since 26

you dont need a narration. tell the voice inside your head to shut up. your guitar has stopped bleeding. you killed it yourself after the concert. but the song still remains the same. raindrops always make you sad. sunshine, makes you feel angry. it isn't a regular story. for, nothing ever happened to you could be regular. you weren't born this way. this city doesn't belong to you. you don't belong here. its a new feeling. grass has grown from your garden upto your door. its been so long since you shaved. or had a bath. memories of her are a like a ghost. a faint whisper, but you can never see it, can't touch her hands. wine. music. carosel. happiness. little dim flickering lights. your daughters' shinning blonde hair. your throat begins to dry. you pull up your car and step out.the song doesn't change. you only feel worse, like throwing up. the mountains have ended. no use jumping. your gun doesn't have bullets anymore. the knives that you carry are blunted with rust.no one can imagine what you were thinking through the pain. the pain finally seems so comforting. realizing it is just the first part, of redemption, of retribution, of revival, of reconcilation and of reversal. not possible in your case. none. the smell of tobacco and the burning sound of paper ruin your high.every drop makes an ocean. every mistake is a crime. you think you're paranoid. sitting besides a dog, seeing him pee on your front tyre. you don't even shoo him away. every drop makes an ocean. every mistake isn't a crime, is it? the dog only stares at you. with unseeing eyes, doesn't reply. doesn't go away. orange skies. you try and remember how you got here. did life get you here? or that bitch. or the other bitch! everything was going all right, she came and she ruined everything.every movie you've ever seen has ended this way. your life is about to end. and you know there is one more thing left to do. run in the fields. see a rainbow. hit a home run. save a dying man. just once. you need to get up, you have to get up. walk across the road. ask for help. not a soul in sight. just you and your bleeding spleen. your hand covers it, but doesn't cover enough. you take off your shoes. the last time your shoes got blood stained, you had a bad day. this was better. you can hear the horses. from far away. the war wasn't really over. but why were they coming for you? all you had is the key. you put in the doorknob. turn it clockwise. the door opens.at this point of time, endless possibility lay in front of you. you're not scared to open the door, but you want something to surprize you. before that you have a choice - right leg or left. you put your right foot forth. you are still wearing your shoes. you remember taking them off. you see a door diametrically opposite yours. the doorknob swerves. the door opens. you see footsteps. no shoes.you would be surprized how much you can tell about a man if you can't see his face. esspecially if he is a woman. and if she is holding a gun. your gun. her head is a gaint flashlight, blinding you. making you unable to move. she fires one round. another. you don't feel anything. she is annoyed to you see you smiling. you smile as if you were the God. the God that saved you. the flashlight comes closer to you, as if she is running towards her lover.the sight of well toned thighs in a black skirt is making you horny. you wonder if she would kneel and give you some head. but she raises her leg. to kick your nuts. hard. you collapse to the ground. who is smiling now? still you.the flashlight completely blinds you. and when you open your eyes you see the clear afternoon blue sky bathing in the sun. you try to get up but the sides of your bath tub are very slippery. white cranes and kingfishers are flying around. their sound doesn't seems to lull the pain in your testicles, rahter encourage it. your bath tub is in the middle of a beach. you aren't surprized, why would you be? a crane sits on the left edge of your bath tub. it looks a little bit like the bitch who pee-ed on your tyre. it pecks you. you start bleeding. you see the thing about hallucinations is that, you wouldn't know its really happening. but when you know a bird has poked his beak in you and you are going to die, you want your entire life to flash in front of your eyes. then what the fuck is this?i told you not to listen to me. i'm just the voice in your head

A medical documentary

Sicko (2007)

As much as I hate the sight of Micheal Moore, I cant deny liking his work. He makes films with a cause, to change something. Be it a little change, but something significant. And thats the reason why movies should be made.

And about not liking the man, I'm conventional in the the sense that I wouldn't like to watch obese people on screen. Heck! I'm obese. But I'm hooked to the stereotypes the world is stuck in. My bad.

Anyway, back to the film. Its a documentary on how the insurance companys have screwed the medical system of the United States while how socialized medicine and Universal medicine for all has changed live in countries like Canada, France and Cuba. Thank heavens he hasn't headed towards our country. Because this documentary would became an appraisal for the US Medd system if the Indian system was ever potrayed (Tada! Idea for my next short film!)

He weaves reality story in a nice way, but since it is a documentary, it should be neutral. Well, I didn't feel it was. The point that the director was trying to make was only the point of focus. The flipside, the cons, the dark side wasn't really potrayed. Narrowing of ideas is a liberty lost when one makes a documentary and not a feature film. In that department, I think, the film loses out.

Its a good watch. And a must for all the medicos.

Rate - 2/5

Here...

...Yahan (2005)

This is a very dark film. Literally, the visuals are hauntingly blue tinged and dark with jerky camera work. Its almost as if you're watching the entire film through an eye-spy camera. But thats where the beauty of the film lies. This is Shoojit Sorcar's directoral debut. I wonder why he hasn't come out with more work (maybe because this one bombed out!)

The movie is about terrorism in Kashmir, blah blah blah... But the movie definately has a soul. It is intense and powerful at times, and tender and intimate at instances (like the song ada) Jimmy Shergill, Minisha Lamba, Manoj Tiwari and Yashpal Sharma have given powerpacked and realistic performances. Infact, every actor in the film is very real. I couldn't find a tinge of artificial.

I don't know why such brilliant movies go unnoticed in this film industry while utter pieces of crap like Singh is King get so much recognition. This film is a work of art and addresses a very important issue for our country. Forget an avid movie goer, this film didn't work because of the eunuchs amongst us who feel proud by calling themselves Indian. I spit on thee!

Rate - 4/5

Same people, different lives

Billu Barber (2009)

Irrfan and Shahrukh starrer, directed by Priyadarshan, music by Pritam and special appearances by Deepika, Priyanka and Kareena - a film which turned out to be a mixed bag. Partly because of the weird combination mentioned above, and partly because the movie had this unmistakable Priyadarshan stamp on it. I think thats where it lost the battle. The storyline of this film deserved a classic treatment which was lacking.

The story of a superstars' world and the story of a barber's world. How diametrically opposite and yet branching from the same root. Fascinating concept, very well built up suspense, brilliant acting by the two Khans, but the film just lacks that special something!

Lara Dutta is probably a surpize in this movie where she plays a homely village woman, doing a far better job than her earlier attempt (Mumbai se aaya mera dost)

All in all, a very slow village-like film. Reminds me of Welcome to Sajjanpur, but lacks the Shyam Benegal touch!

Rate - 2.5/5

HOODA hell is this?

Mere khwaboon me jo aaye (2009)

Another film by a female director, but this time I wasn't that lucky. Because this installment wasn't really that good.

I mean, I really liked the concept - A woman tries to forget the problems in life by fantasizing about a hot young man who helps her out in everything except the bed (kinda like a gay best friend!) But, the treatment given to the storyline is very poor.

Randeep Hooda's character is very well written and he has done his bit very well. Infact, he makes the movie tolerable. Raima Sen is so cute and good looking, she is the sort of girl that you wish sits next to you in class and you stare at her throughout the entire lecture! She is that gorgeous.

I have nothing else to say but...

Rate - 1.5/5

bevdi...

DevD (2009)

I can't believe I havn't seen a movie for two weeks. I've been waiting for this movie to release, and watching this movie was like having an orgasm. All the pent up energy finally found a chanel to flow!

This is an absolute cult movie. Anurag Kashyap kicks ass! Smoke, Drugs, Alcohol, Sex...what more could you ask for? (Did you shout Murder?) A heartbroken, drug drowning mans' journey from one woman to another in a modern Delhi is potrayed in a classic style and verve. This is what Bollywood cinema has come up to, and I'm very happy.

This movie is like a bunch of random ideas put together. Mixing facts with fiction, weaving practical jokes and making a movie on sex is hard enough, let alone making it commercially viable. If you're in distress, if you like getting high, if you like gaudy imagery or if you appriciate real art, in its most raw form, this movie is for you!

Abhay Deol as Dev is a phenomenon. There is going to be a generation of druggies and jilted lovers who would want to look like him when they break up or when they get high! He has abso-fuckin-lutely rocked the screen with EMOSSIONAL ATTYACHAAR!

Paro and Chanda, the two women in the life of Dev...who were potrayed rather meek and submissive in the earlier versions of Sharatchandra Chattophadhya's Devdas, are evolved characters in this movie, with their own egos, whims and fancies, and sexual needs.

I fall short of words when I describe the music of this film. I've been going over the tracks again and again for over a month now, and I still can't get enough of them. Amit Trivedi has done a wonderful job with his 18 tracks.

My God, I 'm so happy I waited out for this movie, and it did not dissapoint me at all!

Rate - 4.5/5

Trivia - Anurag Kashyap's guest appearance in the movie? He is Kalki's customer before Abhay.

Steve Martin at his best!

Dirty rotten scoundrels (1988)

This movie just blew me away. I think it was one of the first comedy con movies ever made with the twist of a modern day thriller. Back in the day when Steve Martin and Micheal Caine made this film, they knew they were ahead of time, especially when it came to the ending. Of course, Micheal Caine is no stranger to controversial subjects (Blame it on Rio)

There have been so many Bollywood rip offs of this movie that I've lost count. (Khel, Andaz apna apna, etc.) But the original stays.

I would really want you to watch this movie than ruin any part of it for you. Go ahead.

Rate - 4/5

The female director

Luck by chance (2009)

This is the first release I saw in 2009. Its Farhan Akhtars' second film and his sister Zoya's directoral debut. But it feels like you're watching a seasoned film. If you have a spectrum of films and film makers who've made expose on "Hindi film industry" than Madhur Bhandarkar would be on one end while Farah Khan would be on the other. And we have Miss Zoya Akhtar somewhere in between. Its like Madhur meets Om Shanti Om.

And thats not saying its a bad movie. Its infact, very good. It has a certain feel good factor to it, yet making it commercially viable. The story of a charming young man who uses his popularity amongst the women to get himslf to the top. But what he doesn't know is that his luck is standing by him the entire way. And on the step ladder rise to fame, he forgets the people whom he stepped over. Surprizingly, the movie ends with realization, but not with reconcilation. Thats what makes the film very real.

Isha Sherwani is sizzling hot in the movie. The part when she seduces Farhan Akhtar in her pink pajamas, I don't think I have words to say what happened. She is mind bogglingly flexible, voulptous and oh-my-God the moles!

My favourite character though was Rishi Kapoor. He plays the modern day producer perfectly. God fearing, two faced, lying and conniving businessman. Farhan Akhtar plays his character with a tone of underplay which plays out very well for him. Its more real. More relatable.

With a bunch of cameos, this movie is defiately a worth watch for movie buffs. You will definately see what I mean by the title.

Rate - 3.5/5

All it takes is a K.I.S.S.

French Kiss (1995)

This is a complete movie. It has just the right amount of romance, comedy, sex and well, that something that makes a movie a classic. I'd rate this movie almost next to Notting Hill, Music and lyrics, When Harry met Sally and Titanic.

Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline look too good to be true in the film. Their chemistry comes off as natural as a real American-French pair. Apart from a strong storyline, France has been potrayed in a very "place I was born" way. In the Hindi rip off, Pyaar to hona hi tha, the lead pair actually fell for each other and got married. (Ajay Devgan and Kajol) So, that says enough for the power of the French kiss.

The last act of Kate giving away all her life savings to help this frenchman she only knows for a week, reminds me of O Henry stories, and the purity of love in the literature of that time. This movie has that effect on people.I remember seeing the movie when I was in school, and I loved it then. But now that I saw it again, after breaking up from a super - serious relationship, I really get what the movie means. Or maybe its just the blues that one would apprieciate romantic movies more. Whatever be the case, the sheer brilliance of the movie cannot be denied by any man's futile attempts to find love!

Experience the french kiss!

Rate - 4.5/5

Best hindi love story ever...

Hum dil de chuke sanam (1999)

I've been dying to write a review for this film, for this is one of the most magical yet ironical love stories that I've seen. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a man of art, a master at peaking your emotions and then crash / burn. (Bollywood's Baz Luhrman!) I love every movie that he's made (Khamoshi, Black, Devdas) except probably, Saawariya. I don't care what people would say about him and his films, I would never stop watching them. Its the sort of unconditional love, like that for Shah Rukh Khan.

The person who loves you and the one you love are probably not the same person. Nandini who falls in love with Sameer in small town Gujrat and Vanraj, who falls in love with Nandini - his wife. The film potrays the dual nature of true love. The initial exciting, obsessive, all-over-each-other phase which is so beautiful and poetic, but never lasts. And the later part, the true, non-glamorous, all accepting, all forgiving, almost unrealistic kinds. This is a story of a woman who is fortunate enough to find both these forms of true love, only from two different men. What does she accept is what the ending of this epic romance is all about.

My favourite character in the movie is Nandini's grandmother who has the wisest cracks. That scene where she is telling the two lovers about her story, under the starlit sky, is almost poetry in motion. Also, Vanraj is one of the best written characters in recent times. His conviction, honesty and bravery is commendable, and Ajay Devgan fits the bill perfectly. The scene of Vanraj and his father is one of the cornerstones of the film.

The shooting of the movie also saw its lead pair Salman and Aishwarya hooking up. But life isn't a movie (Why do people say that?) They broke up, with a lot of anger, might I add. Aishwarya is now happily married to Abhishek while Salman is still looking for look alikes.

Everything about the movie has already been raved about. The brilliant characterization, the stunning art direction, the immaculate beauty of Aishwarya, the honest performance of Ajay and lastly, the music which forms the soul of the film.

One of the best romantic films of all times.

Rate - 4.5/5

How many times does Sameer throw the honey off Nandini's hand? Five.

Skate fest...

Lords of dogtown (2007)

This is a movie about insane skateboard stunts and awesome colours that will leave you awe struck. But thats about it. The story is pretty much shitty.

How "lords of dogtown" grow up together on a skating team, some out grow themselves with fame and money while some with a brain tumour. Somewhat like Rock On!!! But you will enjoy the joyride of ride on the skateboard with them. The camera work is insane, giving you video game - like visuals.

Heath Ledger plays a pre-joker character in this movie. Its as if you can almost see the Joker evolving in this man.

Rate - 1.5/5

A film on film making

Amator (1979)

This is far from being a classic film, but for all aspiring short film makers like me, its gold.

A man bought a video camera to film his new born daughter, ended up winning awards for his short films. Film about a midget who worked with him for 25 years, film about how promises to change the world were broken, film about pigeons on the window. The kind of short films I'd love to watch and make. This movie stole my heart for the sheer reason why the man was so driven. Apart from the art of film making, he wanted to potray the truth through his films. And change. Now we all know change is the biggest five lettered word there is, but so is truth.

I wish I could make such films some day.

Rate - 3.5/5

Cross connections

Moonstruck (1987)

Again, a movie seen on pure whim, and turned out to be pretty good. Its a classic Italian family comedy set in New York about relationships (mostly illicit) and how love finally prevails. Cher and Nicholas Cage play the lead.

A 37 year old Italian widow (first husband got run over by a bus) is proposed by a man to which she says yes. But the man has to fly back to Sicily to comfort his dying mother. He tells Cher to give his brother a call and call him for the wedding. She meets his brother, finds out about their bad blood and eventually falls for his raw passion. On the other hand, Cher's dad is cheating on his wife with another middle aged female. They meet Cher and her fiance's brother at the opera. Talk about being short of words. Same night Cher's mother who goes to a restaurant for a lonely dinner finds company in a middle aged professor who likes to lure his female students. Cher's grandfather (who walks his five dogs at night, who does that?) sees them walking home. The morning that ensues after this full moon night, brings Cher's fiance back from Sicily with the news that his mother miraclously survived and now, he can't marry her. So, Nicholas Cage (the brother) asks Cher to marry him in front of the entire cast.

Musical, romantic and ironical. The movie is a treat to watch when you're in love or just out of it. So, you can watch it anytime!

Rate - 2.5/5

Not so funny!

Knocked Up (2007)

I saw this film on a whim. I didnt know any actor, any body related to the movie or anything. But the title was pretty self explainatory. I wasn't even paying much attention the first half hour. Partly because the story wasn't progressive and partly because of the multitasking (telephone, internet and nagging parents) But then the story picked up, and it wasn't that bad.

This is not an in-your-face comedy. It is witty at times, and the spontaneity, weirdness and originality of the conversations is very impressive. Ben Stone's character carries the movie on his back with his comic timing. The chic from Grey's Anatomy (the one who always keeps crying) is the girl who gets knocked up and eventually falls in love with the internet geek (whose job is to post nude videos from famous movies on a non-profitable website!) Mike, from Friends, (who marries Pheobe) also plays a funny part. His conversation with Ben about "the five chairs" is the cornerstone of the film.

I think this movie is funny for people who don't like obvious comedy.

Rate - 2/5

Cinematic poetry of sex and violence!

Oldboy (2003)

This is the only korean and one of the very few South east Asian movies I've seen. But all had the ultimate cinematography and storylines (Hero, Crounching tiger hidden dragon) I was simply blown away. I had seen the hindi remake of this movie (Zinda) but this is just out of the world!

The weird story is extremely well written. Why a man is subjected to 15 years of confinement by a lunatic and the ending - "Maybe you're asking the wrong question! The question is why did I let you free after 15 years?"

The movie is not all that violent, neither does it have all that much of sex. But it is potrayed in such a stylized and slick manner, that I literally had my balls in my mouth during some sequences. I wouldn't want to spoil the ending for you. Go watch it!

This is a must watch for people who love good cinema!

Rate - 4/5

A Hitchcock masterpiece

Vertigo (1958)

I am belittled to comment on a film as great as this, a film maker as genious as him. Vertigo remains one of the best movies I've ever seen. Some people might call it over rated, well, maybe they don't understand movies as we do!

Simplicity going towards psychological crisis and insane behaviour is the hallmark of all Hitchcock movies and books. An agrophobic detective falls in love with his friend's wife whom he was supposed to keep an eye on. As he sinks deeper into the mystery, the woman commits suicide. Only his instincts and persuation lead him to the truth - he was played to become the perfect witness to a murder, posed as a suicide.

Immaculate storyline, a poetry in motion and a reveting background score. This is by far the best background score I've ever heard in a movie. So endearing. Its like the vertigo circles drawing you in!

An informed friend of mine tells me Alfred Hitchcock and Walt Disney were best friends and they were the only ones who would criticize each others works. In reality, Hitchcock was the funny, cartoon kinda guy while Disney was the saddist. Sorry if my sources are balding!

Lastly, the charecter of Madeliene / Judy played by Kim Novac is a that of a classic beauty and mystery. The ones you dream about, wish you would have her one day. But you know they would be your nemesis. Destroy you and leave you dry. But you still want them? Who is the saddist now?

Rate - 4.5/5

Wilson has a Vertigo poster up in his office. Which movie poster does House have? Altered States.

A collage of a young life.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Finally, I got my hands on the DVDrip of this movie. And it was worth all the effort. This is one of the best movie based on Indian poverty I've seen in a long time. And it is one of the better movies I've seen in recent times. It takes you back to classics like Salaam Bombay and masterpieces like City of Gods.

The concept of the film is mind blowing. Within the first two minutes, I was hooked to the storyline. How a young, illiterate, tea - serving employee at a call centre knows all the answers to "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" The answer is, he'd seen more of life in 18 years that you or I could possibly have. (And thats because you're staring at your computer screen right now, instead of being out there!) And the situations which were carved in his memory, making him recollect all the answers are marvellously thought of. Evoking an audience reaction as well as slapping poverty on their faces, so rampant in our fucking country!

The film has a brilliant burnt skin tone. The actors have all done a fair job but no one rises above the storyline. The soundtrack by A R Rahman is fabolous, esspecially Paper planes and O saya.

Eventually its an underdog story. So everyone of us is going to love it. Creativity pours from this attempt of film making. Hats off!

Rate - 4.5/5

A cage of skeletons

Pinjar (2003)

This is one haunting movie. Its depressing. Its heart - wrending. Life isn't a bed of roses. It reminded of movies like Khuda ke liye, Matrubhoomi, Gadar, Partition and Mrityudand. All brilliant and thought - provoking.

This movie is based on anovel by Amrita Pritam, picturing the partition and the Hindu - Muslim rivalry in a very neutral yet humanistic point of view. A Muslim boy kidnaps a Hindu girl owing to some age - old dispute between families. Now, the family wont accept her back, afraid of the society. But thus Muslim boy is ready to marry her and treat her with utmost dignity. The story reveolves around this man being filled with guilt for what he did to the Hindu girl, and the girl finally coming to terms with the tragedy of her life... and accepting it. She ends up helping her relatives, who once threw her out and her husband helps her, in hope for redemption.

Urmila Matondkar plays the Hindu girl with ease. She is a very good actress and received awards for this movie. But for me, the show stealer was Manoj Bajpai, the Muslim boy. What a performance! Every movement, every dialogue, every look is filled with guilt. I think, this is his masterpiece performance. He has done some very good work like Aks, Shool, Satya and Tamanna.

The movie scores on depection of brutal reality. And the history of violence.

Rate - 3/5

A heart is all you need for revenge!

Ghajini (2008)

Finally, I went to see this movie so that I can diss the movie to no ends. And in the first ten minutes, I was convinced this blog would include insane profanity. But then, something happened. The movie actually picked up.

The most important thing in a movie is its story. This film just proves my point. Although, the movie is pretty much bullshit for international standards, its pretty good for Indian audiences. Why? Because the story is gripping. (And that is obviously a gift from the west)

The story is tweaked for bollywood. For staters, the movie is in normal chronological order, with extensive flashbacks. (They wanted to fill seats and have "Ghajini" hair-cut men sell popcorn) There are other plots intertwined, not very well, might I add. The love story delivers a strong feel to the movie, which is probably its' saving grace. The medical student story is well thought of. And the female trafficking and having an actual character called Ghajini is where they really fucked it up. And to top that, Mr. Amir Khan refuses to admit that the story is a "Memento" rip off! Bullocks!!

But I can only talk good things about his acting skills. He plays the freak very well and a mature man in love even better. And the crazy body that he has developed for the movie pays off when the audience whistles away to glory when he takes his shirt off! (as if he was the new Bond girl!)

Asin's character is very lovable and she has carried it beautifully for a new comer. She has a sultry south Indian figure (fuller around the pelvis) in contrast to her debuting counterpart Anushka Sharma (hot punjaban!) If you talk about the acting, both the girls have done a very good job. But you all know who I would pick for my new fav, wouldn't you!

Jiah Khan is underused in the movie. She is hot as hell! (Much like Jessica Alba!)

The music is quite nice, but has a very short shelf life.

Since the movie has a hilariously happy ending, the point potrayed in this film is - Although I cant remember shit after fifteen minutes, all I need to avenge my dead girlfriend (whom I lied to, by the way!) is a heart! And a hot medical student!

Revenge is a dish best served cold - Kill Bill Vol I

Rate - 2.5/5

If Aditya Chopra is obsessed with the colour yellow, A R Murgadoss is obsessed with people drinking water. Check out the movie!

The best and worst of 2008!

Since its year end, its mandatory that I do this!

Movies that you have to see:
A Wednessday
Rock On!
Jaane tu ya jaane na
Fashion
Dasvidaniya
Tashan
Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!
Dostana

Spare a thought for :
Jodha Akhbar
Sorry bhai!
Rab ne bana di jodi
Ghajini
Kismat Konnection
Aamir
Ru ba ru
1920
U, me aur Hum

And you'd definately like to miss :
Singh is King
Race
Krazzy 4
Karzzz
Dil Kabbadi
Love story 2050
Ugly aur pagli
Maan gaye Mughal -e -azam
Dronaa
Golmaal returns
Desdrohi

And now for the so-called "awards"
Best picture : A Wednessday
Best director : Dibaker Banerjee (Oye Lucky!Lucky oye!)
Best actor in leading role : Naseeruddin Shah (A Wednessday)
Best actress in leading role : Priyanka Chopra (Fashion)
Best actor in supporting role : Arjun Rampal (Rock On!)
Best actress in supporting role : Kangana Ranaut (Fashion)
Best actor in negative role : Anil Kapoor (Tashan)
Best actor in a comic role : Abhishek Bachchan (Dostana)
Best cinematography : Ayananka Bose (Tashan)
Best art direction : Dipankar Mondal (Aamir)
Best original story : Neeraj Pandey (A Wednessday)
Best adapted story : Arshad Sayyed (Dasvidaniya)
Best screenplay : Abbas Tyrewala (Jaane tu ya jaane na)
Best music : Shankar - Ehsaan - Loy (Rock On!)
Best song : Pappu cant dance saala (Jaane tu ya jaane na)
Best male singer : Atif Aslam (Bakhuda tumhe ho - Kismat Konnection)
Best female singer : Dominique Cerejo (Yeh tumhari meri baatein - Rock On!)
Best lyrics : Kailash Kher (Alvida - Dasvidaniya)
Best male debutant : Farhan Akhtar (Rock On!)
Best female debutant : Shabana Goswami (Ru ba ru)

And now for my favourite categories :
Worst movie of the year : Singh is King
Worst hero of the year : Himesh Reshammiya (Karzz)
Worst heroine of the year : Vidya Balan (Kismat Konnection)
Worst new comer of the year : Harman Baweja
Worst rip off of the year : Ghajini
Worst song of the year : Dil dance maare (Tashan)

A Ridley Scott masterpiece!

A Good Year (2006)

Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott. Flavour. The film has a distinct fun, sepia - ish flavour, that is less woody and much more woollen. Just like fine wine.

The story is cliche and predicatble. But the treatment given to it is beautiful. Its like one of those things that you can't describe in words. Like a cold Delhi morning. Or a rainy evening with a warm cup of tea. Neon lights and all that. You have to watch the movie and smile!!!

Rate - 3.5/5

So who are the real Heroes?

Heroes (2008)

Now this hindi movie was abashed as a cheap try at an army saga. So, I never put my money on the theatre tickets. But after I caught this movie on TV by mistake, I would like to swallow my guilt.

Sohail Khan and Vatsal Sheth are two student film makers who set out to deliver three letters of dead army officers to their families. Add to that a documentary, a cruiser bike and locations like Kargil, Punjab and other places in north India. I was interested from this very point. But the story gets even better.

Instead of showing boring ground battles and fake air raids, the director has cleverly shown the aftermath of a war. The heroes who die on the battlefield are undoubtedly great men. They talk to their relatives after months of biting cold so that I could sit here and blog everyday. But, there are heroes, too. A wife who takes care of her dead husbands' ailing parents and yet finds the time to nurse her kid to be an army officer is also a hero. The brother who has lost both his legs in the Air Force and a brother in the Army, runs a school to physically train kids is also a hero. A mother who lives to forget the death of her heroic son, at the same time dealing with a disheartened husband who is an angry father is also a hero. These silent, unsung, real life hereos is what the film potrays. They all live their entire life by two words - Pride and Honour. Is that really enough?

The movie is hilarious at times, like Sunny Deol being on a wheelchair and yet fighting with goons in a bar or the voice recording from the middle of a battlefeild. But I'd forgive Samir Karnik for that. After all, he is all Bollywood!

On a serious note, the film does move you. As cliche as it sounds, but our problems do seem trivial to other people in severe discomfort. They have a smile on their face. And we whine, whine and whine! Do you know why they have a smile on their face? Because they make others smile. They have suffered, they know what its like to suffer and wouldn't want anyone else to go through the same experience. The joy of helping others, or should I say the satisfaction of greater good, as much more, rather uncomparble to small, materialistic or selfish happinesses. (if there exsist a word so!)

The greater good are very strong words, with very simple meaning. As a person from any walk of life, if you can make a small difference, to make someone smile, just one random person everyday - you are a hero! A hero who is unsung, and yet is satisfied with his/her existence. If you don't belive me, try me!

Rate - 3.5/5

The Fountain

The Fountain (2006)

Not that I couldn't think of a title for this blog. I couldn't zero down on what it would be! Because this is a movie of mixed bags. The three intertwined stories are absolutely well collabarated. Same people playing different characters with a similar tinge is an age old eye - catcher. And this movie is no different.

A very weird and original storyline. A man researching on monkeys with brain tumours so that he could save his wife from dying of the same illness. The wife, who is now hallucinating due to her tumour, is writing a book on a Spanish queen who sends a Man to fetch the elixer of life so that she could live forever with this man. She leaves the last chapter for her husband to finish. The last chapter is very vague - this man trying to enter a dying star through its nebula (in outer space) so he can make the tree immortal. (The tree is like the dying wife)

Metaphorically speaking, the film is very rich. Hugh Jackman does an allrite job but Rachel Weiz is stunning as the spanish queen.

Darren Aronofsky has done a masterful job of directing this film. Visually its very appealing, like Van Gogh!

Rate - 3/5