Sachiniti

February 25, 2007

Gautama The Buddha- Teachings

Filed under: Chicken Soup For The Soul — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 11:51 am

 

buddhaa.gif

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.

What we think, we become.

Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.

The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed. (more…)

February 22, 2007

Bhram An Illusion – The Truth Behind The Scenes (Updated)

Plain Speak: Bhram has grossed 64 lacs and netted 45 lacs from India BO  ( which actually means only Mumbai since rest of India wasnt even aware of its release)  in the first week…despite the non existent promotion.

Bhram is attracting more crowds all over, in comparative terms despite lack of promotion. Notwithstanding, success or non, is hardly a parameter to gauge worthiness of art per se..

Bhram therefore remains what it is, a progressive, mature, stylish film, definitely a trend setter in its approach and outlook technically, superbly crafted which amalgamates art with mainstream, never didactic, but neither does it skirt or coyly desist from portraying the life of its characters unapologetically and sans hypocrisy.

One has personally heard nothing but immense praise for the film by those who have seen it and those who are genuinely interested in seeing the face of emerging Indian cinema. A film made with sincerity, tons of hard work and passion . Recommended watch..

And guys it is not a whodunnit. Does the tag of ‘thriller’ necessarily translate into a gasping asthmatic twist at every turn, climaxing at the end? Why? Although I think it culminates most unexpectedly for a Bollywood flick that is it ends on a philosophical note.. But I guess talking of ethics at the time of a ‘Race’ is anachronistic is it?

The censors in an unprecedented move, passed BHRAM without a single cut because they were sensitive to the adroitness of usage of language and felt it was nowhere unneeded. And instead some critics (?) instead of realising that films ought to be a reflection of the times we live in, have swooned over the dialogues  (insisted on by producer) like Aunt Maggie. How times have changed! Quite a role reversal.

At the risk of re iteration ..form your own ‘opinions’ by seeing the film . Why chew on anothers chewed cud, thereby virtually permitting your choices to be hijacked by hidden agenda’d ‘opinions’?

If you have to watch it on a DVD, wait for the official version, ..It would be a crime otherwise, not just legally but for the fact that all you will get is a petered down, distorted, lifeless version of the film, devoid of finesse in all departments.

And it will be even more criminal if ‘reviews’ are then written based on pirated dvd viewings..not only is that NOT a Directors cut ( which btw even the final prints released in theatres, wasnt..portions were randomly deleted without the Directors approval causing great confusion in the continuity of the story) but its half a film cinematically.. So summon up your ethics pals!

So called critics, or imho self congratulatory presumptuous ‘opinionators’, its made to appear, are having a field day spewing venom against their arch rivals Magna publications of Stardust, the producers of Bhram to get even or perhaps settle personal scores all in the name of a ‘Bhram review’. My question is : Why bring in Bhram? Why take potshots at the film? Weirdos..“Yunfair I say” ..aka Rajnikantham!! Yena rascala..mind it!! Naansense! Honestly how do these guys look at themselves in the mirror and not cringe?

That aside, the fact is there are plenty more, as is obvious from the number of ‘neutral’ critics who have raved about the film, especially the Director’s work, who dont play games while reviewing movies,who dont have bosses or ex bosses sending them reviews to publish, neither are they pressurised to pleasing ‘friends’ they owe one to, so loyally tear down a rival film (too threatened by its craftsmanship) ,most of all they are not greenhorns, just out of their nappies and handed the simplest job of all, which reads..’ you like story.. you laugh.. therefore good film’…or ‘ cheap thrills .therefore great film’.. end of review.

Some critics actually have at least a rudimentary knowledge of film making (one in a hundred) coupled with a soul ( one in a million) and can sift out a genuine effort towards evolved cinema like Bhram from copies of Hollywood hits right from dialogues to shot takings.. which is indeed heartening..Kudos.

Trust me when I say that the goings on are too cheap and crass to expand on. The identity of those behind the meticulously planned campaign to denounce the film is shocking!! You’d Never guess!! Unless you belong to the media and have first hand information ! Like I do. (more…)

February 20, 2007

Stress-Latest Victim Saif Ali Khan In Hospital

saif_ali_khan_1.jpg

Kaveeta Kaul

13843 views

Stress is the modern day equivalent of the plague in days of yore. It has swept all under its devouring shadow. The obvious difference being that while the latter was attributed to causes beyond control of the individual, the former, arose directly out of serious neglect towards factors which precipitate the onset of its often fatal ramifications.

Frankly, I was quite taken aback at the news of ‘chhote Nawab’ Saif Ali Khans mild heart attack. Firstly due to the image of the stars fitness( the snaps been chosen from among scores to prove the point) stories circulating to do with his exercise regimen. Secondly with the sequence of events. (more…)

February 13, 2007

Are The Truly Wealthy Truly Stingy?

Filed under: Experiences, Of men women and Eunuchs, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 3:39 pm

Kaveetaa Kaul

To me wealth would mean ‘having something which money cannot buy’.

Fortunately not many agree with this connotation. Or, how would there ever have been delightful stories of the ‘rich and famous’ their idiosyncrasies , fads and foibles, their escapades and escapism, slanders and slumbers, gossip and infamy, which cater to the entertainment industry across the globe. Its sooo much fun to return from a drudgery of the mundane kind, put your feet up and lose yourself in the inanities of the ‘other world’, where the most pressing issue is caring for the multi million dollar estate. So you see, the wealthy serve a purpose as well..doling out vicarious pleasure to the millions ’bout their millions.

Now when alluding to ‘wealthy’ I mean the Really Seriously, Unthinkably Wealthy.. chosen few..the kind who own villas all over the globe, jet set hi fliers, breakfast in Spain and lunch in Miami kinda guys. As luck would have it..sigh.. (more…)

February 2, 2007

Shilpa Shetty Jade Goody -For Goodness Sake

shilpa.jpg

Kaveeta Kaul

4587 views

Update 18th August 2008: BIGG BOSS 2 Nemesis strikes..Jade part of Bigg Boss in India!

Update: Channel 4 plans to apologise to Shilpa Shetty for the ‘editorial misjudgements’ before the start of its new season of Big Brother..Is it genuine or a crafty sense of diplomacy to ensure viewer ratings, is a matter of conjecture.

—————————————————————————————

When news , information, snippets, trivia, sensationalism, abuses, cynicism over an event begins emerging from the woodwork like termites, my instant reaction goes something like ‘ “I dont want to write on this one..its all over the net, channels, literally coming out of my ears”. A strange resistance to comment on the issue seems to take over, for reasons that have to do with disagreement rather than concurrence with populist sentiment. It seems like a wasteful exercise, and that ‘patient, mature, watchful,’ aspect of my nature ( did I hear a chuckle! how terribly mean :( ) takes over and orders a pull back till an opportune moment. (more…)

Blog at WordPress.com.