Bollywood of the decade : My picks

As the year and with it, the decade comes to an end; I have decided to list out my favourite Hindi movies of last ten years. Movies released in the period 2000-2009. I must admit Bollywood has started to disappoint me to a great extent - or is it that I am getting more and more skeptic? Whatever, I feel the magic touch of 70's and early 80's (I try not to think of horrible 90s of Hindi cinema) is wanning somewhat. But still, there comes a movie every now and then that lifts my heart and demands to be recognized as one of my cherished cinematic moments. Without much ado and before I get too monotonic; here are some of my favorites of the decade (It is not easy to think of and compile this list in one go; I shall come back and add new titles):

1. Dil Chahta Hai (2001): Refreshing, funny, enjoyable to its core - Dil Chahta Hai was a revolution in Hindi cinema. It blew away the trend of unbearable family drama, stupid action flicks and deviling NRI romance with a daring script about friendship, youth and love. With his directorial debut, Farhan Akhtar proved he is a true genius when it comes to movie-making. Revolving around the lives of three friends - Akash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan) and Siddharth (Akshaye Khanna) - the movie portrays their friendship; their individual lifestyle and how these two aspects of their lives crossed paths. With powerful story-telling, unmatched acting, witty dialogs, moving music - this movie eventually went on to register a cult status for all youth movies made thereafter (of course, no other youth movie could even come near this one till date). It also gave Saif Ali Khan a complete career make-over and helped him establish himself as a true actor rather than an annoying side-kick of 90's stupid action dramas. It gave Aamir Khan his second big hit of 2001 after Lagaan.

2. Rang De Basanti (2006): Another revolutionary movie from a fine director - this time I mean literally. Blended with sheer perfection - two stories of young Indian generation belonging to two completely different ages - this one was a concept never experimented before on Indian screens. A young English filmmaker Sue arrives in India to make a documentary on Indian freedom fighters and revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and their associates and aides. She chooses to involve some modern-age Delhi University students for her project which eventually turns out to be an eye-opener and life changing experience to those young students. The movie effortlessly switches between current day lifestyle and struggle of young Indian generation and the society as a whole and that of Bhagat Singh and his era. In a nutshell, Rang De Basanti was a triumph for Indian cinema; a milestone for direction and music - a complete entertainer.

3. Taare Zameen Par (2007) : An eight-year old boy affected with Dyslexia is struggling to cop up with the expectations of his parents and teachers to score high on exams; to do his homework and to do everything he doesn't like doing. For him, the world is simple - it is beautiful - full with colors, paintings and nature. But for a society driven by the notion that scoring high on exams means scoring high with life - Ishaan Awasthi (played by sensational child star Darsheel Safary) is a complete failure. But then there came, like an angel, their new art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh (again incredible Aamir Khan) who seems to be the only one who understands Ishaan. He helps Ishaan to become what he really can become - a bright Star on this earth. With this directional debut, Aamir Khan proved that he is not only one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema; but also one of the finest movie makers. This movie grabs you by your collar and demands you see what is right for the kids in today's world. Open your eyes to enjoy their world - to be happy with them - to experience their pain.

4. Khosla Ka Ghosla! (2006) : A small budget film; a glorious comedy - Khosla Ka Ghosla - probably was the most underrated movie of the decade sadly deprived of the true recognition it deserves. A small, simple middle-class family comedy that lights up my mood everytime I watch this one. Hailing from a middle-class family myself; I could not think of any other such perfect depiction of lives of this section of the society. Both Anupam Kher and Boman Irani had been phenomenal in their roles perfectly supported by other cast members. The best thing is there was no big star in the movie; that could have taken away the simplicity - the real beauty of this gem. A must watch for those who can appreciate a no-nonsense plain and hilariously comic movie.

5. Swades (2004): For me, Shahrukh Khan was a super-star with a great personality and charismatic charm without much talent of acting. And then there came "Swades" and I was blown away. Mr. Khan proved that he is no shallow star - in fact he is one of the best in the business. So effortlessly and movingly he portrayed the character of Mohan Bhargav, the NASA NRI scientist visiting a remote village of India that I was enthralled and deeply affected. Swades touched a number of social issues of Indian society, especially in remote parts of the country. This was a movie with a heart; only the ones who do not have one or have one made of stone can remain untouched by this film. How can we not feel the agony of the farmer to whom Mohan did go to collect the 'karz'? How can we forget the face of the young kid selling a 'lota' of water on the railway platform and the shaking expression of Mohan (read SRK) while drinking the water? How can we ignore the messages loudly sent out about caste-ism, partiality, poverty and patriotism? The mind-boggling music of A.R. Rahman  made this movie far more memorable. And Mr. Khan - you truly deserve the incredible fan following you have around the globe; add me to the list.

(to be continued......)

The magic has been cast - You just need to experience it.

Movie review: Avatar (2009)

I do believe there must be a law against those who do not keep their mobile phones in silent mode or switched off in theater. To my utter dissatisfaction, the annoying ringtone of the person sitting next to me dragged me back from year 2154 making me travel through space some 4.3 light years from the beautiful world of  Pandora straight back to a movie hall in Bangalore. But when a true magician is pulling his greatest magic tricks in front of you, how long can you stay away from entering his magic world? Soon I was back.

Yes, James Cameron is a masterful magician and "Avatar" is his greatest magic trick so far. Cameron dreamt his magic world; spent years to shape his dream and then presented it before the entire world. And the world lived his dream. The world has been spellbound !! There are movies with strong storyline, exceptional acting and moving emotions; and then there is "Avatar" - an experience beyond cinema, beyond words - an 'expression of beauty' beyond vision - a thrill beyond imagination.

And yes, "Avatar" has a story-line too. Even if it doesn't; it would have been the same overwhelming experience. After all, how many times your dreams have a perfect story? Set in a future world, "Avatar" is set in a distant moon in the galaxy called "Pandora". The life in Pandora is simple, bound by nature and its energy. The world is unimaginably beautiful covered with vivid colors, filled with various forms of animal life. US Marines are on a mining mission on the moon to extract invaluable minerals from Pandora and to use it back home. To be successful in their mission; they must persuade the native tribes of the moon, the Na'vi, to surrender their land and move away. Marine Jack Sully (played by Sam Worthington) agrees to assist in the mission as an Avatar, genetically created Na'vi like figure, in exchange for the costly treatment of his paralyzed legs. But soon he was caught between the two worlds - the nature-loving, simple Na'vi s and greedy, arrogant army of Colonel Miles Quaritch (played by Stephen Lang).

The movie is so visually stunning, the 3D effects are so exceptionally developed that you cannot help wondering if cinematic achievement could be this grandeur. For me, those 2 hours 40 minutes had been such a fun - such an experience that however cliche it may sound like; I have to say, "I have lost words to describe". That's why they have invented the word 'experience', I guess. Watch "Avatar", watch it in 3D, get awe-struck and then? Well then what mate? Of course, then watch it again, get awe-struck again.......

Tarantino, Waltz, Pitt - the "Basterds" have pulled it off

Movie review : "Inglorious Basterds" (2009)

"Now if one were to determine what attribute the German people share with a beast, it would be the cunning and the predatory instinct of a hawk. But if one were to determine what attributes the Jews share with a beast, it would be that of the rat. If a rat were to walk in here right now as I'm talking, would you treat it to a saucer of your delicious milk?" - And follows an absorbing funny interesting dialog involving rats and why human possess a sense of animosity towards them. The opening Chapter is probably the most engrossing sequence. The long, relaxed scene is built-up slowly with razor-sharp dialogs and created to instill a mood of suspense in the minds of audience. The masterful way Col. Hans Landa persuaded Monsieur LaPadite to reveal the secret he wanted to know is such a delight to watch.

"Inglorious Basterds" is Tarantino's yet another gift to the world of cinema. "Quentin Tarantino" is stamped all over the movie from its opening scene till its rolling credits. And he has done it again; with his unique style of film-making; exuberantly lengthy sequences, crisp and witty dialogs blended with some memorable outstanding acting of its cast - "Basterds" is his masterpiece. Only a movie-maker like Tarantino can dare to make a movie that is based on history weirdly twisted and fabricated at his own will and still come up with something magical.

The plot revolves around one Jewish-American group knows as "The Basterds" lead by Lt. Aldo Raine (played by Brad Pitt) who was on a secret mission to spread panic among the Third Reich by brutally killing the Nazis. We also see a parallel story unfolding revolving around a beautiful Jewish French girl Shosanna (played by Mélanie Laurent) whose family was mercilessly murdered  by Hans (played by Christoph Waltz) and who is now all determined for vengeance. The movie is about how these two stories collide and its consequences.

For most part of the film, it's just conversation. Witty, piercing, slow, riveting conversation. And that just adds to the beauty of this quite differently made movie. Brad Pitt is funny as Lt. Raine with his unusual accent and voice and that grin all the time. Personally, though I feel he probably a little overdid his role. Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Mélanie Laurent - all were perfectly cast in their roles. But the real star of the show - the one who completely steals the limelight outdoing everyone else - is, beyond any reasonable doubt, Waltz as infamous Col. Hans aka "The Jew Hunter". Spiteful, vindictive yet cool, composed - the smiling assassin; the type of character that you will hate from your heart and that will infuse chill in your spines. His presence in the screen is so powerful, so dominating - it was a spellbound experience to watch.

After Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill - the expectation from Tarantino was too high for me. And fortunately, I wasn't disappointed a bit - add this to the list of his outstanding cinematic achievement. Do yourself a favor - go and watch this movie in a theater near you.

IMDB Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361748/

I never thought I would appreciate "Kaminapan" one day....

Why is "Kaminey" so good? Well you tell me. Take the most overused, outdated formula of Hindi Cinema - Judwaa Bhai (Twin brothers); dare to make a movie on that theme for today's multiplex generation and yet turn it into such an enjoyable ride that you yearn for more. Now if that is not incredible and supremely innovative - then you tell me what it is. It's a "coming out of the age" movie for Bollywood. I did expect this from Vishal Bharadwaj; especially after watching his previous movies - Omkara and Maqbool - two gems of Hindi cinema. And he outdid himself.

Kaminey has a strong script, witty dialogs, great music and marvelous acting from everybody including those assistant henchmen. It's visually stunning, dark at times, and most importantly funny - not overdoing the jokes. Take "Chalie's dream" for example - a masterful visual - and horse's sound in sync with Charlie's shout. Only a director with a heart to create something daring, original and new could come up with such subtle style. Now hold on - are you going to snag me when I say "original"? Are you going to quote Tarantino or Ritchie here? Get it right guys: there is nothing wrong in being inspired by some of these great Hollywood directors. Even though I agree the plot formation and specially the style of the climax may look similar to Ritchie's "Lock, Stock and Two smoking barrels"; there is nothing that you can term as "rip-off". At least nobody is stealing scene-by-scene from a foreign film and claiming it to be "original idea" like some of those shameless movie makers.

Shahid Kapoor - wow, I am now convinced - he is the new generation of Bollywood heroes. Mind blowing in both the roles of the movie. Priyanka - very cute, funny and lovable. And the villains - I strongly believe it is the villains that makes a movie more enjoyable. And in this case; there are plenty of them - and interestingly many of them (well almost all) are funny. They did a great job to keep the movie thrilling till the end. And whatever you have to say, I liked the ending. Perfect climax for a movie like this.

I am very happy and hopeful to see fresh ideas being tried in Bollywood. And directors like Vishal can really make a difference. Hope to see more "Kamineys" in coming days!!!

Oh Wild West !!

Those cowboys and their classy old guns !! Fascinating, isn't it? Right from our schooldays, we have heard about them, seen people roving about wearing those famous "cowboy" hats, the dusty jacket and shooting anybody at sight with their fingers. And naturally, I was attracted to western genre in movies. And after watching Sergio Leone's classic tale "The good, the bad and the ugly", which, undoubtedly, one of the best movies ever made - I was terribly attracted to westerns. Recent in my list are "Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968) and "Unforgiven"(1992). Both of them are astonishing in their own ways. Both will drag you to the world of wild west of those times and leave you with a soothing satisfaction of watching a good movie.

Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in the West" primarily centers around a young extremely beautiful woman Mrs. McBain (played by gorgeous Claudia Cardinale) who moves from New Orleans to Western town Utah to be with her new husband and his children, only to find that the whole family is brutally murdered. There she met a mysterious man, referred to as Harmonica (Charles Bronson), who helps her in taking her revenge. But Harmonica has his own motive !!! Henry Fonda, in his role as infamous Frank, is remarkable. Shot in the landmark dusty little small town of then-American west frontier, the movie has it all that a dream western movie should have. It's raw, grimmy, stern, uncensored and most importantly, full of exiting "Cowboy" shooting. A must watch for those who appreciete a good and simple movie.

Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven", on the other hand, is more emotional and may be a more realistic depiction of old western days. Acted by some of the greatest actors of Hollywood - Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman - this film tries to zoom into lives of normal American people during that era. Story of a retired old gunman William Munny who took up a last job to support his family - this one is a study of life and its importance. But, in any sense, it doesn't lack the lovable elements of a western. Munny's famous dialogue "I've killed just about anything that walked or crawled at one time or another, and I'm here to kill you…" says it all. Regarded by many as the greatest western of all time, this is my strong recommendation to my readers.

That life was so close to never happening

Some may say I am a bit biased towards some actors. I don't mind that as long as we are talking here about actors like Edward Norton. I consider Ed Norton as one of the finest actors of his generation. I am astounded often by his ease of expression and his powerful clear dialogue deliveries. I enjoyed all the movies that I had watched of him - be it American History X, Primal Fear, Illusionist or Fight Club. He was strong reason enough for me going for 25th Hour - a movie released in 2002 directed by Spike Lee. Did I like it? Hell yes. Rarely had I watched a movie that left me so emotional that I could not sleep thinking about it that night. Not exaggerated, not for me. This movie probably has the most disturbing ending of all that I had watched so far.

The movie depicts the last 24 hours of freedom of convicted drug dealer Monty Brogan (Ed Norton) before he begins his 7 year old imprisonment. The movie basically about the choices one make and their consequences. During the last night of freedom, Monty wants to enjoy a party with his two best friends - Frank Slattery (Barry Pepper), a NY stock broker and Jakob Elinsky (Philip Seymour Hoffman), an English teacher. The movie also illustrates the choices that these two of Monty's friends were presented by life and the ones they chose to accept. As for Monty "One wrong choice... one last night... 24 hours to live a lifetime". But little do the audiences know that they will be presented with such a shocking and disturbing ending to this otherwise looking simple movie.

Yes the movie does have some deregatory comments against some communities and individuals including one Indian community. But those were just indicative about the fact that no-one except him or herself is responsible for what one does to his or her life. For me, for a moment, I really wished Monty would live that life. I wish he would have made a right choice !!!

Movies that inspired : Forrest Gump

"Run Forrest run" and hi ran, taking all the emotions of his audiences. Tom Hanks was incredible in this awe-inspiring, astonishing 1994 movie directed by Robert Zemeckis. I am yet to meet a single person, no matter whether he is an action flick fanatic or singing romantic, who had watched this movie and didn't like it. The tagline of this movie says, "The world will never be the same once you've seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump." How true !! Innocence is not dead yet. He achieved almost everything without ever longing for any, and always being indifferent to all. He wanted nothing except love. He was simple - too simple to be true. That's because he has an IQ lower than that of average human brain. And probably that is why he was so inspiring, so lovable. His was the purest heart you could ever imagine. That guy, with his simplicity and low IQ touched me and many who watched this movie, left me speechless. Only thing he had ever cared, ever endeavor for was his love, "the most beautiful thing he had ever seen", Jenny. But he was too perfect, too pure for her that really hurt me.

For my readers who are yet to watch this magical film, I'd just say, "Go for it guys. You will not be disappointed. Who knows, may be it can really change your world !"

Here are some of my favorite lines from the movie collected from IMDB.

Forrest Gump: My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

Forrest Gump: I'm not a smart man... but I know what love is.

Forrest Gump: Stupid is as stupid does.

Mrs. Gump: You have to do the best with what God gave you.

Forrest Gump: Mama always said, dying was a part of life.

Young Jenny Curran: Dear God, make me a bird. So I could fly far. Far far away from here.

Forrest Gump: Now you wouldn't believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was ever going somewhere, I was running!

Forrest Gump: Hello. My name's Forrest, Forrest Gump. You want a chocolate?

Forrest Gump: The best thing about visiting the President is the food! Now, since it was all free, and I wasn't hungry but thirsty, I must've drank me fifteen Dr. Peppers.

Forrest Gump: My Mama always said you've got to put the past behind you before you can move on.

Forrest Gump: I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both.

Coach Bryant: That kid may be the stupidest son of a bitch I've ever seen, but damn he can run!

Jenny Curran: Listen, you promise me something, OK? Just if you're ever in trouble, don't be brave. You just run, OK? Just run away.

Jenny Curran: Run, Forrest! Run!