Big B Blogs!!! Bunderful!! Sorry could not resist the temptation to alliterate ‘the Big B’ 
I have read most and quite simply .. I am impressed. The impeccable choice of words, control over his language, no imminent show of disrespect although make no mistake ..he is mincing no words when he wants to hit out… yet never does he offend. (more…)
So ‘Race’ the racy, thriller, has grossed over a 100 crores worldwide, a thumping hit, its acceptance without a shadow of doubt an established fact. ‘Good going’.. I’d say..well done..as well. But wait a minute, what exactly is it that we are gloating over? The success of a film or the tacit acceptance of values it ‘enshrines’.
I have seen the film, enjoyed the spirit of its mood, liked the visual treat it offered, despite the fact that in South Africa you can place the camera randomly and you’d be sure to have captured some enticing scenery, noticed the belabored look of its actors, summarily thought it to be ‘paisa vasool’ to a large extent, thus sharing in the opinion of a large mass of the audience.
Hypocrisy and doublespeak are traits I cannot boast of having mastered . (more…)
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.
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! (more…)
Today 28th January marks the first death anniversary of maestro par excellence O P Nayyar.
I had written a post on OPN on April 16th 2006 whilst he was yet amongst us but in response to a news item which detailed how O P ji was living with an adopted family. One knows now that the family in question accorded him all the love and respect they could possibly summon. At the time however, to imagine a ‘Badshah’ of Music directors and especially someone who had lived life on his own terms, royally, in such dire straits, evoked a surge of emotion.
Thus the post ‘O P Nayyar- Not Forgotten” was born which has since accumulated staggering statistics of 20,000+ views and 1,000 + comments and growing. Perhaps the highest in the Desi blogosphere. This if anything is a reflection of the magic of OPN’s melodies and the ardent love of his fans from all over the world. Timelessness if a factor to evaluate talent, OPN wins hands down.
Of the hundreds who commented..Famed music composer from Pakistan, Sohail Rana, one of his ghazals being the unforgettable ‘mujhe tum nazar se gira to rahey ho, mijhe tum kabhi bhi bhula na sakogey’ , (more…)
going by last years records for SRK.. theres all reason for him to be upbeat
So he pays an advance tax of 27 CR..Blink blink.. Its true. And this was for nine months, from the months of April 2007 to Dec ‘07.
The tabloids and electronic media have gone into a tizzy proclaiming ” King Khan has done it again” or something similar. Needless to add these are the ‘faithfuls’ who stridently announce his supremacy at every given opportunity while simultaneously looking askance covertly at Big B’. (more…)
Mr. Mohan Siroya writes directly for “SACHINITI” from the festival precincts in Goa and gives us his first hand account..Interesting!
A brief profile of Mohan Siroya:
Academically a double post graduate ,worked as a Sr.professional manager in MNCs in Mumbai for 30 yrs.. Simultaneously, has also been freelancing as a FILM JOURNALIST/CRITIC for last 40 years. He has been a prolific writer , having written critical articles ,features, reviews etc. on films, Music and TV in numerous English periodicals in India. Named a few are :- The Indian Express, Film Fare, Film World, Picture Post, Cine Advance, Screen , The Hitavada, Lokmat Times , The Twin City Times , Film Industry Journal, Day After, Femina , Eve’s Weekly, Free Press Journal , Blitz etc.
So far Mr. Siroya has written about 7000 articles on films. He is the founder president of FREELANCE FILM JOURNALISTS COMBINE (FFJC), a registered association of Freelance film journalists all over India.
He is also a CONSUMER ACTIVIST of repute , presently being the Chairperson of Consumer Complaints Cell , an NGO based at Marol. Earlier, he was associated with the Consumer Guidance society of India for several years on their complaints committee.. Recently, The Times of India newspaper had eulogized his selfless and free services by calling him a “City Angel”and making a feature on him. Also a Social Activist , having held many prestigious offices in the International Association of Lions Clubs
Mr. Siroya is 71 years young and very much active . He believes in living life king size, with a flair for Shairi, poetry and humour .
38 th International Film Festival of India — Goa
Sedate and Smooth Take off
For the last four years since the Festival started taking place in Goa , this year was the first time that it took off with serenity and seriousnes as a festival of International standard deserves .
The opening ceremony was devoid of any bollyood or cinematic razzmattaz unlike last year when it was reduced to a cheap cinema song- dance show . Credit must go to the Dirctorate of Film Festival and the Chief Minister of Goa, for not entrusting the affairs of orgaanisation to the inexperienced Goa Entertainment Society and diding the two distint areas viz; Cultural and other film shows for public and the actual film festival, both at separate avenues. (more…)
So you thought India would dance to M’s tunes? You’re right ..only M as in…er.. Mayawati not Madhuri..dumbos.
This is India maah dears. ..here Aamir Khan is not a greater star than Narendra Modi.When he says ‘Who Aamir’..the people respond with ‘No Fanaa’. And if you think Madhuri Dixit and her million watt smile, coupled with her dhak dhak latkas and jhatkas, and the strenuously exercised 26″ waistline will phase out Madam Mayawatis (more…)
Loved him in the CDI look
Kaveetaa Kaul
The BCCI has once again proven that is the single most controversial non governmental body. This time it has outdone itself by embarking on a tomfoolery riot in a matter outside the periphery of cricket, into a sphere which is as much revered. The iconic Shahrukh Khan. Of the three that can whip up a fanatical frenzy for Indians, inexplicable and irrational, one is umm..sex, the other cricket and then SRK..not particularly in that order..Wonder what would occur if the three appeared combined, by an act of God…which adds on the ‘religion’ as the (more…)
Kaveetaa Kaul
Featured blog on Sulekha and Editors Choice
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.
A still from ‘Mela’ with Aamir and Faisal Khan .. Unfortunately life turned out to be less of a ‘mela’ ..more of a ‘melee’!
9356 views
Kaveetaa Kaul
This post has been quoted/linked in Mumbai Mirror Bloggers Park
Update 2nd Nov 07: As expected Aamirs family consisting of his wife Kiran rao and 21 other family members speak out in vehement aggression against Tahir Hussain and Faisal Khan..see update at bottom of post.
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Piqued by the rather insouciant reportage of events that have engulfed the two brothers, Aamir Khan and Faisal Khan, one felt the need to elucidate lucidly on the tittle tattle that has been persistently chasing them this past week. Although news had been alarming yet one desisted from writing on the subject out of sheer sense of fairness and also to avoid further encumbrance towards normalisation/ solution to the rather tragic turn of events.
This is not a comment on ‘Eklavya’s fate at the Oscars. It is a lament on the pitiful rendering of what could have been and ought to be a national consensus.
The seriously deleterious goings on to do with the selection of ‘Eklavya’ as the official entry for Oscar 2007 has left a bitter taste in the mouth. (more…)
For all those cinema buffs feeling neglected and forlorn at the lack of opportunity to showcase their talent here is occasion to rejoice. ‘Passion for Cinema’ has facilitated a festival just for you. Make a one minute film and earn the privilege to work with the best in Bollywood.
No more excuses. Pray to your muse to pay you a visit pronto! Put on your creative cap and let the juices flow! Erstwhile members on the jury and those who have offered internships as prizes include Pavan Kaul, Anurag Kashyap etc..
So stir up your soul and elicit a story that will boggle the judges!
Pssst..DNA it seems loved my title
Kaveetaa Kaul
4017 views
Update 31st August’07: Salman Khan has been granted bail..finally after a week behind bars. This bodes well for the star.
For those like Maneka Gandhi, thirsting for blessed retribution, vengeful solace, this news of Salman Khan being sentenced and later jailed for poaching of a black buck , has provided good reason to avow that justice indeed does yet prevail in our land. In an interview on a news channel she made known her satisfaction at his sentencing by the High Court amply clear , if I may add with a certain sense of piquancy, while dismaying over the fact that he had been in fact let off too easily these past years. Whether her rant stemmed from being a Lover of animals or celebrity hater is confounding really. (more…)
Kaveeta Kaul
Guru Dutt..the mere mention of the name conjures up a memory of those eyes, which seemed piercing but simultaneously hypnotic, romantic, questioning therefore, melancholic.They were as if making an assertion of having seen it, lost it as well, realising en route. the futility of it all ! (more…)
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?
1513 views
Kaveeta Kaul
My personal gossip news vine is Shirin- a beautician who comes by once a month, to help satisfy my compulsive vain urges. The fact that she is also a favourite with other filmi folk lends to the credibility of spicy tidbits interspersed with her routine, which she offers most willingly, free of cost. Mostly its a monologue..me with my eyes closed, trying earnestly to relax away my blues while she chatters away undeterred..Responsiveness is not a criteria she bothers herself much with…and neither is she impressed with subtle piquant wit. I often sense the similarity with the Vijay-Basanti (Sholay) catatonic syndrome.. y’know what I mean. (more…)
Kaveetaa Kaul
Saw a movie which is considered quite a ‘cult film’ by most cinephiles and also enormously inspiring by some makers. It is certainly not your quintessential ‘worth-a-watch’ film. Primarily because it needs you to be attentive, mature and intelligent. It pre-supposes the inherent sharpness of the viewer..such a diametrically differing standpoint from the Indian cinegoers perspective, since he enters a cinema hall to lose himself and surrender to the sensibilities of the maker. While films such as ‘Eternal Sunshine of a spotless mind’ demand that you ‘grow up’ and watch the meanderings of the script with your senses alert.
No, this is not a review of the film. In fact it would be a trifle difficult to indulge in that exercise. (more…)
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. (more…)
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. (more…)
