Pink - Movie Review

I was silent as I walked out of the cinema hall yesterday, after watching Pink. The din around me seemed muted, as if I was insulated in a bubble of my own thoughts. Thoughts which were interrupted by my cousin who chirpily asked - So, how did you like it? How do I answer that, I thought. How can I put all these emotions into words. Instead, I just turned to her and nodded with a smile, and said - I liked it. 

The ride home was quiet too. The husband, concerned about my pensiveness. It was only when we got home and spoke about the movie for almost an hour, could I make sense of what I felt about the film. 

So, to put it in words, it left me unnerved. With an uncomfortable feeling. Unsettled. Perhaps these words can help you understand how the movie - Pink, made me feel. 

The movie itself is fairly well made. Good acting by the young cast, Amitabh Bachchan and all other actors also played their roles well. Great direction. Gripping, never sluggish.

But this movie is not one that needs to be seen for its cinematography or special effects. What stayed with me when I left the hall yesterday, was just how real the story was. And how easily believable. We've all done stupid things growing up. Things, which in retrospect seem so terribly risky. Never quite understanding how quickly things can spiral out of control.

The film also questions a lot of preconceived notions we have. I come from a very progressive family and have been married into one equally so. Even then, there are subtle perceptions that worm their way into the basic way we think, without us realising it. And that, to me, was what the movie was about. How a girl is perceived in certain situations, vis-a-vis a boy, only because she is a girl. How even in well-to-do homes, we still have an understated way of differentiating between our girls and boys. Different rules for both genders. Timings, freedom to live apart, relationships, parties, clothes... As Bachchan says in the film, a girl's character is tied to the clock..what time she comes home. The feminist in me (and many of my close ones) will rage at the above statement. There is no difference, they will insist. But we can not turn from it. 

Why do we not let the men in the house clear the table after a meal? Or sweep the floor if the maid is on holiday? We give our boys so much importance that their ego can not handle it when they are refused something when they grow up. Why is it that when a 20 something boy goes out with his friends to a pub, it's ok, but when a girl does the same, parents feel uncomfortable. Security is only one part of it. When you dig deeper, you realise it is also their innate belief that it is not 'nice' for girls to be seen out drinking so late. 

Why is it, that when we see a young woman drinking, we assume that she is approachable and you have a greater chance of 'scoring' vis a vis one who doesn't visit pubs. The basic premise of this perception is utter rubbish. Girls in B-towns or lower middle class families are also intimate with men...the only difference being that they will not be open about it. 

Why are girls from the North East considered 'easy'? Because they wear more revealing clothes? Has it maybe occurred to you that they come from matriarchal societies where the women are more empowered...are safer. Thus, they don't have to hide behind 'what will people think'. 

Two dialogues in the movie touched a chord with me. One was when Amitabh Bachchan says that maybe we have been raising our children all wrong. Instead of teaching our girls to be careful and compromising, maybe we should focus on raising our sons right. Teach them respect, boundaries. Our daughters will automatically be safe. 

Lastly, but importantly, the crux of the movie. No means no. It does not mean maybe. It does not mean I'm considering it and you can keep trying. It means no. And when someone says no, whether it is a girl or a boy, you need to stop. She could be a stranger, your girl friend, a sex worker or even your wife. No means no. You need to stop. 

Pink - a movie that makes you think.      

Talvar, the movie

I saw the movie 'Talvar' last night. And no, this is not a movie review. It can't be, because I find it difficult to be unbiased about this one. 

I was living in the same sector (Jalvayu Vihar, Noida) when this incidence took place, merely 3 blocks away. From afar, I witnessed the media frenzy, heard gossip from anyone who knew the family and read newspapers which for the longest time were obsessed with Nithari and Aarushi.

Which is what I think the problem was. The fact that these 2 cases coincided with each other. Don't even get me started on Nithari, I have my theory on Koli merely being an accomplice. But through the years (and I just realised that it has been 8 years!!), I continued feeling strongly about the Aarushi case. A lot of people I know do too, which unfortunately amounts to nothing. 

What made me a disbeliever, is not the theory that parents allegedly killed their only child. Honour killings (unfortunately) happen all the time as does female infanticide. No, it was more than that. I think it was the way news kept pouring in about the case and how over time we realised that the findings were all contradictory in nature. One lab would find something, another would refute that altogether.

Over the years, I have also followed Nupur Talwar's cousin who has spoken in international media about the loopholes in the case. You can read some of it here.

I am not a lawyer, neither am I a forensics expert. However, as this was largely a media trial and barely a judicial one, I am allowed to raise my questions. And my questions are plenty. Why was the theory of the other 2 helpers being in the house not followed through, when there was clear evidence of their visit in Hemraj's room. Why would the fact that a parent who has just lost her child is stoic in an interview (here's the opinion piece by Sonia who interviewed her on NDTV 8 days after the murder) translate into her being un-emotional about it. Why was the main door locked from outside? The theory of Hemraj being killed in the room and then his blood being wiped away seems ridiculous considering Aarushi's blood was all there...thus parents somehow knew exactly which blood splatters were his and which were hers! Why were the narco tests overlooked, wherein the parents were proven innocent and the compounder confessed and even led them to the murder weapon. There are plenty of questions like these, many of which you can also read about here.   

But the 2 biggest questions I have are these. If the Talwars were guilty, why, why in the world would they reject the closure report of CBI that said there wasn't enough evidence to convict them. If they had accepted it, they would walk free. But they said that they believed in the judicial system of the country and got the case opened. And we all know how that turned out. 

In most countries including USA and UK, a conviction is given only when it can be 'proven beyond reasonable doubt'. The entire case (as confessed by CBI too) was based on circumstantial evidence. There are so many holes in the theory, so many botched up investigative turns, that it can not be said 'beyond reasonable doubt' that the parents killed Aarushi. Yet, they were convicted and are both currently serving life sentences.

Times of India and many other media houses are working on trying to get the case relooked at. It has happened before with Jessica Lal, and there is always a chance it can happen again. But what shook me up when I walked out of that hall last night, was how fragile our sense of security is. A well respected, educated, well-to-do family's life changed overnight and the belief they had in justice and judicial processes shattered forever. The parents died anyways, that exact moment when they saw their daughter dead (whether they are innocent or guilty). What scares me is how easy it is to get stuck in a legal vortex and how helpless that can make you. 

May the case one day be reopened. May truth be known, whatever it is. And if, by any chance, the parents are innocent, may the country hang its head in shame for allowing this to happen.    

PS- In other news, wonder why we haven't heard a word about the Sheena Bora case since Maria was transferred (such a coincidence, isn't it?). Oh well. 

Twilight - A love for eternity

“No one’s ever loved anyone as much as I love you.”
― Stephenie Meyer, Breaking Dawn

There is something amazing about Bella and Edward. Something almost magical. Something real, something pure...untouched. Having someone who can reach inside you and touch your very soul...someone who doesn't judge you. Where words are not needed, you just know how the other person is feeling instinctively. The absolute certainty about each other. Not even a flicker of doubt that this is the person that you want in front of your eyes when you wake up every morning. The sureness, of being born for each other and none else.

My favorite Twilight film is perhaps the one in which Edward leaves Bella and goes away...in the hope that she will be safe. The helplessness that Bella feels, how it drives her crazy. There is nothing that she will not do to get him back, even if it is only a glimpse of him. What happens to her is not important in her scheme of things. How incomplete she feels, how nothing is normal, nothing is real without him.

“I don’t have the strength to stay away from you anymore”

― Stephenie Meyer

Complete and utter love. Selfless. Possessive. Eternal. Hopeless. Unrelenting. Forever...and a day. 

Lootera - An oldie but a goldie

Lootera doesn't have too much to pull the crowds in. Let's face it, there is only so much Sonakshi Sinha can claim to her name besides having a popular father and starring with the biggies. Or so I thought. To be fair, the only thing that pulled me to the movie was Ranveer Singh, the cheeky underdog whose endearing acting in Band Baaja Baaraat entertained thoroughly. I was to be proven wrong.

Lootera is set in the 1950s in newly independent India. The movie traces the unlikely love story of a Zamindar's daughter. The couple meet in her village but fates do not favour them. Until many years later when their paths chance to cross again.

The movie is nostalgic, the vintage cars beautiful and the entire feel of the film is something like a softly (and slowly) sung ballad. The only hitch is that it is predictable. Very predictable. There are 2 twists in the film and I found myself waiting for them to be revealed, rather than be surprised by them. Perhaps having read the story by O'Henry (that the film is inspired by), this was to be expected.

Having said that, there wasn't a moment in the film that I was bored. Agreeably, it was a slow screenplay. But one that you don't mind witnessing.

Ranveer Singh, unfortunately disappoints. Its not so much that he didn't act well as much as he held himself back too much. He was broody, non descript and often unnecessary. Only in some scenes did he break through the mould and be the effortless actor that he can be. Thus it is no surprise that his friend Dev seemed so much more interesting than him. So much so that at one point one is forced to wonder why Sonakshi didn't fall for him instead!

Which brings me to the best part of the movie. Sonakshi Sinha has never struck a chord with me. I find her unattractive, loud and an unneccesary accessory in movies. None of this is true for this film. She finally proved that she can act. Pakhi is soft and pretty when she needs to be and a fireball when required. She keeps the film together and she keeps it real. I am forced to eat my words!

All in all, not a blockbuster but definitely a film one should watch.

Rating: 3 on 5

Paisa wasool moment: An unlikely choice but the scene where they both battle for him to give her an injection. Simple scene but screams of passion and selfless love.

posted from Bloggeroid

'Coz he IS...Iron Man

I think one of the most attractive qualities in a man is a witty sense of humor. Tony Stark wins right there. And ofcourse it does help that he is a billionaire, looks pretty damn good for 48 and is super intelligent too. Iron Man is one of the most well characterized superheros and I just can not get enough of him (of watching him, I mean :)).

Like all superhero movies, there is a superhero, he has a girlfriend and there is a villain. Everything is perfect in la la land until some catastrophe occurs and superhero takes it upon himself to stop the villain. So, that's the gist of the story for you. But you don't go to watch superhero films for unique story lines do you? 

Robert Downey Jr. is a riot. His witty comebacks have the audience in splits and his subtle humor is most appealing. What makes him more humane in the film is his realization that Pepper (Paltrow who is ofcourse super hot) is the best thing that happened to him. But thankfully he doesn't turn into a mushy slob. He fights with panache, wears his ego on his shoulder and charms everyone around including his robo suits!

It is especially refreshing to see references of the last movie (Avengers) in this one. Usually when it is a series like Batman, they don't bother making it feel like a part of a larger string. 

The film runs for a good 2.5 hours but it doesn't stretch in any bit. It is fun, action packed and a complete entertainer. 

Watch the film. A late night show, if your work schedule doesn't allow otherwise. It is full paisa wasool. 

Rating: 4 on 5

Paisa Wasool Moment: When he calls for his suit to save Pepper...softie that he is!!

Note: Iron Man 3 has an extraordinary number of hidden messages and nuggets. If you're curious, read them here.  

Special 26 - A special film I wouldn't mind watching 26 times!!

It's been a while that I have reviewed a film. It's not due to a lack of watching films (surprisingly!) but rather a lack of cinema that inspired me to review it. Thankfully after the disaster called 'Inkaar' last week, along came 'Special 26', literally begging to be reviewed.

Set around 25 years back, the story based on true incidents follows the exploits of a group of con men who would 'raid' ministers of businessmen posing as CBI or IT officials. The cases would usually go unreported as the victims were usually hiding black money. The premise of the story is good enough but when you get a set of classic actors like Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher and the very talented Mr. Manoj Bajpai together, you can not possibly go wrong.

Each actor has played his part to perfection. One can not help but marvel at the phenomenon called Anupam Kher. His mere body language speaks volumes, in a micro second, as he transforms from the leader into the follower during a particular raid. Manoj Bajpai, my all time favourite plays his part of the 'real' CBI agent to perfection. His characterization has been well thought through with little incidents to show his conservative and old school thinking. He is, alas, not the shining star in this film but he holds his own.

The direction is splendid and editing tight. At no point during the film does one's attention wander or you be tempted to look at your watch.

A must watch. You are sure to come out of the hall laughing. An absolute entertainer.

Rating: 4 on 5
Paisa Wasool Moment: Manoj Bajpai's moment of revelation about who the 'Special 26' are!!

Gangs of Wasseypur- You want to see their guns?!

Watching a film after 3 weeks of its release is a dangerous proposition. You probably have already heard reviews, seen facebook updates about it and have a vague opinion about the film. But don't let that stop you. Go watch it anyways and have your own opinion. I'm glad I did.

If I had to review Gangs of Wasseypur in one word, it would be 'unapologetic'. Critics berated the film by saying that it was too chaotic, too many stories flying around with just gore and abuses for entertainment. I wonder if we saw the same film.

The film traces the lives of three generations each with their own enemies and struggles. If you pay attention, you will realise that there are only 2 groups of enemies..one the Qureshis and the other Ramadheer (who uses the Qureshis to get rid of Khan), the local don/politician. Each character has been cast with precision. To the extent that Manoj Bajpaye's father Shahid Khan actually looks like him. Every actor does justice to their character. Whether it is Durga the seductress, the different characters of Danish n Faisal or the hired assassin.

Three actors deserve special mention. First ofcourse the fabulous Manoj Bajpaye. I must confess, I have always had a soft corner for him. He has a quiet intensity to him which is so sexy! Though this intensity was polished in Zubaida, in GOW it is raw and what may be called 'ghaati'. He portrays the role of Sardaar Khan, ruthless with enemies, a womaniser yet one who is scared of his wife's temper and a man who lives with only one purpose in life- revenge. The second actor is Shahid Khan, Sardaar Khan's father. Though the character was given a small role, he had such strong screen presence that he stays with you till the end. Whether it is the tenderness with which he wipes his wife's brow after almost getting killed or the raw rage when he beats up the coal mine's guard- a fantastic actor proves himself. Lastly, my favourite performer was Richa Chadhha who plays Sardaar Khan's first wife Nagma. A fireball who retorts back to policemen in their own language and tells her husband where he can get some action when she's not interested, Nagma radiates strength through the film.

Anurag Kashyap is a gutsy man. He doesn't blunt the edges or apologise for his art. Likewise, the film is sharp, edgy and gory in parts. Yet even the toughest critic can't call it boring. Yes it is abusive, but dear viewer spend a day in the region where this is set and you'll realise they don't exactly shower flowers while talking.

The soundtrack had me tapping my feet throughout. My favourite being Kehke lunga and Womaniya. The songs are hilarious. As is the film. In my opinion the film wins because it doesn't take itself too seriously. It jokes, kids and finds humour in every frame.

Love it or hate it, GOW is not a film you can ignore. Don't be deterred by the critics who shout violence and foul language. Omkara was abusive but nothing short of epic. As is this. Watch it. Now. Before the second one gets released.

posted from Bloggeroid

Auntyji, auntyji get up and dance!! 'Ek mein aur ek tu' reviewed

Ek mein aur ek tu brings back the joy of light hearted fun. A crisp 2 hour film, it is quirky, witty and new age. Much like the Kutcher-Diaz film, the story starts with the 2 strangers meeting on a crazy night in Vegas and end up getting married. I am happy to report, that's where the similarities end. Imran and Kareena thereafter find a friend in each other and more importantly, find themselves.



In an interview of Johar, I once read that he waited for Kareena's dates because only she could do justice to this role. I concur. There is a thin line between cute and annoying and this role played by anyone else could have fallen flat. Thankfully, it didn't and yet again the actress has given a performance which is endearing, real and thoroughly enjoyable. Surprisingly, Imran has also acted pretty well. I am usually not a big fan of his acting powress but this role seems to have been written for him.

Like most new Johar films, EMAET is scripted fabulously. The dialogues are witty and the characters believable. The music score of the film is fun and never for a moment do you get bored. And auntyji auntyji is my favourite song henceforth! But most of all, this movie wins because it dares. It dares to have an unlikely climax (or anticlimax)..very unbollywood!

I really liked the film. Its cute, fun and a good watch. If your boyfriend or husband doesn't want to watch a romantic comedy, take your friends..or as I did, your mom. An evening well spent!

Rating: 3.75 on 5
Paisa wasool moment: Beta, chew your food 32 times!

posted from Bloggeroid

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows - A film that should have been called HP & the Horcruxes

Oops I did it again!!

When I was watching the latest  Harry Potter film - The Deathly Hallows part 2, I loved it! In the first half, I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat in excitement and I loved the special effects in the second half. So I decided that to do justice to the review, I'll go back to the book and read it again and get an idea of where the film stands. Alas, BIG big blunder. 4 pages into the chapter, I realised that I shouldn't have bothered. The mighty pen wins again.

Like all Potter films, this review shall be given from both the viewpoint of muggles (Ms) who haven't read the book and pure-bloods (PBs) who have. One of the most awaited films of our times, this last film is the closing chapter in the Harry Potter series. When the book came out two years back, I was absolutely blown apart as to how each loose string that Rowling had left in earlier books was tugged at and expertly tied up at the end. Unfortunately, in doing so, the books which earlier used to be just 200 pages or so started becoming thick encyclopedias of four times that many pages. But the length of the film remained constant. Thus, the directors were faced with the mammoth task of fitting it all in and allowing the viewer to make sense of it.

The last 2 films have been racing ahead of the viewer in order to cover it all, often leaving muggles confused and disoriented. PBs on the other hand, know the intricacies of the plot and are wondering why it has been simplified so. Though the films, like the books, have been maturing over the series, with the earlier ones being childish and becoming more sinister as they grow up. Yet, the magic of this world that one experiences in the earliest parts is somehow lost.

The special effects ofcourse are fabulous. The war scenes could rival any gladiator film and I particularly like the shot where HP walks out in front of the entire school and faces Snape. Snape is given his due, with the flashback done brilliantly. Also of note are the scenes in Gringotts, the roller coaster ride almost a 3D effect even in 2D.

The problem is in its diversion from the book. As I lamented before, when you have such a fabulous script to follow, why oh why would you stray? Harry's turmoil of whether to chase Horcruxes or Hallows is not even mentioned. Complete scenes are edited out and some randomly inserted like Neville standing in front of thousands of death eaters and confronting them. Neville for some reason has been given too much screen space in the film, even more than Ron and Hermoine. Fred and George haven't been given their due in any film and thus when we see one of the twins finally slain, not one eye in the theatre is wet. Bellatrix dies too easily and the final duel is far less exciting than the one where Dumbledore had duelled Voldermort in the ministry of magic. I could go on and on but its of no use. For PBs who enjoyed the film but feel something is still missing, go read the book again. Let the last bite leave the last impression.

A very enjoyable and racy film. Should be watched in a theatre. But alas, not quite what it should have been.

Long live Rowling.

Rating: 3.5 on 5

Paisa Wasool Moment: When McGonagall orders the knights to guard the fort and then grins in glee saying "I always wanted to use that spell" :)

Hangover 2 - the craziness knows no bounds!!

All those people that turn their nose up at Hangover 2 and say that its nothing new....tell them to go hike! The only problem with this film is that it comes in after the crazy hit Hangover and thus our expectations are already high up there. Which is fine, because this film doesn't fail to entertain!!

Alright come on....it is not a wonder that the story is predictable. I mean there are only so many ways to depict a hangover and blackout! Thankfully, the similarity ends there. The movie takes off 2 years after where we left the 4 mad men last time. This time, it is Stu the dentist (yes the same one who lost a tooth and married a hooker:P) who is tying the knot all the way over in Thailand!! As expected, Phil and Doug are making the journey across and as an after thought, Alan is invited to join them as well. And thank god he is.

What follows is complete mayhem. Even a strict vow on Stu's part not to have a bachelor party or any alcohol doesn't help and the wolfpack finds themselves in situations crazier than last time (if that is possible)! There is mafia involved, women, dancing, tatoos, a monkey who likes to smoke, a missing finger and another special appearance by Mike Tyson.

Each character plays their part perfectly but as usual, it is Alan who takes the cake. He is just fabulous as the mad guy in a zone of his own! There isn't a dull moment in the film with him around!

Go watch the film. Or in the least, get the DVD. Some popcorn, a drink, dim lights and your Saturday is set (which is the only way we manage to watch movies now with a 2 month old!!). Its a roller coaster ride you wouldn't want to get off from!

Rating: 4 on 5

Paisa Wasool Moment: When the dancer in drag looks incredulously at the 4 who thought he was a woman and demands, "Why do you think this place is called Bang'kok'???"   

Chalo chalo chalo chalo Dilli….

Watching a film in a theatre has become such a luxury recently not being able to leave home for so long. Thus, on Mothers’ Day when the Sister and the Husband together planned a movie outing for me with my mom and sis, I welcomed the break! The film they picked out was Chalo Dilli and thank god they did!


Chalo Dilli like all Vinay Pathak movies is a laugh riot. The man is so phenomenally funny that one can not help but laugh out loud! He makes the simplest of dialogues seem funny with his expressions and character portrayal! Chalo Dilli is a simple story of the journey of a high flying banker from Mumbai (Lara Dutta) and a trader from old Delhi (Vinay Pathak) from Mumbai to Delhi. One would think how is it possible to make something as regular as a journey into a full 2 hour entertaining film? They do…and how!

Lara Dutta in her sophisticated no nonsense avtar does great justice to her character. She plays the corporate honcho to perfection, especially the urban-socialite-stuck-in-rural-India part, complete with her pencil skirt and stilettoes. And she does it with such conviction that we don’t hold it against her that she is so cynical and condescending…she just is used to being boss…and don’t we all know the type ??!!

Vinay Pathak is the typical punjabi trader with a saree shop in Karol Bagh and a small house in Chandni Chowk. Cliches aside, the man is a disaster magnet and anything he touches blows up into one huge disaster after another. His character seems to have traces of his Bheja Fry avtar yet its quirkiness has splashes of originality as well.



The scenes ease into one another, not for one moment leaving the audience bored. Authentic locales shot in the smaller towns of India, witty dialogues and great background music only helps the movie flow along.
All in all, a great film to unwind with. A few laughs and good old unpretentious classic humour. Must Watch

PS: In case you notice a lack of mention of a certain Yana Gupta number on Laila mein laila, its because I'm hoping that pretending it doesn't exist will delete it from the film somehow. Crass and unwarranted, it is the one sore spot of this film!

Rating: 4 on 5
Paisa Wasool Moment: When Vinay pulls the chain to stop a train and get Lara on board, she asks him what will happen if they get caught. To which he responds that the TC is looking for some other fool coz he was smart enough to go into the AC compartment and pull the chain!!!!

Ek 'Guzaarish' Hai Bas Itni Si....

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is in a league of his own. When you start your career writing a movie like '1942 A love story'....move on to making the very touching 'Khamoshi' after 2 years....prove that you are not a one movie director by releasing the absolutely beautifully made 'Hum dil de chuke sanam'...and then further hone yourself with 'Devdas' and 'Black'.....not only you but the world then knows what you are capable of! Except for Sawaria, each movie made by this man has been nothing less than iconic. And when you take an actress like Aishwarya Rai who has been repeatedly slandered for being such a plastic heroine and make her deliver absolutely breathtaking performances like these, you know you have got to give the director some credit!

Guzaarish comes with the heavy expectation load of Black on its back. Another Bhansali film with the main protagonist severely disabled (in this case, a quadriplegic - paralysed from the neck down) and the dark hues that characterize his films of late. But no, like each of his films, this one stands firmly on its own two feet, refusing to be compared to any other and stands tall.

Hritik Roshan plays the very successful magician who loses his best friend, career, mobility and almost his life in a magic act gone wrong. Refusing to let life beat him down, he becomes a radio jockey, a favourite of all in Goa. He is taken care of since the past 12 years by Aishwarya Rai Bachhan who plays his nurse. Hritik does an exceptional job with his role, portraying the helplessness of not being able to move or live with dignity inspite of having an especially sharp mind. Look out for a particular scene involving a fly and also the way he sits on his wheelchair...the way his shoulders stoop, make him smaller than he really is. Phenomenal. Aishwarya chooses to hold her own and delivers a performance par excellence. Part nurse, part friend, part secret lover...she is the outside world to him. Dressed in beatiful long skirts and dresses, often with a tasteful scarf, she not only looks pretty, but acts and even dances with elan. Some other performances worth a mention...or even more are by Hritik's friend Devyani who is also his lawyer, his doctor played by Suhel Seth, Rajit Kapoor as the prosecutor and many more. But equal credit as the main protagonists must be given to Aditya Roy Kapoor, an upcoming actor and VJ who plays Omar Siddiqui, an amateur magician who wishes to learn magic from Hritik.

Set in Goa, the film gives a glimpse of the portugese town unlike ever done before. The stately but delapitated villa in which Hritik lives, the lush green fields that they drive through...all of this allows the viewer to see this beautiful town through the eyes of a local and not a tourist.

The only flaw in the film is a stretched out farewell party thrown by Hritik for his friends that seems like a deliberate tear jerker. But you forgive Bhansali of these 10 minutes for the other 99 minutes of pure genius that he lets you be a part of. It is not a sad portrayal of a disabled man's life. Instead, it is almost a celebration of the life he lives, his quick humor and wit bringing more smiles than tears.

Dont think twice. Watch it.

Rating: 4 on 5
Paisa Wasool Moment: The scene with the fly

The Deathly Hallows doesn't live up to it!!

I've been avoiding writing this review. It seems like a sort of a betrayal. To an era of loyalty and of pure reverence of the wizarding world. So I take a deep breath and here I go, hoping now that the ministry has fallen, they dont send me off to Azkaban as a traitor.

Potter films are expected with a fevered anticipation perhaps never seen before. With each book, the mania for this magical beautiful world increased and made the producers, actors and ofcourse Rowling very rich people!! But it was justified as each book outdid the earlier one with the grand finale spiralling into a lovely piece of work which tied up the entire series together closing loops and ends that dint quite fit before making it the best book in the entire series in my opinion.

Unfortunately, the movie couldn't match up. I feel the same disappointment I felt when I saw Goblet of Fire. The book provides so much fodder and such a lovely base to characterize but the films just couldn't match up. They tried hard, I give them that, but they couldn't reach the pinnacle.

Perhaps because there was so much to tell, which the very thick book takes its time weaving, the film seemed to be edited in a manner that it was hacked and then stacked together. Scenes changed too fast, were not easy to comprehend and continuity seemed to break much too often.
I do believe that Draco is one character who has grown into his role and must be given his due adulation. No other character except for the 3 on their camping trip seem to be given much prominence in this film, though Dobby did get some minutes of well deserved prime time. And yes, I could really have done without that completely random scene in which Harry and Hermoine start dancing together in their tent right after Ron has left, seemingly to celebrate their freedom from him at last!!!

All in all, if you've read the books, you would probably enjoy the film living out each scene and seeing it played out before your eyes for the last time but one. But if you are a fan of the films and havent read the books, I have a feeling you may leave that hall with a sense of frustration and need to google up how things fit in and who said what why. Watch it, but dont go with stars in your eyes.

Rating: 2.5 on 5

Sex and the City 2 Reviewed

When I look at my logs from August and realise that I have only blogged once this month, my head hangs in shame (well, not really, but almost)!! And my bday month too...not good! So, I'm back, with a review that has been zooming around in my head like an irritating fly since I saw the film.

The show Sex and the City did not really demand a cult following but had its set of people who enjoyed it. The concept of friends growing up together..at different stages in life and yet so similar, worked for some of us. And thus, when the producers went ahead and made a complete motion picture out of this show, it had some of us looking forward to it. The first movie was cute enough - with a sprinkling of drama, lots of fashion, some heart break and friends that tide over it all! But the second film in the series has even soft targets like me gagging!

SATC 2 is an example of the kind of cinema America should refrain from. It's racist, sexist, portrays Americans as ignorant and very very brainless. Even the fashion isnt good enough! The girls are getting old and a 50 year old's sexual escapades dont make for interesting cinema. Neither does a gang of over aged giggly girls who still call Dubai and Abu Dhabi 'the New Middle East' and are so entranced and enamoured by the gold and the spices abundant there. All of this may still have made a bland but tolerant film. But when you over emphasize on how aghast they are at seeing women in Burquas or how they have been told to cover up and not wear revealing clothes coz they will be jailed - you run the risk of disrespecting a section of society.

The film bored me. I, the one who is usually not so tough to please in a chick flick situation, find it difficult to recommend this to you. Absolutely avoidable.

Rating: 1.5 on 5

Semiotics of 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'

This is a controversial post to write. In a country where Shahrukh Khan is almost god and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai has something of a cult following, to dig it up after almost 15 years and tear it apart gives me goose bumps. But a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do.

The problem arises from the fact that I myself am a self confessed member of this cult. When I was seeing this film for the 21st time yesterday (yes, I need a life), it finally hit me on how incredibly chauvinistic this film really is. So if you havent seen the film (how???), let me give you the lowdown. Girl and boy are best friends in college, girl loves boy but boy falls for mini skirt clad hot chick but only after she has properly displayed her 'indian values'. Girl disappears. Hot chick dies, leaves behind a daughter who vows to find girl and make boy marry her finally. Which, ofcourse they do.

So lets start at the begining. Perfect stereotyping - boy and girl are best friends but he doesnt love her because she is a tomboy. The day he sees hot chick in tiny skirt, all friendship goes out of the window. But no, he is the quintessential male! So he waits for hot chick to sing 'om jai jagdish' and also don a suit, cover her head and go to a temple before he decides to shower his love on her!

It gets better. So some 10 years later, hot chick is not in the scene anymore and her daughter is trying her best to get boy to chance encounter with girl again. Which he does. And what does he find? That girl is not the tomboy he knew...she has transformed almost like a butterfly and evolved into long hair and chiffon saris which keep blowing in the wind to show her midriff. Ofcourse, boy finally decides that he loves her. Now that she is feminine enough for his taste!

But here is the clincher. The girl has only ever loved him. Even after 10 years of unrequited love and after being rejected for hot chick she doesnt so much as bat an eyelid before running back to him.

And the boy, remains happy ever after!

PS- all those wondering why in the world I have been calling Rani Mukherjee hot chick...come on guys, this is 15 years back when Kajol still had a unibrow and Karishma wore her brother's clothes!

Mahabharata & Ramayana in a new avatar – Rajneeti and Raavan reviewed

In a day and age where generations are increasingly ignorant about the intricacies of our cultural heritage and more importantly, literary epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, television did what books couldn’t. When I was growing up, these epics were depicted in TV serials that ran for years and such was the fan following that people would literally drop what they were doing to watch them. We have come a long way from there but the audio visual route still remains the best hope for passing on these stories to our children.

 

Which is why I looked forward to the fact that skilful filmmakers like Mani Ratnam and Prakash Jha had decided to portray these epics superimposed into today’s scenario. It is a thin line to tread, knowing which elements to keep and which to modernise, how to keep it realistic and let the audience make the parallels without spelling it out for them. And in both these regards, Rajneeti did what Raavan could not.

 

Rajneeti took the concept of Indian Politics and played it into the mould of Mahabharata. With an ensemble cast of credible actors, Jha managed to give characters individuality and yet shadowed them on the Mahabharata character they represented. Ranbir Kapoor played an excellent Arjuna and Arjun Rampal getting better ever day with his performance with traces of Yudhishthir. But it was Bhishmapitama played by Nana Patekar which really took the cake. Always behind the scenes and yet directing everyone wisely, he did the role justice. As expected, Manoj Bajpaye did a decent job as Duryodhana and Katrina Kaif not only looked stunning but pulled off quite a good performance (and no, its not modelled on Sonia Gandhi). The only person who I believe got shot changed is Ajay Devgan as Karana. The role was perfect for Devgan yet one left feeling he was under-used.

 

The music and tracks in the film are phenomenal. Each track worth humming, my favourite being “Mora Piya Mose Bolat Naahi”, a soulful ballad. Unfortunately, what the movie achieved in 2 hours, the last half hour destroyed. The climax of the film seemed to stretch forever and ended up making the film seem amateurish. I truly wish they had just chopped off the last reel, I would have left the hall a happier person!

 

Raavan on the other hand, is an example of how not to do it. Don’t get me wrong. It is a beautiful piece of art. It sweeps over stunning locales, with cinematography such that at times you feel like it may just be National Geographic. But what the director set out to do, he failed to achieve. The story is not even disguised, it is Ramayana with the names changed. Dialogues like “woh dus sar wala raakshas hai” when refering to the villain Bira or “Woh bhagwan hain” when refering to Dev modelled on lord Rama dont leave much to the imagination. I wish I had seen the Tamil version instead where Vikram who plays the hero in the Hindi version plays Raavan instead. He would undoubtedly have done a much better job than the half baked performance by a plump Mr.Bachhan (and not the one with a beard  who can act). Aishwarya Rai looks absolutely beautiful in some shots and one wishes that cinema halls also came with a mute button when she starts screaming in her incredibly shrill voice (in the same league as that of Diya Mirza or Riya Sen). To her credit, we do get a reminder of how beautiful and graceful an Indian woman can look during a dance sequence in which she seduces her husband doing classical dance. The man with the smallest role, Govinda who plays Hanuman does absolute justice to his role and perhaps even he may have played a better Raavan.

 

The movie fails to build a plot, fails to make the audience empathise with Bira. The villagers love him and the police hates him but we are never given to understand why so. What really are the socio economic reasons for this almost naxal leader. Instead, the film seems like a personal feud – your wife for my sister kind of an approach. Very lame. The songs are upbeat and in a certain wedding sequence, don’t miss the locale in the background – it is Orchha, the hidden gem we found in MP when we travelled a couple of months back. All in all, unfortunately very boring and avoidable. See it on mute and marvel at Incredible India.

 

Ratings: Rajneeti (3 on 5 with .5 deleted for the last half hour)

       Raavan(1.5 on 5)

Prince Of Persia - The sands of time reviewed

Prince of Persia, Sands of Time is a movie based on the legendary videogame in which an adventurous young prince teams up with a fiery princess to stop an angry ruler unleashing a sandstorm which could destroy the world. The young prince, Dastan is not of royal blood but adopted by the king after he demonstrated a rare act of courage and skill. The story is quite straightforward and doesn’t have too many sub-plots. But the characterisation done for each individual is crisp and real. Be it the wise King Sharaman who wants nothing more than his 3 sons to trust each other to Tus, a befitting heir. Ben Kingsley plays the role of King Sharaman’s brother and his particular character has many traits of our very own Shakuni from Mahabharat.


Prince Tus, the heir to the king decides to attack Alamut, a sacred and holy kingdom when he is misinformed of their efforts against his empire. When the kingdom falls, with it comes the beautiful Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) who is offered to Dastan as his wife. Tamina though only has her eyes on a sacred dagger that has come into Dastan’s hands which if misused can result in catastrophe. And what follows is in typical bollywood fashion – treachery, escape, fights, misunderstandings and finally love. And as Shahrukh Khan says – “In our films, everything becomes ok in the end”. Prince of Persia too goes the poetic justice way and all’s well that ends well.


Why you should watch this film, besides the fact that Dastan is hot and rakish and Tamina fiery and stunning, is for the effects. See it in a hall, don’t bother with a DVD. No, it is nothing new, no you will not be sitting on the edge of your seat – but it is a well made and honest entertainer. Dont go there expecting to be enthralled, but go to be entertained. And you will.

Rating: 3.5 on 5
Paisa Wasool Moment: Tamina looks at the oncoming sandstorm and says, let’s run. Dastan smirks and replies “Trust a princess to think she can manage to outrun a sandstorm”!!

This is one Paathshala I suggest you bunk!

So let’s say that it’s a Saturday evening. You have the option of taking the dog for a walk, painting the garden fence, counting how many mosquitoes have found their way into your house or watching the film “Paathshala”. I would suggest you go in the same order of preference. Take the dog for a walk, atleast he will be grateful and you would get some exercise. Paint the fence – it will look pretty, get you complements and make the missus happy! And if all else is over, resort to counting the mosquitoes. It may seem like a futile exercise but it helps to know your enemies before annihilating them. And even after all this, if you still go on to see the film, well then my friend perhaps you deserve to go through it!

There are some movies where you walk out of the hall with a puzzled expression on your face. No, its not about deciphering some major twist in the film that you didn’t understand. Rather, you look at your companion and wonder aloud why someone would bother to pay actors, make them work for so many months and actually bother releasing a movie like this!



So you think I’m being judgemental? Let’s see. The story (??!) revolves around a school which has been highly reputed since years but has stuck to the principles of education and not given in to commercialisation. As a result, the facilities are dated and the trustees threaten the Principal (Nana Patekar) that they will close down the school and build an apartment complex unless he upgrades and starts making profits. So far so good. Nana Patekar has a bunch of people on his staff rolls whom someone has painstakingly tried to characterise but failed miserably. So there is a professor who is obsessed with NASA (except that he never mentions it once in the film), there is the Bengali geography teacher who is always worried and confused. There is the school peon who actually gives a great performance (the only one in my opinion). And as a last ditch attempt to bring in the viewers, there is Ayesha Takia (a nutritionist who supposedly cooks for the kids but is never seen doing so and whose only apparent job is to switch off the hostel lights at night). And ofcourse there is the drool worthy Shahid Kapur. For him, I forgive the director. Even if he has a Shahrukh hangover from Mohabbatien.



So the director brings together all these people and asks the script writer to somehow tie them in together. The script writer has an off day and weaves a story which has more loose ends than a bunch of tassels. There is so much that could have been done with the film. A spark of romance between Ayesha and Shahid, the childhood crush of a class 12th girl on Shahid and how he handles her, the pretty girl in school/ the guy who likes her/ and her jealous brother. The trustees and their anger at being scorned. Alas, so much potential, such a wasted script.

What further surprises me is that the director actually brings together some fantastic child actors whom the public adores. Remember Kajol’s cute son in Fanaa called Rehaan. He’s there as is the lil girl in Cheeni Kum who treats Big B like her boyfriend. Add to that, there is also Aanandi – the household name of the girl in Baalika Vadhu on Colors. Such fantastic performers. So pointless a journey!

I cant even suggest that you go watch the film and make up your own mind. That would just be plain sadistic on my part. If you’re done counting the mosquitoes, help your son with his maths problems. Trust me, it’ll be more fun!

Rating: 1/4th and only because Shahid Kapur is so incredibly hot.
Paisa Wasool Moment: Paisa Wasool?? Are you kidding me? I’m suing the director for punitive damages!

Because sometimes life is the greatest teacher - 'An Education' Reviewed

.


On its face, ‘An Education’ is a film set in the 1960s about a young girl Jenny coming to age. Her family or rather her father’s reason of existence is to ensure that she gets into Oxford, even if it is only so that she finds a suitable groom. Her life completely changes when she meets a much older man David who seems to charm everyone off their feet. David shows her a glimpse of the world of glitz and glamour which in comparison makes her earlier life so mundane.

If you look deeper though, ‘An Education’ is a film about education. In classrooms and outside them. It’s a film that weighs the benefits of a good degree with an uncertain and yet racy life of glamour. It is about growing up to understand priorities and more importantly that often it is not only teenagers who need growing up but elders too.



The leading actress in the film, Carey Mulligan has been recognized by award ceremonies across the globe with multiple nominations and a good number of wins including the BAFTA for An actress in a Leading Role. Her portrayal of Jenny is realistic and unpretentious. It is especially interesting to see how she changes from a shy schoolgirl who cant even stand up to her father into almost a rebel who is not afraid to speak her mind. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that she may just be the follow up to an Audrey Hepburn (her looks qualify her for sure), but she is someone we can hope to get some good performances from in the near future. She is ably supported by the rest of the cast, especially by Peter Sarsgaard who plays David, the man as smooth as butter.

The film is tightly packed with a screenplay that doesn’t let you wander. A film that deserves a watch, even if it is on DVD. And not just for the awards that brought it into the spotlight. But simply because it’s a clean, well made and sweet film.

Rating: 3.5 on 5
Paisa Wasool Moment: The scene where Jenny meets David for the first time and allows him to give her Cello a lift while she walks alongside the car.

The enigma called Clooney - 'Up in the Air' reviewed

.
Directed by Jason Reitman of Juno fame and adapted from the book by Walter Kirn, ‘Up in the Air’ deals with a very interesting topic. And a topical one at that. The recession hit most of us and yet there were people and businesses that found opportunities in the crisis. George Clooney works for one such company. His job is to fly across the country and fire people. But as heartless as this may sound, he has built it into an art. When this new-girl-from-ivy-league joins his firm and suggests a way of overhauling the entire company’s work style, he takes her with him on a few trips to show her what it is that they really do. And this is the part that touches you. He could be mechanical in his job as this girl is and follow flow charts in his responses. Instead, he chooses to listen to people and counsel them. He does it so well that he convinces a majority of them that this is indeed a new beginning and not the end.


His hectic life doesn’t allow for strings to be attached and he plays the archtypical loner. With no family obligations and no girlfriend to ‘settle down with’, he loves his life and advocates everyone to let go of emotional baggage as well.



The movie is interesting as it throws up a perspective that is so relevant in today’s scenario and yet so fresh. Clooney not only makes us swoon (as he usually does) but also carries this film with elan (as he usually does). There are times one wants to shake him by his shoulders and there are some when you just want to protect him. He is ably supported by Vera Farmiga who plays his counterpart in a skirt and beats him at his own game of no-strings-attached.

The film is not only funny in its satire, it also transforms seamlessly into a thoughtful take on relationships and life. Watch it on a lazy Friday night.

Rating: 3.5 on 5
Paisa Wasool Moment: Definitely his suitcase packing skills!!