"From the makers of Dil Chahta Hai" - this bit was enough to draw me to a late 10:45 PM show on the first day of Rock On's release.
Coming out of the theatre at 1:30 AM, I thought it was worth it, though it wasn't another Dil Chahta Hai.
But there are similarities - coming from a similar set of people and having a somewhat similar theme it is expected. But we could also hear someone snoring inside the hall.
Four friends making music with Magik (their band), get apart and come back together. To do what? Make music, of course (nothing very original about the story). Since I didn't even watch Abhishek Kapoor's first film as a director - Aryan - I can't comment on how he bettered himself as a director, but a commendable effort nevertheless. But I couldn't help but notice a lot of Farhan Akhtar influence in the direction.
The music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy is unconventional for Hindi films and so are the lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
At the end of the film they ask you not to download but purchase the audio CD. Until they lower their prices, I don't see that happening much.
Farhan Akhtar is also a theek actor, but unless he is singing his voice isn't appealing enough, but he did get the emotions right.
Arjun Rampal is brooding and looks dashing, but acting still a lot of scope for improvement. Apparantly Arjun learnt the guitar for the film, but that learning just doesn't show or his character is as that of a genius who can make the guitar release effusive notes without moving the fingers much.
Luke Kenny also does a decent job and like models all VJs don't make superb actors. But he looked and acted his role.
Purab Kohli is the fun-filled guy and acts that out with elan.
For Prachi Desai it was a nice transition from the small to the big screen. In the movie she's cute.
The best performance in the film comes from Shahana Goswami who plays Arjun's girlfriend and then wife. This girl's good.
About Koel Purie, should I even say something?
One thing I liked about the movie was that even if you can't relate to the music thing, you can relate to the emotions and angst on display. And nothing goes over the top, the drama is controlled.
There's also Anu Malik as himself and you could hear loud laughter when the music director uttered the word "original".
The film might not have its numerous moments as did Dil Chahta Hai, but then it isn't Dil Chahta Hain. It's darker and not necessarily about having a good time. It might not go on to be listed on online profiles of people as their favourite movie or break a few records but it reinforces our belief that Bollywood is also about good cinema and not only hit cinema.
Credits
Cast
Farhan Akhtar as Aditya Shroff
Prachi Desai as Sakshi (Aditya's wife)
Arjun Rampal as Joe Mascarenhas
Purab Kolhi as KD aka Killer Drummer
Luke Kenny as Rob
Koel Purie as Devika (Sakshi's friend)
Shahana Goswami as Debbie (Joe's girlfriend turned wife)
Nicholette Bird as Tanya (Aditya's ex-girlfriend)
Crew
Directed by: Abhishek Kapoor
Produced by: Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar
Music: Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Screenplay : Abhishek Kapoor, Pubali Chaudhuri
Story: Abhishek Kapoor
Dialogues: Farhan Akhtar
Editor: Deepa Bhatia
Chereography: Remo
Trailer:
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Embed:
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Ban - the word invokes both interest and anger. Interest because anything that is banned has definitely rubbed someone the wrong way and we the curious masses always want to know why. And the very idea of not letting someone else see/hear/read something because you (or an accumulation of people of your kind) think so, atleast in a modern democracy (with pretensions of progressiveness) like India tickles my annoyance.
Jodhaa Akbar banned in Madhya Pradesh
...and in parts of Haryana in addition to Rajasthan where it wasn't released.
Historians and certain communities might not all agree with the story that the makers of the movie presented in 70mm. That Jodhaa depicted as Akbar's queen was - according to certain versions - actually his daughter-in-law. Right. Everyone has a right to protest. If the film is indeed offensive, they should have called for a voluntary boycott. If the halls are empty, distributors will themselves take it off.
But then no one wants to gauge the sentiment of the general public; rather it is much easier to threaten violence. And the administration, which is supposed to uphold the rule of law, falls prey to blackmail (and political considerations).
Though I didn't like the movie much, I would at best give Ashutosh Gowarikar's latest directorial venture a three star rating (out of five). The film tried to mount two horses at once - history and romance - and in the process fell of both.
Hrithik nevertheless delivered a commendable performance and looked his role while Aishwariya fitted in nicely only when she wasn't talking and moving. As for the royal intrigues, Santosh Sivan packaged it much better in Asoka.
Coming back to bans. In the long run a boycott would work better than a ban. Because a ban, as mentioned in opening sentence of this post invokes interest and would go against the purpose of the ban in places where the film (or whatever) is not banned. Whereas a successful voluntary boycott would dissuade habitual controversy seekers, as it would hit them where it hurts the most - their bank balances. Moreover, in this e-era do bans really work?
If tomorrow, a section of the population disgusted by the goings on in any of the state assemblies threaten to burn it down (they actually did in Manipur, while in Meghalaya it was reduced to ashes by accident). Will the state administration, relying on intelligence inputs, ban future session in the assembly?
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For someone like me whose exposure to Pakistani films was limited to the sub-standard fare aired on PTV, complete with the stereotyped villainous Hindu lala, a film like Khuda Kay Liye (In the Name of God - not an apt translation) was a pleasant surprise. Many of us would have heard about the film because one of India's finest actors, Naseeruddin Shah, played a brief but important role in the film. But beyond that it might not have interested many Indian movie freaks. But it should.
I too would not have watched the film, it had slipped off my mind, but a friend working for one of the numerous news channels wanted to do a story on this and sought my help in getting a copy of the movie, which I did. I later converted the film into a mobile friendly format and watched it during the 100-kilometre ride from Guwahati airport to Shillong. And even on the tiny 2" screen it was worth it.
The film to me was a dialogue between the liberal and extremist versions of Islam and for people with a limited understanding of the religion (that's a big number) it opens our eyes to many different facets. It portrays the dilemma of a Muslim in today's world. Here is a synopsis of the film from the website:
The film is about the difficult situation in which Pakistanis in particular and the Muslims in general are caught up since 9/11. These is a war going on between the fundamentalists and the liberal Muslims. This situation is creating a drift not only between the western world and the Muslims but also within the Muslim community. The educated and modern Muslims are in a difficult situation because of their approach towards life and their western attire. They are criticised and harassed by the fundamentalists and on the other hand the western world sees them as potential suspects of terrorism just because of their Muslim names.
This paradox is resulting in great suffering for the forward looking Muslim. This is the name of the film 'Khuda Kay Liye,' which in English means In the Name of God.'
The interesting thing about the film is how it connects the happenings in three continents. Unlike the usual Indian and Pakistani films based on romantic sagas, dances and songs, this film is based on some very serious issues. Raising a lot of controversial questions engaging the Muslim minds these days. It helps the Muslim youth find a direction... the right direction, which we are all looking towards.
Compared to the Pakistani films that I had watched before this, Khuda Kay Liye, is definitely miles ahead in all aspects, there's no comparison. The script is lucid and kept me engrossed throughout. The music is soothing. And performances are commendable. Though Naseer steals the thunder with his cameo.
The best part is that that Shoaib Mansoor, in his big screen debut as a director kept a very balanced approach. Though the point-of-view of the film is liberal, it does not outrightly rubbish the fundamentalists' approach. Even the logic behind the extremist interpretation of Islam is brought to the fore and a bulk of the counter arguments happen in the courtroom via Maulana Wali played by Naseer. The director makes an effort at not going overboard either with the story or with emotions, and succeeds.
Obviously the film met with a lot of protests and it a brave and commendable effort. It deals with a lot of issues which modern day Muslims face in an ever shrinking world and many do not agree with Mansoor's opinions as evident from the raging debates on online forums. But for an Indian the film makes for a must watch because today all that we seem to know about our neighbouring country revolves around one individual – General Pervez Musharraf.
I'm looking forward to the India release of the movie. Hope that happens soon, at least on DVD. In case it doesn't, just search for Khuda Kay Liye on Stage6, someone has uploaded the complete film in five parts. (you'll need to install DivX Web Player).
Here's a special Cutting the Chai edit of the trailer:
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Related post: Watch Movies on Your Mobile
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Gandhi, My Father (2007)
Director: Feroz Abbas Khan
Producer: Anil Kapoor
Cinematography: David MacDonals
Editing: Sreekar Prasad
Production Design: Nitin Chandrakant Desai
Sound: Resul Pookutty
Make-up: Penny Smith
Cast: Darshan Jariwala (Mahatma Gandhi), Akshaye Khanna (Harilal Gandhi),
Shefali Shah (Kasturba Gandhi), Bhumika Chawla (Gulab Gandhi)
Being the biggest celebrity that this nation has ever seen in its modern existence is indeed a tough job. And the immense responsibility that comes with the status makes it more difficult to maintain the balance between the different aspects of life. The Father of the Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, didn't perhaps fit into the role of an ideal parent especially for his eldest son, Harilal Mohandas Gandhi.
Gandhi, My Father is about this turbulent relationship between the Mahatma and his son, who felt his surname to be a disadvantage. But didn't shy away from flaunting it when the need arose.
"He is the greatest father that you can have... but he is one father I wish I didn't have" - Harilal Gandhi
"In your laboratory experiments, unfortunately I am the one truth that has gone wrong"
Feroz Abbas Khan, who also directed the much-talked-about play
Mahatma vs Gandhi, does a good job of the film, but shies away from highlighting the subtle moments and emotions in a father-son relationships. Everything is then and there, things don't exactly evolve. But David MacDonald's helps hide many such blemishes with his competent cinematography.
There's also humour in the film, I found myself and my companion smiling, if not laughing, especially during the first half. Akshaye Khanna is a fine actor and plays his role well, though not to the hilt. The best performance though comes from Shefali Shah as Kasturba Gandhi.
The film doesn't bore, but also doesn't engross. Ideally, one would have expected better from a director who has handled the subject before. The script, I felt, actually goes against the title. It should've been called Harilal, My Son - but then Gandhi sells, so even Mahatma, My Father was out of the question. Though the promos would like you to believe otherwise, the movie leaves the impact that Harilal the undeserving son and the Mahatma wasn't exactly a failed father.
If I'm not mistaken, I noticed the Hero Cycle's 'H' on the front some of the cycles used in the movie but Hero Cycles came into being about eight years after where the story of the film ends. There's not much drama, not much of a story either. Ignore my nitpicking and watch the movie for its authentic feel.
Watch the trailer:
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Ingredients
One-fourth teaspoon - turmeric powder
One teaspoon - red chilli powder
Two tablespoon - butter
Pepper and salt to taste
Preparation
1. Clean and wash the brains.
2. Boil them with three cups of water salt, turmeric powder and red chilli powder.
3. Boil them on a medium flame for 10 to 12 minutes or till tender.
4. Remove the thin membrane.
5. Cut each brain into four pieces.
6. Lightly melt butter in a non-stick pan and saute the pieces on a medium flame.
7. Sprinkle pepper powder and serve hot.
The above is the recipe for the first kind of bheja fry, the edible one.
The second kind is where your own brain is the principal ingredient and the chef's apron is adorned by a peculiar specimen - the bheja frier. Seemingly innocent, but disastrously dangerous.
Now there's a third kind which you can watch on the big silver screen. Sagar Bellary's Bheja Fry. A wonderful concoction of everyday ingredients presented in a simplistic but hilarious manner. Everyone gets the joke and the whole hall is continuously roaring with laughter.
Not delving into the story, as it needs to be watched to be felt. But a fabulous performance by Vinay Pathak as Bharat Bhushan (an acquaintance of mine has the same name, and the poor soul is going to be harassed big time) is worth the mention. And Ranvir Shorey's exaggerated effort doesn't fit in.
Morale of the movie: Don't call an idiot an idiot.
The most important part, no slapstick. Go watch.
00:01:04 [This an edited version of the official trailer]
[Download this video (FLV 1.51 MB)]
Bheja Fry (2007)
[35mm, 95 minutes]
Cast
Sarika, Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Milind Soman, Ranvir Shorey, Tom Alter, Harsh Chhaya, Ikhlaque Khan, Bhairavi Goswami.
Crew
Producer: Sunil Doshi
Director: Sagar Ballary
Director of Photography: Parixit Warrier
Editor: Suresh Pai
Sound: Tapas Nayak
Production Designer: Meenal Agarwal
Art Director: Alok Haldar
Music Director: Sagar Desai
Story and Screenplay: Sagar Ballary, Arpita Chatterjee
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"From the makers of Dil Chahta Hai" - this bit was enough to draw me to a late 10:45 PM show on the first day of Rock On's release. 
