The burmawalas are back; rapidly after Naqaab. It really amazes me how they manage making movies so quick, yet agile. Kudos to their intellect as such kinda confusing scripts are not too easy to handle. Although, one knows what a characteristic Abbas-Mustan movie will be and this one classically is, still it glues the audience to their chairs till the curtain-fall. All the time one knows that something strange is coming up in the very next moment yet 'what' is still the question. This flick is beyond a double-cross thriller; can term as a multi-cross one :)
Stunning camera work, breathtaking locales, first-rate costumes, splendid performances and above all a super fast pace - These are the highlights of the entire fare. Multiple twists and turns are dramatic but also digestive. Editing is a vital area in such movies which is slightly overlooked. Musically astounding but yet quite ill-timed songs also kinda apply brakes to the pace. These are the only two flip sides.
There was a time when Saif would be either one of those funny guyz or a next door chap in the movie. Times have changed. Post DCH, this chappie has gradually turned in to a ruling heart-throb. In last few years, he has taken a few movies (Hum Tum, Salaam Namaste, Tara Rum Pum) entirely on his shoulders. Race is a movie he takes on his head heart and soul. Akshaye has performed brilliantly but his role is quite monotonous and clichéd (alike Humraaz, Deewangee, Naqaab). Anilbhai is an icing on the cake; quite appropriate and natural with his witty character. The comic addition by johny, raghavendra and gurpreet adds the required sugar. Nothing great from girls except seducing movements (bips), inviting appearance (kats) and humourous 'dumbo' performance (sam). Dalip in his side-lined villainous avatar looks pretty ok.
Net-net, Race (could have also been named as Chase) is more-or-less viewable cos of the strong up-sides and the treatment by Abbas-Mustan who reign their specialty cinema.
My Verdict - 6/10.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
5. Black and White.
This motion picture, although named Black and White for a different reason, is quite a colorful one. Ghai, it seems is back with a vengeance; a vengeance to his spoiled creative image (post devastating Yaadein and atrocious Kisna). I had a feeling that Ghai must have given up as a director. He has proved me wrong. Black and white is not only a directorial comeback but also a rediscovery of ingenuity, which he already possessed but was lost. Unlike any Ghai flick, Black and White is technically and visually not an exceptional one but still an incredible piece of work when it comes to the treatment of such a sensitive subject.
It gives altogether a diverse insight to terrorism. Terrorism cannot come to an end merely by gunning down the terrorist. On the contrary, it results in rising of many others. This is Ghai’s message to the world. The climax part where Kapoor says – “They send us a suicide bomber to cause a chaos in our nation and we are sending back a human being” is thought provoking.
I have always looked upon Kapoor as a director’s actor. Ghai has extracted his potential to the fullest here. He has delivered an excessively magnificent performance. In his lingo, I can term it as a zzhakkaass feat. The speechless expressions on his face during the heartbreaking scene (where his wife passes away) makes difficult to control the tear shed. Shah has enacted even more marvelously than she looks. Sharma looks stunning too; also has given proper judgment to her small role. Tanvir, who plays a vital role, leaves a lasting impression by managing himself in versatile scenes. Above all, Sinha – the new kid on the block is the most promising discovery of the recent times. He has delivered a breath-taking performance. Almost all the intense scenes in the movie are in his kitty. He has thrived at each one.
The leg-pulling of news channels has become a mandatory part in current films but to a certain extent is necessary too. Besides, there are a few sarcastic scenes which are worth noticing. Politics, Power and ultimately Money has been shown as the driving force for the spread of communal differences and is cliché.
The lyrics and music aren’t that bad. Editing is brilliant. Cinematography is ok. The black and white scenes are fabulously captured though. Once again, the finest part of the entire movie is its direction. By and large, black and white is an evocative fare with a sane conclusion.
My verdict - 8/10.
It gives altogether a diverse insight to terrorism. Terrorism cannot come to an end merely by gunning down the terrorist. On the contrary, it results in rising of many others. This is Ghai’s message to the world. The climax part where Kapoor says – “They send us a suicide bomber to cause a chaos in our nation and we are sending back a human being” is thought provoking.
I have always looked upon Kapoor as a director’s actor. Ghai has extracted his potential to the fullest here. He has delivered an excessively magnificent performance. In his lingo, I can term it as a zzhakkaass feat. The speechless expressions on his face during the heartbreaking scene (where his wife passes away) makes difficult to control the tear shed. Shah has enacted even more marvelously than she looks. Sharma looks stunning too; also has given proper judgment to her small role. Tanvir, who plays a vital role, leaves a lasting impression by managing himself in versatile scenes. Above all, Sinha – the new kid on the block is the most promising discovery of the recent times. He has delivered a breath-taking performance. Almost all the intense scenes in the movie are in his kitty. He has thrived at each one.
The leg-pulling of news channels has become a mandatory part in current films but to a certain extent is necessary too. Besides, there are a few sarcastic scenes which are worth noticing. Politics, Power and ultimately Money has been shown as the driving force for the spread of communal differences and is cliché.
The lyrics and music aren’t that bad. Editing is brilliant. Cinematography is ok. The black and white scenes are fabulously captured though. Once again, the finest part of the entire movie is its direction. By and large, black and white is an evocative fare with a sane conclusion.
My verdict - 8/10.
4. Sin Unseen.
There are umpteen variable ways of defining an act. At times, they contradict too. An act may be categorized as nice by some while vice by others. Broadly, an act falls in either of these two categories. Usually, an act falling in the latter category is termed as a sinful act. Precisely, an act causing direct or indirect harm to anyone is a sin. This is a general definition.
Most of us avoid doing a sinful act. Even I do but do I really comprehend what is a sinful act? Besides, after understanding, do I really implement the idea of staying away from it? A shallow thinking makes me feel that I am pretty much a harmless person. I do not cause damage in anyone’s life. On the contrary, I really engage myself in doing some good activities recurrently. I do support and toil for a social cause. To a certain extent, I am a philanthropist too.
Well, sounds amazing but probably at a superficial level. Let me take myself to a deeper level and think about it. Charity begins at home. This is a well-known phrase. Do I live my life without causing any harm to any of my family members? Further, what about my life outside home? For instance – work, study, social circle, etc.
I might be donating a few bucks every month in a charity but on the other hand do I check if I am exploiting my servant (or any one who works for me and is paid by me) and paying him less than he actually deserves? If I donate an X amount but also do exploitation worth an X amount (only considering the money part), then doesn’t it nullify my charity?
Life is full of nonstop actions – physical, verbal, mental. If I perform any act which makes me feel happy but also gives me a pinch in some corner of my heart, I have 2 choices – either to overlook it or to act on it. Nevertheless, the choice may be mine, but the pinch still persists. The occurrence of such pinches is evident in cases where I have been unethical. There are many cases where in I can escape from the offense by offering a bribe. This is usually followed by a feeling of contentment but what about the pinch? Is it disregarded?
Anyhow, at the end of day, if I feel that I have lived my day without a pinch, I am a success.
Most of us avoid doing a sinful act. Even I do but do I really comprehend what is a sinful act? Besides, after understanding, do I really implement the idea of staying away from it? A shallow thinking makes me feel that I am pretty much a harmless person. I do not cause damage in anyone’s life. On the contrary, I really engage myself in doing some good activities recurrently. I do support and toil for a social cause. To a certain extent, I am a philanthropist too.
Well, sounds amazing but probably at a superficial level. Let me take myself to a deeper level and think about it. Charity begins at home. This is a well-known phrase. Do I live my life without causing any harm to any of my family members? Further, what about my life outside home? For instance – work, study, social circle, etc.
I might be donating a few bucks every month in a charity but on the other hand do I check if I am exploiting my servant (or any one who works for me and is paid by me) and paying him less than he actually deserves? If I donate an X amount but also do exploitation worth an X amount (only considering the money part), then doesn’t it nullify my charity?
Life is full of nonstop actions – physical, verbal, mental. If I perform any act which makes me feel happy but also gives me a pinch in some corner of my heart, I have 2 choices – either to overlook it or to act on it. Nevertheless, the choice may be mine, but the pinch still persists. The occurrence of such pinches is evident in cases where I have been unethical. There are many cases where in I can escape from the offense by offering a bribe. This is usually followed by a feeling of contentment but what about the pinch? Is it disregarded?
Anyhow, at the end of day, if I feel that I have lived my day without a pinch, I am a success.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
3. Transcend.
I am pretty much satisfied in my life.
Life is wonderful.
I am doing great.
Everything is smooth.
Nothing could be better than this.
These are some sentences which I keep on hearing from my friends and most of the times from within. What makes such feeling occur? May be, I am pretty much happy with my current phase of life.
“What next?” Does this question arise? If at all, do I really have a deep consideration on the same? It might happen that this question arises but is usually overlooked. Why? Again, a similar reply. I am so very happy, content and satisfied with my current life that I don’t need to transcend. I want to continue living the same.
Am I sensing that overlooking the question is making me overlook the stagnancy which is on its way? Am I carried away to such an extent that sooner or later the state of inertia will occur? What after that?
On the other hand, aren’t there so many things is life which I want to do, rather I feel like doing but eventually am overshadowing those feelings with a comment – “I am happy and ok now. Why should I start burning my fingers in doing a new stuff?”
Am I looking at 2 major loss areas here?
1. I am flowing towards sluggishness
2. I am avoiding things which I really want to do.
Of course, if I am living with a feeling shown in initial few sentences, nothing like that. It’s a very positive life but if I am neglecting the unanticipated hindrances or being impassionate about my likings, I might be leading myself to misery.
Here is the thin wall of dissimilarity between satisfaction and contentment. I can always be satisfied with what I am and what I have but I need to develop the hunger for enhancement and diversification. This will flourish the challenge-accepting persona within me. This will “Awaken the Giant within”. I will strive for constant improvement. Transcend is the keyword, which literally means “rise above”, “go beyond”, “exceed” and so on.
As soon as the period (.) after the initial 5 statements is replaced by “but”, TRANSCEND approaches.
Life is wonderful.
I am doing great.
Everything is smooth.
Nothing could be better than this.
These are some sentences which I keep on hearing from my friends and most of the times from within. What makes such feeling occur? May be, I am pretty much happy with my current phase of life.
“What next?” Does this question arise? If at all, do I really have a deep consideration on the same? It might happen that this question arises but is usually overlooked. Why? Again, a similar reply. I am so very happy, content and satisfied with my current life that I don’t need to transcend. I want to continue living the same.
Am I sensing that overlooking the question is making me overlook the stagnancy which is on its way? Am I carried away to such an extent that sooner or later the state of inertia will occur? What after that?
On the other hand, aren’t there so many things is life which I want to do, rather I feel like doing but eventually am overshadowing those feelings with a comment – “I am happy and ok now. Why should I start burning my fingers in doing a new stuff?”
Am I looking at 2 major loss areas here?
1. I am flowing towards sluggishness
2. I am avoiding things which I really want to do.
Of course, if I am living with a feeling shown in initial few sentences, nothing like that. It’s a very positive life but if I am neglecting the unanticipated hindrances or being impassionate about my likings, I might be leading myself to misery.
Here is the thin wall of dissimilarity between satisfaction and contentment. I can always be satisfied with what I am and what I have but I need to develop the hunger for enhancement and diversification. This will flourish the challenge-accepting persona within me. This will “Awaken the Giant within”. I will strive for constant improvement. Transcend is the keyword, which literally means “rise above”, “go beyond”, “exceed” and so on.
As soon as the period (.) after the initial 5 statements is replaced by “but”, TRANSCEND approaches.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
2. Certificate.
Whenever some one praises me, I feel on the top of the world. Why do I feel so? The most probable reason is I am happy to know that someone has realized my worth. What if I hold an appraisable quality but no one is bothered to praise me? I will be waiting for some one to come and admire, isn’t it?
Is there really a point in waiting for someone to come and tell me the thing which I possess and also I know that I possess? Also, is it necessary that each one around will commend after knowing about it.
Some might just keep mum while some may even condemn. Will I feel sad at this point? If yes, why? Why do I want each one around me to authenticate and award me a verbal certificate for what I already am? Probably, I am expecting people to encourage me so that I can groom in the respective area. Am I honestly looking for this or just am greedy for approbation? Do I just want to look good and following that, consider myself superior about it?
Isn’t my own certificate enough for me? Does it not serve the purpose of encouragement? Also, doesn’t this hold true for all the cases where I just rely on other person’s opinion?
PS: The only intension here is to avoid the feeling of dejection when I am overlooked.
Is there really a point in waiting for someone to come and tell me the thing which I possess and also I know that I possess? Also, is it necessary that each one around will commend after knowing about it.
Some might just keep mum while some may even condemn. Will I feel sad at this point? If yes, why? Why do I want each one around me to authenticate and award me a verbal certificate for what I already am? Probably, I am expecting people to encourage me so that I can groom in the respective area. Am I honestly looking for this or just am greedy for approbation? Do I just want to look good and following that, consider myself superior about it?
Isn’t my own certificate enough for me? Does it not serve the purpose of encouragement? Also, doesn’t this hold true for all the cases where I just rely on other person’s opinion?
PS: The only intension here is to avoid the feeling of dejection when I am overlooked.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
1. Hopes Gone, India Won.
That was the piece of assault IKP’s death-weapon would have been looking for during the entire combat. What a splendid triumph this was?
A spectacular start by swift attacker RVU and gifted SRT in the initial 20 fire-filled rounds had won half the hearts. One more exceptional illustration by SRT. Almost indispensable combatant, this one is. Further, the other gladiators - YYS and MSD demonstrated a good show with their wooden swords. Nonetheless, the combination of acceleration and defense was not striking in the final 10 crucial attacks. They should have focused more on steadiness with temperamental touch rather than perpendicular acceleration with lack of resistance. Still, the finishing numbers (258) weren’t too bad either.
Now was the turn to explode the bombs; rather exploding them at accurate places with explicit timing. This act was pretty much magnificently executed by PKS. After uprooting the existence of ACG, RTP and MJC, he had dominated the scuffle. A cake walk victory was apparently shaping up for Company India. However, this was not the precise time for any conclusion. The mammoth MLH and the dexterous AS were yet to roar and were visibly firm to create a catastrophe in their opponent’s tent. On the other hand, the fast and the furious Lions of Punjab - YYS and HSS were on fire and the consequence was MLH’s adieu following anguish in the Aussie troop. Somehow, the hopes were still alive as MEKH and JRH were yet to strive besides the aggressive AS, who was already thriving.
The best part of the battle was the final 2 attacks where Aussies had to achieve 22 shots in 12 pieces. The enraged SKS and the rapid IKP were resolute. They wanted to put an end to the bloodbath by seizing the conquest. They almost did so by slicing off the tail-enders MGJ and NWB. Hopes (JRH) was the last hope for Aussies. At this juncture, they required 10 shots in 3 pieces which was thorny but attainable.
Here comes the IKP’s massacre bomb, shredding off hopeful JRH and leaving RTP dumbfounded. Hopes gone, India won.
PS: Abbreviation unfold
IKP - Pathan, RVU - Uthappa, SRT - Tendulkar, YYS - Yuvraj, MSD - Dhoni, PKS - Praveen Kumar, ACG - Gilchrist, RTP - Ponting, MJC - Clarke, MLH - Hayden, AS - Symonds, HSS - Harbhajan, MEKH - Hussey, JRH - Hopes, SKS - Sreesanth, MGJ - Johnson, NWB - Bracken
A spectacular start by swift attacker RVU and gifted SRT in the initial 20 fire-filled rounds had won half the hearts. One more exceptional illustration by SRT. Almost indispensable combatant, this one is. Further, the other gladiators - YYS and MSD demonstrated a good show with their wooden swords. Nonetheless, the combination of acceleration and defense was not striking in the final 10 crucial attacks. They should have focused more on steadiness with temperamental touch rather than perpendicular acceleration with lack of resistance. Still, the finishing numbers (258) weren’t too bad either.
Now was the turn to explode the bombs; rather exploding them at accurate places with explicit timing. This act was pretty much magnificently executed by PKS. After uprooting the existence of ACG, RTP and MJC, he had dominated the scuffle. A cake walk victory was apparently shaping up for Company India. However, this was not the precise time for any conclusion. The mammoth MLH and the dexterous AS were yet to roar and were visibly firm to create a catastrophe in their opponent’s tent. On the other hand, the fast and the furious Lions of Punjab - YYS and HSS were on fire and the consequence was MLH’s adieu following anguish in the Aussie troop. Somehow, the hopes were still alive as MEKH and JRH were yet to strive besides the aggressive AS, who was already thriving.
The best part of the battle was the final 2 attacks where Aussies had to achieve 22 shots in 12 pieces. The enraged SKS and the rapid IKP were resolute. They wanted to put an end to the bloodbath by seizing the conquest. They almost did so by slicing off the tail-enders MGJ and NWB. Hopes (JRH) was the last hope for Aussies. At this juncture, they required 10 shots in 3 pieces which was thorny but attainable.
Here comes the IKP’s massacre bomb, shredding off hopeful JRH and leaving RTP dumbfounded. Hopes gone, India won.
PS: Abbreviation unfold
IKP - Pathan, RVU - Uthappa, SRT - Tendulkar, YYS - Yuvraj, MSD - Dhoni, PKS - Praveen Kumar, ACG - Gilchrist, RTP - Ponting, MJC - Clarke, MLH - Hayden, AS - Symonds, HSS - Harbhajan, MEKH - Hussey, JRH - Hopes, SKS - Sreesanth, MGJ - Johnson, NWB - Bracken
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