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!

Malegalalli Madhumagalu...

Saw Kannada play "Madhugalalli Madhumagalu"(translates to "The bride in the hills") based on Kuvempu's novel by the same name. The story is set in Malenadu region of Karnataka. It was about 8 hours long. Started at 8.30pm in the evening and completed at 5.30 am the next day. It was an amazingly beautiful experience.

(Stage #2)

More details of the play: Directed by C.Basavalingaiah, the play is performed on 4 different stages at as many locations within the Jnanabharathi campus. Am told there were about 70 artists in the entire performance.

There was a small break of about 15 mins during which the audience moves with the performers to the next stage. There were also refreshments available. The tickets were priced only at Rs. 100 and the bookings could be done online.

There was also a sale of Kannada books with a 20% discount at a mobile bookstore at the venue. I wanted to check them out at the end of the play, but did not. Turned out I was too tired for anything after the play. So would recommend to go early and take a look at the books.

(Stage #3)

The Music :  The music needs a special mention as is an essential component of the play. It is done by the famous Kannada music director Hamsalekha. The songs are very apt, some of them are quite catchy and are used to set the stage for the next part of the play. As there are several characters in the play and moving back and forth between them may confuse the audience.So the  a song would be used to either set or switch a context. Some songs are intelligently used for a (set of) character(s).

(This was almost dawn as you can see, this was stage #4)

Backdrop of the play: The story is set in Malenad of the late 19th Century(got this info from Wiki, have not read the book though). There are the landlords and their slaves. The play revolves around the social aspects at the time, the communal harmonies and tensions, the love life of the lead characters - Mukundayya and Chinnakka, Aitha and Pichlu, Naayi Gutthi and Thimmi. There is an interesting take on religious aspects, how there were attempts to convert and how some of the locals resisted it. The play also depicts of exploitation of the women and how some of them fought back in spite of it - there is a scene where a wife is being beaten by the husband for supporting the daughter to run away with the man she loved - the wife suddenly acts like she is possessed by a Goddess and the man suddenly stops beating and prostrates before her. The wife seems to say what she intended to say through the Goddess, in a way that seems like empowerment of some kind in those times!

Some trivia: 
The play is performed on four different stages - Kereangala ranga (which has a small pond as part of the stage!), Bidirumale ranga, Bayaluranga and Hongeranga. The audience would move with the artists every couple of hours to the next stage location. This is the first of its kind play that I have watched and am so thrilled!

(Stage #1 - with the small pond)

The rainy season is beautifully depicted. There were larger than life depictions of leech and dung beetles used to capture the sense of Malenad. There are several instances in the play where the characters experience leech bites and this aspect had to be brought out. In a play it is difficult to show these finer aspects, but these huge reproductions of the small creatures of the rain drenched areas was beautifully done.

The play introduces the bicycle as "Bisokal"(which in Kannada means a grinding stone) - as that is how the locals pronounce. It is funny how a man is taught to ride the bicycle and to see the reaction of the people on seeing it for the very first time. They seem so fascinated by it.

The play has a bunch of narrators who keep coming now and then and introduce the audience to all the characters and steer the direction of narration. They would often sing songs to narrate.

(The narrators)

My fav artists:
Liked the artists of Gutthi's dog - Gutthi naayi as it is called. It was actually done by an artist who played a near perfect dog! The artist who played Aitha did a brilliant job with emoting and body language. Most of the artists did a very good job. I did feel sleepy around 3am, but for no fault of the artists! It is better if you could nap before going to watch the play. I did fall asleep for a few minutes now and then during the third and final parts of the play. But I could still get the entire story line :)

It was a one of its kind play and am so glad I watched it. Quite a challenge to adapt the novel to the stage and how brilliantly was it done! Kudos!

Some Pop music...

Am listening to some Pop music these days, of the 1940s and 50s. The lyrics are simple and the music quite nice to the ear.

These are some that I liked:

- This one is from Mills brothers called "You always hurt the one you love".
- There is a catchy number from Nancy Sinatra, quite sassy 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'. The video is fun to watch too! :) (This one turns out to be from the 60s)
-This one will keep you nodding your head rhythmically to "Rum and Coca-cola" from the Andres sisters.
- "Just walkin in the rain" from Johnnie Ray is so wonderfully worded and performed in this one! Loved it.

Silence...

Sleepy cool morning. Cloudy weather. Gentle breeze from overhead fan. Office cafeteria. Having breakfast. The conversation - mundane, and then, one statement caught my attention- “If there is silence, I try as much as possible to keep it intact.” I sat there smiling and wondering the beauty of the thought and how simple yet profound it is. 

Guzaarish...

Movie name : Guzaarish
Language : Hindi

It is a deeply moving sad story of a magician, who becomes paralyzed neck down, due to an accident during a magic show. He tries to find the zest to live, keep himself alive with purpose and even writes an inspiring book. After about 12 years, he wants to put an end to his suffering, when his health deteriorates further, he wants to die in dignity and goes to court with an appeal for Euthanasia. He has a very loving care taker and nurse. They have a very strange relationship. She initially tries to dissuade from his ideas of Euthanasia. Its heartening to see a love story unfold, the helplessness of the two people in love. It doesnt make sense to be in love, given that they met each other as a patient and nurse, but then that is how people are. A love so strange and may be thats why it seems so divine and beautiful and senseless, all at once. It is going to affect you very much, for sure.

One more, done...

I was hoping to write a post everyday this month. Of course I lack the discipline to do so, but have managed 30 posts, including this. This is the second blogothon of writing 30 posts a month. Yaaay to me!
I hope in future I attempt to improve my writing skills instead of meeting the number of posts for the month. But writing everyday is a little difficult as it depends on my mood, some days I dont pay enough attention to things, so may not find anything that interests me enough to write about. Then there was a day when I couldnt just stop writing sad poems! It was very surprising, given that a) I dont write poems b) I cant be sad for too long, it sucks!
Anyway, "yaaaaay", its done!

Focus...

I often wonder about what having "focus" is about. For one, it would be nice to have a little more of it. Let me explain. Well, I want somethings. But I have vague ideas of either the 'wanting' or the 'something'. I do not dwell on things until I have to. So I feel there is not enough planning. What is the harm? It makes me feel like I am drifting, while with some focus I could decide where and how I would want to reach. Drifting is passive, while focus would make the movement more in control. hmmm

Two lives...

Cant get enough of Seth these days. Vikram Seth, that is. Started reading "Two Lives". It is based on Seth's maternal grand uncle - Shanti Uncle and his German wife - Auntie Henny, who lived in London. The narrative is in first person and in the introductory chapter gives an account of young Vikram's studies, back packing travels through Europe, how he got interested in the Oriental (it goes something like - he wanted to attend Japanese classes and ended up in Chinese class and then was hooked!), how his books - 'The Heaven Lake', 'The Golden Gate' and 'The Suitable Boy', came about. 

Having read 'The suitable boy'(TSB), I can figure out certain resemblances to people he describes in his life to some aspects of some characters of the novel. Am actually thrilled to read first hand account of how these initial books came about. Getting it from the horse's mouth makes an interesting read. 

I had found that the plot of his novel TSB, has history of the time interwoven with the plot. The same is true for 'Two lives' also. The narration is engaging and in a very conversational tone. 

Way to be...

Why dont I write about things happier?
Stop brooding about things that are crappier.

The thoughts sent to the world,
come back to you,
Let me give wonderful,
Let me get wonderful.

For wonderful is the way to be,
And hope is the way to see.


P.S: This was written after a series of 'sad' poems some days ago!

Badtameez dil...

Oh, I just loved this song the moment I saw it. Its catchy, lots of beats, fun and of course has Ranbir in it. He dances so well and expressions are so cute. And the lyrics seem to go well with his playful and chilled out image!(With lyrics like "Ayaashi ke one way se khuDko modna jaane naa, kambal bewajah sharam ka, oDhna jaane naa") :P The song sounds quite retro and very zindadil. Makes me want to dance! Looking forward to the movie...

When I first saw Ranbir in Saavariya promos, I thought he has a longish horse like face! Now I find him quite good looking! Things change. Hmm they do. 

The Croods...

Movie name : The Croods

Language : English

Why did I watch it : New release, animation and 3D, decent IMDB rating, and more than anything - the promos had looked so cute! 

My take : It is a cute animation movie of a caveman family.  There is a girl who is keen on exploring and a very protective father who emphasizes on being scared to be alive. Its a story of survival when the Croods lose their cave to an accident and have to rely on this cool Guy(his character is also called Guy) full of ideas to survive the new terrains and how they finally make it. Life is not just staying alive or not being dead, its about exploring and finding light - that is what the movie seems to say. It is super cute, very comical and the landscapes although animated, are breathtakingly beautiful, the 3D makes it more fun. Go watch it! :)

Urban shots...

Just read a collection of short stories - Urban shots - written by 18 Indian writers. Short stories,are by far my most favorite form of literature. And a collection of short stories is always inviting. I picked the book because it was, well urban, more local and I browsed through the book and the short stories were really quite short. I liked some, I did not like some. But it is a good effort. The plots are mostly love stories even the ones under friendship(there are various themes/sections the book is divided into), with an urban twist, feels like some of the characters resemble someone you know,  and given that they roam around in Jayanagar, Marathalli, M.G.Road and all, for the stories set in Bangalore, you wonder if you know them as well! :P

A deluge...

Why are they missed?
When they were, were they cherished?
Why are changes resisted?
Why are unknowns feared?

Why are pasts regretted?
Why are futures fretted?
Why are people blamed?
Why are those dreams tamed?

Why are there only questions?
Would life be any better with answers?