An Illusion Bhram - News, Views, Reviews, Events, Features

Plain Speak: 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, 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 ! 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..

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.

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.

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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. 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!

Saawariya-Movie Review (updated)

Kaveetaa Kaul

Featured blog on Sulekha and Editors Choice

Cross Posted at Naachgaana

WordPress Featured Blog- Saawariya Review

Update : My hunch has been proven right..read bottom of post for details.

Saawariya review

In the present age when media of all categories and cadres, is purposefully bombarding ones senses and time willy nilly with information essentially suggestive as if of hypnotic capturing of ones personal opinions, reviews of a film eagerly awaited, overwhelm thought processes. Easily influenced gullible minds fall prey to the insidiously, oftentimes stridently suggested message tags of ‘hit’ or ‘flop’. A more discerning populace admittedly small in percentage, decide to cast aside ‘fed’ ideas and view open minded a movie which promises ‘greatness’ in the cinema-ic denotation.

Life In A Metro - A Review

Kaveetaa Kaul

 

A certain immunity insidiously develops over time if one is part of a metropolis..especially if experience has not provided an alternate lifestyle. One gets accustomed to Life- In- A- Metro, its eccentric and erratic ways, torpedo engined pace, ego centric paradigms, demanding emotional bonds, unquestioning surrender to its gargantuan appetite for devouring the spirit. So much so that when a ‘big deal is made of ‘metro life’ one wonders what the fuss is all about. Isn’t this what life connotes anyways?

The Namesake - A Review

Kaveetaa Kaul

Mira Nair is a woman much respected in her chosen profession, having achieved accolades fairly early in her career. Therefore she has managed to inculcate faithfuls to her style of cinema the world over. Being of Indian origin one would like to believe has embellished her visual and aesthetics to the extent that she has managed to carve an enviable niche in the legion of film makers, where gender offers no privileges, contrarily may oftentimes spring in a spanner.

‘Water’ By Deepa Mehta- A Review

Kaveetaa Kaul

There are films that entertain you and then there is a film like ‘Water’ by Deepa Mehta which moves you and shames you at once, for belonging to an ethos which conforms to the barabarities portrayed via the story of widows, perhaps sequestering,therefore further criminalised , ages ranging from eight to eighty.

There maybe no answers, but should that hinder us from questioning? Especially in the darkened hall where you are spared looking at another Indian, in the eye. Should we hide these truths about India as we would our personal crimes?

In 2000 when the film had created a stir in the media and in Varanasi where it had caused a few Hindu fundamentalist groups to abort the shooting, one was confused as to whether our loyalties lay with our cultural lineage or freedom of expression which considered the same an anathema.

The politicos had their sway and Deepa was forced to relent. She left the country ironically with a bound script, approved by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, but without a single shot canned.

Nishabd Review-Take Light

Kaveetaa Kaul

1123 views

Sure does leave you speechless..if not ‘wordless’…as the title suggests.

At the outset, expectations from the film pre-viewing, were not something to write home about. RGV’s reprising failures, a major contributory factor. However, one’s hopes were pinned on the decision making process of Amitabh Bachchan, which leads him to accept/reject a script and consequently his compliance in assaying the character.

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

Plain Speak: 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, 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 !

‘Guru’ Movie Review- Gurubhai Mani Ratnam

Kaveeta Kaul

Featured post at Sulekha

A friend, who is also a film maker, enquired of me conspiratorially, prior to the release of the film ‘Guru’ as to what were my reactions of the promos or rather what were the expectations from the film. The pre- release buzz which surrounds a film based on rather nebulous criteria, word of mouth gossip, disgruntled colleagues, envious peers, or the plain diabolic variety of ‘industrywallahs, who revel in pulling down any effort they feel threatened by either by sheer enormity of the project or sincerity in its making, is often hugely erroneous.

Since I correspond to none of the above mentioned categories, my assessment was based

Dhoom Macha Diya Hrithik-Dhoom2(Review)

519 views

Kaveeta Kaul

Dhoom, the first, had left me unmoved for most part..not being a ‘bike’ enthusiast. Admit it guys, minus the bikes and fanfare associated with it, there was little the film had to offer in terms of performances, script etc..except for Uday Chopras likable dialogues.

Having received mixed reports, was expecting another mindless razzle dazzle, much ado about nothing kinda two and a half hours..Was I in for a surprise!!! And how!!!

There are spoilers from here on.. so …

The opening sequence of the crown heist was brilliant in its action..introduction of Hrithik was one of the best if not ‘the best’ he has ever partaken, even better than Kaho na Pyar hai, as the comeback of Rohit. Abhisheks intro paled in comparison.

Kaunsi’Umrao’ Kiski ‘Jaan’ Kaisi ‘Ada’-Umrao Jaan Review

Kaveeta Kaul

One of the most eagerly awaited films, in recent times, (not if one was to peruse the opening collections..a shameful 30%) where the lead ‘jodi’ had set the media ablaze with their impending ‘marriage’ rumors, a sure shot, tried and tested modus operandi to woo in crowds.

Apart from the hype of its budget, the ‘promos’, the advertised painstakingly carried out execution of the finer nuances of the original story written by ‘Rusva’, an expected buzz surrounded the release. That J.P. Dutta was the creator of this Umrao Jaan

Don-Undone (Review)

Indian films are as if strait jacketed into a mould whereby Box-office returns are the single most crucial factor determining creative decisions. Any wonder then, that tried and tested films are being squeezed of every drop of latent potential, re-hashed and presented afresh in the pious hope of achieving another block buster credited in a film makers repertoire. The predominant cult of ‘lifting’ foreign films, after having reached saturation, apart from the uncertainty of guaranteeing success , led to this ‘creative’ route of now re-mixing films! (Sigh)

Woh Lamhe-Review

Few directors in India have left me wanting for more. One of them is Mahesh Bhatt. He possessed a rare sensitivity and astute talent in detailing human emotions If you notice I have intentionally switched to the past tense, since he has declared his resignation from active ‘direction’ of films or so he says…most of the films under his banner presently smack of the “Bhatt Saab’ touch…for better or worse.

Bravo-Carry On Munnabhai!

Update: Arshad Warsi claimed today in Mumbai Mirror, that the character of Circuit was his brain child totally. “There was nothing to it (the character originally written).The guy was just a typical sidekick, a six foot oaf named Abdul Khulji, or something like that. I moulded and shaped that inconsequential character in to Circuit”..informs Arshad…hmmm, no wonder the ring of truth in the performance and my comments.

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Review

For most, moviegoing is a pastime, for some it is an escape, for others, like me, it is a passion, akin to none, indulged solely for pleasure, reserved for viewing a creative art. The

Alvida Marriage - Kank A Review

Karan Johar has indicted the treatise of marriage as a committment. What comes through pre-dominantly as the raison d’etre of this enterprise is, to present the notion of ‘holy matrimony’ as a nebulous institution open to a re-definition, where accepted norms have been questioned, vows overlooked, sanctity ignored. All this with a plaintiff ‘cry of the soul’manner of treatment, a refuge in stars gracng the scenes with their glitzy presence and in a sense lending weight to what might have otherwise been a half baked attempt of reviewing an

Aftermath

The flip side of irresponsible dramatisations, as featured in Rang de Basanti. What could have been a fine specimen of Indian cinema, with its youthful vivaciousness, is denigrating to misguiding gullible youth(70% in villages according to the latest ORG_NIELSEN survey) to perhaps connote patriotism as taking up the mantle of self proclaimed do gooders with violence as their tool.

Generation awakens?

Went to the movies and saw’Rang De Basanti’..The byline screamed ‘a generation awakens’.That really set me thinking. Till the flick was a non pretentious Indian Movie, with a 40+ superstar playing a college student, and ‘willing suspension of disbelief urging me to resign myself at watching the tamasha with fervour, all was going fine.The moment the seriousness of a message creeped in , where a generation recoiling at the ’system’ and their impotence at getting things ‘right’ resorted to violence and bloodshed as the only alternative, it got my (imaginary) goatee!!The makers further rationalised and logicalised their reasoning by equating the gang with the likes of our freedom fighters of yore, Bismil, Bhagatsingh and Azad..This to me was a trite outrageous..Why do we Indians tend to get overdramatic? It has always been a question that has perplexed me .The answer ofcourse lies in the ‘box office’ collections and catering to the lowest common denominator, while at the same time endeavouring to keep a semblance of serious cinema, as the motive. This itself is fallacious. Box office and ‘quality’ in India are at opposite ends of the specrtum. You cannot appease both together. One will have to be sacrificed. Without question therefore that ‘commerce’ rules ‘art’ . It will truly be a’ generation ‘ before this ‘awakening’ takes the shape of reality. Till then it will remain a pipe dream , like the rest of those dreams which never see the light of the day, because of the lack of ‘takers’. Creativity is abundant..Connoisseurs are rare. Success coupled with creativity, rarer.

We as a nation seem to have it all , but somewhere down the line seemed to have lost it all as well..Our philosophy, morals, values, ethos, sensitivity , compassion, spirituality.. all seem blurred and misguided. Why have we relegated it to the background?? Will we ever re discover the Indianness of our India? Will this be a pipe dream as well?

Ranking: ***