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

Plain Speak: Bhram has grossed 64 lacs and netted 45 lacs from India BO collections in the first week…despite the non existent promotion.

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. How many reviewers/ critics/film analysts who pride themselves at being connoisseurs have actually cared to go deeper at the reasons for the obvious ’smear campaign’ ? Most are busy copy pasting one review into another, following ,like a herd of sheep.

Have ‘reviewers’ bothered to notice the eye to detail, despite a measly budget, in all departments, sound, background score, cinematography, shot takings, treatment or simply, finesse brought forth technically, which perhaps one gets to see only in big budget or maybe say a Mani Ratnam film ? Oh No Sirree..That does not fall within the purview of a review according to their stunted sense of film critiquing!! Its so much simpler to follow dictates of vested interests, or at most ‘humph’ on a few dialogues, and get your bucks.

Nonetheless it is unneeded to acknowledge and respond to the handiwork of such minds since their unwarranted banal harshness is recognisable. But for those who can and who wish to analyse and dissect, the truth is out there shining as clear as daylight.

C’mon its childs play to pick out a genuine review from a one pregnant with hidden motives and devious agendas. You only have to recognise the obvious over dose of ‘hate’ and malign and teeny weeny scant statements, almost non existent, as to ‘what’ in the world was the valid objection!!

Meanwhile..See the film for yourself sans pre conceived notions and ‘influenced’ mind set…its worth it.

Finally, a film holds its own energy..irrespective. Either way Bhram is attracting more crowds all over, in comparative terms despite lack of promotion. Notwithstanding, success or non, is hardly a parameter to gage worthiness of art per se.. ‘One two three’ I believe is a hit

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!!

Bole to.. samajhdar ko ishaara kafi hai boss

Misinformation, dictated by hidden motives is rampant. How many know that the Director Pavan Kauls previous film ‘SSSSHHH” netted close to 5 cr ( source : ibos) in 4 weeks, only on domestic Box Office returns. Adding music, overseas and dvd rights etc. it must have definitely crossed 6 cr..but it was referred to as a ‘flop’ by various sources..when, considering it was a small budget film, it was most certainly an above average scorer if not a hit..

The problem with Indian cinegoers is that they are too dependent on ‘fed’ news..too lazy to have their own opinions, yet ever ready to parrot to all and sundry what they have heard/read/ without bothering to verify! Its more thrilling for most, to rip apart a film, ( believe me some have done it without even having seen the film) ..that to them means a “thriller”.

Its the time of 20/20 and IPL..instant results, instant chills, instant thrills, instant judgements…No wonder the ’sold out media’ is getting more powerful by the day since they can actually shape public views of the illiterate junta. No wonder Amitabh Bachchan decides to blog, giving voice to his frustration at having been at the mercy of irresponsible, unethical, vicious journalists for so long.

Update 27th May: You cant keep a good movie down ! BHRAM is doing great on the dvd circuit both in India and overseas. Now for some information on the dvd released by Moser Baer. Folks, some of you may find this impossible to believe but A WHOLE BACKGROUND TRACK IS MISSING FROM THROUGHOUT THE MOVIE The original film has been recorded on a Dolby 5.1 digital , but either the left or the right channel has been switched OFF on the Moser baer version.! So no percussions or strings in the musical score!! No Guitars or beats !! Including the SONGS!! How weird is that..I have seen the film in the theatre and believe you me it just wasnt the same . Such pathetic nimcompoops !! Inexperienced hacks have messed around with the hard work of the team of Bhram.

I have no clue if it was intentional or purely a matter of inept / unprofessional/ill trained technicians recording the film. Drat !!Hence, anyway imagine a mind blowing background score, alongside the incomplete single track, which comes on intermittently, in fits and jolts, if you plan to buy the moser baer. The pirated ones selling on the road are better

Anyways

Update 7th April Bhram has been the biggest gainer in its music sales as compared to all other recent releases. But is it being publicised? No.. So.. got my point? Finally work shows. I believe the Director rejected several songs and spent months on getting what fitted his film. ..so said Pritam himself and the other music duo Siddharth Suhas in their interviews.

Update 21st March 2008: The music of Pavan Kauls Bhram, an intense, offbeat, slick,romantic drama/ thriller, has, as of yesterday reached #14 in Top 20 of All India sales ( latest is #11) It is no wonder really, the music has been widely appreciated for its variety as much as for its beats and melodies as in e.g. Jaane kyun’ by Sonu Niigam ( see vodpod alongside for song ).

The director Pavan Kaul had selected this number after endless sittings with Pritam who had it on his laptop in its original form as ‘Ghare Pheraar Gaan‘, composed by the Kolkata-based 70’s music group Mohinder Ghoraguli, in an effort to zero in on the most suitable melody which would signify the core of Bhram, which he finally found in this song. Pritam’s contribution to its orchestration and arrangement cannot however be overlooked..he has done a fantastic job. Sonu Niigams rendition is as always par excellence! Bhram is readying for release on 4th April 2008.The Music release party was quite a rocking event( video) held at Nelson Wangs’ China Garden’ newly opened at Khar ( hop skip away from home) with cast and crew present as also guests like Ashutosh Gowarikar, Anurag Kashyap etc. Live performance of Bhram songs by composers Siddharth Suhas added a zing and soon all were grooving to the music.

Pics exclusive to Sachiniti

The team ( which hardly ever features on the media but who deserve to be seen) Cinematographer Hiroo Keswani, music Directors, Siddhartha Suhas, line producer Navneet..the rest you know.

Pavan Kaul and Ashutosh Gowariker,both share a common background of television and films .. both live on the same road at Khar!!

Producer, Director and gang

Gulshan Grover and Pavan Kaul..old friends along with Siddharth of the musical duo

Bunty Walia, Milind Soman, Pavan Kaul..in high spirits.

Dino at his usual fun n games! .

Here and there: Pavan Kaul in his blog at Bollywood Hungama (who have accorded him a rather interesting introduction..refer link ) opines thus:

I dont believe in the differentiation of ‘art’ vs ‘commercial’. All films are commercial because they are made for a paying audience. All films can be ‘art’ provided the maker intends it so.

Cinema which is not “starry’ is also cinema, as entertaining and mainstream. Both require equal amount of dedication and hardwork in execution.There is no ‘other’ kind of cinema. The single kind of cinema I know, or can relate with and like to watch, is an honest film,,crafted professionally.

Bhram would have been more or less the same in its treatment and style even with the Khans in it…as much effort has been put into its making.

If we are a sensitive, intelligent, emotional people, it should show in the kind of films we patronise.

So let us not limit the ‘playing field’ for directors, actors, producers, technicians who may want to bring to the fore their creative energy and sensibilities. Why can there not be a meeting ground? It is not difficult to achieve this. Just the perspective towards cinema viewing has to alter a bit. It has to be ‘inclusive’ instead of ‘exclusive’..especially to do with the choices an audience makes.

This will pave the path and encourage future endeavours such as Bhram where a team of passionate, dedicated, talented, artists try and present films which defy genres.

Point taken !! Honestly we need to grow up and stop pandering to only our sense of vicarious living ostentatiously.. If cinema has to be taken to heights which it deserves to , considering the abundance of talent we have , then films “crafted professionally” should be given their due. Its also about SRK and AB and AB jr and the other Khans embarking on a path which showcases their talents exceptionally. They all have the capacity to be a De Niro, or Hoffman as much as our Directors can be a Scorsese and Ford.

We as audiences must back efforts which attempt to accomplish technical and cinematic brilliance with limited resources if only to exemplify just what a lavish scale might have showcased, had that been the case. After all a “Saawariya” like budget is not available for most!!

There has been a buzz about this film..write ups and interviews. Screen the weekly that graces every Bollywood-ers home as well as a Bollywood lovers’, carried features on Bhram where the three Dino, Milind Sheetal carry on an interesting, spicy, conversation post shooting of Bhram. In another, Pavan was quoted as saying:

“The work for Bhram started when its producer Nari Hira came up to me with the film’s storyline and concept. ………… Bhram is not an ordinary run-of-the-mill story that fizzles out. It’s a captivating film and its strength lies in its content and treatment. It is the story of certain people living in a world of illusions. Every human uses illusions to distract their mind from a truth they would rather not face. But, the effects of this illusion can be drastic and that is what Bhram is about. I was lucky enough to have a great crew and cast for this film and I am delighted with all the effort everyone’s put into it. The good thing about having underrated actors like Milind Soman and Dino Morea is that they do not carry any expectations. But, when they deliver an awesome performance everyone takes note. Both these actors have done a splendid job in the film. Newcomer Sheetal Menon has had a role of a lifetime, one of a woman with a twisted psychology. She too has coped well with the challenges of her role. I must say Bhram is not a lavish production but it is a refined, crisp and engrossing product of cinematic professionalism. I hope people will enjoy watching it as much as we did making it.”

Kavita Chhibber the renowned journalist and accomplished writer based in Atlanta, spoke with the Director and cast comprising of Dino Morea, Milind Soman and debutante Sheetal Menon in a well researched feature on Bhram for her widely read emag with song promos, pics and podcasts. In fact the videos featured therein are freshly upgraded from the studio..must remember to replace my youtube versions with these. A must see/watch/read. Milind Soman a straight shooter known for his forthrightness and no nonsense manner however had this to say about Bhram, which kinda sums it up

“It’s a very unusual film for India in terms of its structure and the kind of story and also the character. Every bit of it is very different from any film that is coming out of India. So that is interesting for us who are involved in it.”

Cool !!

******************************************************************** Gorai Incident Pavan Kaul

India Shining?? Not so sure. The unit of Pavan Kaul’s ‘Bhram’ a slick intense thriller, scheduled for March 2008 release, was shooting at Gorai beach, with permissions and police protection ( or so they thought) . Local goons came up in an autorickshaw and demanded ‘hafta’ or simply extortion money . Why??? Just..And then the violence which ensued..

The police on guard watched lackadaisically, shrugged their shoulders helplessly and advised “Pay up ..they are powerful and influential”..while chewing on their chicken feast..

Mumbai Mirror reports . Pavan Kaul and the unit came together to rally around Dino Morea who was being almost roughed up.

Pavan hurriedly mediated, sent Dino and the heroine Sheetal Menon to the vanity van, to avoid assault. The police watched nonchalantly. The goons puffed up with this apathy from police and also drunk silly not just with their sense of power, but actually inebriated to the core, then decided to get violent. Pavan Kaul ( his blog ) asked the police to take action which was met by ‘We cannot ..they are powerful..you better pay up” ..Shocked by the total ‘dadagiri’ happening , the unit refused to succumb. The goons then attacked an Asstt director. Getting even more violent the goons in a mood to do their worst then got into their auto and rammed into the Jimmy Gib a huge 20 lakh crane.

Nari Hira of Stardust/Savvy/Society Magna Group of Publications have lodged complaints with the Borivili Police Station against Inspector Gave who along with other cops had begun picknicking while on duty with the unit since afternoon. .he had demanded drinks and chicken to be served, and merrily kept at it, while the goons danced their jig. Anyways its all been captured on camera for posterity!! Quick thinking.. As an aside, reports of the film ‘Bhram’ being path breaking in its treatment and execution have filtered in..looking forward to viewing it. Pavan Kaul in exasperation said, as reported on IndiaFM: ““This is simply a mockery of the system where people who are supposed to protect you are hand in gloves with the mafia. Even though all the legal permission was taken, the cops actually asked us to pay up to resume the shoot. It is a very sad state of affairs. It is disgusting.” Its shocking.. at this day and age whilst the politicos stridently proclaiming of reformed Police, law and order under control, in a metropolis like Mumbai, with a high profile shooting unit thus attacked, its reflective of the ‘real’ situation as opposed to the picture portrayed by self serving media. Day light extortion with police as mute spectators. The police- goons nexus has long been established..ad nauseum. Yet, neither is the police bothered to rectify their tarnished image nor is the administartion in any hurry that they do so. The problem also lies with those who succumb and do not raise their voice. In this case, the unit did not give way and have lodged a complaint..despite facing heavy losses…Kudos. If the average citizen decides to stand his ground, the corrupt, arbitrary forces exploiting the apathy of the police, will have to bow down.I am quite certain, the police will have to own up responsibility for the episode . It was too blatant, in full glare..in fact the brazenness appalls one. Hopefully it is this that will send them to their doom.

# Director Pavan Kaul speaks on his forthcoming film ‘BHRAM’ Zee Music, ETC interviews here and here *****************************************************

#For BHRAM Theatrical Promo and Song Promos click here..highly recommended ***************************************************

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