Raanjhana...

Movie      : Raanjhana

Language : Hindi

Why did I watch it: New release, good reviews

My take   : I am not sure if it is that if I like a movie on big screen, I more often than not, like it – but I felt I liked this movie. There was something very convincing about the script – as to why the characters take those crucial decisions to alter the course of the story, there were some surprising moments when the medium of connect was more verbal than visual – some amazing dialogs(there were a good number of gaalis also, I couldn’t follow them all though!).

There are some good performances –Dhanush - I actually disliked, liked, sympathized, sort of disappointed and finally kind of adored the character of Kundan, the protagonist – if an actor can so convincingly do all that to the audience he must have done a good job. There is nothing portrayed about Kundan that is larger than life, since this is his first movie that am watching I did not even have an image in mind to cast him into, and he surprised me, pleasantly. Sonam Kapoor – looks like the lady can act as well, I am a fan of her dressing sense, but this is her first movie that I watched in the theater. She comes across as a determined Zoya, a bubbly girl, who at times is helpless, at times ambitious, in love but who definitely keeps her scores. She seems sincere, but her deepest agendas are hidden. Shrewd yet vulnerable. Abhay Deol has a small role as Zoya’s love interest, he does a neat job.Also, I liked the role of Kundan's friend.

The story is mostly set in Varanasi or Benaras. The backdrop of Ganga, Aarati going on, temples makes it nice to watch. 

I must say more than 80% of the time I found the movie engaging, but there are moments when the flow is disruptive –may be there are no loose ends in terms of logic, but there is abruptness in the flow. Feels like the film gives too much emphasis on the lead characters at times, making the rest of the cast foggy.

There was a time when I could never sympathize recklessness of people in love,wanting to be with the one they love the most,  particularly when one of two involved is not as keen, – I would wonder how can people be so selfish and how they cannot care what the society would perceive them to be - it is actually strange given that I am able to sympathize about that when am older! I mention this as I only sympathized with Kundan for what he does on Zoya's big day, which indeed surprised me! I judged him ofcourse given the situation, but then somehow could see why he did that - the screenplay ensured that!

I liked the song "Tum tak, tum tak". Melodious and nicely pictured. I cant recollect any other song! 

I liked the last scene, the last narrative Kundan gives! Beautifully written.  

Would say, go watch it, it is different, you may even like it!

The lord of the rings…

         

A friend recommended that “The lord of the rings” is a wonderful book/movie – told me about ents, hobbits, Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas and nazguls and got me interested. I had tried watching the movie earlier and somehow could not get much of what was happening. If there is a movie or a book in the world not worth missing, I would want to definitely check it out. So I picked up the book, the size was not very encouraging. Till Frodo meets Aragorn the story seems somewhat slow, and the weight of the book bothered my wrists. After that I could not be at peace till I read the book and watched the 3 part movie. Wow, what a story and how brilliantly told. When I read that Gandalf goes into the darkness in “The fellowship of the rings”, I randomly opened some page ahead of where I was and looked for the word “Gandalf”. Only after confirming that he will reappear did I continue reading. I wouldn’t have read further if he wasn’t there! The story is all about hope and friendship and believing in good. The spirit is amazing and the characters are delightful.

I liked how Frodo overcame the evil influence of the ring, was moved by Sam’s faithfulness, loved Gandalf for all that he was, for being there when anyone needed him and being so wise and guiding them all. Aragorn is very real, very brave but has a lot of self doubt. When the time comes, he musters all the courage he can find and conquers his doubts and does not give up hope throughout. He trusts deeply and lets go when needed. Very human, his goodness is the only super power he has. Pippin and Merry are two most delightful hobbits and the episodes with Treebeard are so entertaining. The hobbits in general are such simple creatures and in the movie the Shire is shown to be such a wonderful place. Loved it more than where the elfs lived. Many characters create a lasting impression. Even Gollum creates a lasting impression, with his creepy possessiveness of his “precious” and the constant battle he has with the good side. His self talk, as shown in the movie is scary and interesting at the same time.

I initially had a notion that fantasy was not what I enjoyed reading. I am not sure how I got the idea. I used to think the same many years ago about science fiction until I got hooked to Doctor Who series. And it is surprising given that I while reading these books I half believe that they happened and in general I believe in miracles and have a very active imagination, sometimes dwell in imaginary stuff for so long that, I feel alien in the real world!

It is one the nicest books I have read. The movies are beautifully made and it is a very good adaptation of the book. Loved reading and watching it.

A big thank you to the friend for suggesting it.

One thing that I have in common with the hobbits is the fool’s hope, like Gandalf puts it! J

Yeh jawaani, hein deewani...

Movie : Yeh jawaani hein deewani

Language : Hindi

Why did I watch it : New release (well not so new, released 3 weeks ago), Big fan of Ranbir.

My take : It is a simple love story, first half is fun, second half is somewhat an emotional drama. I felt only Ranbir’s character – Bunny is somewhat complete – he is flawed, he is selfish, fun loving, wants a lot from life – and like he says – he wants “Raftaar” – “chalna hein, bhaagna hein, girna bhi hein, magar rukhna nahi hein”. With all his flaws he is real. Deepika’s role as Naina is not substantial I felt. She has done a good job as a girl who wants simple things in life. The two meet, fall in love and meet again after 8 years, now, mature and well aware of how different they are and how different their expectations are from life. Naina tells Bunny – “It is not like you are wrong or I am right, it is just that we are very different from each other”. The conversations between Bunny and Naina are interesting. In the end all gets rosy abruptly! J I am not complaining of the rosy part though!

Aditya Roy Kapoor as Avi seems to be struggling with his dialogs, I had expected more from him. He looks intense and seemed promising in “Guzaarish”. Kalki fits her role.  Kunal Roy Kapoor is somewhat delightful, despite the stupid dance moves!

Ranbir dances like a dream and kept my heart racing. His dance number with Madhuri is awesome. I loved the song - “Badtameez dil” the most. Oh man! “Balam pichkari” and “Delhi wali girlfriend” songs are catchy and are also choreographed well. The music is quite good. My expectations were quite high from the promos and because it has Ranbir, but the film is ok. Ranbir makes it worthy of a watch. 

Man of Steel

Movie : Man of steel

Language : English

Why did I watch it : New release, good IMDB rating. Otherwise also, I would have watched as I feel that it has been a long time since I went to the movies. I like watching movies in the theater! And 3D movies give me a child like excitement for some unknown reason!

My take : The movie was in 3D, but the effects weren’t 3D worthy. I have not watched the previous Superman movies. I liked Superman’s costume and he is kind of hot, like someone says in the movie. The action is good. Liked Russell Crowe. The movie was cold and dark like the movie hall (they had made the place too cold for my liking, wonder why!). Jokes apart, it is good watch if you like action movies.

THE thought...

A thought occurred to me and the reluctance to put it down in words could not be successfully passed off and so I had to write it down. It is rare that such a thing happens.

The thought is that - 'I could end up alone' is not pessimistic. It is usually followed by "I could die alone"! But somehow things did not take melodramatic turns today. The second statement may just be a logical conclusion to the first, but it is enough to engulf me in self pity and make me sad. And tell me, who dies in company?! I seemed more realistic today. As in, the thought is just a possibility, like anything else in life. And as far as I can remember, for the first time I am thinking about it as a matter of factly and not with a sad heart. Many friends who know me wonder why I have not found a companion, I come across as an optimist(sometimes too optimistic for some peoples' taste!), friendly, jovial and mostly good-natured. Even I, mostly perceive myself so. But there is a high possibility that I may truly be all this but may not have that key ingredient to be with a companion. It may just not be in my nature, so I may not even be aware, that such a thing does not exist! And somehow today it seems more like an observation than a passing sulking thought. And I seem to be at peace with the thought - if it is so, so be it. Usually the moment I get such thoughts, I label them "bad" and try to banish them by trying to "cheer" myself up and think "positively". But today there seemed nothing necessarily negative about the thought and I entertained and played with the idea for a while and got out of it without a "depressing feeling".

I may not have facebook-worthy happiness to flaunt, but I am at peace and minding my own business, and the fact that I can actually appreciate other peoples "facebook-worthy" happiness without pangs of anxiety or jealously seems a big deal. I do not know if this is a passing mood or the wisdom to acknowledge the ways of life, but it seems to be an ok place to be.

The two most resistive ideas that made me wonder if I really want to put these thoughts down were a) if I continue this train of thought, what if I end up getting really depressed? b) if I put these thoughts down, what if they come true - as in what if I end up being alone, while my deepest desire is to be happy with a wonderful companion. I wanted to tell myself that it was ok to think through possibilities and thinking about it in such a way would cause me no harm. I also wanted the future me to know that I was ok back then, which is now! :)

June...

June has been kind of a special month during my growing up years. Unlike many kids, I was very eager to get back to school after the summer holidays. (We did not have exams till Class 7, that may explain the strange phenomenon!). I enjoy environments where there is hardly any attempt to enforce restrictions. I do have limitations which cause restrictions - but that are my own realities, some even imagined, but still my own. Anything enforced is not often appreciated! So school that way was fun in my growing up years.

June also happens to be the month, we moved to our own house and I remember some ceremonies on that day very distinctly. I was only 11 and the frock that I had worn on the day remained a favourite for quite a while although I outgrew it within a very short time!

There is also my parents wedding anniversary in June. Over the years, I do not remember it being celebrated grandly, although it is special for the family. This year is it was very special. My parents became grand parents on the very day. That made the day indeed grand! We had a new arrival to the family - my little nephew! I am not sure how much people change when they become parents or grand parents - rather it is the priorities that may change more than the people themselves. I had not thought about how having a nephew would influence me, I had just thought it would be fun having a baby in the family. I have been wondering about it last couple of days and have a faint feeling that something may have actually changed!

When I held him for the first time in my arms it was a strange happy feeling. That was the first time I was seeing a baby minutes after birth. I was very curious. He was crying when the nurse handed him to me and he stopped crying as soon as he was in my arms. I was very surprised that the nurse thought I could handle such a precious little baby. I was a little scared, but when he stopped crying and seemed content in my arms, I was amazed and joyous at the same time. Did he understand that sense of belonging? Why did he stop crying? That very gesture made the moment special, and it is going to stay with me. I plan to tell him this when he grows up! :) "I love you kiddo. "

Lead, kindly light...

I got to know about tut.com from a friend's blog. I subscribed for the notes from the universe and have enjoyed reading it ever since. Today I did not receive the note at the usual time. I kind of missed it. I checked mails much later in the evening and kept smiling reading it.

This is what the note said:

The answer to every question beginning with "Why," pratibha, begins with "Because, I love you." 

Actually, I love you anyway - 
    The Universe


I have quite a bit common with the way the Universe seems to "think". The note kind of seems to answer some of the questions I have had in the recent past!

Camera!

My room was getting painted and my dad told me that he found his old camera in my cupboard. The description did not ring a bell. When he described it, I said that was the one I played with as a child. Turns out that it is a German made camera which is not a toy - and I and my sister played with it as if it was one! The Agfa click 3 model was bought by my dad in the early 1970s it seems. I happen to own a cool old camera! :)

The black thread around it was tied by us when we were children!