Taandav - A Short Film Review

Life has its own strange yet unique ways. On some days it will shower you with praises and on some days it will bring you down with all the negativity surrounding you, thereby leading to an increase in frustration levels among us. But when, those frustration and built up anger within you rises to a point where you cannot bear it anymore, you try to break free from such emotions. 

In Taandav, which is a short film of just 11 minutes, director Devashish Makhija has beautifully captured this essence to break free from your stress and worries. Produced by Muvizz.com, this short film stars ace and renowned actor Manoj Bajpayee in a lead role.

Taandav revolves around a Head police constable, Tamble played by Manoj Bajpayee who is going through a rough phase in his life. His daughter and his wife, both of them are a bit pissed off with him. His daughter wants to go to a private school. But, the school management asks for a huge amount in form of donation which he cannot afford. This, in turn pisses his wife off and the daughter. 

The offspring of 'honesty as a virtue', Tamble refuses to distribute a huge amount of cash recovered from a police raid among himself and his colleagues who were present at the raid. He does so, in spite of knowing his poor financial condition and giving a golden chance of having her daughter study in a private school a miss. 

Tamble happens to be on a patrol during  Ganesh Visarjan and this his where his mind meanders to the above thoughts. Suddenly a quarrel erupts between two people amidst all the din and they approach him for a settlement. Instead of settling the argument, he takes his gun out and asks them to dance to the tunes. Shortly, he himself joins to the party and performs a taandav. This is without any doubt, the best few minutes of the film. 

The direction is spot on as it brings out a lot of emotions without having to say much. The way in which Devashish Makhija has brought out such diverse emotions within a short span of 11 minutes is superb and commendable. It probably shows what story-telling is all about. 

Manoj Bajpayee, as usual steals the show from the word go. 

Moreover, the soundtrack by Nucleya adds a punch to this tiny pocket bomb called Tandaav. 

The movie depicts the struggle of an aam-aadmi and how breaking free from the shackles of stress is important. In this film, Tamble breaks free from the stress, frustration and all the negativity by performing a Taandav that destructs the negativity around him.

In case, you haven't watched this tiny pocket bomb yet, you can do so now! Simply click on the below given video and enjoy!

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Movie Review - TALVAR

The 2008 Noida Double Murder Case is one of the most talked about and highly controversial murder case. Lots of things have been said publicly by prominent personalities. Many people have put forth their views on the same and now Meghna Gulzar has come up with a motion film on the same subject, titled, TALVAR. It is a dramatization of the real life events revolving around the Aarushi Talwar murder case investigation. 

After having read so many views and opinions on leading dailies, I was pretty much high on the expectations from the film. With an ensemble of some solid and proven performers, I was all the more intrigued on how such a sensitive and mind boggling case would be shown on the big screen. 

Much to my expectation, the movie did a fabulous job with respect to putting across and highlighting the murder without much fuss and in a subtle yet effective way. I was simply engrossed in a way the actors have played their part with a tight control on the body language which is highly important while portraying an incident that has actually happened.

The movie shows the multiple viewpoint of the investigating officers and offers a perfect dramatization of those backing them with facts. Right from the start, if you are keenly watching the film, you will figure out the minute differences which plays a major role in the investigation shown in the film. The movie primarily shows the dogged pursuit of the investigating officer played by Irrfan Khan towards finding the actual culprit. What did strike to me was, how the police, the media and the in-fighting among the investigative agency play their part in finding facts and presenting them.

 

For me, as a viewer, the film has done justice exceedingly well in almost all the departments. Right from the screenplay, to the background score, to the dialogues, to the editing, to the acting and finally to the direction. Each and every department has contributed equally in coming out with a product that is actually hard hitting in some way or the other. 

The other thing which kept me engaged in the movie is the suspense that has been maintained at each and every stage. For not even once, I felt that I could foresee or predict the next scene. Or rather if I could, I would have been sitting next to Vishal Bhardwaj, the script writer of the movie and assisting him, isn't it? This, really is highly commendable.

Of course there are some brilliant performances, but Irrfan Khan simply takes the cake away with his stellar on screen presence, dialogue delivery and his overall strong and effective performance. 

Talvar kept me on the edge of the seat as it took me through some hard hitting performances along with plenty of questions to take home and ponder upon. 

Overall, I had a superb movie watching experience with much substance to make it one of the best movies that I have ever seen this year. 

Ratings: ****/5 - A must watch film with family and friends for a gripping story and stellar performances. Not to be missed under any circumstances.

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Movie Review: The Path of Zarathustra

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The time is now for young film makers to give wings to their thoughts and place them in front of the audience over the large screen. A young lady did exactly the same by following her dream and vision and directed a film of the Parsi Community which is slowly moving towards extinction.

In the film, The Path of Zarathustra, the director and lead actor, Oorvazi Irani talks about the journey of searching for the Almighty through the lenses where the journey eventually leads towards finding her love.

It is said that there is no belief without believers. A young woman, Oorvazi, is on the search of the roots of Zoroastrianism, the religion of her forefathers. She leaves the home of her grandfather after the demise for the search of her roots. With a mysterious book to accompany her she lands in Mumbai to her Massi's (Aunt) place. 

The story floats through a fine blend of storytelling merged with astute acting to tell us about the decreasing number of Parsis left in the world and why they fled the oppressive regime in the natives of Iran to seek refuge in India.  Oorvazi comes across figures from historical past to lead her to a well guided direction and an answer to the mystery of the book. This mystery of the book is slowly and steadily revealed through some fact findings and asking questions to oneself. Though there is high philosophical stuff in between, the film manages to invoke a right chord among the Parsi community with an overall message that there is no looking beyond Love.

The film is a pictorial spectacle, with a special mention to the camera person who has captured some beautiful and enthralling pictures that goes well with the plot.

The acting from all the actors is as per the requirements of the film, strong and subtle in their own ways, delivering the dialogues with finesse of an experienced craftsman. Though there are long pauses in between the dialogues, but that is perfectly fine when you have a story which asks questions to gets answers. 

The film's main aim is to highlight that the Parsi community is slowly moving towards extinction with around 80,000 Parsis left by suggesting a suitable solution for this problem and to increase the number of Parsis living.

Overall - It is a must see film for all the Parsis residing in any corner of the world and asks to put Love ahead everything else to see the number of Parsis on the rise again.

Rating - ** 1/2

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Movie Review - Hitman: Agent 47

We all love playing games on our PC, gaming console and if you are on the other side of the age, then probably on your video game set, right? Although most of the game playing generations, played on whichever platform, will agree that nothing comes close to playing action games. But, have you ever thought that your most loved game can be turned into an action packed movie? 

Yes, your favorite game Hitman got turned into a movie for the second time by the name, Hitman : Agent 47.

Being a great game series, the producers of the movie thought of replicating the same into the wide screen  and turning in into an action packed extravaganza. Sadly, it didn't work.

The story takes a leaf from the game by introducing a bald protagonist by the name Agent 47 (Rupert Friend). He is genetically engineered with highly enhanced speed, agility and sharp shooting skills, designed to kill, developed by Dr. Litvenko (Ciaran Hinds). 

The main purpose for creating Agent 47 was to help Dr. Litvenko in his nefarious idea but eventually developed cold feet and ran away citing old age. Time passes by and his daughter, Katia (Hannah Ware) starts a search for her father. In her search, she encounters a rival firm called 'The Syndicate', who is looking for her father to help them create more genetically modified people. Agent 47 knows this and becomes a roadblock in their search and kills people left, right and centre.

There are plenty of high packed action sequences in the film which I did like, although in parts. The climax action sequences were a bit good enough as it had some chase, planning and execution exactly like the way it is in the game.

The way these genetically modified agent thinks and works, with a bit of suspense and thrill added to make the entire buffet presentable, just made me scrape through the movie, unhurt. 

Ratings - **

It is wise to play the game on your gaming consoles unless you are keen to watch some action sequences. 

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Conversations at The Kumbh Mela - A Documentary

We all know that ours is a highly populous country. We find people wherever we go. Or rather make that a crowd wherever we go. By our human tendency and most probably because of our nature, we often try to run faraway and as quickly as possible away from the crowd. However, there is one huge crowd that gathers and it is none other than the place we call it as 'The Kumbh Mela'.

Recently, I got a wonderful opportunity to virtually be present at the Kumbh Mela which took place in the year 2013 at Allahabad. I got to view a documentary film, 'Conversations at The Kumbh Mela' and the film definitely changed my perspective about the Kumbh Mela.

I always thought that people simply visit the Kumbh Mela to wash off the sins committed by them in their lifetime by having one dip in the river Ganga and asking for forgiveness. But, the documentary proved to be an eye opener for me.

The documentary for a once doesn't even go on the tested lines, depicting the crowd, the struggles, the long queues, the not so clean bank of the river and the surroundings. Instead, it talks about the total chaos and how the authorities there manage with the support of thousands of policemen and good Samaritans who choose to donate time, help, food etc. The documentary starts with the main reason as to why the importance of Kumbh Mela and how it was started. The story behind it based on old facts dated centuries ago threw light on the importance and how it has evolved over time.

The documentary 'Conversations at The Kumbh Mela' is basically an attempt to capture the 'not so seen' areas and aspects that goes in a Kumbh Mela as compared to other documentaries and films on The Kumbh Mela. What did strike the chord with me is how the documentary is made, without showcasing the common but the aspects of being in that space at that time on the banks of the Ganges. It tries to put the spirit back into the mythological stories.

I realized that there are plenty of stories to be heard, to be seen, visualized and captured in your memories by being there. The stories of the lost and found, talking with a complete stranger and then befriending them, helping out strangers, planning and organizing this mammoth get-together of thousands of people day in and day out is what the Kumbh Mela for me stands for apart from the actual reason. 

It is basically a sea where people from all walks of religion and nationality are united by faith and harmony.

The documentary made be realize that standing on the holy piece of land, you forget who you are. You simply move and act in good faith and it is only Faith that leads people to do surprising things over there.

After the documentary, I also got a chance to interact with the director Yashodara Udupa and her team. The one thing that came out from the interaction is that, the Kumbh Mela was an experience of sorts for them. With plenty of stories, of different, unknown people, drifting by as you move on, the Kumbh Mela is surely going to make you a somewhat changed and a better person, if nothing else.

Below is a trailer of the documentary. Please do have a look at it and you will realize that, what I have experienced just by viewing the documentary, even you will experience the same.

Presently, the Kumbh Mela is going on in Nashik and it will be there till 25th September. So pack your bags and experience a holy and a life changing event.

With the director and her crew along with Bloggers

Also, a vote of thanks to BlogAdda for having me at the screening of this wonderful documentary.

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Movie Review: Bhopal - A Prayer for Rain

I had a wonderful privilege to attend a special screening of the movie Bhopal - A Prayer for Rain in Mumbai which in fact commemorates with the 30th anniversary of the deadly gas leak at the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal - the biggest man-made disaster in the history.

With a bit of restlessness and eagerness as well, I waited for the movie to start and trust me not even for a single minute I was left disappointed. Many things were going in my mind before the start of the movie but all those things were laid to rest just by the first frame itself.

I flew back in time with those dusty and dirty roads of yesteryears, unhygienic state of living (which shockingly still exists in some parts of our country) and more importantly a constant struggle to earn a livelihood. Rajpal Yadav portrays a role of a labourer with finesse and Tannishta Chatterjee essays the character of concerned and highly understanding on screen spouse with ease. Kal Penn portrays the character of a journalist trying hard to reveal the actual truth and in the process allows the viewers a break from all the gloom and sadness that is being presented on screen with his comic.

There are no songs and dance sequence in the movie but the void of a 'commercial - money spinning movie' is filled by a stark and striking background score, coupled with its dark and hard hitting facts, along with a subtle mix of varying human emotions which is very nicely brought out by all the characters in the movie. At times, few of the scenes left me shockingly disturbed especially at the tail end of the movie which made my heart to recoil in its shell. 

But what was even more striking and audacious is the way the state government had handled this disaster at that time, brazenly passing the responsibility off their shoulders and I don't see any better even today after three decades of the disaster. 

What was pleasing to see in the movie was the portrayal of the character of the chairman of Union Carbide, Mr. Anderson played by Martin Sheen. One would usually think the character to be shown as the villainous and the bad guy but it is actually not. Yes, the character is grey, with no signs of remorse. But with the only concern of his image and reputation which should not take a hit whatsoever. 

Breaking out from the commercial league of Cinema, director Ravi Kumar has taken a bold step in directing this social whodunit thriller without any gimmicky but with straight facts that will hit you hard and leave you thinking and worried for the future.

Overall, the director has done a thorough justice through his cinematic lens in this dramatization inspired by real events. Am sure you well have goosebumps making you to hold on to your seat tight while watching the movie and leaving you with one haunting question in mind - 

- Thirty years later is the world safe?

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Movie Review - Vishwaroop

So Vishwaroop did happen yesterday afternoon when we had nothing to do. Yes! Nothing! (There are times in life when the dreaded three letter word takes a back seat and things like Vishwroop happens). So we landed at the multiplex, he cribbed before buying tickets at such exorbitant price (We usually go for movies on Tuesdays - Thanks to Vodafone), made some faces and reluctantly bought the tickets. Since it was time for the movie we decided to troll the mall adjoining the multiplex, glanced through the collections at various stores with an eye on the watch. Few minutes later, we entered the cinema hall with a packet of samosas, a coke and popcorn.

 

And the first scene itself made us laugh, laugh for the very same word, act that made us watch Vishwaroop aka SEX. I say it was an epic facepalm moment. The next frame was Kamal Hassan practicing rather teaching his Kathak dance moves with/to his students. It was one helluva of a song which seems to never end, showcasing the dance prowess of Kamal Hassan. But the way he plays the role of a soft teacher, with lots of control and precision is something that I liked.

 

Then there is his wife who for once seemed to be a poster girl for Playboy with figure hugging clothes and nighties revealing huge bosom. (So, it's obvious that his eyes were glued to the screen) and hence it is better I continue with the review, not allowing her to occupy too much of your mind space. Oh yeah, important information: She has a PHD in some stupid thing and is Employed!! (When will God answer my prayers?) Working at some nuclear research centre. His boss is completely flat over her looks, dreams of sleeping with her but she later comes to know that he is a crook, bad man, eventually leading her and Kamal Hassan getting kidnapped.

 

The story till here is bearable to say the least. But then suddenly it takes off in a jiffy and BOOM. What do you see?? A completely strong macho man taking on the kidnappers and within a minute all the 10-12 bad asses are killed. That made my eyes pop out and mouth left wide open. A good twist I must say. Salman Khan, you need to catch up, I say and that too ASAP.

 

The film then takes us to the terror camps in Afghanistan showcasing how the training is conducted, how they keep themselves motivated, how to concentrate on the mission and the aim of their lives. But you definitely need a translator when a Hindi film suddenly turns Arabic so that you can write this portion of the review in a much better way. (Fact: Even Kamal Hasan faced similar problem.) This is the most intriguing part of the film which kept me interested and hooked to the seat. (2 missed calls, 27 unread Whatsapp messages from 5 contacts). Probably a true picture of how a terrorist training camp is held.

 

Rahul Bose who plays the lead bad man has a notorious plan and wants to see it executed. But all I want to know is why the hell is he talking under the tone of Himesh Reshamiya?? Imagine a person talking in that tone for more than 10 mins and suddenly A. R. Rahman sounds Himesh Reshamiya. (Bright minds, please answer). A NATO strike takes place on the training camp but somehow Kamal Hassan, Rahul Bose and few of his mates escapes alive. No. There is nothing strange in it. If they die then who will tell the climax? Huh?

No surprises here. A nuclear bomb that was planned to explode with remote control was stopped at the last minute by Kamal Hassan, his wife and NYPD. Simple. No complications. And there was a glimpse of some kissing and hugging between Kamal Hassan and his wife as Rahul Bose planned an escape in an aircraft. So hero alive. Villain alive. Brace up yourself for Vishwaroop 2.

Statutory Warning:

 

1. There were no cigarette smoking scenes and hence the statutory warning was omitted.
2. Also, a horse was killed by Kamal Hassan. Again, no statutory warning. Animal Rights Activists are you watching and listening?
3. There was nothing controversial so as to hurt sentiments of many people and ask for a ban on the movie. The only reason I see for seeking a ban can be from terrorists or they must be supporting some of these groups.
 
4. Also, if you find this review objectionable then please don't read it. Aila! You have already read it! Good. I like that. :)

My rating: 2.75/5 (Go without any opinions and enjoy Kamal Hassan.)

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Barfi - A treat to watch

So it was a Saturday evening that I went to the nearby multiplex to watch 'Barfi' although reluctantly.  I would not not like to throw light on why I was reluctant to watch but probably sometime later I definitely will.  I didn't even knew what kind of characters Ranbir and Priyanka were playing but knew that since He was insisting, the movie would be atleast a one time watch. But I was wrong. Trust me guys it will a treat to watch again and again and again. 

And it was picture shuru!! Within minutes I was thrown into a deep cinematic experience with good landscapes, apt story telling spanning forty years, brilliant music, a perfect story about unconditional love and brilliant acting by Ranbir and Priyanka who plays a character of deaf-mute and an autistic person respectively. 

Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor) is a happy-go-lucky kind of a guy who is always running from the cop for his, if you can say stupid, innocent actions. The birth of Barfi was excellently shown to a song played on Murphy radio. And hence the name Barfi. (rhymes) There are a lot of Charlie Chaplin moments which Ranbir plays exceptionally well and brings out a laugh everytime. The scene where Barfi flirts with Shruti (Illena D'cruz), places his heart out and writes a small letter after being said no to his advances is just marvellous. 

The story moves on with Barfi falling for Shruti and vice-versa inspite of Shruti being engaged. But she is timely reminded that Love alone cannot help the relation to sustain, it also needs money. The best scene of the movie is when Barfi with ease and finesse shows the difference between him and Shruti and conveys how deeply hurt he is at being rejected. Barfi then finds the company of Jhilmil (Priyanka Kapoor) his childhood friend, an autistic girl belonging to a rich family.

The scenes where Barfi puts his loved ones through test of unconditional friendship involving a collapsing streetlight, when Barfi doesn't find himself comfortable after Jhilmil runs away from him and Shruti's growing love for him, where Barfi searches for Jhilmil by tossing one shoe in the air are few of the many scenes that brings out tears in you. 

So just sit back and enjoy a beautiful ride filled with emotions, bonding, care and concern which in today's material world seems to be an illusion. Yes, I did give him lots of kisses and... (left for your imagination) between and after the movie. 

Things to learn from the movie:

• Even people with physical disabilities needs to be cared and loved. Even they do have feelings and emotions which we need to understand for taking care of them.
• Love is the only thing that humans need and always try to show love to them in any form.

Please do leave your footprints :)

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