A STORY THAT NEEDED TO BE TOLD

Film: Taare Zameen Par



Starring: Darsheel Safary, Aamir Khan, Tisca Chopra



Dir: Aamir Khan



Banner: Aamir Khan Production



Rating: **** (4/5)



REVIEW

Very rarely did we see films which say a story and also appeal to the audience and are also technically correct. RDB, LRM to name a few. TZP is one amongst those.

The film is a story of a child, barely 8 years-Ishan Awasthi (Darsheel Safary) old struggling to leave upto the competitive normal people sufferring from dlyxeria, his family and the person who brings about a change in his life, his art teacher Mr Nikumbh ( Aamir Khan)



What catches the eye is Darsheel. His expressions are just apt. The character is also built fantastically and takes the audience along. Tisca Chopra does a fantabulous job and Aamir is ever dependable.



The script is par excellence at most places. There are so many sequences that stay well etched in your mind after the show is over. The sequence where (Aamir) Nikumbh meets Ishan's parents is one which needs special mention. Editing is good. Cinematography is striking. So many shots of Panchgani making the film look a scenic beauty. Art direction is also first rate. Music is totally in sync with the narrative. Title track and Maa are especially appealing. Aamir is an excellent director.



In fact Aamir maintains a good balance of cinema's asthetic beauty and its commercialities. But somewhere there is a small scratch in the narrative where the film looks to go overboard by 10 15 mins towards its conclusion. The climax slightly deviates me feels.



All n all a great film. And Darsheel deserves a special award. He is irresistably cute

Bhool Bhulaiyaa

Film: Bhool Bhulaiyaa

Dir: Priyadarshan

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Shiny Ahuja, Ameesha Patel, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav

Rating: 3/5

REVIEW

Of late Mr Priyadarshan's offings have been of the catagory where the comedy seems to be forced in and too overbaked. Also he has been typecasted into comedy. This film does a lot of good to him. This film has comedy, suspense and horror.

Plot revolves around a Raj Mahal in Rajasthan and its history and its present. Things start going terribly wrong from the say Shiny Ahuja and his wife Vidya Balan (Siddharth and Avni) move into the mahal contarary to the elder wisdom. Siddharth is a rationalist and doesnot believe in bhoot -pret. He feels that someone in the family is mentally ill and exploiting the fear of the family. Steps in the psychatrist friend - Akshay and the suspense unfolds.

The second half is longer than the first hour though for me the film doesnot drag because I could not find any portion the film could have done without. The cinematography adds a lot to a spine chilling experience at a lot of places and so does the editing. The music is ok but labon ko is great though it could have been picturised better and would have looked magic if the pacing of the shots was slightly slower.

Direction is apt. Performance wise film belongs to Vidya Balan. She is wonderful in the second half. Akshay Kumar does a great job again. Paresh Rawal is again in top form though hbis character is inconsequential towards the end. His delivery is awesome his expressions are magic. Especially loved his lines "Sab log jhund me chalo. Mujhe ye batane me bilkul sharam nahin aa rahi ke mujhe dar lag raha hai". He just mesmerises you each time he gets a chance. Amisha Patel is reasonable. Manoj Joshi is good. Asrani and Rajpal dont have much to talk about. The big disappointment though is Shiny Ahuja. He could not fit into the image of a Royal person. It is a case of miscast and not very convinving portrayal.

Overall a more than entertaing affair. Enjoy the Bhool Bhulaiyaa!!!

PARZANIA

Movie: Parzania

Dir: Rahul Dholakia

Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Sarika, Parzan Dastur

Rating: ****

REVIEW

It was my class 10 board exams when Godhra episode had happened. My English paper was postponed because there was a bandh observed on 1st March. I felt terrible. Exams postponed!

But then, I could not imagine the gravity of situation. Parzania, which came 5 years later, is an eye opener. Not over baked. Never hams. These are some comments you can vouch and associate with this film.

Truly a representative of the new era of Indian Cinema the film rocks. If the future is goin to be films like this, its encouraging to say the least.

Parzania is the story of a closely knit Parsi family - Naseer, Sarika, Parzan and a little girl. A modest middle class family, living in a chawl in Ahmedabad and having no complains with life whatsoever. While Sarika is a home maker, Naseer (Cyrus) is employed in a 'Talkies'. Parzan is a cricket freak. All was smooth upto 28th of February 2002 - the black day on which Godhra blast took place. The fire spread wild. The blast was may be manufactured and used as a political weapon and HINDU - MUSLIM rift was sparked. A mob of thousands of party activists bombed the chawl and massacured the Muslims. Even the neighbours didnot come to rescue when Shehnaz (Sarika) sought shelter for her little kids. The chaos was such that Parzan got left behind in the run for life and could not be traced in any form living or dead till date.

The film wins not only because it portrays the riots very realistically but also brillaintly captures the struggle of the family to get back young family. Almost everything under the face of the earth has been tried. Police and priest alike but NO RESULT!!!!

Script, which is the foundation of any film, is excellent and well balanced. Direction by Mr Dholakia is great. The technicalities of the film are superb- be it editing or cinematography all departments contribute. But the flm needed performances from its actors. And who better then Naseer and Sarika. Both are brillaint and go strength to strength. Sarika is par excllence in the riot portion as well as the trial portion while naseer spells magic in the part when he goes for a nine day seclusion for his son Parzan. Parzan dastoor and his sis are good. All the others chip in.

Overall a film worth watching and then having a copy of it in your DVD library for more watches!!!! Great and honest!

FULL OF HAPPYNESS

Well do I need to review this movie. Id rather just share my opinion about this movie. Very rarely do I watch Angrezi flicks. And even more rarely do i get so engrossed into it. This film is full of inspiration, grit and yes happyness! The film is technically flawless. Will Smith is just awesome. I can still remember the scene where he runs down the stairs and celebrates his victory. Never seen such a subtle and such a honest performance!!! Truly mind boggling!!!!

WHY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Film: RGV ki AAG

Dir: RGV

*ing: Amitabh Bachhan(introducing as Babban), Ajay Devgan, Prashant Raj, Nisha Kothari, Sushmita Sen, Mohanlal, Sushant Singh, Rajpal Yadav, Urmila Matondkar (Mehbooba) and Abhishek Bacchan( special App)

Banner: RGV

Rating: 1/4 (one fourth of a star on 5)

REVIEW:

Writing more than two paragraph is waste my and the readers precious time. What on earth does RGV think he is doing making such a film inspired from an all time commercial classic. Wasn't bacchan saab given a narration of the script?? If he was what prompted him to be introduced as Babban?? though Gabbar always fascinated him is a well known fact.

The script, direction and acting are the biggest culprits. A noted critic praises Devgan well I thought Devgan had lost all the interest in the film rite from day one. Just try to find a semblance of rescemblance between Jai- Veeru and Heero- (I forget the name). Babban is one of the LEGEND's biggest blunders. Sushmita is wasted and miscast. Nisha Kothari tries her best to be the new Basanti but she shd refrain from such wasted efforts in future. Mohanlal is the only one who can be given positive marks. Music is nowhere near the influence of Ye dosti, Koi hasina. Mehbooba is bearable but not Abhishek. I think he visited the sets and by mistake was in front of the camera. Background score hams to take emotions out of you but the script has nothing. Sound mixing and editing are horrible. Camera work is good but there is a overuse of fast movements which were not required. On the whole this one is a worst attempt to spoof SHOLAY. STAY AWAY!!!!

HEYY BABY

Film: Heyy Baby

Dir: Sajid Khan

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Ritiesh, Fardeen Khan, Vidya Balan, Boman Irani

Banner: Nadiadwala and Grandsons

Rating:***

REVIEW

They say its a lift from a holly flick and a marathi movie. I dont mind bcoz i have not seen either. Coming now to heyy baby, this delivery by Sajid Nadiadwala (as said by the promos) is again a good comedy after Partner. There are sequences that make u fall off the seat. Just as there used to be previously a relief comedy this film has relief tragedy which is as good and as eye moistening as any good film.

The movie is about 3 friends and their encounter with a baby - a girl whi makes them cry. Whose baby is it? well watch the movie for that.

As the film took off I was cursing Sajid Khan bcoz once i read that this was a film entire family could enjoy. But for the initial 15-20 minutes I thought that this one is gonna be cheaper than MASTI but pleasently not to be.

After the initial reel or so the film makes you giggle. The ANGEL is really cute. And the gags with Angel and her fathers are amazing. The pre interval portion appeals to the EQ as well. Some scenes manage to send goose mums to you. Ditto for the second half.

Well the films technicalities are competent. Good story to build on, decent dialouges, great pj's, and some chartbuster tracks!!! Direction needs a special mention. Sajids direction is really very mature.

Performance wise Akshaye, Ritiesh,Vidya, Boman and to spring in a surprise Fardeen are in great form. Their expressions are really amazing. Fardeen Khan needs a special mention about the Parimal episode. Anupam Kher is decent but has not much footage. SRK is a forgettable affair after Chak De India. But the film belongs to baby Angel.

On the whole the film is worth a watch. Not a masterpiece but a good entertainer. Thumbs up to both the Sajids.

TRULY CHAK DE!!!!!!!!!

Film: Chak De INDIA

Dir: Shimit Amin

Banner: Yashraj Films Pvt Ltd

Rating: ****1/2

REVIEW
Yashraj films was passing through the torrid time. Previous two films had totally deflated the image of YRF. Especially JBJ which flopped big time. But this is not the case with CHAK DE INDIA. YRF is back in form.

Deviating from the film a special mention on the promos of Lagaa Chunri me daag – story of a woman and Aaaja Nachle which I cant afford to miss the fist show after seeing the promos. Coming back to the film this one had a poor opening because of lack of aggressive publicity YRF is famous for. But the film will soon grip the heart of every Indian.

The story is about a hockey player Kabir Khan who is defamed to be friends with arch rivals Pakistan. Hes thrown out of the hockey arena. 7 years later he takes up the coaching of the Women’s hockey team who has neither sponsor nor supporter. And the film picks up.
This one is virtually flawless. The direction, the emotions, the technicalities are excellent. This takes out the passion for the country virtually every minute. Ever engrossing ever motivating the film has smashing dialogues, competent editing, great camerawork and the soul- the story is more than there.

The film makes u smile, makes you cry and makes you proud of the country. SRK is a sureshot entry to the Filmfare nomination. All the others supporting him are excellent.
The only one aspect which was lagging was the music of the film. The music could have surely been much better.

Truly worth more than a watch. TRULY CHAK DE!!!!!

MARVELLOUS AKSHAYE

Film: Gandhi My Father


Dir: Feroz Abbas Khan


Banner: Anil Kapoor Productions


Rating: *1/2

REVIEW

A formidable cast, interesting story line, good promos were enough to attract me to the theatre for the movie. Also supporting my aspirations to see the film were the encouraging reviews. But the venture did not quite turn out to be as interesting

Based on the story of the Father of the nation and his son, the film doesn’t quite work. But even though it has its high moments. Not getting too much into the theme of the movie the positive aspects of the movie are the performances. Each matching the other. Be it Harilal (Akshaye) or MK Gandhi (Darshan Jariwala) aur Kasturba(Sheffali Shah) or Gulab Gandhi (Bhumika Chawla) all are just unbeatable. They are the people who engross the audience into an uninteresting film. The cinematography and music are apt and inspiring.

That’s all about the positives. The screenplay of the movie is confusing. What didn’t help the movie was its directionless editing and director missing the plot at crucial moments

Overall not much to boast off. But do see the movie for Akshaye who makes the audiences cry. He is superb.

BACK N HOW!!!!

Film: Partner

Starring: Govinda, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Lara Dutta

Dir: David Dhawan

Banner: Sohail Khan Productions/ Parag Sanghavi

Rating: ***1/2

REVIEW

Both David Dhawan and Govinda have seen their highs and lows. Coming back together after a long time they are both back into their own. Both are in full form this time. They deliver one of the most refreshing entertainer of the year this time. This might not necessarily be conventional cinema but is as effective an entertainer. The story build up in the first half of the first half and then always has an upward graph.

What is very refreshing to see is that this is a kind of comedy where the comedy is not forced into the narrative neither is the romantic track just there because it should be there. Both are in sync and balanced and yes they fully complement each other. The only disappointment was that Chota Don track didn’t conclude anywhere. Most importantly the main plot about Govinda and Salman was done full justice to and had its conflicts.

Performance wise Govinda rocks. Salman is par excellence. Both suit the character totally. The only problem is that Sallu bhiaya is sometimes unaudible. Among the girls both Katrina and Lara are mesmerizing to say the least. Aarti Chabbria has a small role but her presence is felt. The little boy is cute. Rajpal is good and does his biot. Rajat Bedi is ok.

The music is another highlight of the film. You literally wait for one song after the other. Songs are visually very likable so is the rest of movie. Though there are a few misses here and there the screenplay works. Editing is competent. The pace of the movie is just right. Direction is good

In all an all paisa vasool film and should have a good repeat value.

NAQAAB

Film: Naqaab

Starring: Akshaye Khanna, Bobby Deol, Urvashi Sharma

Directors: Abbas- Mustan

Banner: Tips Films

Rating: *1/2

REVIEW

Some films have emmense potential. But unfortunately something somewhere goes wrong. Ditto is the case with Abbas Mustan’s latest offing – Naqaab.

I went to see the film in the second week and the attendance was 30% at best. Before watching the film first hand I had heard negative comments from people who had already seen the film already. By the time it was interval I was cursing them because I found the movie flowing and having some great thrills in store towards the second half. But unfortunately that was not the case. The story lost its grip in the second half and by the time end scrolls rolled I was disappointed.

The major glitch somewhere lied in the screenplay and characterization and portrayal of a few characters. Towards the last 15 minutes the film goes nowhere and I could simply not comprehend what was happening and why.

Nonetheless there are consolations for the people who went to see the movie. Akshaye is superb. The total portrayal and each small emotion shapes up perfectly. Urvashi Sharma rocks for her first film. The music is in sync with the movie. Abbas Mustan touch is seen throughout. Audiography needs a special mention.

But the negatives somewhere outweigh the positives. Bobby Deol was efficient in the first half but cannot say the same for the more crucial second half. Vishal Malhotra and Vikas Khalantri were totally unbearable. Could have found better representatives for the role. Cinematography didn’t appeal. There was oversue of dizzy effect and somewhere the colouring was not great. Raj Zutshi was wasted.

On the whole a good story gone a begging

.

ISS HAFTE KA YADGAAR SCENE (KOI RASTAA HAI PAA)

Father: Thumhe kuchh nahin hoga Karan. I promise you, tumhe kuchh nahin hogaa. Bas mujhe un sab ke naam bataa do jo isme involved the. Okay! Meri pahuch nahut upar tak hai. Main best lawyers ki madad lunga. Kuchh bhi karunga. Lekin tumhe is se bahar nikal dunga. Itna yaad rakhna ki tumhe sirf itna kehna hai ki tumhe zabardasti isme involve kiya gaya tha. Okay! And then you are out of this country…. Kuchh to bolo. Samjhe ki nahin. Say something god damn it. Warna tumhare baap ki zindagi bhar ka naam, mehnat, shaurat sab dub jayegaa. Bolo kyun kiyaa tumne ye sab. Kyun kiya

Karan: Aap ne kyun kiya?

Father: Maine? Maine kya kiya?

Karan: Maut se nahin darte ye log. Ajay kehta tha.. aane do saali maut ko. Desh ke lioye to kuchh bhi. Ajay…. Ajay. Sambhal lenge. Out of the country. Ajay zinda jaal gaya. Desh ke liye nahin. Aap ne mar dala use. Mazak bana diya ajay ko.

Father: Okay. I know… I know… tum bahut disturbed ho. Lekin jo hua wo ho gaya… ab main sab sambhal lunga. Okay. Koi raasta nikal lenge bacche. Ok

Karan: Koi rasta hai paa?

Father: off course! Off course bahut saare raste hain. You will be out of this problem soon. Yes, you will go away from this country.

EKTI NADIR GOLPO

Dir: Samir Chanda
Banner: Lisac Entertainment
Cast: Mithun Chakravarthy, Shweta Prasad

Rating:****

REVIEW

Simply fantastic. Truly awesome. Flawless scripting, acting, editin, cionematography and a good story and background score to back it all. Just mesmerzing. Truly karizmatic

THE CRACK IN THE WALL

Rahul Dravid! The wall of Indian batting line up!Is he or is he not! Definately, undoubtedly, beyond ioata of doubt HE IS!

But sadly this wall has a crack! This crack has nothing to do with the quality of cement(read technique) but it is due to the worker's lathergy(running between the wicktes!)

Hehe i must be jokin. Hes a smart fielder! He also kept wickets till we found Dhoni. So how can it be. But the fact remain that he is! No hes not slow. But hes not to fat either. But he has it in him to take a quick single. So what has gone wrong. DIGUSTINGLY, to use make an understatement i recollect atleast a dozen of instances when he's been run out, not because he could nt make it, but he forgot that he has a bat in the hands that he can drag.

Has he forgotten? The dumbest of all can forget once, twice, thrice. But so many times!and surely he's not a dumbo! Hes smart!

Methinks its due to his lathergy that hes running himself out!!! Or is it a stunt to get back the crowd onto their seat. Or is it a chance given to the next batsman like one wd do in gully cricket.

I definately think that the first one is the most likely. In that case i'd wish that things cd improve. Bcoz if they did he wd be atleast 5% more unbeatable.

Hopin for the best! In interest of Indian cricket!

ACTING GYAAN - 2

• Hot blood, sharp mind, soft heart.......
  A must for an actor

• Acting can never be taught, but it can be learnt

SAMARPAN

Awestuck actors, dumbstuck pens

finesse of an actor, writers' pen

We, the dramatics' enthusiasts of MBA Tech were searching for a direction in which we could organize and work to nurture our asthetic talents. This enthusiasm to organise and win gave birth to 'SAMARPAN'. Started in Sep- Oct 2005 currently this society has grown from strength to strength and has today a strength of 60 odd members from MBA Tech, B Tech and MBA Pharma Tech.

MILESTONES

Winners of 3rd prize in a spoof competition at MOOD INDIGO'05(IIT B extraveganza).

Super hit 'No Problem' (Euphoria'07 - NMIMS) directed by Yogesh Pagare.

Street Play 'Ithihaas Dhoondhta Hoon' directed by Mrinal Sharma was the recepient of 1st prize at Xion'06.

Other performances include dus ka tees at Kaliedoscope, thespian sea at IIT B, skits at intra collge competitions, also participated in Umang 2005,2006.

ISS HAFTE KA YADGAAR SCENE (GO TO HELL!)

Film: Iqbal

Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Shreyas Talpade, Girish Karnad, Shweta Prasad

Director: Nagesh Kukunor

Banner: Mukta Arts (Subhash Ghai)

MOHIT: Guruji! shukriya aap aaye.

GURUJI: Mohit! Tumhara ladka waaqai kaamal ka hai.

MOHIT: Aisa khiladi toh ek saadi me ek baar milta hai. Isss saal ranji trophy humari hai.

GURUJI: Ho sakta hai. Toh mujhe kyun bulaya.

MOHIT: Suna hai ke Indian team ke kuchh selectors finals dekhne aa rahe hai.

GURUJI: Shaayad. Toh kya deal offer kar rahe ho?

MOHIT: Koi deal nahin. Maine yahi batane aapko bulaya hai kee in bachhon ko apna game khelne dijiye. Ye baazi maidan par hi taay hone den.

GURUJI: Mohit naadan mat bano. Tum jaante ho ke dhandhe aur saude iss khel ka buniyaadi hissa ban chuke hai. Is desh ke sabse ache khiladi bhi saude ke wajah se oopar aaye hain. Mujh jaise log aur ab tum bhi wo saude karte hain jisse ke best possible team tayaar ho sake.

MOHIT: Isilye meri jagaah ka sauda kiya tha aapne.

GURUJI: Mohit tum mere sabse acche student the. Lekin kahin baar sirf itna kaafi nahin hotaa. Agar tum mere saath rehte toh kabhi naa kabhi main tumhe Indian team me select karva hi deta.

MOHIT: Agar koi doosra raaiz saada aapki chaukhat pe naa aata toh. Main select nahin hua uska afssos nahin hai mujhe. Agar koi cheez hai jisne mujhe toda hai to yeh ke jab main bebas aur laachar tha to ek daafa bhi aapne apna haath nahin rakha mere sar pe. Ek din mere dost, mere guru, mere bhagwan the aap. Aur dusre din main aapkee academy ke register main naam ke siva kuchh nahin tha.

GURUJI: Main sirf great players banana chahta hun bas.

MOHIT: Meri baat dhyaan se sun lijiye. Iqbal ke saath who nahin hogaa jo mere saath hua.

GURUJI: Is waqt Indian team ko ek batsman ki zaarorat hai, bowler ki nahin. Aur kamal woh batsman hai.

MOHIT: Aap jo chahe kar lijiye guriji. Yeh ladka meri tarah haar manke gumnaami me nahin khoyegaa. Iqbaal ki qismat me wo nila uniform likha hai. Aur who use milne se aap aur aapki daalali kabhi bhi nahin rok sakti.

GURUJI: To phir main uska bhala chahta hun.

MOHIT: Ek muddat se ye baat kehna chah raha tha aapse. Aapse apne baap se aur har uss insaan se jisne mera bhala chaha hai. GO TO HELL!

THE BIGGEST PANGA WITH PANGA NAA LO

Director: Rajen Kothari

Banner: Vidisha Production Pvt Ltd

Cast: Om Puri, Satish Shah, Supriya Pathak

Release date: 20/4/07

1st week gross: 6 lacs approx( business of cinema)



The schedule of the film started on 8th August, 2005. Seems long ago. Yes it was long ago. The shooting of the film was completed by feb/march 2006. Then the film took an eternity in the post production and the first copy was out by diwali' 06.



Then started the next struggle. Finding a buyer. Mukta, Adlabs, UTV, PEN, Ashtavinayak, Percept and many others. Finally PEN took up audio video rights and Adlabs gave a green signal for theatrical release.



Now tareekh pe tarrekh, taarekh pe tareekh, it was slated for release mid march. Why? the cricket world cup! Empty cinema halls. No big releases.



But the Indian team had different aspirations. They managed an eary exit. Now the entertainment world wanted to capitalize. Bigger films were pushed ahead.



Finally PNL was released with roughly 22 prints all over India one week later than promised that is 20th of April 2007. Masses had very little idea that there is a film called PNL running in the halls. Reasons. Well many. THe promos were only aired on Zee Network, no MTV, VTV or Radio Mirchi. Media tie up broken beacuse release was shifted to a date close to Abhi Ash wedding and how could they not cover that.



20th April 2007, worse than expected the morning shows were cancelled in almost all the halls of Mumbai due to lack of patronage. The next shows managed crowds but in double digits only. To add to this there were chaotic misprints in the ads published in the newspaper. The timings printe were totally differenty than actual show timings. As for example the Bombay Times showed following timings (Fame Andheri 12.30, 2.30,8.35) but the actual paln was (Fame Andheri 12 30 pm, malad 2 30 pm and kandivali 8 35 pm). Finally the ad was corrected Sunday onwards but the ad disappeared all together from Monday onwards.



Was it a lack of trust in the film. Was it sheer negletion or was this film used only to take the over flow of Bheja Fry? Whatever it was, was it PROFESSIONALISM???

NO PROBLEM!!! NO PROBLEM!!! NO PROBLEM!!!!

20 actors full of energy, 1 determined director, 4 passionate backstage co ordinators. What did this result to? A SMASHIING HIT. 'NO PROBLEM'!!!

The Prelude:

Early Feb'07

Severe brain storming sessions. O'er a coffee,o'er lunch,o'er dinner. This resulted into a play which was already 20 minutes long leading no where. Time flew. It was March. Euphoria 07 was arriving. We had promised some quality. Finally Mrinal and I decided to take help of a professional.

The Auditions

Mr. Yogesh Pagare (Yogi), our commander in chief walked in at sharp 7 pm. Auditions started. Most of the people were selected.

Day 1

Mr Yogi was on time again. I humbly asked him for a script. He replied that he doesnt need one. He remembers all dialouges.

Days flew. So did time. every day some one would be late and Pallavi would pay. People started getting into the groove. Acting improved. Co ordination did and so did ENERGY. Some blood spilled. Some jaws were broken. Some tears rolled. Some voices started fading. Sometimes fun sometimes a hell used to be our sessions.

I definately remember the way Yogi made us remember the order of scene. He would ask us to speak out the order. Any fumble or a mistake would be fined by Rs 5. I aslo remember the poll dance jig we all enjoyed. Another memorable moments were when Yogi was not there for 3 sessions and Ashwani was supervizing our practices. The way we would fight like kids and the way he'd fume up if the word 'buffer' was mentioned. Some people still owe me Rs100 for costume arrangement

Finally ther dress rehersales. The fatigue of the nightouts started seeping. Fever, low energy,high tempers, it was all happening till the 11th hour.

On the D day some ppl were on time, some were not but now was the time to pull up the socks and give it the best shot. The nervous bodies started shaking, Some ppl made sure they had the scene order right by carrying a list on their palms.

Finally we banged in from the rear entrance of Juhu Jagruti Hall. For the next 25 minutes, non knows what happened. Then started the claps and cheer. This time it was not the sarcastic one. Yipee we did it. No Problem was a big hit.

Happy and content and voiceless we left for green room again. Enter Mr Dennis that there was enough crowd for a repeat performance!!!

KATHA COLLAGE

Motley is well living up to the trend that it initiated in the year 2000 with ISMAT AAPA KE NAAM. Having practiced the art of rendering pieces of Hindustani/Urdu literature in a viable dramatic form, Motley once again pays homage to two well-acclaimed writers- Munshi Premchand and Kamtanath.KATHA COLLAGE thus derives its dramatic format from three stories, each infused with the timbre that accompanies all good narration.

The first story titled Badebhai Sahab (Big Brother) by Premchand explores the relationship that exists between two brothers with particular reference to their adolescence.The second story titled Shatranj ke Khiladi (The Chess Players), also by Premchand looks at a pre-independence era in Luknow and centers around its two protagonists, best friends because of their shared passion for chess. The last story titled Sankraman (The Circle of Life) by writer Kamtanath is reflective of the transitory yet ironically unchanging nature of life and way of being. This is highlighted through the characters of a father and a son who are completely unlike each other till the son grows to resemble his father in every which way.

On the face of it, the three stories may sound simple and straightforward but actually they offer a variety of themes and motifs that are engaging. The production in its entirety, be it in its backdrop or in the virtuosity of the actor’s craft is significant of a minimalism that is commendable. In short, KATHA COLLAGE, like other Motley plays is not to be missed.

ACTING GYAAN

CINEMA IS LARGER THAN LIFE, DRAMATICS IS LOUDER THAN LIFE!!!

Cinema is a medium where we act for camera and the camera can come as close to you as wanted. So even the most subtle of changes will be registered. But in dramatics you have to directly connect to the audiences seating in the last row so you need to register the variations by performing slightly louder. Louder is not only the projection of voice but also the expressions

CHEENIKUM- BUT SWEET.

Director: K. Balki
Producer: Orion Films
Cast: Amitabh Bacchan, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Zohra Sehgal.
Rating : ****

REVIEW
Sometimes some films have such a charisma as if a soothing rain after 5 months of scorching heat. Though not surprisingly, cheenikum is such a movie. Sweet enough, but not diabetic. Almost perfect blend of emotions. Arrogance, love, friendship, hatred, this film has a perfect recipe of all. Truly natural, truly cinematic, truly subtle, and truly effective.
Firstly the film has a story and to add it’s a fresh one. The characters though true to life, situations are not very common. A 64 year old, London based Indian restaurateur (Amitabh Bacchan), thanks to his arrogance, bumps into a 34 year old woman (Tabu), who has come for a vacation to London. They get to know each other. They fall in love. But the problem his madam’s father back home in Delhi, who cannot accept a son-in-law 6 years elder to himself.
The main plot of the film works and so do the sub plots. Chef’s mother constantly nagging hgim to go to the gym. His friendship with the next door girl (sexy), who is a cancer patient, the chef at work bossing over his subordinates and Tabu and her friend in London.
The film flows from one conflict to another. Starting from the chef’s unacceptability about a spoilt dish, to the couple’s inability to accept each others’ food preferences, the father’s un-acceptance of ‘damaad’. And the impactful climax at the Qutub Minar. The film flows like a river.
Half the battle is won when the script has so much of potential. The other half also did not seem any difficult coz of presence of the Big B, Tabu and Paresh Rawal. The performances are top notch and subtle to the core. Amitabh Bachhan in magic. Tabu is par excellence. Paresh Rawal does his part with ease. So do Jameel Khan and Zohra Sehgal. The young sexy is really sexy to say the least. Music is upto the mark and so are other technical departments.
If at all there had to be any shortcoming of this cinema, it was that Paresh Rawal’s role was slightly shorter than expected. That is because Mr Rawal is such a wonderful performer that you want more of him.
Hope we have more of such films in future, where there is no bang-bang but pure content to engross you for 130 minutes.

SHOOTOUT!.... IS IT?

Director: Apporva Lakhia

Banner: White Feather Films and Balaji Telefilms
Cast: Viviek Oberoi, Sanjay Dutt, Amitabh Bachhan.
Rating: **

REVIEW
First things first. The film carries a tagline ‘ Based on true rumours’. What was the rumour. I cannot comprehend. But who cares about the tagline if the 2 hours of celluloid is really engrossing. Today, it seems, a filmmaker just looks for a decent star cast, a few rocking tracks and marketing gimmicks to make money. The scenario today, though not always, has been like a child trying to speak English without the grammar. The power of grammar of cinema, or of any language or any medium cannot be denied. It takes the work to a totally different level. IT makes something look more meaningful and impactfull. Yes, definitely innovation is a must. That is why even today, a film Lage Raho Munnabhai, or a RDB are refreshing .They will not only attract but also appeal the audience. The scripts are rooted to the basics though the plant looks to be a new one.
This ‘movie’ is a clash between the underworld don Maaya (Viviek Oberoi) , his gang and a determined ATS squad. At the end of 2 hours, it is left to the audience to decide who was wrong. The ATS, who was responsible for encounter, or Maaya and his gang ,who aspired to make their presence felt even in the Mecca of underworld - Dubai.
For me the screenplay does not work. Just because the film looks like disjointed clipping joined to gether by a narrators help. At no point you understand the relation of one scene with another. And to a shocker of an disclosure is that Amitabh Bachhan is a lawyer. All through the film it appeared that he was a high rank ATS officer. This simply could not be digested. I cannot identify with a lawyer who is harsh and firm with his own client. The puranpoli track between Viviek and Amrita Singh had most of its potential untapped thanks to the films un cinematic screenplay.
But the film has a fair share of positives too, which make it watchable for once. The camerawork, the look of 90’s, the music, the background score, the editing stand out. Some sequences do manage to give you goose mums.
Performance wise, the film belongs to Maaya bhai- Viviek Oberoi. The body language, the dialogue delivery, the over all portrayal is supreme. His dialogue send down silent tremors in your body. Another stand out performance is that of Amithabh Bachhan. This champion actor manages to steal the show once again, in a small and a totally messed up role so to say. He has some good lines though. Sanjay Dutt is very good. Shabbir Ahuwalia is refreshing. And Aarti Chabbria looks sexy in all the numbers she has. Though Tusshar was plain average his scene in the climax is superb. Amrita Singh does full justice to her cameo. Sadly, Suniel Shetty, Arbaz, Aditya Lakhia, Neha Dhupia do not work. Ronit roy is ok. Dia Mirza’s role had a lot of potential.
The music lifts the movie. Especially, Ganpat, Main tere ishq me. And then when you want to leave the hall after passing some silent patient moments towards the fag end, there is akhri alvidaa with the end scrolls.Overall shootout is a disappointment, but it is not unbearable. Can be watched once ! especially (Viviek fans).

THE ASIGNMENT

Director: Himanshu Vartak

Principle cast: Sanjeev Krishnan, HImanshu Vartak, Mrinal Sharm, Bhavya Acharya

A hard core criminal is hired by the Crime Branch to scrap Bala, a wealthy, philanthropic celebrity. The story revolves around, the assasin's conquest to kill Bala but in the midst he eliminates some innocent citizens.

Does the assasin finally kill Bala? Or there is some other twist in the tale? Watch out for yourself!!! in THE ASSIGNMENT.. a short film by the students of MPSTME

ISS HAFTE KA YADGAAR SCENE (SHIKSHA)

Movie - Deewar

Dir- Yash Chopra

*ing- Amitabh Bachhan, Sashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy

Ravi: Namaste.

Shikshak: Namaste!

Ravi: Kya.. Kya mein andar aa sakta hun?

Shikshak: Haan... aayye..andar aayye...maaf kijiye maine aapko pehchana nahin.

Ravi: Ji aap mujhse pehle kabhi nahin mile.

Shikshak: To aap chander ke dost honge

Ravi: Aap chander ke pitaah hai?

Shikshak: Bhaiyaa.. wo chander to is waqt hai nahin ghar me..

Ravi: Main jaanta hoon.. main jaanta hoon wo aspataal me hai, police ki hirasat me. Agar ...aap bura naa mane to main ye thoda kuchh laaya tha

Shikshak: Ye kya hai? Bhai ye... aapne bataya nahin ke aap kaun hai?

Ravi: Ji main.. main wahi police inspector hoon jisne aapke bete par goli chaliyee.

Shikshak's wife: Chale jaao...le jaao..nahin chaiye...ye tumhara khana...ye tumhari bheekh. Nikal jaao mere ghar se.

Shikshak: Ye tum kya keh rahi ho.

Wife: (To Ravi) Bade aaye kanoon waale.. bahut insaaf karte ho..arre kya bas bhukhe nango ko marne ka insaaf hai tumhara.. kya kiya tha mere bete ne...apne bhookhe maa baap ke liye roti churiyee thi... ye hi naa.. arre bade kannon waale bante ho to jao unhe goli maaro jinhone aapne godamno me aanaj bhar rakha hai.. bade insaaf waale bante ho to jao unhe goli maro jo duniyaa bhar ke kaale dhandhe karte hai...main jaanti hoon..unhe koi kuchh nahin kahegaa...bas humko goli mari jaati hai..nikal jao...nikal jaao mere ghar se tum..nikal jao..nikal jao..nikal jao.

Shikshak: Main behad maafi chahta hoon. Meri biwi ek anpadh aurat hai pataa nahin kya kya bol gayee. Lekin mujhe aapse koi shikayat nahin. Appne jo kiya theek kiya. Arre bhai chori to har haal me chori hoti hai chahe ek pasie kio ho yaa ek lakh ki. Waise chander aisa ladka hai to nahin. Shaayad humari bhookh bardasht nahin kar paaya hoga. Lekin waise dekha jaaye to hindustan me lakhon log bhookh se marte hai to kya sare chori karne lag jaaye. Bhai hume aap se koi shikayat nahin.. aap ne jo kiyaa theek kiyaa.

Ravi: Aap... karte kya hai aap?

Shikshak: Hmm? Bhai main municipal school me teacher tha. Pechle saal retire hua hoon. Aaj kal kuchh tution kar leta hoon.

Ravi: ITNI BAADI SHIKSHA TO KISI SHIKSHAK KE GHAR SE HI MIL SAKTI THI!