and Soha. It was a brilliant character study of these characters and how the Mumbai blasts affected them. Although it doesnt provide solutions. If you just want an easy thrill, i would suggest 'A Wednesday', which in my opinion is a bit overrated.
2) Rock On - This was a movie which had a predictable storyline, cliched situations and some actors who had never really made it big. But wow! The way the story was presented was fresh, original and the actors all did a great job, particularly Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal and Shahana Goswami.
3) Dasvidaniya - The movie that touched me the most the last year. Vinay Pathak gave an endearing performance as the man stricken with cancer and only having 3 months left to live. Some say it was inspired by 'The Bucket List', but somehow, i liked this one much better.
4) Aamir - Another movie which i went for on my gut feeling. It released in the same weekend as Sarkar Raj, and somehow i got the feeling this would be a richer movie experience. Boy, was i right. The movie was 1.5 hours of a pure thrill ride, with the ending putting everyone with the question of what would they have done in the same situation?
5) Jaane Tu.. - This was another movie which i was not expecting to like. After all the story seemed age old and the actors did not seem too charismatic. However, like Rock On, this one was brilliantly presented and hit all the right spots. The comic touches were perfect and you ended up caring for this bunch of kids.
I know no one will agree with me... but i thought i had to put in an honourable mention to Tashan. The public seems to have misunderstood it. I thought it was a brilliant spoof of the movies of the 80's with the larger than life villain, the loverboy caught in the wrong situation, the childhood lovers meeting up in later life, 2 people fighting 20.. but somehow it turned out to be one of YashRaj's biggest flops. Which probably persuaded Aditya Chopra to make the utterly irritating Rab Ne... considering it a safe investment.
One more honorable mention i felt i needed to make. Shaurya may have been taken from 'A Few Good Men', but no one can deny it was a beautifully made movie, and featured probably the best monologue of the year, from Kay Kay Menon. The actor had a glorified special appearance in the movie but left probably one of the most indelible impressions in the whole year.
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