Wish you all a very Happy, Prosperous and Dynamic year ahead in 2010. May God bless you with lots of love and courage.
January 01, 2010
December 28, 2009
3 Idiots is not idiotic
Watched matinee show of 3 Idiots last Friday. The theatre was packed, no wonder bookings for the next ten shows were full in advance. We missed the first two minutes of the film wherein Farhaan (Madhavan, in a carefully knitted role and apt) forcefully gets down from a ready-to-takeoff flight to meet his long lost college friend, Rancho (played brilliantly by Aamir Khan) who is rumoured to have been seen somewhere in Simla. He and his other friend Raju (Sharmaan Joshi lives up to the character) start off on a journey from Delhi to Simla to Ladakh in search of Rancho along with Chatur, their classmate from college and also an intuitive enemy.
The film rolls between present and flashback as Farhaan narrates it effectively. Most of the episodes from their engineering college life are fun to watch on screen except for the delivery on a pool table scene which I felt was too dramatic to digest. Boman Irani (as Virus, the Dean) had nothing new to offer but fitted the role perfectly with striking voice modulation and personality. Kareena Kapoor was good with the I-know-it-all attitude as Dean's second daughter. She leaves her mark in the film in spite of a lesser reel time.
The movie is adapted from Chetan Bhagat's first step to fame, Five Point Someone. Though a lot of modifications have been done with the characterizations of all the characters (except Raju's) and a big twist in the interval episode (quite interesting to watch). But, Hirani should have been more careful while writing and shooting certain scenes. All the three - Aamir, Madhavan and Sharmaan have done exceedingly well. Music is apt for the film and sounds good when you hear it on screen (with the visuals).
All in all, the film is very good and definitely tops the best entertainer list in year 2009.
My rating for this film - **** 1/2
(* You will shoot me
** Waste of time
*** Can sit through
**** Worth watching once
***** Must watch)
The film rolls between present and flashback as Farhaan narrates it effectively. Most of the episodes from their engineering college life are fun to watch on screen except for the delivery on a pool table scene which I felt was too dramatic to digest. Boman Irani (as Virus, the Dean) had nothing new to offer but fitted the role perfectly with striking voice modulation and personality. Kareena Kapoor was good with the I-know-it-all attitude as Dean's second daughter. She leaves her mark in the film in spite of a lesser reel time.
The movie is adapted from Chetan Bhagat's first step to fame, Five Point Someone. Though a lot of modifications have been done with the characterizations of all the characters (except Raju's) and a big twist in the interval episode (quite interesting to watch). But, Hirani should have been more careful while writing and shooting certain scenes. All the three - Aamir, Madhavan and Sharmaan have done exceedingly well. Music is apt for the film and sounds good when you hear it on screen (with the visuals).
All in all, the film is very good and definitely tops the best entertainer list in year 2009.
My rating for this film - **** 1/2
(* You will shoot me
** Waste of time
*** Can sit through
**** Worth watching once
***** Must watch)
December 18, 2009
Reading...
...The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. The book, winner of Man Booker Prize for 2008, is about the entrepreneurial journey of the son of a rickshaw puller. The first few pages look promising. It should be a good read.
December 10, 2009
Divide and Rule
It came as a shock to me when I heard Mr. P Chidambaram, on television, talk about the Telangana bill to be passed in the Assembly. I am surprised that what something like the 1969 Telangana agitation couldn't achieve is now a reality. And, that too as a result of such low protest. Hunger strike by a gentleman, demolition of a few public transport vehicles, strike by some thousand college students and a few television interviews by some TRS leaders is all what it took. I just want to ask one question. Will Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao oblige if someone else is made the Chief Minister of (could be) Telangana state? That answers everything.
Now, already Rayalseema, Kosta and Andhra are raising their voice for separate states. Coming days will see more protest from all corners of Andhra Pradesh. People will fight for Hyderabad, which is already being proposed to be made a Union Territory. I am utterly dissapointed with this decision from centre. Cannot see Andhra Pradesh sliced into pieces after 43 years and after all the sacrifices made to make it happen. An outright insult to Amarajeevi Potti Sreeramulu who fasted until death for the cause. I just hope AP remains as is, united.
We have proved again that we still follow what the British left us behind with - Divide and Rule. Yes, we divide and rule. We do.
Now, already Rayalseema, Kosta and Andhra are raising their voice for separate states. Coming days will see more protest from all corners of Andhra Pradesh. People will fight for Hyderabad, which is already being proposed to be made a Union Territory. I am utterly dissapointed with this decision from centre. Cannot see Andhra Pradesh sliced into pieces after 43 years and after all the sacrifices made to make it happen. An outright insult to Amarajeevi Potti Sreeramulu who fasted until death for the cause. I just hope AP remains as is, united.
We have proved again that we still follow what the British left us behind with - Divide and Rule. Yes, we divide and rule. We do.
December 06, 2009
Ya Rabba...
I love this song from Salaam-E-Ishq. The lyrics are beautiful and Kailash Kher's voice brings soul to this song.
Kaisa Hai Safar Wafa Ki Manjil Ka
Koi Na Sune Sisakati Aanhon Ko
Pyaar Hai Ya Saja, Aai Mere Dil Bata
Tootata Kyon Nahi Dard Ka Silsila
Is Pyaar Mein Hon Kaise Kaise Imntihaan
Ye Pyaar Likhe Kaisi Kaisi Dastaan
Ya Rabba De De Koi Jaan Bhi Agar
Dilbar Pe Ho Na, Dilbar Pe Ho Na Koi Asar
Ho Ya Rabba De De Koi Jaan Bhi Agar
Dilbar Pe Ho Na, Dilbar Pe Ho Na Koi Asar
Pyaar Hai Ya Saja, Aai Mere Dil Bata
Tootata Kyon Nahi Dard Ka Silsila
Kaisa Hai Safar Wafa Ki Manjil Ka
Na Hai Koi Hal Dilon Ki Mushkil Ka
Dhadkan Dhadkan Bikhri Ranjishein
Saansein Saansein Tooti Bandishein
Kahi To Har Lamha Honton Pe Fariyaad Hai
Kisi Ki Duniya Chaahat Mein Barbaad Hai
Ya Rabba De De Koi Jaan Bhi Agar
Dilbar Pe Ho Na, Dilbar Pe Ho Na Koi Asar
Ho Ya Rabba De De Koi Jaan Bhi Agar
Dilbar Pe Ho Na, Dilbar Pe Ho Na Koi Asar
Koi Na Sune Sisakati Aanhon Ko
Koi Na Dhare Tadapati Baahon Ko
Aadhi Aadhi Puri Khwaishein
Tooti Footi Sab Farmaaishein
Kahin Shak Hain Kahin Nafrat Ki Deewaar Hai
Kahin Jeet Mein Bhi Shamil Palpal Haar Hain
Ya Rabba De De Koi Jaan Bhi Agar
Dilbar Pe Ho Na, Dilbar Pe Ho Na Koi Asar
Ho Ya Rabba De De Koi Jaan Bhi Agar
Dilbar Pe Ho Na, Dilbar Pe Ho Na Koi Asar
Ho O O Pyaar Hai Ya Saja, Aai Mere Dil Bata
Tootata Kyon Nahi Dard Ka Silsila
Ho O O O Ho O O O
Na Poocho Dard Bandon Se
Hansi Kaisi Khushi Kaisi
Musibat Sar Pe Rehati Hain
Kabhi Kaisi Kabhi Kaisi
Ho O O O... Rabba, Rabba Ho O O Ho
Rabba Ho O O, Ho O Ho Rabba
December 02, 2009
Hell on Wheels
The pictures below are taken in the second class of the Intercity Express (Vijayawada-Secunderabad). They show the poor state of our Railways. This was the most terrible and painstaking journey in my life. A coupe meant for 12 people was packed with a group of 22 to 24. The price you pay for getting to stand is the same as that paid for a reserved seat - A big fault in the system. It causes inconvenience even for the passengers who have a reserved seat because it hugely affects their comfortability. They are sandwiched between many of those standing.
Railways have to stop issuing tickets once the reserved seats get over or if not, in worst case, reduce the ticket price by at least 50% for those who buy a ticket later for them to decide whether to make the journey or not.
This is pathetic!!! Ms. Mamata Banerjee, are you listening? This is HELL on wheels.
I couldn't shoot from a better angle considering my ackward seating position, surrounded by 4 people and my feet stuck between two ladies and a boy sitting between my seat row and the one exactly opposite to it within a distance of about 20 inches!
Railways have to stop issuing tickets once the reserved seats get over or if not, in worst case, reduce the ticket price by at least 50% for those who buy a ticket later for them to decide whether to make the journey or not.
This is pathetic!!! Ms. Mamata Banerjee, are you listening? This is HELL on wheels.
November 20, 2009
Miles from Home @ Home
Chapter - Green Tea
It was a cloudy and dull October morning. Preparations were at peak in the house. I was poked persistently, until I finally gave in and woke up at 6:15. All the rooms were brightly lit as if it were going to be night in a while. Women in the house were busy making hot and sweet savories – Putharekulu (thin wafer type sweet savory), Bobbatlu (sweet parathas)and Jantikalu (Khara) and men were busy discussing something very important! I was given a tumbler full of Harlicks (that’s Horlicks, by the way) because it is supposed to be good for growing children. I wondered if I really was one at 24!
Life in a village is so different and amusing that you just cannot afford to miss a chance that takes you there. I visited my grandparents after nearly fifteen years. The last time I saw them was on my eighth birthday, the day before we had left for Canada. ........
It was a cloudy and dull October morning. Preparations were at peak in the house. I was poked persistently, until I finally gave in and woke up at 6:15. All the rooms were brightly lit as if it were going to be night in a while. Women in the house were busy making hot and sweet savories – Putharekulu (thin wafer type sweet savory), Bobbatlu (sweet parathas)and Jantikalu (Khara) and men were busy discussing something very important! I was given a tumbler full of Harlicks (that’s Horlicks, by the way) because it is supposed to be good for growing children. I wondered if I really was one at 24!
Life in a village is so different and amusing that you just cannot afford to miss a chance that takes you there. I visited my grandparents after nearly fifteen years. The last time I saw them was on my eighth birthday, the day before we had left for Canada. ........
October 10, 2009
పెద్దోళ్ళు - గట్టోళ్ళు
మనం ఎప్పుడూ పెద్దవాళ్ళని, ముసలి వాళ్ళని చాదస్తపరులు అనుకుంటూ ఉంటాం. వాళ్ళని విసుక్కునే, తిట్టుకునే సందర్భాలూ ఉంటూనే ఉంటాయి. కానీ, వాళ్ళ మాటల్లో ఒక రకమైన వినోదం ఉంటుంది. వినోదం అంటే ఇక్కడ మీరు మరొకలాగా భావించొద్దు. ఆ చాదస్తం లో వ్యంగ్యం, అమాయకత్వం, కోపం, అసహనం లాంటివి సమపాళ్ళలో ఇమిడి ఉంటాయి. వారి మాటలు అప్పుడప్పుడూ చాలా సరదాగా, నవ్వు తెప్పించేవిగా, పలు సందర్భాల్లో ఎంతో చమత్కారంగా కూడా ఉంటాయి. దీనినే ఆంగ్లం లో Pun అంటారు.
ఋతువులు ఆరు అని మనకి తెలుసు. కానీ ఈ మధ్యనే కొత్త ఋతువు ఒకటి ప్రపంచ వ్యాప్తంగా వాడుకలోకి వచ్చింది- ఐపిఎల్ ఋతువు - అదేనండీ, క్రికెట్. చాలామంది పెద్దవాళ్ళకి క్రికెట్ అంటే అస్సలు గిట్టదు. మా తాతగారు, కీ.శే. శ్రీ దశిక భాస్కర రామ్మూర్తిగారు ఇలాంటి కోవకు చెందిన వారు. ఆయన పైకి ఎంత గంభీరంగా కనిపించేవారో అంత సరదా మనిషి. టీ.వీ. లో క్రికెట్ మ్యాచ్ నడుస్తున్నంతసేపూ ఎదో ఒకటి అంటూనే వుండేవారు.
ఒక సారి మన భారత జట్టు వేరే దేశంతో ఆడుతోంది. మన బౌలింగ్ లో వాళ్ళ సారథి సిక్స్ కొట్టాడు. అప్పుడు మా తాతగారు, "ఛి ఛి, ఏవిటా బంతి? లడ్డూ తీసుకెళ్ళి చేతికిచ్చినట్టు ఇచ్చాడు." అని వ్యాఖ్యానించారు. ఆ మరుసటి ఓవర్ లో ఒక ప్రముఖ ఆల్ రౌండర్ క్యాచ్ వదిలేసినప్పుడు, "గుడ్డి వెధవ లాగా ఆ నల్ల కళ్ళద్దాలూ వాడూ!" అని అన్నారు. ఇలా అలోచిస్తుంటే మరొక సరదా సంఘటన గుర్తుకొస్తోంది.
ప్రముఖ ఆలయాల్లో పరిస్థితి ఎలా ఉంటుందో మీకు ప్రత్యేకంగా చెప్పనక్కర్లేదు. ఇటునుండి ఇలా దర్శనానికి వెళ్ళామో లేదో, అటునుండి అలా బయటకి లాగేస్తూంటారు. ఒకసారి మేము స్వామి వారి దర్శనం కోసం యాదగిరిగుట్ట వెళ్ళాము. వేసవి సెలవలు కావడంతో చాలా రద్దీగా ఉంది. గంటకు పైనే క్యూలో నిలబడి గర్భ గుడి లోనికి ప్రవేశించాము. షరా మామూలే అన్నట్టు, అక్కడ కూడా కొంతమంది భక్తులని బయటకి లాగడం, తొయ్యడం చేస్తున్నారు. దండం పెట్టుకుంటున్న మా తాతగారిని ఒక వ్యక్తి, "ఎంతసేపండీ? వెళ్ళండి వెళ్ళండి!” అన్నాడు. దానికి జవాబుగా ఆయన “ఏవిటయ్యా, దండంపెట్టుకుందామని విగ్రహంకేసి చూసినప్పుడల్లా మొహం తిప్పేస్తుంటే ఎలా?" అంటూ చమత్కరించారు.
ఇలా చెప్పుకుంటూ పోతే ఇంకెన్నో! మనం అనుకుంటాము కానీ ముసలివాళ్ళు మాటలు ఎంత కఠినంగా పలికినా అందులో ఆప్యాయత, ప్రేమ మాత్రం లేకుండా పోవు. మరి ఈ సారి వాళ్ళని విసుక్కునే ముందు ఒకటికి రెండు సార్లు ఆలోచిస్తారుగా?
This essay was published in an Australian based Telugu magazine in May 2009
ఋతువులు ఆరు అని మనకి తెలుసు. కానీ ఈ మధ్యనే కొత్త ఋతువు ఒకటి ప్రపంచ వ్యాప్తంగా వాడుకలోకి వచ్చింది- ఐపిఎల్ ఋతువు - అదేనండీ, క్రికెట్. చాలామంది పెద్దవాళ్ళకి క్రికెట్ అంటే అస్సలు గిట్టదు. మా తాతగారు, కీ.శే. శ్రీ దశిక భాస్కర రామ్మూర్తిగారు ఇలాంటి కోవకు చెందిన వారు. ఆయన పైకి ఎంత గంభీరంగా కనిపించేవారో అంత సరదా మనిషి. టీ.వీ. లో క్రికెట్ మ్యాచ్ నడుస్తున్నంతసేపూ ఎదో ఒకటి అంటూనే వుండేవారు.
ఒక సారి మన భారత జట్టు వేరే దేశంతో ఆడుతోంది. మన బౌలింగ్ లో వాళ్ళ సారథి సిక్స్ కొట్టాడు. అప్పుడు మా తాతగారు, "ఛి ఛి, ఏవిటా బంతి? లడ్డూ తీసుకెళ్ళి చేతికిచ్చినట్టు ఇచ్చాడు." అని వ్యాఖ్యానించారు. ఆ మరుసటి ఓవర్ లో ఒక ప్రముఖ ఆల్ రౌండర్ క్యాచ్ వదిలేసినప్పుడు, "గుడ్డి వెధవ లాగా ఆ నల్ల కళ్ళద్దాలూ వాడూ!" అని అన్నారు. ఇలా అలోచిస్తుంటే మరొక సరదా సంఘటన గుర్తుకొస్తోంది.
ప్రముఖ ఆలయాల్లో పరిస్థితి ఎలా ఉంటుందో మీకు ప్రత్యేకంగా చెప్పనక్కర్లేదు. ఇటునుండి ఇలా దర్శనానికి వెళ్ళామో లేదో, అటునుండి అలా బయటకి లాగేస్తూంటారు. ఒకసారి మేము స్వామి వారి దర్శనం కోసం యాదగిరిగుట్ట వెళ్ళాము. వేసవి సెలవలు కావడంతో చాలా రద్దీగా ఉంది. గంటకు పైనే క్యూలో నిలబడి గర్భ గుడి లోనికి ప్రవేశించాము. షరా మామూలే అన్నట్టు, అక్కడ కూడా కొంతమంది భక్తులని బయటకి లాగడం, తొయ్యడం చేస్తున్నారు. దండం పెట్టుకుంటున్న మా తాతగారిని ఒక వ్యక్తి, "ఎంతసేపండీ? వెళ్ళండి వెళ్ళండి!” అన్నాడు. దానికి జవాబుగా ఆయన “ఏవిటయ్యా, దండంపెట్టుకుందామని విగ్రహంకేసి చూసినప్పుడల్లా మొహం తిప్పేస్తుంటే ఎలా?" అంటూ చమత్కరించారు.
ఇలా చెప్పుకుంటూ పోతే ఇంకెన్నో! మనం అనుకుంటాము కానీ ముసలివాళ్ళు మాటలు ఎంత కఠినంగా పలికినా అందులో ఆప్యాయత, ప్రేమ మాత్రం లేకుండా పోవు. మరి ఈ సారి వాళ్ళని విసుక్కునే ముందు ఒకటికి రెండు సార్లు ఆలోచిస్తారుగా?
This essay was published in an Australian based Telugu magazine in May 2009
September 24, 2009
Banam Review
Banam is a low budget film produced by Swapna Dutt Chalasani and directed by first timer Chaitanya Danthuluri. It also has the lead role played by debutante Nara Rohit, Andhra Pradesh’s ex-Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s brother’s son. Vedika plays the female lead. The story line is fresh unlike what we get to see these days barring a few films. Banam is technically very good with new and few stunning camera frames. Cinematography is also good and adds value to the film.
Bhagat Panigrahi (Rohit), son of naxalite Panigrahi (Sayaji Shinde) puts his heart and soul in preparing for the civil services. He finds Lakshmi (Vedika) at a railway station one day and brings her home after her father dies of heart attack and her in-laws disown her. Things turn out in such a way after her arrival that Bhagat unknowingly becomes the target of one Sakthi, a local goon. The rest of the film is all about how Bhagat realizes his dream of becoming an IPS officer while trying to clean the system from the grass root level. Chaitanya shows creativity in some places by masking the action scenes with the background drama.
Bhagat’s role is tailor-made for Rohit. The role doesn’t require a great display of histrionics. It is too early to comment on him, though he came out with a very decent performance in this film. Music by Manisharma is just adequate.
My rating for this film - ****
(* You will shoot me
** Waste of time
*** Can sit through
**** Worth watching once
***** Must watch)
September 14, 2009
My Films
I am planning to add a new column section called My Films to this blog, where I would be sharing videos of the short films or teasers that I had shot (also read involved with) or would shoot in future. Most of them could carry a message on civic issues, social issues, health etc.. Now let me see how far I can take this successfully.
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