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…)
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…)
Kaveetaa Kaul
Oh yes.. Dhoni is a sport!! He dabbles in all kinds!!
Most of yesterday evening was spent avoiding the visual of a live video recording flashed across several news Channels of an apparently unmoved, placid Dhoni, partaking in a ritual accompanied by a timid goat, all dressed for the kill with ’tilak ‘ on forehead a garland around its neck et al. ( see snap) Makes one shudder to think that this is the mental make up of our erstwhile captain of the Indian cricket team. One would have imagined that he had the class and polish to restrict his ‘killer instinct ‘ to the cricket field, fending off opposing bowlers or demolishing a competitive score. But, it was a revelation, albeit devastatingly disturbing, to witness just how steeped in mediocrity or for that matter, crassy was his mindset to indulge apathetically in inane ritualistic acts anachronistic in practise, if not outright and unmistakably barbaric.
Anil Raina
Anil Raina presently a crime correspondent with Mumbai Mirror, sent me this awe inspiring first hand account of a week he spent with our jawans in Jammu and Kashmir. For all of us entrenched in the mundanities of our individual universe, documentation such as this ought to jolt us into sitting up taking cognisance of the lives we so carelessly forget to remember. (more…)
Okay ..you can now stop rubbing your eyes in disbelief…you read the header right. Men arent required to make babies anymore. How? Apparently womens bone marrow can create sperm. Wow! And the Bible spoke of woman being created out of a mans collar (?) bone. time to demolish theories and get on with life….creating life. Out with your bones..women. they are sexy!! (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…)
Kaveetaa Kaul
What can safely be described as the mystery of the century, the identity of Leonardo Da Vincis La Gioconda, popularly known as Mona Lisa has finally been revealed. The “Lady of the Louvre’ with her beguiling smile has inspired not just romantics or social causerie for 500 years but captured the imagination world wide of those greatly intrigued by her identity as much as the reason behind that smile that virtually captivated the planet. (more…)
Taslima Nasreen - A Muslim Womans Dares But…………Her Voice Gets Stifled
Taslima Nasreen a Muslim woman who dared to protest against the ’sad plight ‘of women in her community but was compelled to recant her intransigent writings a few days ago.
Taslima Nasrin/ Nasreen has been on the run from Islamic fundamentalists for over 14 years now ever since she published her thoughts in various writings especially her novella ‘Lajja’ (shame).
It all began in 1993 when this particular event proved cataclysmic. (more…)
Kaveetaa Kaul
Since I have been graciously awarded the above by Mapiprincesa , felt it would be in the propriety of things to carry it forward. Hedonism as a philosophy is highly contagious.
Although Mapiprincesa grandly made her choice from among the blogosphere globally(wow) I am nominating five bloggers from our desi sphere ..’Kyunki dil hai hindustani’. I think the under mentioned ‘roaaaaaarrrr’ well enough to be heard and applauded. They are encouraged to add the above image on to their website, nominate their ‘five’ and keep the roarrrr alive in the blogging safari. (more…)
Kaveeta Kaul
An inconspicuous presence, frail, bent, clad in the now legendary bordered white saree has shaken up the keepers of morality one more time since her earthly demise a decade ago. Mother Teresa’s letters lately released “Mother Teresa : Come Be My Light” speak of her anguish at feeling alone and Godless in a mind littered with doubt and faith faltering with disillusionment. (more…)
Kaveeta Kaul
This blog has been linked to by CNN.com/US
Today is the tenth death anniversary of Princess Diana and the euphoria continues as fervently with no signs of abating. A memorial sevice that had been in the news for a while since Camilla Prince Charles present wife and the ‘third person’ referred to by Diana in her marriage had been invited by Dianas sons.
Camillas inclusion had shocked and appalled many at the time. I had written of it as well in indignation, with no intention of masking the antipathy, wondering how on earth could Camilla be a part of the ceremony in memory of Diana despite being someone who had played a pivotal role in her misery. (more…)
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
6098 views
Pratibha Patils election as the First Woman President of India might have sent a tinge of elation in the hearts and minds of citizens had Magsaysay award winner Kiran Bedi’s randomity of being superseded not have occurred the same day.
Vying for the top post of Commissioner in the country’s capital, Kiran Bedi made her displeasure known when her junior Y.S.Dadwal outraced her by measures other than merit and seniority. Kiran in her signature style, forthright, dispassionate, stoic almost yogic , elucidated on her deserving the Chief of Police distinction, while drawing attention as to how Dadwal was unfairly appointed. (more…)
Kaveetaa Kaul
1184 views
Perhaps one of the rarest accounts of a vicariously described relationship is that of Pamela Mountbatten’s depiction of her mother Edwina, wife of Lord Mountbatten the last Viceroy of India and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehrus ‘love affair’ in her book India Remembered: A Personal Account of the Mountbattens During the Transfer of Power. A daughter looking back at her mothers life with candid honesty and mature ponderings does astonish one, followed by a sense of admiration at the candor of her approach.
What is ‘platonic love’? (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…)
Indian born designer Anand Jon, who has been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons..Rape and felony, after having been granted bail , has been re-arrested in the face of fresh charges of rape instigated against him.
Its sickening to imagine a personal life so bereft of values and plagued with compulsions of the kind.
However, something seems amiss. (more…)
Kaveetaa Kaul
Food for thought on this one..Dichotomies that oftentimes confuse the hell out of mere mortals.
Two headlines that caught my attention.
First:
Mukesh Ambani is the first trillionaire of India with brother Anil Ambani following closely at 90,000 crores. (more…)
Kaveeta Kaul
In what can be termed as a momentous decision by an Indian Court a woman has been granted compensation for the emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of her live in partner who used her on the promise of marriage and then dumped her unceremoniously , threatening her with his ‘high connections’ if she so much as uttered a word in protest. (more…)
1009 views
Kaveeta Kaul
Presuming that this programme “Koffee with Karan” has been widely viewed one can get on to the business of opinionating. For those who have missed it, excerpts then assume importance, an option, nevertheless indispensable to the cause of experiencing a rather charming , for want of a better word, revelation of the man that is Richard Gere. (more…)
