Dombivli Fast

October 29, San Jose, California: The California Arts Association (CALAA) had organized the screening of critically acclaimed new marathi movie “Dombivli Fast”. For all marathi arts connoisseurs this was nothing short of a festival. Watching a marathi movie in theatre is a rare event (shooting star) and that too in a foreign country (Halley’s comet)! The houseful turn-out at the theatre underlined this fact. The show started a little after 11 AM. I and a friend were one of the last people to arrive, so had to watch it from the second row. About 200 people filled the small IMC theatre.

I had read/heard a lot about Dombivli Fast in reviews and from friends/family in India. So I had a basic idea of the story. The movie didn’t waste time in establishing the plot. Within the first couple of minutes you could feel the mounting tension in the story, even before the name came on the screen. The story is about a middle class banker named Madhav Apte (Sandeep Kulkarni) living in the over-over-crowded (you have to visit it to believe it!) Mumbai suburb, Dombivli. For the last 15 years, his routine involves catching the crowded morning fast local train to CST (Bank Street of Bombay) and back. He is an upright man who is happy with his honest life in spite of limited income. He is unable to provide a decent education to his children or a comfortable living place for his family, which is a constant source of altercation between him and his wife (Shilpa Tulaskar). The movie shows the frustration of an honest man caught in the web of corruption, deceit and greed of human beings surrounding him. The situations are straight out of life: corrupt water tanker worker demanding bribe for a bucket of water, seemingly moral school principal asking for arbitrary sum of money as “donation”, bank managers violating standard procedures for their people putting common man’s interests at risk, corrupt cops overlooking blatant law violations for petty share, hospitals refusing sick patients for lack of money. We have seen this before, but for the first time it has been depicted so powerfully in a marathi movie. His wife chastises him for being gandhian in beliefs but not in action. The final breakdown of our marathi manus takes place when a shop owner asks more than the M.R.P. price (we never even think twice about it). He smashes his shop with a cricket bat and from thereon begins the crusade of this unusual warrior. He attacks the local corporator, cops, doctor and just about anyone who fails to do his duty. A similar theme was done by Kamal Hassan in “Hindustani”.

The movie packs some powerful performances from the cast. Sandip Kulkarni is outstanding as a common marathi manus. The scene where he vents his frustration on an empty Bombay street and pleads God to take his soul intact in his body is truly poignant. The wife and the cop have played their parts well. The cinematography by Sanjay Jadhav is eye catching, accurately showcasing the bustling Mumbai local train and suburb life. This is possibly the only marathi movie with a sad ending that I have seen. The movie creates a great impact on the audience and you could see people dazed as they walk out of the hall. Finally, full marks to Nishikant Kamat (Story, Direction) for handling a serious topic with élan. The new wave in marathi cinema is definitely something to watch out for!

The movie comes at about the same time when Sanjay Dutt (Lage Raho Munnabhai) is reviving the non-violence attitude dubbed as gandhigiri. It is interesting to watch both these perspectives. No idea can be perfect; you always have to weigh the pros and the cons and make newer, better ideas from old ones. I hope a relevant philosophy emerges that is able to effectively address the problems of post-modern India.

My Rating: Don’t Miss It!

DON'(t) do it !!

Don ko firse banana, mushkil hi nahi, naamumkin hain…

That would be my advice to Farhan Akhtar (FA) and Javed Akhtar (JA).

==============

Diwali 2005, 11:31 PM, The Akhtar’s Residence. A loud explosion (sutali bomb) heard in the background. FA comes running to JA.

JA: Now son, it’s just a firecracker, you don’t have to be scared!

FA: huh? No, dad, I was just watching AB’s Don on cable tv, you know the one you wrote with salim uncle. Well I just thought of this mind-blowing alternate ending. Can I make it again? Please, please, please. (makes kid faces and prances around JA).

JA: Now son, lets just not get too excited here. Why should you touch a classic like Don?

FA: Ah! I wouldn’t go as far to call it a classic. Hell, Chandra Barot (director, Don 1978) did a lousy job with your ahead-of-the-time script! We could make it a modern day action thriller with explosions, special effects, over-the-top promotions and all that jazz!! Yeahh!!

JA: Hmmm. Sounds interesting son. Lets do it! (Flashes his nike shoes)

FA: Dad! You don’t have to do this offscreen ;) So forget the script. The actor playing don is all that is important.

JA: Bingo!! I can get SRK, he’s the only one who can step into AB’s shoes. The other’s are your call.

FA: Super!! That should guarantee a solid opening and not forgetting his charm at the overseas box-office ;)

JA: But son, having just a different ending won’t justify a remake. What would we tell the media? Fortunately, we have Taran and IndiaFM as our media partners (winks). Though, I ridiculed RGV last week for planning to remake Sholay! Damn, you should have come to me before that.

(Long Pause. Both thinking it over..)

FA: You are right dad. Well I have a plan. Let me get my laptop, I have made some notes (Gets the laptop). The formula is simple. Do everything exactly opposite as in the original don.

JA: Wow son. You are a genius!!

FA: (Shyly) Thanks dad. Chip of the old block, aye. (both laugh, as shabana azmi (SA) enters).

SA: Diwali ke din aap dono kya kar rahe ho?

JA: Far has got this great idea for remaking don, darling. Just finishing the final scripting. Shouldn’t take more than an hour dear.

FA: So, as I was saying. Let’s make it high-tech. I really liked Malaysia on my last trip there. That should a be good location. We can also make it look like an international drug cartel.

JA: Good!

FA: Lets make pran’s character, a computer expert who also steals diamonds when needed.

JA: Why not? That sounds believable.

FA: The movie will be filled with action and stunts. Lets get those crazy Chinese martial arts experts and go wild ;) When in australia for DCH, I did sky-diving. What an experience, it has to be in our new movie.

JA: Aww, all right dear. You can squeeze it in somehow.

FA: Umm, then we can get all these sexy chicks. You know priyanka is doing really well and so is kareena. With some decent wardrobe and sexy moves, they will light up the screen.

SA: (miffed) When will we stop treating actresses as eye-candy in our films?

(FA & JA ignoring her…)

JA: Soon, dear. (whispering to FA) I like that ;)

FA: Lets get my buddies shankar-ehsan-loy for music. They can easily rehash the old tunes using their new jukebox software. Wouldn’t have to pay them much (winks).

JA: Well, most of the things look in place. Let’s start scripting then.

FA: (Yawning) Dad, I am too tired right now. Here’s the DVD. Why don’t you write down the old lines? Don’t forget to make some changes, otherwise..you know (gives a sheepish smile).

JA: Ah don’t worry son. Your dad’s a pro after all!

FA: And yes. Don’t forget to put my name as co-writer. After all, I came up with the new ending :)

(12:30 PM)
==============

Thus, was born SRK’s don, 59 minutes flat. Sorry FA, I just watched the original to see what went wrong. You missed the bull’s eye by miles :( How we wished, you didn’t. You took a good action, entertainer and made a damp squib out of it. I also had a new found respect for AB, after watching SRK hamming his way through the new version. The only good thing about the movie was the twist. But that doesn’t justify spending crores in remaking a boring version, and that too from you FA (after DCH and Lakshya!). Worst, now you have started this crazy remake-the-old-films fad. Don’t know, how many cinematic mutilations will we have to sit through…

My Rating: **

Happy Republic Day + Rang de Basanti

"Aaj bhi jiska khoon na khaula, khoon nahi wo paani hai

jo desh ke kaam na aaye, wo bekaar jawani hain."

RDB opens with the above lines, striking your conscience straight away and setting the tone for things to come. But what a brilliant cinematic experience it gives. Aamir khan resurrects himself after the independence day debacle (Mangal Pandey) with Rang de Basanti on republic day! And he must gratefully thank rake(y)sh mehra (director), kamlesh pandey (story) and prasoon joshi (dialogues) for giving him this wonderful opportunity. Actually all the cast members should!

So what do I like about this film?

The ending. (I see readers eager to "comment" me out of the blogging world!) No, its not the ending, but the message. And the makers have made a sincere effort to put it across with entertainment and emotion without being too preachy about it. The desire to awaken this "materialistic" generation and make them fight the situation, comes across.

The regural patriotic movie: It is based on the freedom struggle, where you see stories of great courage of heroes dying for India. And right at the end, some central character will curse you for turning it into a gutter. Point taken, but not too seriously.

RDB: It relates the youth of the freedom struggle and today. Bhagat Singh and Co. had an obvious motive: freedom. They were ready to give their lives for it. Whereas today's youth can't seem to fathom the need to correct the whole bleak scenario in our country (leave alone giving up their lives!) Those who can, cross the borders. Those who stay, adjust and become part of the system. RDB tells the story of such a group of youngsters, whose lives take a turn after their friend's death. And inspired by the documentary they are making, they take matters in their own hands. Relating the youth of these two different genarations in seemingly similar state of affairs is the masterstroke of RDB's script.

All the actors have done a marvellous job. Surprisingly its not an aamir khan film (as has been hammered onto us by the media). Its about the group of friends. The film boasts of some of the funniest lines heard in hindi cinema. The characters of DJ (aamir) and Sukhi (sharman) steal the show with their antics. Siddharth and Atul Kulkarni give power packed performances. Kunal Kapoor and Soha Ali Khan are good. The veterans do a good job as expected. Madhavan hams.

The film stands out owing to the technical brilliance of Rakeysh Mehra (Aks fame) and Binod Pradhan. The final product looks great on the big screen. Rahman's music is youthful, backed by some meaningful lyrics. (but I still miss those "telephone dhun mai hasne wali" days :D)

And finally, the ending. Critics have panned it for being outlandish and well, some other cooked up reasons. But let me tell you this, its a 100 times better than your regular grand fight scene at the end or rahul giving up pooja for raj.

Ratings are a must for film reviewing they say.

My rating: go watch it!

Mangal Independence Day!

"Where history meets proud folklore; there legends are born"

The Rising begins with a screaming kailash kher determined to damage your ears with his agonizing chants of "Mangala Mangala ad infinitum". The song surfaces again and again and .... again as if the audience is going for a record for staying sleepless for the longest duration! As you can see, the songs are a big let down of this "Ballad of Mangal Pandey". And this one being the best of the lot!

The Movie begins with beautiful visuals of some riverbank (i assume ganga) and the deftly recreated barrackpore (great job from nitin desai as usual). Then comes to life the story of the first martyr of India's war of independence. The one paragraph from our history textbook has been stretched to the extreme to give this 3 hr story of Mangal Pandey. Something like when you add water so that 10 people can have a meal on the pavbhaji made for 3 people :D.

Not their fault though, the makers categorically state that the events have been fictionalised blah blah. Those 4 lines in the beginning are oh-so-crucial in this movie.

Nevertheless, Ketan Mehta and Farrukh Dhondy have woven an interesting albeit farfetched story on this lesser known figure. But overall the film fails to impress the audience. And again the songs play the villain's part. Never has rahman disappointed so badly + songs popping at the drop of a hat and slowing the proceedings of an otherwise good movie.

Aamir Khan, after 4 years, 18 months of grown hair and moustache, gavthi built and reportedly 7 crores in his dhoti pocket, brings the martyr alive. Hes the only reason you should see this movie. The work shows on screen and its great to watch this method actor. Toby stephens is first rate, though the hindi dialogues in british accent is a pain to hear after a while. Amisha, Rani are there for reasons known to a select few, sadly none of us is in that elite circle. The rest of the cast is seviceable.

Often touted as india's next big hope for the oscars, the rising fails miserably. To say the least its an ordinary film. Lagaan would be notches ahead from this patriotic affair. Ketan Mehta, famous for his thought provoking movies like Aar ya paar, Oh darling! yeh hai india and Maya Memsaab, puts one more feather in his cap! Though I liked the writers view; he shows mangal pandey being inspired by a prostitute (rani) and an untouchable, who by their scathing comments make pandey to think about his role in the company raj fueling his anger against it.

Also the references of rani laxmibai, tatya tope and other freedom fighters are nicely woven. The archive footage of gandhi and nehru hoisting india's flag after independence, acknowledge mangal pandey as the first martyr of India's freedom struggle.

Freedom... thats what we have taken for granted...more on that conscience-striken blog latter ;)

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow indians and a big thank you to Mr. Mangal Pandey !!

Cinderella Man

"When America was on its knees, he brought us to our feet."

Cinderella Man opens with legendary boxer Jim J Braddock (Russell Crowe) fighting it out in the boxing ring. The ideal way any boxing movie should start! But this is more than a boxing movie...

Cinderella Man happens to be yet another fine "survival" movie by Ron "Happy Days" Howard (Apollo 13, A beautiful mind). Its such a joy to watch howard's inspiring movies which make you smile when you leave the theatre as opposed to million dollar baby which was sooo depressing.

The story takes place around the times of the great depression when millions of americans were jobless and on the streets. In such times, how one man fights for his survival and gives hope to others. Russell Crowe comes up with yet another studied performance. He plays the "humbling bull" with natural ease. With power packed performances in The Insider, Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind and Cinderella Man, hes way up there. Renee Zellweger does justice to the role of a supportive wife. Paul Giamatti fits the role of the swearing coach Joe Gould to the T. Hes an actor whose an absolute joy to watch. Shouldn't be surprised to see all three nominated for the academy award.

The era of 1920s and 30s is recreated impeccably. But with so much money pumped in the project, we should hardly expect any loose ends. The boxing fights are shot with style and give you more than a ringside view. Especially, the last championship fight between Braddock and Max Baer, which runs for about 30 mins, is shot beautifully. Craig Bierko makes an ideal villain in the face of menacing boxer Max Baer, the guy who killed two men in the ring.

Overall, Cinderella Man is worth a dekho. Critics are already calling it a classic, but critics always see things which we the common people dont. So doesnt matter, make ur own opinion! Some may find it slow at times, but the movie makes up for the lack in pace with some beautiful lines.

"I know these days not everybody gets a second chance. This time around I know what I am fighting for"

Wouldn't want to be ....

... Sourav Ganguly, the indian (non-playing) captain.

The ignominious defeat against pakistan in the 3rd test match has generated unprecedented hatred for sourav. You can even send him hate mails here! Its hilarious to sample some of the forwards doing the rounds about sourav's recent batting performance :)

~~~~

Just 4 Steps to cook Maggi (Simple and Quick) -
Step 1: boil one cup of water
Step 2: as soon as ganguly goes for batting, put thenoodles in the boiled water and put the tastemaker.
Step 3: stir till ganguly is onfield.
Step 4: As soon as ganguly is back in pavilion, yourmaggi's ready to eat.
~~~~

Superb Puzzle...U can never solve it....Bet...... =))
What is the next number in the series
21, 12, 12, 1, 2, .....

Only Ganguly knows it. Because these are his scores in the Test series !!
~~~~

Tring Tring ...phone rings in the indian dressing room..
Caller: "Can I talk to sourav, i am his wife."
Wright: "O namaste bhabiji, ur husband's just gone out on the pitch to save us from pakistan. I will tell him to call you back after our 'draw' celebrations. is it ok??"
Caller/Wife: "Dont worry about it. I will hold the line."
Wright: :
~~~~

Some 10 year olds form a cricket team. They want a easy game for starters:
"Sourav dada, sourav dada, amchya shi match lava na" :))
~~~~

Sarcasm cannot get any vicious than this. Well, sourav I believe in you and I am sure you gonna comeback with a bang in the one day series.

O no wait, i didnt really mean it...i am from your side, i just wanted to cheer up the poor guy... stop, plz dont hit me... sourav u suck .... HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Return of the King

After labourious attempts of overcoming inertia, I have sat down to complete this post. Dunno why, but blogging had just gone out of the system for a while. Still, there were so many occasions and musings which I wanted to appear here. And now they are all gone :( I will try my best to update this place from now on.

When do you realise you havent blogged for a long time:

obvious ->

- u forget blogger's username, password.

- friends say they are sick of reading "geet gata hoon main ...." (sorry ND ;)

- friends send notices on yahoogroup, some threatning enough :-ss (dont put an X on me dw!)

not-so-obvious ->

- ur girlfriend tells u, shes finding hard to understand and communicate with the inner u (???)

So whats been happening lately:

- had a gr8 india trip, met lotsa people, ate a lot, roamed a lot, caught up with old friends and places.

- moved to a new appartment overcoming domestic turmoil though its a good one.

- u know, how you want this list to go on, but thats all i can think of right now :D

Saw musafir after a long wait. Sometimes I wonder whether sanjay dutt is a fulltime bhai or what? Hes got all that figured out. The movie was very stylish as expected from sanjay "kaante" gupta, though the ending was a let down. Anil kapoor looked like a fag and Billa took the cake.

"Aadmi musafir hota hain hero, aata hain, jaata hain..tere jaaneka time aa gaya ..."

mere bhi :P