thoughtexpress's blog

Enough on Abhishek-Ash!

Sukanya Verma — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 18:50:41 +0000

The New Year kick started with news ' breaking news, but of course.

The world and its living room is occupied betting Shilpa Shetty's chances of winning Big Brother, even though most of us haven't even seen the program.

Not to mention how, now, even the most ignorant fellow-around-the-corner has an opinion about the Abhishek-Ash match.

Indeed, we have news channels and tabloids to thank. They will be the first ones to inform us (and emphasize on being first) how some vermilion accidentally fell on Aishwarya's forehead or how Shamita Shetty's erroneous posture results in front-page embarrassment.

Integrity and sensitivity seem like dated, poetic words in the field of journalism. One-oneupmanship is the new mantra.

Maybe that's the norm for now. But who would care for stars if it weren't for the movies that made them one? So watch movies, loads and loads of movies.

I, for one, have been doing just that. Recently, I had the opportunity to see some fabulous cinema in the form of Kundun (poignant, haunting), Transamerica (incredibly oddball), Babel (superbly crafted) Little Miss Sunshine (extraordinary balance of eccentricity and entertainment) and All The King's Men (even if somewhat disappointing, it does have quite a few powerful moments and compelling performance).

All these films are so intelligent and well spun, that it's hard to believe that anything except them exist for as long as they run.

Thank God, a few things in the world are still alright.

Rang De, Omkara: Great movies, bad subtitles

Sukanya Verma — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:29:33 +0000

I loved Rang De Basanti and Omkara to death. But I have a serious grudge against the guy who writes the subtitles of the DVDs of these films.

Both films are excellent in every aspect ' technical and creative. When it comes to this detail, however, they slack big time. And that's quite a shame considering how hard-hitting the dialogues of both these films really are.

The sad part is: international audience which mostly relies on subtitles to understand the film, never get the real punch or essence of the conversation.

How do you dub regional gaalis? I say with the same ferocity as they were uttered in the movie. How do you dub in-jokes between characters? I say by not translating it literally.

Subtitles are not translation. It's expressing a whole thought and concept through the medium of another language.

When will our filmmakers take the concept of DVD packaging more seriously? Having behind-the-scenes or made for TV interviews is not enough, really.

A little more interest and effort should be taken/made in this direction.

Over to you, filmmakers!

Hrithik machaye Dhoom! Happy Feet rocks! Take a bow, 007!

Sukanya Verma — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 07:14:53 +0000

I was in Singapore recently. It's a vibrant city with lots to see and lots to do. But that's a different blog. While I was at it, I made sure I'll catch some movies. The theatres were playing some really interesting films like Colic and Little Red Flowers. Unfortunately my companions were more inclined to watch Casino Royale.

Let me admit, like most, I too had my reservations about Daniel Craig stepping into 007's shiny shoes.

Boy, was I glad to be proved wrong? He's no Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan. Wonderfully enough, he's Daniel Craig and he's very good being Bond. His festering intensity, boyish impatience and humoring persona is killer stuff. I loved how Casino Royale tells how Bond became Bond without losing its style, cheek or cheesiness.

Next, I saw Happy Feet. I had been following the film for nearly a year. And I happened to be in Singapore the same week as it released. So taking advantage of the situation, I booked tickets like it were some Sentosa attraction. Happy Feet is sweetness. It's about the penguin way of life. And a lot of energetic singing and dancing. At the same time it's got layers to it, which speak of racism, autocracy and conservatism. Except for the climax, which felt abrupt and convenient, I felt Happy Feet was a rocking animation. I even picked a Mumble (the name of the lead protagonist voiced by Elijah Wood) plush from ToysRus for keepsake.

Back home, I realized Dhoom 2 was out and every thing man, woman and child was raving about a certain Mr Hrithik Roshan. I was curious and the only way to find out was watch the film.

So now I know what the fuss is all about. Okay, decently put, Hrithik is an e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y attractive guy. I mean the rare kind that can carry off even a lousy film like this on those perfect shoulders. His level of energy can only be surpassed by a computer generated character or something. Dhoom 2 is otherwise a very bad film.

I mean what's funny about Uday Chopra's broken English? Or Bipasha Basu's guns to bikini transition? And why does Aishwarya Rai look like dream and talk like a duck? But the funniest of them all is Abhishek Bachchan. Dhoom 2 is like a record of how Bachchan Jr created the Umrao Jaan look. He's given the most horrible clothes, miserable one-liners and worthless footage.

But Hrithik, Hrithik you are the man! And we love watching you. Even his muscles have more expression than some of the actors running in this business. Hee!

Fardeen’s ultimate qurbani for Saif!

Sukanya Verma — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 23:07:41 +0000

Twenty eight years ago, Amitabh Bachchan was the face of Don, a film that didn't bear the weight of any expectations. Now Shah Rukh Khan is the face of Don, a film only surrounded by heavy-duty expectations.

Fifteen years ago, Rekha breathed life in the poetry and pathos of Umrao Jaan. Next week, Aishwarya Rai's attempt as/at the same will hit the marquee. After Don, that's a shuddering thought but I won't let a devil named prejudice get the better of me.

While on the subject of remakes, some time ago Saif was offered Vinod Khanna's part in Feroz Khan's retake of the 1980 Qurbani (which he produced, directed and acted in), in which son Fardeen would reprise FK Sr's role. Even though the Chhote Nawab displayed sufficient enthusiasm, it didn't quite work out.

The Khans might not be acting together, but they certainly don't have problems replacing each other.

After a rather successful stint Fardeen is no longer going to play the suave, chilled out Provogue dude. His Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega co-star is the new face of the apparel brand. Of course Saif looks quite the antithesis of his Langa Tyagi avatar in this new makeover. And, no we are not complaining.

Having said that, have you ever really opted for any product, as an adult, just because an actor was endorsing it? Like do you wear Reid & Taylor because Big B says it's the best? Or gorge on Ruffles lays because Saif challenged no one can eat just once? Or do you stop thinking about the pesticides in Cola drinks because Aamir Khan visited the company's factory site? Or do you color your hair with Loreal because Aishwarya says she's worth it?

So which one is it? Personal preference or dictating advertisements?

Honey, I’ve misplaced the kids!

Sukanya Verma — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:55:18 +0000

Have you ever come across the newly turned mall-obsessed parent? Sometimes, they are so engrossed in picking pickles and peanut butter that they show complete disregard for the tiny tot accompanying them.

Lately, I have noticed a huge number of careless Mums and Dads losing their kids in the malls.

I, myself, have on more than one occasion handed over a lost kiddo to his seemingly unconcerned parent.

It's such a horror for the poor child weeping hysterically in search of his 'Momma' and 'Papa'. Some of them can at least reveal their names. There are others who are so young; they can't speak beyond 'Mummy'.

Of course there are parents who really go miserable and look super guilty when such accidents take place. But the mall-obsessed variety is, more often than not, the irresponsible one.

Oh and on a complete tangent, let me share with you a picture I took on my trip to Rishikesh. It's Ram Jhoola, and not the more famous Lakshman Jhoola, and it's breathtaking. It had rained a lot that morning as you can notice from the mist.

Of Rishikesh, Munnabhai and Umrao Jaan!

Sukanya Verma — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 19:25:24 +0000

In case you are wondering what happened to Thought Express, well it went on a vacation. And thanks for missing me, some of you.

So, yippee, I just got back from a refreshing holiday to Rishikesh and Haridwar. Though Haridwar was a disappointment of capital proportions, Rishikesh still maintains its sanctity and freshness.

If you happen to head towards the holy cities anytime soon, please remember to carry a set of umbrellas and raincoats, it's raining quite a bit.

Oh, and while I was there, I couldn't help noticing how the posters of some dubbed Chiranjeevi-starrer Devaa hogged more walls than Priyanka Chopra-Akshaye Khanna's rom-com, Aap Ki Khatir.

But the film of the moment and year is definitely, Lage Raho Munnabhai. (No offence to Rang De Basanti and Omkara. I love you both!) Very rarely comes a film that makes you want to praise it openly to obscene levels without any shame or hesitation. Lage Raho is one such experience.

I happen to see it in an expensive multiplex of Ghaziabad. Trust me I wouldn't mind paying double for the amount of pleasure it gave me.

The kind of response it generates from the crowd is absolutely heart-warming. Ditto for the film. What a glorious work of cinema! The film leaves you feeling so light, relieved, happy and appreciative. Everyone who finds it hard to get into the yoga routine should wait for the DVD of Munnabhai- 2 to come out. It's THAT good. Maybe Munna-Circuit Day isn't such a preposterous idea after all?

In latest news, have you seen the promos of Umrao Jaan? Aishwarya Rai is looking fetching. That too is a feat when you look good almost all the time. Noticed how Abhishek Bachchan looks like a younger version of his 'Pa's' Afghani Pathan, Badshah Khan (Khuda Gawah) in the whole Nawab get-up? I didn't like the brief strain (music composed by Anu Malik) that goes with the trailer though. It just doesn't stand out. And when you make, correction: remake, a film like Umrao Jaan, you got to be clear on two points ' costumes and music.

Ah well, the soundtrack is yet to come out. So like always, hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.

Don and Munnabhai make Dhoom!

Sukanya Verma — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 05:29:37 +0000

If there is one movie I have no views to share on, it’s Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Contrary to what the title begs, I prefer to do just the opposite. And for good. Why? All I’ll say is you expect to see a Hailey’s comet and end up watching an inflated balloon in the sky.

Yeah so what if it has all these fantastic actors, gorgeous locations, dressy sets, peppy songs and a dying-to-be-different storyline? It's still an inflated balloon. So we'll let it stay in air and proceed to fresher pastures ' the B-I-G-G-I-E-S!

Have you seen the promos of Dhoom 2? They look absolutely swashbuckling. It looks like the kind of movie that gives popcorn a good name. I hope that's the case.

And then there is Don. Man, Farhan Akhtar is sure in sticky spot. It's a no-win situation for the man who made Dil Chahta Hai and Lakshya. See, it's very simple. If he remains faithful to the Big B classic, he'll be under attack. If he strays too much, he'll be under attack. But thanks to Shah Rukh Khan and good luck Chopra, Priyanka not Prem, a promising opening is already in the bag. The trailer looks all right, I thought. It sure looks glossy if nothing else. Will it work? What do you think?

As for what I think? Lage Raho Munnabhai is where my bets lie. I love how the word 'hope' springs up at the mention of every forthcoming flick. But I truly hope the jolly good duo of Munna and Circuit regales us yet again with their tapori brand of masti and banter. And it won’t echo of the Phir Hera Pheri disappointment.

So which one is it going to be for you? Dhoom 2, Don or Lage Raho Munnabhai?

The aftermath of Omkara

Sukanya Verma — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 14:55:42 +0000

I used to think there’s just one Peter Jackson who defines reverence and understands tribute.

And then Vishal Bhardwaj comes along.

He really seems to know his Shakespeare. And more than that, he really knows his art.

The magnitude of Omkara’s impact is so potent. It's almost severe. It’s like having two-dozen machine guns fired at you. And you die willingly, gloriously.

To know a tragedy beforehand and yet jump out of your tense concentration when the moment of stark reality reveals itself.

To smell early traces of dishonesty in the vicarious schemes of limping, jilted villain's intentions and yet hoping for a glint of repentance only to be as shocked by the outcome as his target is.

To be certain what to expect and yet walk out with much more in the form of dark splintered pieces of complex human minds.

The aftermath of Omkara leaves you with a souvenir of unsuppressed awe for startling performances, simmering vision, breathtaking narrative, flowing composition and dramatic direction.

Omkara is a flawless depiction of flawed protagonists.

And for those who didn't like it and are contributing to its poor trade, I'd say: Oye kathor! (Darn you heartless person!)

Shyamalan’s bedtime tales!

Sukanya Verma — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:41:08 +0000

I am curious about Lady in the Water. I have my reasons.

When I saw the trailer of Lady in the Water a few months ago, I wasn't particularly thrilled. It didn't grab me. Usually Manoj Night Shyamalan's films bear a creepy air about them. Somehow Lady in the Water appeared to be quite watered down (pun unintended) in that sense. Of course this is a purely impulsive opinion based on something as deceptive as a promo. But then again it's said to be one of Shyamalan's worst reviewed movies wherein most critics have dubbed it "self-indulgent" (Variety Magazine) and "convoluted, ultimately preposterous" (Wall Street Journal). Quite a dampener, huh? Again, no pun intended.

It's not like the India-born filmmaker hasn't disappointed before. Unbreakable and The Village didn't quite rise to the occasion. Even so, Shyamalan never fails to evoke curious speculation. There is always an impermeable secrecy with respect to his projects that one cannot help but anticipate spectacular level of awesomeness.

That said, have you read the book that started it all?

I got it recently as a gift and was fairly impressed with what I saw. Mainly because it has been superbly illustrated by Crash McCreery (a character designer of repute who has worked on films like Edward Scissorhands and Jurassic Park). His keen artwork lends the book a sense of mystery and enchantment.

Published by Little, Brown and Company and dedicated to his two children; Lady in the Water-A Bedtime Story is no glorious piece of literature. It's not even a 'bedtime story' as it claims to be. It's more of a fascinating introduction to the extraordinary characters –Narf, Vessel, Great Eatlon and Scrunt around whom the movie, eventually, revolves.

Though plainly told, the tone is dark and forbidding. Shyamalan's offspring might be welcoming of their daddy's eerie thoughts. But young children are best left unexposed to this dim fairy tale. It could really play havoc with the tender imagination and create unnecessary fears in the mind. The Scrunt is pretty scary, I thought.

Despite its vague setup and mediocre reviews, Lady in the Water has raised an interesting imagery in my head. Something its trailer had failed to do.

What I want to know now is what I think is what I'll see.

July 28 (release date in India) holds the answer to this query.

Absurd but adorable…why Bollywood rocks!

Sukanya Verma — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 18:32:27 +0000

Yesterday I was watching Ram Lakhan. It's one of my favourite masala potboilers. An all out entertainer, Subhash Ghai's multi-starrer has action, comedy, romance and drama rolled in one.

As I enjoyed the implausibility of it all, I couldn't help make note of certain traits that Bollywood narrative religiously follows. Here are a few examples:

# Notice how a character, mostly in a supporting role, will never be discreet about a shocking discovery he's just made. Instead of surreptitiously sneaking out and informing the police or concerned authorities, he will take on the baddies single-handedly. He will actually stand there and tell them how he plans to dial 100 and expect to walk away unharmed. What do you expect? The fool is bumped off in no time.

# The dumb heroine is next on the list. Every time some serial killer goes on the loose, instead of heading for the first exit, she'll try and find out who's there. "Kaun hai wahan pe? Jawab do" (Who is it? Answer me!) Yeah, right! Get hit lady, you brought it upon yourself.

# The Bollywood ghost is full of polite gestures. He/She will make numerous now-you-see-them-now-you-don't appearances, to warn our hero/heroine to maintain distance. But they refuse to take any cue and run for their dear lives. And then when they meet a tragic end or get the spooking of their lives, we are expected to sympathize with them.

# Okay so our hero accidentally lands on the scene of crime. And just when he holds the blood soaked body or tries to remove the dagger off the corpse's chest, the housemaid, neighbors or even police show up and cry 'murderer'! What's more, he'll be proven guilty too! Forensic science is yet to arrive in Bollywood. Sigh.

# Take the same scenario again. This time around, our hero got lucky. The housemaid's on leave, the neighbors are minding their own business and the cops are traditionally late. What now? The hero doesn't think twice before resolving to hide the dead body in the boot of a car. Does he have to unnecessarily complicate the plot? Apparently, the storywriter thinks he does.

# Have you not wanted to pull your hair every time a silly misunderstanding is dragged ceaselessly throughout the movie? Usually the heroine will see the hero and the second lead indulging in an innocent hug. She'll see more to it followed by a 'You unfaithful jerk' break up sequence and melodramatic heartache song. Ultimately the dimwitted heroine will realize her folly when the second lead reveals how she considers the hero to be like her elder brother. Sheesh!

# This plot clich� has been beaten to death. Whether it's the villain's dungeon or the heroine's birthday part, the hero knows how to get in. All he has to do is disguise himself in a hideous wig, huge sunglasses and a funny costume. Even a Tom, Dick and Harry in the audience can figure it's only the hero, but our bird-brained protagonists? Never!

Sounds insufferable, perhaps. Therein lies the bizarre and unique magic of Hindi films. Hate it, love it, ridicule it, heck you can even analyze it. Truth is: you just cannot escape the unwavering absurdity of Bollywood. And falling for it.