Guzaarish

If Sawariyaa is the reason you wouldn't go and watch another Bhansali movie, well I have to say that it's understandable. But, with Guzaarish that notion needs a slight exception.

A very different subject which probably in the hands of less skilled filmmakers would have been a disaster. Hrithik has proved again that words are futile when your eyes can speak. What an actor!

Essaying the role of a quadriplegic (Ethan Mascarenhas) and an ex magician who has been an inspiration for thousands of people, his fight with life and for a dignified death, Hrithik brings out the character so effortlessly.

The supporting cast sees some great actors who are all very true to their characters, except for maybe Rajat Kapoor who is overly dramatic at times.

The sets are grand with lots of fabric flying around...typical SLB style...but in the end, all that matters is the handling of the characters and the emotions.

Bas ek guzaarish, don't go if you simply are a Bhansali basher and can't stand Aishwarya hamming. However, if you are a Hrithik fan, go and watch him take acting to another level. Don't blame anyone if a few tears do find their way out in the process :-)

2 States

He's back and with a bang.
His latest novel is filled with the characteristic humour that one is used to; it is unputdownable; the characters are extremely real as always and one does gets engrossed completely once you start reading. Yes, Chetan Bhagat is back with his new story: '2 States-The story of my Marriage'
What's different is that, this time the protagonist is an extension of the hero from 5.someone (Another snippet of Chetan's life).
The story is so real that everyone of us would identify with it. You would have definitely seen those things happen to yourself or a friend or a relative for sure.
Chetan's youth oriented themes coated with reality makes the characters so likeable. I am sure, everyone of his books are compared to 5.someone which has become a benchmark of sorts and has inspired dozens of similar themed novels which all but failed to achieve that cult status. Chetan himself is no exception. People have trashed ON@TCC and 3-mistakes as below par, but loyal fans will love 2-states for sure. This one is a must read and recommended!

Yahaan

I don't remember how I missed this one...turns out it is a must see for all. 'Yahaan' talks of the most basic need of humans- Love.

The setting is of modern day Kashmir with its troubles of insurgency and terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts of the army and how amidst all these an army officer falls in love with a Kashmiri girl. The way the story has been handled by the director is appreciable. Even though it is a story of two persons in love, the message goes way beyond. There is a line in the movie where the terrorists are scared...scared because the story of these two lovers would give a new path for peace in the valley. In a very suttle but effective way the director has conveyed what he wanted to. No matter how much the nations talk, no matter what the so called high command thinks, it is after all the people of the land who make the place what it is.

Read this today and was forced to reason it out. but failed! Do we have an answer?

The movie raises a similar question and has an appeal to all those who have taken up arms to fight for their own self-justified cause, to think again and reason it out.

Oh and the music is just superb. Lyrics by Gulzaar hence no further words needed :-).

तारे ज़मीन पर...

Ladies and gentlemen, if you have to watch a movie to end the year with, go and book your tickets for this flick. 'Taare Zameen Par' is a must watch for one and all. A definite tear clincher and most definitely one for the entire family...esp. the parents.

Not much to be said about तारे ज़मीन पर . This movie is made to be watched and felt. Watch it for Darsheel's fabulous acting and Aamir's chemistry with the kid. The brilliance of Aamir Khan is just out there to see and marvel at. That's all there is to say. :-)

Rocky Balboa: A Review

Rocky Balboa: The name inspires courage, determination and sheer will power. If reel life ever came face to face with real life, this would be a name to reckon with. Most people grew up with the legend of Rocky since 1977 when the first edition was released. So popular was the character that they had to make sequels after sequels after sequels.
Rocky Balboa is the sixth one in the series and probably the final one! The movie made with a budget of $24 Mn opened in theatres with great reviews. The story is based in a time when Rocky in his late 50’s has retired finally and is running a restaurant in Philadelphia. Things get interesting when a computer simulation fight between the reigning World Heavyweight Champion Mason Dixon & Rocky Balboa predicts that Rocky would win knock out. This leads to an interesting series of events wherein an exhibition fight between the two is organized and no points for guessing, Rocky is on top again.
The movie is no different from the other parts. Of course the re-introduction of Spider (Rocky’s first opponent in the first movie) and Little Marie (also from Rocky-I) brings in nostalgia. Powerful lines such as “It doesn’t matter how many punches you take. What matters is how hard you can take them and yet be back to take some more!” & “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over” would definitely have a lasting impression on the mind. Typical Rocky philosophy but true to the core.
What I felt though was that the movie was a bit too fast paced and too much was shown in too short a time.

Nevertheless, Rocky still rules and Rocks the World of Boxing, be it Virtual or Real!

Who knows, there might still be another sequel to this…coz Rocky is known to bounce back and in his own words, “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over!” :-)