I was on a bollywood trip this month. Aisha, Peepli live, Lafangey Parindey, Once upon a time in Mumbai.. It was quite a bollywood feast. And the flick with Conscientious Criminal (Devgan), Steel Strong Cop (Hooda), Confused Youngster (Hashmi), witty dialogues and sensational background score.. wins hands down.
Yeah Once upon a time in Mumbai!!! was the entertainment of the month. With all the ingredients in the right quantity - The Criminals, Cops, Youth, Poverty, Slums, Bollywood Molls, Good Music, Witty dialogues and enthralling background score. Go for it..!!
The three actors playing the 3 protagonists fit so well in their characters, it's a sheer delight. I have never been so glued to a movie for a long time, and the thrilling background music surely helps.
The dialogues so witty, I have not heard anything like these in years. Be it Ajay Devgan, Imran Hashmi or Randeep Hooda - the three of them have got a good share of crisp dialogues and have delivered them well. In fact Randeep Hooda impressed for the first time... For record purposes, I remember Milan Luthra's first flick - Kachey Dhaagey, it was superb on the run film. He has not disappointed with this one.
However, seeing the character that Ajay Devgan plays in this film - I wonder if the Dons can be ethical, what stops the corporates from fulfilling their Social Responsibility?
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
CWG incites thoughts..
A random FB message regardign the CWG spend initiated this discussion on development..
Somebody Posted: "I will start forgery in my tax files onwards, if govt. will not stop spendin ma tax money in stupid games. Govt wasting nearly 60,000 Cr on CWG'10 in India where 42Cr ppls dont evng get two times bred butter properly .. What shame.."
Me - That's so right said friend.. but events like CWG also creates Job Opportunities and makes economy go round... BUT the PROBLEM is few corrupt contractors.. they need to be PUNISHED. You & I need not stop paying taxes... else this city becomes a bigger mess..
Me - You know what, a frail guy from Orissa who I had interviewed few months back.. had rattled me with his answer, when I had asked "what's wrong with your Govt.?".. He answered - it's not the Govt., it's us - the people of Orissa who are not m...oving towards the right direction of growth. So I would say, while people like you, I and few others .. talk about things that matter for development.. there are several thousands who don't even want to talk.. and There are very few who selflessly do..
The bottom line is - promote the right thoughts & slowly work in the right direction.. we might just achieve what we dream.. Promote, Promote, Promote.. the Right Thought. If we do that, the develoment Ideas will also start selling like Coca-Cola & the I-Phones..
Bottom line is.. our thoughts become our actions over a period of time. So, let's not stop thinking good and let's not stop talking good. As we do this & as we promote the ideas of growth and development - we will find buyers for the same and we will have many thinking and talking.. what needs to be.
On a Lighter Note - I think Aamir should donate all the Cost+ Collections to some cause... because nobody would have gone to cinemas for this movie if he had not produced it... but then I think he already had adopted a village during Lagan, so maybe it's time he buys a bunglow the size SRK has ;-) lol
Somebody Posted: "I will start forgery in my tax files onwards, if govt. will not stop spendin ma tax money in stupid games. Govt wasting nearly 60,000 Cr on CWG'10 in India where 42Cr ppls dont evng get two times bred butter properly .. What shame.."
Me - That's so right said friend.. but events like CWG also creates Job Opportunities and makes economy go round... BUT the PROBLEM is few corrupt contractors.. they need to be PUNISHED. You & I need not stop paying taxes... else this city becomes a bigger mess..
Me - You know what, a frail guy from Orissa who I had interviewed few months back.. had rattled me with his answer, when I had asked "what's wrong with your Govt.?".. He answered - it's not the Govt., it's us - the people of Orissa who are not m...oving towards the right direction of growth. So I would say, while people like you, I and few others .. talk about things that matter for development.. there are several thousands who don't even want to talk.. and There are very few who selflessly do..
The bottom line is - promote the right thoughts & slowly work in the right direction.. we might just achieve what we dream.. Promote, Promote, Promote.. the Right Thought. If we do that, the develoment Ideas will also start selling like Coca-Cola & the I-Phones..
Bottom line is.. our thoughts become our actions over a period of time. So, let's not stop thinking good and let's not stop talking good. As we do this & as we promote the ideas of growth and development - we will find buyers for the same and we will have many thinking and talking.. what needs to be.
On a Lighter Note - I think Aamir should donate all the Cost+ Collections to some cause... because nobody would have gone to cinemas for this movie if he had not produced it... but then I think he already had adopted a village during Lagan, so maybe it's time he buys a bunglow the size SRK has ;-) lol
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Aisha.. Aka Emma!
Aisha is claimed by the film's producers to be inspired by the Jane Austen Classic Emma. Here's my little take on the film..
Ms. Kapoor (Sonam Kapoor - I struggled to recollect her name for hours & avoided going on goofle) excelled as a shallow delhite bimbo in Aisha. She was really good & played her character with seemingly a lot of conviction. And she was successful in making the character loveable and loathful at the same time. Abhay (Deol) played another lovable character in Aisha and adds another good performance to his already quite a remarkable list. When it's Abhay, you can trust the film to have a good script. Another plus for the movie is that most lead characters acted quite well. Overall, though the film was a good one time watch.. and quite enjoyable - the fallacy of the film is The Happy Ending & Trying find a match for all the key characters..!! In the end it all seemed like a FIXED MATCH.. and it looked like a typical bollywood. Infact the ending was quite artificial, while most of the film was relatively effervescent. Liked it but it did not turn out to be as effervescent as I had thought.
And the latest is that "...'Aisha' grosses Rs 260 mn over weekend":
http://entertainment.in.msn.com/bollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4251160
Ms. Kapoor (Sonam Kapoor - I struggled to recollect her name for hours & avoided going on goofle) excelled as a shallow delhite bimbo in Aisha. She was really good & played her character with seemingly a lot of conviction. And she was successful in making the character loveable and loathful at the same time. Abhay (Deol) played another lovable character in Aisha and adds another good performance to his already quite a remarkable list. When it's Abhay, you can trust the film to have a good script. Another plus for the movie is that most lead characters acted quite well. Overall, though the film was a good one time watch.. and quite enjoyable - the fallacy of the film is The Happy Ending & Trying find a match for all the key characters..!! In the end it all seemed like a FIXED MATCH.. and it looked like a typical bollywood. Infact the ending was quite artificial, while most of the film was relatively effervescent. Liked it but it did not turn out to be as effervescent as I had thought.
And the latest is that "...'Aisha' grosses Rs 260 mn over weekend":
http://entertainment.in.msn.com/bollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4251160
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Seabiscuit and the Discipline of the West/America..
This write up is all about - A dialogue from 'Seabiscuit' and my interpretation of the same & the ensuing dialogue between me & two of my friends.
Here's the Dialogue & my Interpretation:
"Red's Dad: There you go.
Red's Mom: You're not getting him a horse.
Red's Dad: Why not? He's great at it.
Mom: Because he's 16 years old.
Dad: So?
Mom: So... he should earn it."
I am not sure if this discipline is part of every family in America. But if it is, I would call it discipline only.. this is the discipline that makes Americans Independent.. I at no Cost would call it 'cold blood' like many do, because it's a part of Parenting wherein you are making your child understand the value of money & hardships in life.
And Americans, like many other developed nations exhibit this discipline in various walks of their life. That's why they are the 'Developed' nations.. they are disciplined enough to stick to the rules, goals and plans.
And below are the comments that followed:
Sheema K.H.: Americans are not cold ,they are very pragmatic in their approach to life. The most valuable lesson in a person's life can be that of financial independence.and they start teaching this very early to their children.
Bonny L.S.:Exactly.. I appreciate your apt understanding of their systems & values.. though these differ from person to person like anywhere else.. but basically they are more disciplined.. and imbibe the same in their off-springs.
Amit C.: I just know one thing....they show in the movies..what the society should be like.. ...not what it is. They long for those values which are certainly not there at present. If you see more of the American houses, they are junkyard for new ga...dgets and new machines..in retro! see the huge beeline for new gadgets ...they are not always earned by kids..but rather provided by parents.. America is not developed nation because they are disciplined ..but because they have to pay a high price if they are ill-disciplined. I am sure, if you have to pay that price you will 'whine and Rant" all Indians do.... And Talking about Financial Independence. 80% Americans live on Credits and that's what is important for agencies to be rating them..and that's how 'light-bridge" (Credit Monitoring Autonomous Agency) Guide their Credit Ratings..Americans doesn't teach financial independence to their kids.The US. National System takes care of it. I can only say that - Americans doesn't give values (Finance Independence)..to their kids..in those harsh conditions you have to earn it for your survival. The only last suggestion - "REMOVE COTTON BALLS FROM YOUR EYES".
Bonny L.S.: Well.. they say.. there are 3 sides to every story - your, mine & the Truth. While your opinion would hold good for few, mine holds good for few.. and it's up to us how we interpret our things. I agree partly with your opinion Amit.
Sheema K.H.: America's economic policies have been under a lot of flak especially after 2008 recession hit the market .U.S Government bails their companies and citizens out of debt and bankcruptcies becoz it CARES !!!
And i would still stick to the po...int that they teach their children economic independence ,very few r born with a silver spoon in their mouth in u.s.There are so many young successful entrepreneurs around here,making their mark becoz they were taught to take risks, be independent and create their own destiny.They dont grow up with a sense of entitlement like children in india do . And yes American society is a consumerist society but I think india is not that far behind in that area too.
Here's the Dialogue & my Interpretation:
"Red's Dad: There you go.
Red's Mom: You're not getting him a horse.
Red's Dad: Why not? He's great at it.
Mom: Because he's 16 years old.
Dad: So?
Mom: So... he should earn it."
I am not sure if this discipline is part of every family in America. But if it is, I would call it discipline only.. this is the discipline that makes Americans Independent.. I at no Cost would call it 'cold blood' like many do, because it's a part of Parenting wherein you are making your child understand the value of money & hardships in life.
And Americans, like many other developed nations exhibit this discipline in various walks of their life. That's why they are the 'Developed' nations.. they are disciplined enough to stick to the rules, goals and plans.
And below are the comments that followed:
Sheema K.H.: Americans are not cold ,they are very pragmatic in their approach to life. The most valuable lesson in a person's life can be that of financial independence.and they start teaching this very early to their children.
Bonny L.S.:Exactly.. I appreciate your apt understanding of their systems & values.. though these differ from person to person like anywhere else.. but basically they are more disciplined.. and imbibe the same in their off-springs.
Amit C.: I just know one thing....they show in the movies..what the society should be like.. ...not what it is. They long for those values which are certainly not there at present. If you see more of the American houses, they are junkyard for new ga...dgets and new machines..in retro! see the huge beeline for new gadgets ...they are not always earned by kids..but rather provided by parents.. America is not developed nation because they are disciplined ..but because they have to pay a high price if they are ill-disciplined. I am sure, if you have to pay that price you will 'whine and Rant" all Indians do.... And Talking about Financial Independence. 80% Americans live on Credits and that's what is important for agencies to be rating them..and that's how 'light-bridge" (Credit Monitoring Autonomous Agency) Guide their Credit Ratings..Americans doesn't teach financial independence to their kids.The US. National System takes care of it. I can only say that - Americans doesn't give values (Finance Independence)..to their kids..in those harsh conditions you have to earn it for your survival. The only last suggestion - "REMOVE COTTON BALLS FROM YOUR EYES".
Bonny L.S.: Well.. they say.. there are 3 sides to every story - your, mine & the Truth. While your opinion would hold good for few, mine holds good for few.. and it's up to us how we interpret our things. I agree partly with your opinion Amit.
Sheema K.H.: America's economic policies have been under a lot of flak especially after 2008 recession hit the market .U.S Government bails their companies and citizens out of debt and bankcruptcies becoz it CARES !!!
And i would still stick to the po...int that they teach their children economic independence ,very few r born with a silver spoon in their mouth in u.s.There are so many young successful entrepreneurs around here,making their mark becoz they were taught to take risks, be independent and create their own destiny.They dont grow up with a sense of entitlement like children in india do . And yes American society is a consumerist society but I think india is not that far behind in that area too.
The Change Maker - Aamir Khan, Peepli Live & More
Heard that Amol Palekar was upset with the kind of HYPE that Aamir Khan managed for his 'Peepli Live', I guess Amol needs to understand that if Aamir or he himself won't hype their good work.. then the 100 Crore Indians would only know about flicks like 'Om Shanti OM'. As a result of Amol Palekar not being able to generate enough hype for his good project, I don't even know it's name.
Wish people understand that this world is all about Marketing and the good products just like the bad ones need to be marketed. And if marketing can help generating curiosity and enthusiasm for a product - the real value of the product will help it carry on and sustain on its own.
While I say all that, I would also like to mention how greatly I respect Aamir Khan for being a Change Maker in Indian Cinema and thus the Indian Society too.
Aamir indeed is a 'Change Maker', from lambasting Media (Filmfare awards) for distributing 'Fixed' awards to Providing some of the Best Cinema to Indians so far.. he's on the Track and being LOVED by MEDIA as well.. Proves IF you are a MAN of your words, you will be respected by your detractors as well..
Peepli Live Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbHEH89zQCw&NR=1
Dispite his Sarcastic Take on Media, I am sure the Media is going to appreciate it. But they are selling on TV just what the Masses want probably...!!
Part2.
=======
Adding more after I have seen the film. One thing I would say at the outset is "Only Aamir could have done it".
There is nothing in the film that you don't know already. The contrast of 25% of Confused India Vs 75% of Poor India, In fact the developing India can be counted on fingers.. 4 Metros + 4 Other cities and rest is nowhere near developing.
The Stupid journos & TRP hungry TV Channels.. you know all that but what can you do about it? Stop Watching it!? Well, most people already don't. In fact I am back to newspapers ever since the 'Shouting Journalism' surfaced.
The END was probably 'the statement' - that the writer - wanted to make.. the Poor Farmer ends up as a Labour at one of construction sites.. where else.. but in Gurgaon!!!
The only thing new about Peepli Live is the Tremendous Publicity that Aamir has generated for such an offbeat stuff.. & it was a Courageous attempt by the stubborn actor who respects neither Indian Media nor their award functions but they still run
after him because He Sells.. and probably he touches their hearts.. and they actually want him to change the whole thing that they want to but can not!
I still remember when I went for first day first show of Lagaan about 10 years back.. the cinema was 75% empty.. and the collections picked up only by the coming week.. but then Aamir was not considered the 'genius' that he is now.. and Now he can have the audis full even for an offbeat flick like 'Peepli live' which he doesn't even act in and is only producing!!!.. Carry on the Change Maker.
On a lighter note - I think Aamir should donate all the Cost+ Collections to some 'cause' because nobody would have gone to cinemas for this movie if he had not produced it... but then I think he already had adopted a village during Lagan.. maybe it's time he buys a bunglow the size SRK has ;-) lol
Part 3
======
July 2011, Delhi Belly has hit the Indians. Some are loving it, some are loathing it. Some have been able to understand the camouflaged Dark-humour, some thought it was a stupd story of Smugglers & Young Boys.
I think it is a turn of the century Bold Bollywood Kitsch with dark-undertones that only somebody as intelligent & bold as Aamir Khan could make. Not everyone is going to like it, not everyone is going to understand it. There are going to be those simpletons who think things like these do not happen, or things like these should not be shown on screen for the sake for Morality. Well, guys you've been warned by the producer well in advance.
If Peepli Live was a Bold interpretation of the Rural Mess, Delhi Belly is a creative interpretation of the Urban Kitsch that many of the Indian Metros are with their confused Moral Ethos.
Wish people understand that this world is all about Marketing and the good products just like the bad ones need to be marketed. And if marketing can help generating curiosity and enthusiasm for a product - the real value of the product will help it carry on and sustain on its own.
While I say all that, I would also like to mention how greatly I respect Aamir Khan for being a Change Maker in Indian Cinema and thus the Indian Society too.
Aamir indeed is a 'Change Maker', from lambasting Media (Filmfare awards) for distributing 'Fixed' awards to Providing some of the Best Cinema to Indians so far.. he's on the Track and being LOVED by MEDIA as well.. Proves IF you are a MAN of your words, you will be respected by your detractors as well..
Peepli Live Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbHEH89zQCw&NR=1
Dispite his Sarcastic Take on Media, I am sure the Media is going to appreciate it. But they are selling on TV just what the Masses want probably...!!
Part2.
=======
Adding more after I have seen the film. One thing I would say at the outset is "Only Aamir could have done it".
There is nothing in the film that you don't know already. The contrast of 25% of Confused India Vs 75% of Poor India, In fact the developing India can be counted on fingers.. 4 Metros + 4 Other cities and rest is nowhere near developing.
The Stupid journos & TRP hungry TV Channels.. you know all that but what can you do about it? Stop Watching it!? Well, most people already don't. In fact I am back to newspapers ever since the 'Shouting Journalism' surfaced.
The END was probably 'the statement' - that the writer - wanted to make.. the Poor Farmer ends up as a Labour at one of construction sites.. where else.. but in Gurgaon!!!
The only thing new about Peepli Live is the Tremendous Publicity that Aamir has generated for such an offbeat stuff.. & it was a Courageous attempt by the stubborn actor who respects neither Indian Media nor their award functions but they still run
after him because He Sells.. and probably he touches their hearts.. and they actually want him to change the whole thing that they want to but can not!
I still remember when I went for first day first show of Lagaan about 10 years back.. the cinema was 75% empty.. and the collections picked up only by the coming week.. but then Aamir was not considered the 'genius' that he is now.. and Now he can have the audis full even for an offbeat flick like 'Peepli live' which he doesn't even act in and is only producing!!!.. Carry on the Change Maker.
On a lighter note - I think Aamir should donate all the Cost+ Collections to some 'cause' because nobody would have gone to cinemas for this movie if he had not produced it... but then I think he already had adopted a village during Lagan.. maybe it's time he buys a bunglow the size SRK has ;-) lol
Part 3
======
July 2011, Delhi Belly has hit the Indians. Some are loving it, some are loathing it. Some have been able to understand the camouflaged Dark-humour, some thought it was a stupd story of Smugglers & Young Boys.
I think it is a turn of the century Bold Bollywood Kitsch with dark-undertones that only somebody as intelligent & bold as Aamir Khan could make. Not everyone is going to like it, not everyone is going to understand it. There are going to be those simpletons who think things like these do not happen, or things like these should not be shown on screen for the sake for Morality. Well, guys you've been warned by the producer well in advance.
If Peepli Live was a Bold interpretation of the Rural Mess, Delhi Belly is a creative interpretation of the Urban Kitsch that many of the Indian Metros are with their confused Moral Ethos.
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