From Dostana to Safar

After watching Dostana, I caught up with this old gem on telly. With the ongoing strikes of TV technicians, there's been a lull in programming regular serials. So channels are now airing movies on their air time

As I watched the movie, I couldn't help comparing it with Dostana. There's 38 years gap between the two. But Safar still outshines.

The plot: Like Dostana, Safar is also a story of friendship. Two young medical students, Neela (Sharmila Tagore) and Avinash (Rajesh Khanna) meet in medical college, become good friends, fall in love, but never confess so in words. Why? Because it was 1970. Neela couldn't have taken the first step. And Avinash is suffering from blood cancer, and he doesn't want Neela to suffer on his behalf. Enters into this picture Shekhar (Feroz Khan), a dashing businessman, who falls for Neela and proposes to her. Avinash convinces Neela to accept the proposal because he wants her to live a comfortable life. However, destiny has something else in store.

Neela gets married to Shekhar but still remains a close, platonic friend to Avinash. This is not taken in good spirit by Shekhar who is battling with his own business troubles. The drama is fueled further when he reads an old letter of Neela, which Avinash had written in Neela's handwriting as a prank. Considering the words in the letter to be true, he asks Neels to marry Avinash and commits suicide. Neela is tried for murder, but found not guilty, while Avinash disappears from her life. What happens? Does Avinash come back to Neela's life? How does she pass her journey (safar) of life? What happens to Avinash?

The movie is beautiful like a fresh dew in the morning, effective in its simple storytelling ability, and touches the heart like a sweet pang.

So finally, what do you say?

Dostana is contrived and basically a fiction for most of us. Be honest. How many open gay couples will you find in real life? How many people get as many choices and second chances as everyone in the movie gets? How can one simply afford the yuppie lifestyle in Miami unless one is born with the silver spoon and a very generous daddy? The movie is an unreal as it comes.

Safar, on the other hand, is too real to be comfortable. How many times we've compromised because we have been asked to think from our head and not heart? Love is a beautiful feeling, but life needs to be comfortable, so how many of us have come up with this choice and chosen life over love? How many women are there whose marriages have not been troubled when they've been too honest with their husbands? How many of us have actually suffered from the pain of losing someone we love? How many times we've felt helpless when the one we love is gone forever and we just stand by helplessly? Life is a journey and we have to travel it, whatever comes

So on that note, I wish you all a very beautiful jeevan ka safar (life journey)

God bless.

Dostana - Fun, frolic and gayness in Miami

Bollywood is pushing the traditional envelope, exploring previously taboo territories. And one such venture is Dostana.

The plot: Sam (Abhishek Bacchhan) and Kunal (John Abraham) are having the time of their life in Miami, with beach romps and one-night stands. What they need to make their life perfect is a nice apartment. They have just one in sight, but the landlady wouldn't lease it to them because she doesn't want two hunky lads to corrupt her sexy niece, Neha (Priyanka Chopra). The two guys decide to pretend as a gay couple. They get the apartment, but also a lot of hilarously misunderstood troubles. However, the biggest trouble is that both fall in love with Neha. Adding to their woes is that Neha's getting cosy with her straight and suave boss (Bobby Deol). How they deal with the situation? How they deal with each other? And with Neha's boss? Does Neha get to know the truth? And what's her reaction? And finally, who gets the girl?

Why this film works:

1. The plot - New story (previously untouched theme in India)
2. Hilarious situations - First half will have you in splits (When Abhishek tells how he met the love of his life John in Venice, when Abhishek and John dirty dance with Boman Irani and the American officer on 'Bidi Jalai Le,' when Abhishek's mom Kiran Kher enters the scene in this revelry and tries to first prevent the situation and finally accepts)
3. John, John, John - When he strips, when he poses, when he smiles, when he looks, when he breathes. Is there anything that guy can do when girls don't scream? I was witness to this banshee-like behavior by a group of girls sitting in the same row who screamed right from the first reel when John entered. Well! What can I say? Bipasha is a lucky girl.
4. Priyanka's hotness - She's one of the very few girls in Bollywood who can carry off skimpy clothes as sexy and classy, which would look vulgar on other women. The girl looks sensational in this movie and she can act. Fantastic job, indeed!
5. Abhishek's comic timing - The actor can tickle your funny bone and how. As for the drool factor, he's smart enough to know his limitation in that department, so he's remained cool and casual. More or less, like a "Bhaiya ji" in the US.

Why this film doesn't work:
1. The plot - Only the young people in metros can appreciate the theme. India is too traditional and family-oriented to broadly accept it. This is not a family movie either. People won't watch it with their parents or in-laws, or children for that matter. The topic is controversial and still unacceptable and even unrecognizable to the majority of people.
2. Editing - The film drags in the end. Though they've tried to make it snappy, but still the drama does seem a bit too much. That's a general problem with comedies, especially from Karan Johar's kitty. All of them have a fantastic opening but in the end somehow the magic is lost. Cases in point - Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Na Ho, and the dinosaurial Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Dostana also has a fantastic opening but the ending is slow.
3. The finale - We Indians love close-ended ends. So who gets the girl, finally? It's everyone's guess. But yes Dostana remains among the three.
4. Message - None, whatsoever. Even not the one related with gays. The film is just a funnily hatched-up plot out of a situation involving gays. But what's the message? If I try hard, I can find only one - Do not lie and avoid embarassing pay-ups. In this case, the guys had to make up for their lies by kissing each other, a scene which will haunt them forever.
5. One time watch - Due to the lack of a message and not a very central theme, it's a one-time watch. Sex jokes at the expense of one community are fun, but they never make memories.

So overall, I would give the movie 3 stars out of 5.
But I would definitely call it a one-time must watch.

Cheers.

Sometimes, you catch up what you missed...only for better!

Terrible times, we're living in today. The continuous spate of bomb blasts in Bangalore (July 25, 2008) and Ahmedabad (July 26, 2008) have shaken me to the core. What a terrible, terrible waste of life!
The most shocking thing is that I'm not surprised today, just saddened and disheartened that the Indian government is not doing enough to combat terrorism. Totally disenchanted with the government and their milk-sop policies in dealing with the perpetrators of these atrocities, I decided to postpone going out this weekend. It's not that I'm scared, but so sad that I didn't feel like going outside.

Just tried out some new recipes at home during dinner. Dinner time means channel browsing. And Sony TV was showing its TV premier of 'Naqaab - The Thriller.'

Started watching it for some diversion, got involved, and was impressed. Here's why:

1. Plot: The story is based in Dubai and involves three primary characters: Sophia (debutante Urvashi Sharma), Karan (Bobby Deol), and Vicky (Akshaye Khanna).

Sophia, a beautiful middle-class girl, believes in earning for her needs by serving in Burger King! Totally besotted with her is a multi-millionaire tycoon, Karan Oberoi, who ironically is not shown working even once. Karan proposes. She accepts.

But wait! Not all is well in the love-birds' paradise. Why else would she be titillated by the attentions of another non-working Romeo, Vicky? Their first meeting is equally bizarre. On a hen's night out with her girlfriends she's persuaded, rather forcibly, by the restuarant owner to pick up a man from the diners for 'one last dance' to celebrate the end of her single life. She chooses Vicky, who was the only one more interested in capturing her on his videocam rather than posing for her. They have one beautiful dance and the third angle in the love story starts.

Now, Vicky pursues Sophia. She refuses at first, and then she gives in. And they have an affair.

2. The twist: Big deal! Yes, it is because it soon becomes apparent that the whole plot is actually engineered by someone. The entire life of the three lovers was being captured on the video cam, unbenown to them. Mysterious phone calls are made to Vicky to honor a "contract?" So what's going on?

To cut the long story short, Karan is none other than an egotistical, callous, materialistic director who's signed up Vicky for a film contract. Vicky is to play the third part in a love triangle, only that the people involved would be real and wouldn't know that their emotions are being captured live by a candid camera. But the deal is murkier than you thought. Nothing is more important than getting the film shot in a 'realistic way,' even if human emotions and feelings are trodden and lives are shattered interim.

3. The end suspense: The movie unfolds in myriad ways, creating a question on what construes on taking 'artistic liberty' and how we just need to justify our ends, whatever the way. But you reap what you sow. Vengeance raises its head and someone is shot. Who? Why? How?

To find out, watch the movie. I'm sure it will keep you engrossed.


4. The inspiration: Like all good suspense movies, this movie has also been "inspired" (read, lifted from scene to scene with minor alterations to suit Indian taste, like song and dance routine) from the 2003 British film dot the i. No big surprises, there. But now you know what to do if you accidentally come across the original version. Don't miss it! I've often found that Indian directors lift stories only from 'good movies.'

5. The cast:

Urvashi Sharma: Good job, could have been better. The key thing she's very easy on eyes---beautiful, translucent skin, fantastic screen presence. However, would advise her to go easy on makeup as she's naturally beautiful and has great complexion.

• Looks: 5/5 (She's a model with a high acceptance level in movies, as she's not reed thin and beanpole tall and has a very pretty face)
• Acting: 2.5/5 (Is her voice real? That's the first question I try to find out when models debut. With time, they do learn to 'act.' But their dialog delivery is usually below par. Good examples are John Abraham, Arjun Rampal, and Sushmita Sen. Bad examples are Milind Soman, Dino Morea, and Bipasha Basu.

2. Bobby Deol: Why, oh why doesn't he experiment with his looks or locks? He's blessed with fantastic cases of both, but he's so boring. I've heard from a friend that he's the best looking guy in Bollywood. Unfortunately, that doesn't get reflected on screen. It would help if he goes for a new haircut. Acting-wise, he's done a good job, but could have been more menacing and manipulative. Something like Arjun Rampal in Om Shanti Om (He was a viper in that movie!).

• Looks: 2.5/5
• Acting: 3/5

3. Akshaye Khanna: When Dil Chahta Hai was released, I fell in love with his looks despite he was partially bald? It suited him so tremendously (if you don't believe me, check it by clicking his name link). This one works, but nothing exceptional. Well, it's his choice!
As for acting, he's amazing. He's easily one of the most under-rated actors in Bollywood. He's expressive, knows when to go over the top and tone it down, and has a fluid face.

• Looks: 2/5
• Acting: 5/5

6. Direction: 2.5/5 (A good effort by the director duo Abbas-Mastan to make an 'inspired, Indianized' version of the original)

7. Music: I only remember 'Ek Din' dance number. Fantastic song. Beautifully choreographed.

• Singer: Javed Ali (5/5)
• Music director: Prittam (3/5 because though this song gets a complete 5, but the rest of the songs have faded from memory. Not a good effort for the album.)
• Lyricist: Sameer (4.5/5)
• Choreography: Beautiful, excellent Salsa number choreographed by Raju Khan (5/5)

With that, I sign off. Happy watching.
Remain safe and sound and in peace and love!

Chao.

Yawn! Another gangster movie from the Factory!

Along with two highly-awaited movies, Kismat Konnection and Dark Knight, released this Friday, another spin-off on gangster, terrorism, etc. has been churned out by Ram Gopal Verma's "Factory"--- Contract.

Haven't watched it, nor planning to. But it made me think about my all-time favorite gangster movies (to read their plots, click the links):

1. The Godfather - Part 1
2. The Godfather - Part 2
3. Taxi Driver
4. Satya
5. Vaastav
6. Deewar
7. Parinda
8. Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin
9. Ardh Satya
10. Shiva

Hope you enjoy the above movies, as I've done. Let me know about your favorites (country, language does not matter, as long as the movie is good!).

The verdict is out! Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is a blockbuster hit.

The movie is doing stupendous business in India and abroad. But why? What's new about it?

Last week, I managed to catch up with the movie in theatre. Here's my analysis:

1. Theme: Youth, college bonding, teenage love story, comedy, friendship. Pick any.

2. Plot: The same old plot. A group of college friends. The hero and heroine are great buddys, best friends, etc. etc. What they don't realize is that they also love each other. The entire story deals with their growing up, realizing their feelings, and then expressing it to each other.

For more details, visit the following link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaane_Tu_Ya_Jaane_Na

3. So what's the big deal?

1. Refreshing treatment: Fresh, fresh, fresh! That's what I felt after the movie ended and the credits rolled by. The same old concept is treated in a very zingy manner. No big deal and brouhaha about feelings, emotions, etc. The issues are dealt with as and when they arrive. In fact, the movie doesn't really have a great story, but has a fantastic direction!

2. The Cast:

Newcomers: Cute, bubbly, sporty, spicy, and effervescent.

Veterans: Now I know why the television was best in 80's. Just see how effectively and effortlessly, they've played their unique roles with quirky personalities.

My favorite moments:

• Whenever Savitri Rathore (Jai's mother) interacts with her dead husband's picture, Amar Singh Rathore, who refuses to rest in peace until his son fulfils the three conditions of proving that he's a true man. Their dialogues are hilarious.

• When Aditi's brother (fantastic job done by Prateek Babbar here) pours water on Jai to stop him from singing and then delivers this classic line, "You are not good looking, you don't have any money, and you're a bad singer. Which girl would marry you after you court her with this song?"

• When Aditi and her brother discuss how they drifted apart from being friends to virtual strangers while growing up. When Aditi recognizes the depth and extent of her brother's talent, emotions, and love.

• Aditi's jealousy without realizing why whenever Jai gives attention to his girlfriend, Meghna.

• When Jai realizes he loves Aditi only after he comes to know she's engaged.

• When Aditi realizes she loves Jai but can't do anything about it as she's already engaged.

• When Jai finally beats the violent fiancee of Aditi for abusing her physically.

• When Jai gives his father's soul blissful happiness and endless worry to his mom as he proves he's a man by fufilling three conditions: 1. He beats someone. 2. He rides a horse. 3. He goes to jail. And he does all three only because of his love for Aditi.

The moments are several, the list is limited. So finally, let's have the rating card:

1. Movie plot: 3/5 (same old plot, and maybe too much lovey-dovey. Even teenagers today are more mature than that. The plot is too innocent for the cynical world, but then maybe this is what the doctor actually ordered.)

2. Direction: 5/5 (Fantastic direction. Not even a single thing looked out of place. Excellent job from both the newcomers and veterans (who looked happy and relaxed for a change))

3. Acting: 4.9/5 [Everyone did a stupendous job, then why 4.9? Because one character overacted. She's the cynical air hostess whom Jiggy (Jai's Gujrati friend, who's mostly seen sporting all the outrageous hairstyles ever in his college years - check him on the lower-left corner of the photo above) loves but can't say so. So the group of friends decide to share Jai and Aditi's love story with her. The girl really overacted and how, especially when you compare her with the rest of the newcomers.]

4. Songs: 4/5 (A.R. Rahman has once again proved why he's the boss of all music directors. "Kabhi kabhi Aditi" is the new ringtone of the nation. "Pappu can't dance, saala" is the new disco theme. The other songs are also nice and choreographed beautifully, but alas! do not stay in memory for long.)

4. Should you watch this movie or not?: Definitely yes! No second thoughts about it. It's a must-watch, even if you don't identify with it. Why? Because you were that young and innocent once.

5. In theatre or DVD?: I would say catch it first on theatre. Freshness needs to be treated with respect, and so should be the newcomer cast. One of my friends liked it so much that he's planning to buy its DVD as soon as it's released, so that he can watch it anytime he's depressed. Wouldn't you like to try the same?

That's all for now.

Coming up soon: Reviews of Kismat Connection and Dark Knight

Till then, TC.

Chao.

South Americans make the best soap operas

The competetion between TV channels is getting hotter. To lure viewers who would like more variety on TV, Sahara TV channel started a new channel called Firangi. This channel showcases foreign language serials in Hindi, claiming that they're 'the world's best stories.' Undoubtedly, this is very exciting to all of us who'd like to broaden our horizons.

I've only been able to catch up with the serial 'Second Chance.' A little info about it:

Original serial name: El cuerpo del Deseo

Country of origin: Colombia, United States

Original language: Spanish

Plot: The story features Pedro José Donoso, a wealthy old man in love with a gorgeous younger woman, Isabel Arroyo. He dies suddenly, but returns to Earth through transmigration (the passing of a soul into another body after death), in the body of Salvador Cerinza, a handsome (yet poor) family man. Pedro José searches for everything he lost, uncovering secrets, truths and deceptions. Ultimately, he must set things straight and save those who truly loved him.

Facts to consider before rating the serial:

1. The plot: Not original but very fascinating and familiar. Reincarnation, past life, and karma are household concepts for Hindus, Buddhists, and some eastern philosophies, but very intriguing to the rest of the world.

2. The message: 'You reap what you sow.' It's always exciting to watch people getting their comeuppance for what they did.

3. Joint family: Although people might be going for nuclear families in real life, they love wathcing shenangians of a joint family. Whatever country or culture, family sagas (like Dallas and Dynasty) are all the rage.

4. Good-looking cast: Another common factor in popular soap operas. Be it is Bold & Beautiful, Melrose Place, or Riviera (France), the cast is always jaw-droppingly good-looking. Raises the pulse, true, but needs to be backed up by a good story and believable acting.

5. Well-done histrionics: The key factor here is sustainability. Although most actors start well with their fresh style of acting, something goes horribly wrong when the series stretch for years and years. Either they're bored, or they're simply burned off by going through the same plots (read emotions) again and again.

Ratings of 'Second Chance:'

1. The plot: 6 / 10 (Not original but interesting)

A beautiful young gold-digger marrying a much older man in love with her and deceiving him is always interesting. How the soul of the old man, now in the body of a handsome young farmer, takes revenge makes the plot more riveting.

2. The cast: 10/10 (In looks)

Just check the smoldering good looks and drooling body of Mario Cimarro (the farmer); the sensual and sexy Lorena Rojas (the wife of Don Pedro); and dignified, blue-eyed Andres Garcia (Don Pedro) and you'll know what I mean. These are just some of the main characters, but everyone in the cast is fascinating to look at.

3. The acting: 6/10

I've always found acting in soap operas a little bit over-dramatized. However, still I would say the actors have done a very good job.

4. Should you watch it?: Yes

The serial is directed very well. The story is fluid. The situations are believable, unlike the staple fare where the main characters sleep with 1000 men in incestual relationships and get away with even murder.

5. When and where to catch it?: Check serial slots on Firangi. Or catch it at Sahara TV from 10 PM to 11 PM (Monday to Saturday)

With this, I sign off for today.

Chao and XO

Good movies start from good stories

Movies and books---the two passions in my life---need a good story. Countless bestsellers in books have been successfully made into cinematic legends. Some of my favorites are listed on the right.

"Am I reading a potential blockbuster?" I thought when I read this book recently. Whether it is or not, I will get into that later. Meanwhile, here's why you should read this book, given a chance:

Book name: Gods Behaving Badly

Author: Marie Phillips

Publisher: Vintage Books London

Date of publication: 2008

Theme of the story:

What would you do if you were invited to a tacky TV show hosted by none other than the great Greek god, Apollo? How would you react if you come to know that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and sexual rapture, is actually into phone sex? And the goddess Athena, twin sister of Apollo, the great huntress and protector of vulnerable, turns up at your doorstep asking if you need her to walk your dog?

This book captures all the above and even funnier situations involving gods and goddesses from Greek mythology. Even with their rapidly waning powers, their arrogant, spoilt, and vindictive attitude remains deftly stacked. They still delight in having fun at each others' and sometimes mortal's expense. Hence, the name --- Gods Behaving Badly.

The plot in the story:

Apollo is bored in the 21st Century. No one knows him, no one loves him and, for sure, no one worships him. One fine day, when he refuses to indulge a whim of Aphrodite, she decides to punish him by making him fall in love with a girl, who hates him in return.

This girl is Alice, a shy, nervous, meek cleaner. Alice has a crush on Neil, her mousy, geeky, architect friend. However, both would-be lovers still need to draw courage to express their feelings.

Enters in their sweet love story impossibly handome, ruthlessly persistent Apollo. He not only manages to lure Alice into his web, but also draws a wedge between her and Neil. But when everything seems to have turned Apollo's way, Alice rejects him because she opens up to her feelings for Neil. Angry, furious Apollo contrives to punish Alice for her rebuff and manages to get her killed!

Killed??

Yes, that's right! Alice, the heroine, is killed.

• So what happens to Neil?


• What about Apollo? Does he repent what he did?


• And what about Aphrodite? Does she pay the price of taking her revenge from Apollo?


• Will the doomed lovers re-unite? Who will come and save the day?

To find out, read this book.

The price is reasonable (GBP 3.25, INR 273.00)

The book length is reasonable. And it's always fascinating to read about Greek mythology. If you're not a fan, you will undoubtedly become one after reading this.

The final analysis - movie or not?:

Not perhaps a movie, but a short TV series with dark comedy, definitely!

I can picture a family of eccentric gods and goddesses living in a dilapidated mansion, bickering with each other in clipped, sarcastic British accent, coming across wacky plots involving their run-ins with mortals, and escaping somehow with their dignity intact!

What do you think, Ms Phillips?

But till that's done, enjoy reading and dreaming.

XO