Movie Review: Last Love (2013)

The film Last Love’s tagline says ‘It’s never too late to love life again’. Sandra Nettelbeck tries hard to project this and she does succeed to some extent but the overall impact is not great. Whatever she achieves is killed in the last 15 minutes of the film and one is just left feeling somewhat bitter!

Michael Caine plays the role of an aging widower Matthew Morgan, a retired Princeton philosophy professor, who lost his beloved wife three years ago. He lives alone in Paris, drowning in silent grief. A chance meeting with Pauline (Clemence Poesy) a young Parisian cha-cha-cha teacher brings some spark in his lifeless life and brightens it up. Or so it seems.

He says her hair reminds him of his late wife’s; she says she liked his beard for it reminded her of her late father’s. Slowly and strangely Pauline’s entire life seems to revolve around Matthew, strange because their relation is so ambiguous. It’s vague whether it is platonic affection that arises out of their respective loneliness or there is an undercurrent of real desire. 

Why need there be a clear demarcation one might say. Agreed! I did not have a problem for the most part of the movie. But as mentioned above, the last part just messes it all up and you’re left wondering.

When Matthew attempts a serious suicide, his two children Miles (Justin Kirk) and Karen (Gillian Anderson) come down from America on a disappointing note. They are not happy about having to be there as is evident from Karen’s remark, "An overdose is not my favorite excuse to come to Paris but thanks for making an effort, Dad." The two, especially Miles, develop an instant hostility for Pauline seeing her as “our future stepmother for all I know”.

Things take a turn from here and Nettelbeck seems to have found a shortcut to put things in order, which is far from convincing. Cliché and melodrama end up in disaster.

Michael Caine is undoubtedly a brilliant actor and he’s fairly good here. Only sometimes it seems that he is merely reading out his lines in a detached manner. Many people also have a problem with his (fake) American accent. Poesy is good in her part, and shares a good chemistry with Caine. Gillian Anderson has the least screen space but she plays it to the hilt.

I don’t have a problem with slow paced films but the languid pace might disturb some. Hans Zimmer’s score is subtle to suit the tone and mood of the film, but even though it looks very promising it too goes downhill. Michael Bertl though deserves great applause for the wonderful cinematography. Paris has been shot so well and one would (for the nth time) end up falling in love with the city.

Last Word: Last Love is not a bad film. It does take up serious issues deal with them well in the first half. It is the end that majorly disappoints. This film really had the potential to be better, so much better.

Rating: 7/10

Happy Birthday Jammy!

He’s one of India’s greatest batsmen but never got his due. Even when he scored big runs he was always outshined or overshadowed by other team members, a phenomenon that started right from his debut in Test cricket. Dravid made his debut at Lord's on 20 June 1996 against England in the Second Test of the series with Sourav Ganguly and scored 95 runs. However Ganguly went on to score a century and became the celebrated hero.

Dravid’s batting was as perfect as a coaching manual. His name was a constant at number three on the scoreboard and there were innumerable times when he was a savior for the team. He was nicknamed “The Wall” for his impeccable defence and till date he is fondly remembered as 'The Wall' of Indian cricket.

"Even though Sachin is great, I have always found Rahul more solid and hard to get out. He has a solid defense and plays less shots than others. When a batsman plays less shots then it is tough to get him as he makes less mistakes." – Shoaib Akhtar

Rahul Dravid has always been my hero, ever since I started watching cricket. In fact, he is the reason I started watching cricket. I have been an ardent supporter and have admired him not only as a player but also for the man that he is. 

"If you can't get along with Dravid, you're struggling in life," said Brett Lee. Dravid truly is the epitome of a perfect gentleman.

Today Jammy turns 41 and I wish him a very Happy Birthday! He may have retired from the game but I will continue to be his fan. There never was and perhaps will never be, one like him!

For those interested, here’s a list of what fellow players have to say about this legend – http://tinyurl.com/DravidQuora

Movie Review: Yaariyan (2014)

Cast a bunch of (good looking?) newcomers, pick one of the plush schools (St. Joseph’s School, Darjeeling) and portray it as a chic college of Sikkim, feature snow-clad picturesque locales, throw in skimpily clad women, a lot of cleavage and absolutely desperate hormone raging men, have a wide ranging soundtrack featuring none other than His Highness Yo Yo Honey Singh, and finally add a lot of emotions – love, friendship, betrayal, drama, comedy, patriotism – ah no issues throw them all in. Was Divya Khosla Kumar thinking this is the perfect recipe to create a fun-filled college romance and adventure film targeted at youngsters of course? Yes it a recipe and good that too, but for disaster!

Well not all these elements are a boo-boo. In fact one thing that has been working in the movie’s favour is its peppy soundtrack which has already created waves and is ruling the charts. Not only is it going to play a big role in drawing the audiences, particularly the youth, to the theatres but it also is the film’s saving grace. Besides this, the only other thing that works is the cinematography. The first part of the film has been shot in virgin locations of Darjeeling and Sikkim (Lachen, mostly) and the later part in Australia. The film has two race sequences and they have been done really well. Divya Kumar has indeed worked hard to make the film look good. But sadly that’s about it – it only sounds and looks good!

Yaariyan aspires to be one of those college rom-coms but just calling it one would put all the other films in that genre to shame. It’s supposed to be the coming-of-age tale of five friends. Sadly there is nothing in the name of friendship and the focus is more on ‘cuming’ as not just these teenagers but their teachers also seem to be having an over surge of hormones.

There is nothing bad about having a few sexual jokes. After all this is a (big) part of being a teenager and youth, especially guys. But when you reduce the guys to good for nothing fellows and make them look like dogs who are only interested in shagging, oops I mean wagging their tails at the sight of a bitch, then there is a problem!

The male protagonist Lakshya (Himanshu Kolhi) is the clichéd playboy who initially is only interested in a kiss and this wish of his is the subject of interest of almost everyone in the college. The female lead Saloni (Rakul Preet Singh) is the usual ‘hatke’ behenji who stands out from the rest of the bimbettes. Though their love story is nothing unusual, I must admit that the lip-lock between them is one of the most unabashed I have seen in Indian cinema.

Usually supporting actors who play friends have a wonderful contribution in such films but here there is not a single moment of bonding shared by the guys. Barring the female protagonist, the girls look plastic. There is ‘Bad Man’ Gulshan Grover, the college principal, who takes on the onus of motivating these wayward kids to save their college from Australian folks. The biggest feat of course is reducing yesteryears veteran actress Deepti Naval to a mother who is perpetually sobbing and sniffling. Unfortunately, there is no depth in their characters and they are both reduced to mere caricatures.

If all this is not enough there are sports, patriotism and racial attacks thrown in too! So what if they seem forced and over-the-top. That does not matter! The makers can pass off any idea/concept in the name of Generation X. These youngsters indulge in just about everything and that’s what’s shown on screen.

After all this, if you are still waiting to read the plot then you for sure need to go watch this!

I, on the other hand, did not have the slightest intention of watching this movie, not in the theatres at least, not first day first show for sure and certainly not when Dedh Ishqiya, a movie I had LONG been waiting to watch released on the same day. But guess I was fated to. Apparently there were just two of us who were keen on indulging ourselves in the world of Begum Para. Those guys refused to play it only for us. The biggest irony – Just when they told me the morning show for Dedh Ishqiya was cancelled and I had already got tickets for Yaariyan, about a dozen people turned up (late), wanting to watch the former. If, only if, they were on time!

Rating: 5.5/10

Movie Review: About Time (2013)

So I think to myself. Alright there’s a new rom-com that looks good. It’s also rated pretty high on IMDb. What more?

Genre: Romantic comedy – Oh nice, I am sucker for fine rom-coms

Director: Richard Curtis – Excellent! I’d loved his previous two films ‘Love Actually’ and ‘The Boat That Rocked’. Plus he is also the writer for ‘Notting Hill’, one of my favourite films ever. Excitement is a notch higher.

It revolves around time travel – Ah well, it looks like a perfect recipe, if well executed.

These were my thoughts before watching About Time. And was I disappointed? Not really, but it didn’t quite leave an impact. Or was I expecting too much, maybe yes. It is by no means a bad film but not something that I would highly recommend either.

The film is about Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson), a 21 year old socially uncomfortable character. On his 21st birthday his father (Bill Nighy) tells him an incredibly useful secret – men in his family can time travel, to any point in the past that they remember. So whenever there is some mishap or embarrassment, or need to re-do something Tim can go back in time and change the outcome of a situation. All he needs to do to fix these issues is go to the nearest closet or a compact room and clench his fists. Now this sounds interesting (barring the clenching fists bit) but maybe this whole going back and altering things has been so overdone that it loses its charm.

About Time is not the run of the mill romantic comedy. Yes it has all the elements of a Curtis film – locations in London, friendships, plenty of sardonic and sometimes rude humour, a socially reticent boy, a beautiful North American girl, a freaky young female relative, a doddery elderly male relative and some heavy rain. But it delves deeper and raises some profound questions.

The message that it gives out is that ups and downs are a part of life and no gift can save you from that.

Thus one should live life to the full, cherish each moment and not take things or people for granted. “Cherish the small moments as if they are most important.” Besides this, one of the main themes is the heartfelt father-son relationship. The scenes between them are some of the best in the film.

I did not quite Tim Lake in the beginning and thought he wouldn’t be able to match up to Rachel McAdams who plays his love interest Mary. However with time he grew on me and I think the two had a strong chemistry. However Rachel was underused. Though she is good in her role and very likeable (I absolutely did not like her fringes though), her character doesn’t have much depth. Whenever there is the slightest need to alter things, Tim always excuses himself for a moment and heads out of the room and she is not once shown questioning him. I liked Bill Nighy the best. He brings such warmth to his role with his spot-on acting. He steals every scene he is in with his charisma.

There are so many beautiful scenes in the film. One where Tim and Mary meet for the first time in a restaurant is bound to vow you. Another when Tim runs home to Mary late night and urges her to wake up as her had to ask her something important. Then of course the many scenes featuring Tim and his father.

Despite so many things working for it, the film is flawed and has plot holes. They might not come in the way of watching the film, because you are pretty much absorbed in this feel good movie, but they are disturbing. The individual parts are good but as a whole, there is something amiss. This can be one of the reasons I wasn’t thoroughly happy after having watched it. Overall, it is decent and worth a watch. And if you are going to stop making sense out of it, especially the time travel, you'll love it all the more!

Rating: 7.2/10

Movie Review: Priceless (2006)

Original Title: Hors De Prix 

Language: French

A fresh romantic comedy always feels good, and if it features Audrey Tautou then it’s like the icing on a super yummy cake. Pierre Salvadori’s Priceless is one of those delicacies which I thoroughly enjoyed savouring.

Priceless is the story of Irene (Audrey Tautou), a high maintenance gold digger who preys on old, lonely and most importantly rick men. She seduces and traps them to live a comfortable high life in expensive hotel suites. One night she mistakes the lowly bartender Jean (Gad Elmaleh) for a millionaire and drags him to bed. On learning the truth she leaves but her charms work their magic on him and the hapless Jean is absolutely smitten by her. He goes about following her and spending all his savings to keep up with her never ceasing demands of dresses, bags, champagnes, caviar etc.

The plot is run of the mill but the treatment and presentation is oh so classy. And Tautou! She charms you with both her performance and her looks. She is such a natural actress and here she does wonders to her character. An innocent dame one minute and heartless seductress the other, the viewer oscillates from loving her to feeling slight disdain for her, to sympathizing with her and back to loving her! Her facial expressions speak volumes. Had it not been Audrey playing this role, I would have easily hated this merciless bitch! And about her looks, well she is elegance, style, beauty and sexy personified. I don’t think she’s looked this stunning ever. Guys are definitely bound to feel the heat and some movement too seeing those necklines plunging all the way down to her navel. She is truly ‘Priceless’.

Gad with his innocent looks shows great charm and delivers a decent act and he shares a wonderful chemistry with Audrey.

On the surface level it is one of the farcical rom-coms, stylish and endearing. However every work of art has layers to it, it is just a matter of interpretation. Priceless is a mild commentary on the vanity of high class, twisted human values, materialism and the game of love.

In one of the scenes, after being dumped by her latest rich beau, Irene left with only the bikini she is wearing, sits shivering at poolside while the sun sets and the place changes from bathers to dinner jackets. In a moment she is reduced from a queen to a spectator. Tautou’s expressions are pitch-perfect here and you get a glimpse of the harsh realities.

In the other scene, Irene is choking down a spoonful of caviar that she actually hates but is teaching herself to appreciate it. "I'm sure when you like it," she says, exuding not-so-innocent hope, "it must be delicious."

Priceless is a light-hearted entertaining romantic comedy and is a delightful watch!

Rating: 7.2/10

Movie Review: The Past 2013

Original  Title: Le Passe

Language: French

Is divorce/separation the end of a relationship? Technically yes, but it is, in fact, the beginning of a lot more. This is precisely what Iranian director Asghar Farhadi depicts in his latest domestic drama film ‘The Past’. Also as the title suggests, the movie is about one’s past and how it is never left behind. It has an ability to seep into our present and alter the course of our future.

There are obvious comparisons with his 2011 Oscar Winning film ‘A Separation’. It helps that I have not seen it and hence can analyze The Past in an objective light.

The Past is the story of Marie (Bérénice Bejo), a Frenchwoman, who is trying to finalise her divorce with her husband Ahmad (Ali Mosaffa). Ahmad had left her four years earlier to raise her two children from an earlier marriage (a young girl named Léa (Jeanne Jestin) and a teenager Lucie played by Pauline Burlet) alone in a working-class Paris suburb. Marie is looking to make a fresh start with her live-in boyfriend Samir (Rahman) and his young anxious son Fouad (Elyes Aguis). But is it so simple, a fresh start? Samir himself is dealing with a traumatic unresolved relationship with his wife.

Lives of these individuals are knotted in ways that wouldn’t be fair to explain. However as simple as the plot sounds, it really is not that straightforward. There are layers within layers that spring up unexpected twists and turns and further tangle the narrative thread. There are half-truths, misconceptions, allegations, suspicions and so much more. 

The complicated scenarios, the complex emotions and dilemma of the characters, their angst get you thinking. Divorce and separation, which are an integral part of the Western culture and increasingly gaining prominence in India too, bring a lot of problems and baggage with it. More often than not, children are the worst victims and this is wonderfully portrayed in this film.

All the characters are so wonderfully developed and that is the strong point of the film. Farhadi shows you each character’s perspective and you feel how they would feel. You realize that sometimes no one is to blame, it is just the situation and not much can be done about it. Even moving on is not so easy.

Besides weaving a tale of complicated relationships so wonderfully, Farhadi’s brilliance is evident from the fact that the movie is in French, a language he doesn’t himself speak. But language barrier is not a problem and even the finer nuances are dealt with suitably.

The Past has outstanding performances. While Bejo undoubtedly steals the show, both Mosaffa and Rahman are good, the stars are Fouad and Lucie. Some scenes involving them will spellbind you. Lucie especially is par excellence in her role of the rebellious, angst-filled teenager. Plus she is strikingly gorgeous.

Even though it is out of the race for Best Foreign Language Film, The Past is a wonderfully crafted drama on relationships and emotions. It has a lot to offer and if you are into foreign language films, you have to watch it!

Rating: 7.8/10

Happy Birthday Mr. Bose! :)

As I say I am not a huge fan of celebrities barring two people. Coincidentally they are both called Rahul – Rahul Dravid and Rahul Bose. Today this post is dedicated to the latter. To YOU Mr. Bose!

It wasn't a crush or love at first sight. I can’t really pinpoint the first time I saw you (on screen of course), or your first movie that I watched. It was a gradual love affair! The thing that appealed to me most was your speaking skills – that voice, the command over the language, the pronunciation and the expressions. Oh what an articulate speaker you are! I remember those days when I would wait eagerly to watch you speak – be it at an interview or a social event. I would be so awestruck I could just watch you speak the whole day! I still can.

Then came the love for your movies, both mainstream and parallel cinema. One of the first movies to win you international critical acclaim was English, August (1994). It is more than a coincidence that this movie is based on my favourite book ever. That’s another thing that the movie continues to elude me. Don’t know if I will ever be able to lay my hands on it. Then followed so many others – Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, 15 Park Avenue, Before the Rains, Jhankaar Beats, Chameli, Pyaar ke Side Effects, Shaurya, The Japanese Wife, Midnight’s Children and many others. Jhankaar Beats is an all time favourite and it’s one movie I can watch from beginning to end numerous times. As an actor I love your expressions, your sense of humour, the ease with which you slip into a character and your acting of course. You are one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood today.

I like, adore, admire you not just because you are a good orator and actor but for your social activism too. I have seen you at various social events, raising your voice against issues, supporting various causes and so much more. You do it so earnestly. I love the person that you are. You personify handsome. You are the man of my dreams!

Today, as you turn 46, I wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You continue to inspire and motivate me and I will be your ardent fan for life. Wish you great success, good health, excellent movies and all that you may wish for.

Roman Holiday - A tale of sweet, innocent romance!

I guess I’m in the zone of watching movies I’d always wanted to and which are long overdue. Roman Holiday is one of them. Audrey Hepburn stole my heart with Breakfast at Tiffany’s which I watched earlier this year. Since then I had been eagerly waiting to see more of her. I eventually managed to watch Roman Holiday today and now I am even more in love with her. (Yes I drool over girls too – Julia Roberts, Kareena Kapoor, Chitrangada Singh to name a few :P)

Roman Holiday (1953) is the escapade of the royal princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn). She is in Rome, on the last leg of her Europe trip. She has had a packed schedule attending official functions and meeting dignitaries and aristocrats. As royal and glamorous it may look, she is upset and frustrated with the method life where everything is so ‘wholesome’. Scheduled and monotonous life has bored her to death and she longs for a break. When she breaks down, she is deemed ill and asked to control her nerves. The doctor is sent for, who in turn gives her a sleep-inducing drug to appease her hysteria. However, she manages to escape her country’s embassy at night and sets out to secretly explore the city on her own.

Ann is found sleeping on a bench thanks to the drug. Joe Bradley (Peck), who is an expat journalist working with American News Service, runs into her. He tries convincing her to go home. On failing, he takes her to his apartment out of sheer kindness and concern about her safety. The irony – the royal princess that he is supposed to interview the next day is sleeping in his apartment and he fails to recognize her. It is only when he dashes to his office the following day that he comes to know about it. He is allured at the prospect of making good money by getting a front page, never-told-before-story on her personal life and hurriedly strikes a deal with his editor. He takes the help of his dear photographer friend Irving Radovich (Eddie Albert) to get an exclusive coverage of the personal side of the Princess.

This leads to a 24 hour adventure on the streets of Rome – for the princess it is her first ever venture, exploring places, interacting with common folks, and doing things she always wanted. For the journalist, it is short cut to making quick money and getting a return ticket for America, his native land. He willingly entertains her in the hope of fishing out a meaty story. While the duo manages to photograph Ann smoking, dancing, getting in trouble with the police and much more, an unsaid love blooms between the protagonists. What happens thereafter if for you to watch!

The best part of the film is undoubtedly Audrey’s essaying of the Princess’ role, which won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. In fact, Hepburn was the first actress to win an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for this movie (Wikipedia). Right from the first frame, when she is shown as the royal princess, she steals our heart away. She looks gorgeous and every inch a princess – stunningly beautiful, delicate and graceful. She has portrayed the various moods so effectively – naive yet teasing when she says to her chaperone, “Did you know there are people who sleep with absolutely nothing on at all”; amusing, charming, playful, shy, innocent and romantic. Little did she or anyone know at that time that the movie would turn her into an overnight star! I am all the more keen to watch her other movies now. Peck is comfortable in his role and supports her well. The chemistry between them is realistic and likeable, especially in the last scene where all the emotion is conveyed through their eyes.

Roman Holiday is first-class cinema with all the elements of a good romantic comedy. The movie is simple, charming and it beautifully portrays the innocent romance of the bygone era. In honour of its 60th anniversary the film just had a rerelease. What a time to catch it, if you already haven’t!

Rating: 8.2/10

Once - A Musical Journey

I had heard the soundtrack of Once long back and loved it. The movie looked good too but I never watched it until today. In between I had heard and read so much about it that expectations were fairly high. And I wasn't disappointed! Being an ardent music lover, I fancy musicals so it was half the battle won. Plus I like the Brit/Irish accent :) However, Once stands out for its simplicity, modesty and earnest performances.

The movie is set in Dublin. Interestingly both the protagonists are not given names. The guy (Glen Hansard) is a street musician who plays the guitar and sings for money at night. During the day, he works in his father’s vacuum cleaner shop. His music attracts a young Czech girl (Marketa Irglova) who herself is a classically trained pianist. She takes him to a piano shop where she often goes to play the piano as she does not own one. It is here that they play a beautiful duet “Falling Slowly” (for which they both received an Academy Award for Best Original Song) and blossoms their short but delightful musical escapade.

The bond over music and he confides about his ex-girlfriend for whom he had been writing songs. She stays in old London and had betrayed him long back. However he is still in love with her, misses her but does not want to go get her. We also learn that the girl sells flowers and cleans a house for a living. She lives with her mother and little daughter Ivonka. Her husband is back in Czech Republic and things are not right between them. The marriage part comes as a surprise for him as he clearly did not expect that. However that doesn't change things between them.

The movie is not ambitious. Their love story is simple and beautiful. Music develops the plot further and all the songs are so beautiful. It helps that all of them were recorded by Glen and Marketa themselves. Neither of them are trained actors but musicians. Maybe that’s why their performances are so realistic. Plus it was during the filming of the movie that the two fell in love. This chemistry is visible on-screen as well. The bitter-sweet ending is realistic. It leaves you touched and happy that you witnessed this musical journey. 

Once is simple and straightforward. It was made on a shoestring budget and shot in merely 17 days with two new actors. And what a swell job done! It is magical and one you bound to get swayed. Once is one of the best musicals I have seen. Highly recommended, especially if you are a music lover :)

P.S. The movie has also motivated me to get going with my guitar practice, which has been moving at a snail's pace recently! :)

Lootera - A Cinematic Excellence!

I had to write this review. Not because I had set expectations and some people were awaiting my review after the FB status. It is purely because I absolutely loved the movie. After having watched it, a couple of people asked me how did I like it and I just said one thing – wait for the review. It wasn’t to create an unnecessary suspense but because there is so much to say, to share. So here it goes.

Lootera is a cinematic excellence. A lot of people would complain that it is slow and thus unbearable. Yes it is – slow, pensive. It is not an entertainer meant for the masses. It is a period film, an art, poetry in motion and the story unfolds at its own pace.

The film is set in two periods in the post Independence era – Manikpur, West Bengal in 1953 and Dalhousie in 1954. The first half of the movie is fresh with some magical moments. In fact I was captivated at the very beginning itself. The instrumental of my favoutite track ‘Ankahee’ played at the outset. I first thought it would be the first song and the movie would go into a flashback, narrating the tale of two lovers. How delighted I was at the thought of hearing the song one more time, that too so early! Despite having listened to it on loop innumerable times I was yet to get tired of it. I remember waiting with bated breath. However that was not to be. And not just that, the song just does not feature in the movie but is a part of closing credit. So much for the excitement! Anyway this was the only let-down if I may say.

Coming back to the plot and the review, with the critical success of his debut film Udaan, Vikramaditya Motwane had set high expectations. And truly he does not disappoint. Of course there are some flaws with the major one being the lackluster (partial) adaptation of O Henry’s masterpiece – The Last Leaf. This short story is so powerful and Motwane sure could have done a better job than making it look like a hurried adaptation. However, the beauty and magic of this period drama completely outweigh and overshadow the flaws. The world of the protagonists – love, passion, agony, disappointment, anger –keeps you hooked.

The movie is picturesque. Manikpur and Dalhousie are totally different landscapes and both have been captured beautifully by Mahendra J Shetty. The music by Amit Trivedi and lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya are exceptional. All the songs are beautifully crafted. Monali Thakur does absolute justice to the beautiful number ‘Sawaar Lun’. Baramade puraane hain, nayi si dhoop hai – How poetical! Another number that I liked is ‘Monta Re’. I have always loved Shilpa Rao’s husky voice and she is good yet again in ‘Manmarziyan’. Even ‘Shikayatein’ and ‘Zinda Hoon’ are good. I love the entire album!

Sonakshi Sinha as Pakhi has delivered a stellar performance. From the privileged, pampered zamindar’s daughter to the immature lover, from the playful, vibrant, mischievous young girl in Manikpur to an ailing, lonely figure and a frustrated writer in Dalhousie – she is very convincing and has essayed the role with a right mix of innocence and sensitivity. I was among the majority of people who felt that although Sonakshi has 100 crore club to her merit, it is mere luck than talent that had got her there. My opinion has definitely changed after Lootera. The credit also goes to the writer for such a well defined role. Kudos!

Two girls sitting beside me labeled Pakhi’s attempts of getting close to Varun as desperate. They couldn’t stop laughing and mocking saying that she was throwing her charms at him in an attempt to seduce him while he wasn’t interested. Well, to some it might seem a desperate attempt of getting physical. But I think there is much more to it. Being a literature student I have learnt to analyse a work of art beyond the obvious. One needs to understand the set-up in which Pakhi has grow-up and lives. Her father is the only man in her life and she has been deprived of any other love. So when she comes across this good-looking charmer, she is bound to be swept off her feet and develop some feelings for this man.

Ranveer Singh as Varun essays his role with conviction and displays the various shades of his character effectively. He is introduced as a polite young boy who timidly seeks permission from the Zamindar for an archaeological dig. Then there is the innocent and mellowed flirting during the painting lessons and beyond. Despite a warning from his partner Devdas, he eventually falls for Pakhi and is torn between love and duty. In the second half he looks confident when he sways to Dalhousie to commit yet another heist. And then the estranged lover wanting to stay back and make amends to his lady love.

The chemistry between the leading pair is not the best that we come across but their individual performances are rocking. Also a great thumbs up for the supporting characters – Barun Chandra as the zamindar and doting father, Vikrant Massey as Devdas, Varun’s accomplice, Adil Hussain as the tough police inspector and Divya Dutta as the compassionate caretaker are all splendid in their roles and leave a mark.

To sum up, Lootera is an art, one which requires patient viewing. It will charm and sway you with its set-up, scenic locales, music, performances – only if you do not have any pre-conceived notions or expectations. Watch it and it will steal your heart!

Happy Friendship Day! :)

Today Facebook is flooded with friendship messages and pictures. I don't really believe in a particular day to express one's feelings, whether it is Friendship Day or Valentines Day. I especially detest forward messages; can't identify with the concept of sending mass messages just because the day warrants so. So I did not call my friends or text them to wish Happy Friendship Day!

However it wasn't always like this and I was poignantly reminded of this today. On my way back in the metro, I spotted a gang of college kids chit-chatting, laughing, celebrating and having fun. They had friendship band on their wrists and a couple of them were carrying lovely bouquets. The excitement and fervour transported me back to my college days.

Those days Friendship Day was an occasion for grand celebration - cards, gifts, flowers, messages, phone calls. Moreover it used to set the tone for my birthday. I remember in 1st year of college, my friends had sent cards by post first for Friendship Day and then for my birthday. So I used to receive 1-2 cards almost every day. Some of the pg girls mocked, some were envious and other just happy about the bond that I had with my friends. They said they had never received so many cards at one time J I really used to be the enthusiastic one, planning and coordinating with everyone, ensuring that I met most of my friends on that special day.

Now we do change with time and today such celebrations do seem kiddish. But does it mean that the day has lost its value just because we have grown up? During college we used to hang around with friends so often. It was then that another special day was not needed for us to express our love for friends.

In today’s busy world, we are barely in touch with our friends. All are busy in their respective lives – martial life, family and kids, career or studies. We all know that we care and love each other but the point is do we express it that often? Do we really get the time and space to do so? So it is not a good reason for us to take out some time and let friends know that they still are an important part of our lives. It might not be important to do it today, but the idea is to just express. And since I already feel it, I might as well do it today :)

Growing up, we do lose out on friends. I have lost a many and it has been tough. However that has only taught me to cherish friends and friendship all the more. To all those who have moved on, I thank them for teaching me this invaluable lesson. To the ones who have stuck and stuck in the real sense, being there always through the thick and thin, well a thank you is just not enough. You still have me, need you more ;) And to the ones who have newly come in, well you should be glad our paths crossed and you got the chance to know the amazing me ;) 

There are some names that have to come in here. Listing them in alphabetical order :)

Apurva – I have found a friend in a brother and what an incredible friend you are! Just love spending time with you, having those ‘intellectual’ conversations and sharing almost everything! Te quiero :)

Bhua – You were the friend that I always had, right from my childhood. I have grown up with you, learnt from you and imbibed so much from you. It’s been a blessing to have you in my life. Besides being an aunt, you have always been a friend. Love you :)

Joyee – It’s always been a roller-coaster ride with you. We are caught up in the web of life and our escapades are not that interesting. Time to add the ‘past’ tadka ;) Love! 

Mona – As I was growing up, I always missed having a sister; someone with whom I could share everything from crushes to heartbreaks, family troubles to personal issues. Someone who would be protective and not have any motive; and most importantly someone who would always be there coz she was family. I no longer miss having one. Love you so much sister :)

Moulshree – It’s commendable how we are yet to have our first fight. Eight years of togetherness. We were kinda lost in between but thanks to whatsapp we are in regular touch now. To more years of friendship! Also now that I am in Delhi, we should meet more often. So lets fix that long overdue trip soon. Dherai maya :)

Munish – I know a lot of people who find love on the internet. I found a true friend. The comfort and ease with which I share everything with you is commendable. You are forever so encouraging and supporting. Thanks for always being there. All our memories have been of the virtual world so far but doesn’t seem like we have not met yet. Having said that, I am really looking forward to seeing you, soon. Love you pal :)

Nicky – Frankly, I really miss ‘us’ – Nicky & Nanny, especially coz I am in Delhi now. I need to take more effort to be in touch. But we have seen worse in terms of no communication, and we will survive this as well. You continue to be my alter-ego girl. Much love :)

Nupur – Oh I am so delighted that you are a part of my life! Did not know back then that a by chance phone call would blossom into this marvellous friendship that we share. I so miss spending time with you. Hopefully we will relive those moments soon. I am truly, truly blessed to have a wonderful friend like you. Love you my honey-bunny ;)

Pranav – We have been going through a rough patch of late, and all thanks to me. Irrespective of that I want you to know that you are a good friend and I care for you. I like that you have an opinion about things and voice it too and that you feel strongly for causes that you believe in. I love having discussions and arguments about almost everything. We have shared good times and I want us to get back to it. I miss those days and now I take the onus. Love you Joshi :)

Shashank – You care for me, you make me feel special, you bring out the best in me (and sometimes the worst) – you just make me feel alive. I am just glad to have you in my life. Love you!

To all my other friends, wish you Happy Friendship day! :)

Happy birthday dearest Bhai :)

Wish you a very happy birthday Bhai. This one is indeed very special for you – you are celebrating your 25th Birthday plus your engagement announcement exactly a week ago, adds to the celebration. I am sure all those numerous gifts, warmth and love from my would-be Bhabhi did make you feel special and made your day already. But there are other people too who care, a lot, it is just that they might not express it often. And I am of them.

Well, it is never easy to pen down our feelings for someone who is so dear to us. Sometimes we do not have the apt words, and sometimes it seems like words are not enough to express all that we want to say. When that someone is YOU – it is a Herculean task. And mind you, this is the second time (I shall not miss any opportunity to talk about the testimonial that I wrote for you and the one that is pending from your side ever since :P) I am attempting to write something about the remarkable bond that we share!   You know how our relation has been like. We have grown-up fighting – physical when we were kids and later on verbal, especially in college. We have outgrown those days, as we are matured now. But when I look back at all of it, I have a smile on my face.

Know what? Ever since childhood, I have pretty much been on my own. Most of friends at that time had elder brothers who, by their basic nature, were very possessive. I somehow missed that interference in my life and always wished I too had an elder brother. My friends told me I would not like it and they can really be a pain imposing restrictions and all that stuff. But you know how we always want something we don’t have. Similarly, I wanted someone to keep an eye on me and be concerned about my whereabouts. Things changed as I grew up, because my dominating attitude would not allow me to be under someone’s control. However, the desire to share that bond was always there. And today, I can so proudly say that my wish was granted. In fact I got much more – I got a wonderful friend in a brother.

You would soon be starting a new phase of your life and I wish you all the best. And yes, no matter the distance or time, you will always be a special and an important part of my life. Thanks so much for everything. Love you!

P.S. We don't have a single photograph together!!!!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

In the course of our lives we come across several people, befriend quite a many, and finally form close friendships with just a few of them. With time even these close friends depart, at times due to a reason and sometimes without any. We then make new friends, occasionally missing the old ones. And life goes on. However there are some who stick around stubbornly and go on to become a part of our lives. Also there are a number of people we might not be very close to, but they do leave a mark or influence us in some way or the other. It is people like these who make our lives beautiful.

These are those special people who are a part of my world and have left an impression some way or the other. 12 indeed seems like a huge number and mind you this is an only girls list [No specific reason for this]. Sometimes we take them for granted or hesitate to tell them what’s on our mind and how we feel for them. This is effort to let them know that they are indeed special and their presence makes a difference. I share an individual relation with each one of them and there can be no comparisons. But yes, I am fortunate to have known them. Love you all!

I was having difficulty in arranging the order and have finally decided to go chronologically. Starting with the person I met first…

Sweety: Her name says it all – she is sugary, extremely caring and is ready to walk that extra mile anytime for her friends and close ones. People who know her are indeed lucky. I am fortunate enough as we are cousins. But she has been more of a friend. I have admired, respected and loved her ever since I’ve understood the word FRIEND and known the meaning of friendship. Despite being sisters, we have exchanged lots of cards. People called it madness but I actually idealized her those days - always waiting to hear from her, looking forward to her cards and letters. However that was just one side of the picture as life is not just about roses. I am glad we experienced the rough phase as well as now I can say that it is a complete picture.

I had never anticipated having fights or arguments with her but we did and in great style. We did not fight verbally; it was worse – the cold war. The paradox of the situation – when we were far I always wanted to meet her and be with her. But when we were staying together in Delhi, there were times when we did not speak for more than a couple of days. I really do not regret any of it as it has only helped me to understand her better and made me closer to her. I love her lots and wish her the best in life.

Neha: I’ve known her for more than twelve years and I am actually surprised that we are still going strong :P We were five friends in school and our gang was called PINKSTERS. Out of the four of them, I was least close to Neha. I screamed and yelled at her most of the times. If someone told us then that we would be such close buddies ten years down the line, neither of us would have believed it. And the irony is that today I am only in touch with her. Our friendship has stood the test of time.

She has changed a lot over the years, and for the better. Today she is completely different from what she used to be then. But we have been friends during the good and the bad times. I have changed too, but whenever I am with her, I am myself. I effortlessly share my innermost feelings with her and she advises me for a change. I am proud to have a friend like her. Love you baby!

Pooja: She is an absolute sweetheart – one of my rare friends I have not had a fight or an argument with, ever. Knowing me, that’s quite an achievement! I met her in school (Class XI) and there has been no looking back since then. Moreover I am sure she is someone I will be in touch with even twenty years down the line. She is very sweet, caring, down-to-earth and dependable. It has been a smooth ride with her. We have countless memories from good old school days.

Some people say it is difficult for girls to sustain friendship after marriage. That’s absolutely incorrect. She has been married for more than two years but there has been no gap in our friendship and the credit goes to her. On the contrary I am closer to her now than ever before. The credit goes to her mostly as she knows how to maintain relations. I am extremely happy about the fact that she has found a soul mate in her life partner. They are truly a made for each other couple. Wish you all the very best in life honey!

Prachi: Intelligent, outgoing, straightforward, crazy, lazy and total fun – that’s Prachi Gupta for you. It’s a delight to have a friend like her. She has no hang-ups and is absolutely bindaas.

How come you and Prachi are such good pals? That’s the question I am confronted with these days. Our so-called friends raise an eyebrow when they hear that we are close buddies today. But who cares? And why, it is no one’s business actually. So just keep away. (Yeh prayaas tha un dikhawa karne wale doston ko sabak sikhane ka :P)

You rock girl. I am going to miss you bad and life will not be the same without you here. Anyway wish you a happy married life. Lotsa love!! Muah…

Moulshree: We do come across many people in our lives with whom we have an instant connection. We hit off right from the word go. The initial phase is incredibly good and everything seems right. However such relations are known to last for a short while. The charm soon fades. At least that’s how it has been with me.

But once in a lifetime we come across someone we click with immediately and things only get better with time. Moulshree is that person in my life. Met her in the first year of college and there has been no looking back. College was what it was because of her. She is someone I can spend an entire day with doing nothing and still not get bored. Her simplicity is her best virtue. In fact I can now go on to talk about the innumerable good qualities that she possesses and this post will run into pages. I'll write a separate entry on her but for now all I would say is that she is one of my best pals and am assured will always be.

I must have done a thousand good deeds in my past life to have her as a friend.

Nisha: “Best of friends don’t always make the best of roommates.” This is the first thing that strikes me when I think of her. We were roommates for two years in college and have seen all shades of life during that time. Misunderstandings are not uncommon, especially with people you share your room with but the manner in which we dealt with it was absolutely wrong. It was a love and hate relationship. We did have many unpleasant experiences but we also have several wonderful memories. It was just a phase and I am glad we survived. It takes true friendship to pass such tests and ours did.

Nisha is strong-minded, focused and knows what she wants from life. I respect her. Today we are not in regular touch, but that’s not important. I am glad our paths crossed and I had the pleasure of knowing her. She has taught me a lot. We have shared a lot - learning new words, discussing current news and happenings, hanging out together, watching movies, fighting and arguing about petty issues and above all being there for each other. I sure would love to interact more often and share a lot more with her. Guess I’ll take that step :)

Shilpa Sanghai: To be frank, there were 11 names on this list. I was surprised by this number as I had only expected about 8. But somehow it still did not seem complete. I knew someone was missing. I figured out after a while that it was her. And I was not astonished that her name had slipped out of my mind initially as I share an odd but wonderful relation with her. I know her since college; she was a year junior to me and we were in the same PG. I also know that she somewhat hated me in the beginning, courtesy my attitude :P Her opinion of course changed as she got to know the real me.

We have never been in regular touch, not while we were in the pg, not after college, not after that either, despite being in the same city [Strangely enough we have been talking almost daily lately, when she is in Delhi and I am back home, all thanks to Google Talk]. However there always is this comfort that she is there and I can fall back on her, anytime. We speak not more than three or four times a year (on the phone) but whenever we do, we always take off from where we had last left.

I don’t think I have ever told her how I feel about her as it has been a very casual relationship. But it’s true that her presence in my life makes a difference. I respect her for the person she is. I value her opinion and advice.

I know you will do well in life Shilps. Your willpower and perseverance is going to take you places. Lotsa love and good wishes.

Archana: Archana is someone I look up to. We are similar in temperament and perhaps that’s why she understands me so well. I value her advice and whenever there was a dilemma concerning work life, she was the first person I turned to. And she never let me down. I have great respect and faith in her.

Nicky: This is indeed difficult. There is a blog entry on her and I recently wrote a testimonial too. So this will be repeating things. But this list and the whole idea will not be complete if I don’t write about her.

I can write a lot about her, about us, and what she means to me, and yet not get anywhere close to explaining her importance in my life in words. I keep saying it time and again that she is my alter-ego. Of course we are different in many ways but the similarities overpower. She reads my mind, she understands my silence, she knows my various moods, she is aware of my faults - she just knows me inside out. She is a godsend. My life is incomplete without her and I can’t imagine not having her beside me. You know what you mean to me honey.

Amrita: Gentle – that’s how I would describe her in one word. She is soft-spoken and absolutely adorable. More than anything I am amazed at her patience. Not that she doesn’t get stressed or beleaguered, but it doesn’t show up in her demeanor. On the other hand, whenever I was upset or angry in the office, it showed on my face. Everyone could make out there was a problem and I made no efforts to hide it either, as I have always been a straightforward person. This girl sure has some resilience.

Amy was my bitching partner in office. We sat at an arms distance but conversed via chat most of the times. And what fun it was! So much so that it had become a kind of a habit. Sometimes it seemed like we were indulging in it just for the sake of it or maybe because our day would be incomplete without those sessions :P

Amy is a complete family person. Ask her to meet on a Sunday and she would instantly refuse as Sundays were meant to be at home. In fact she sometimes expressed her disapproval about me being in Delhi, away from home and family.

I admire her for all of this, basically for the person that she is.

Sanna: She is absolutely bindaas. I’ve known her for a short while but it has been a great experience. She has a charming personality and is liked by all. Hanging out with her is absolute fun. She is a no-nonsense, in your face kind of a person. Sometimes she can be very blunt but that’s better then maintaining double standards. In fact I respect her for being straightforward and clear. Then there is this other side to her too – soft, caring and thoughtful. She is very dear to me and I am glad I know her. Love you darling and miss you – Barista, coffee, Big Chill; basically your company!

Joyeeta: There already in a dedicated blog entry on her and so there is nothing much to say but yes I am happy we met. Of all the people mentioned here I came across her last but it seems like it was predestined. Even though we were together only for a short while, we have infinite memories. That’s why whenever we talk, we are always stuck up with remember this and remember that :)

What a roller coaster ride it was! Just being with her was absolutely entertaining, no matter where we were – at work, at my place, watching movies, hanging out in CCD, shopping or any other place. It was just so entertaining. Here I must mention that we make perfect partners when it comes to watching movies. Movie watching had never been so much fun before and I am sure we will never find someone better. What I liked most about her company was that I was always myself and it came very naturally. I could say anything and do as my heart pleased and she would just be a part of it. She has left an everlasting impression and I really look forward to more fun times together, especially watching movies again. God I so miss it.

P.S. Two pictures are missing here. Will add them soon.