Sameer Sutra: Critique

Showing posts with label Critique. Show all posts

Everybody is looking for the monkey out there…

The moment these days somebody utters the words bandar or monkey, and specifically kala bandar… there is only one connection… Delhi 6. Have you seen that movie? No, then see… and if you have seen, you either like it or hate it… there is no grey here. It seems there are more who hate (based on the opinion of my friends on facebook), but I liked it. I thinks the movie is deep, with lot of message conveyed using metaphors. But it seems not many go to a theatre expecting that they might have to use their brains. Actually, not much fault of theirs as most of the movies don’t have that requirement. Anyways, I enjoyed the movie, the message it conveyed, and the way it was represented. Maybe the representation could have been different, may be more simpler, more direct, less metaphorical, and the movie could have been a little more romantic to ensure many more Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra fans like this movie. Anyways, doesn’t matter to me… I liked the movie.

However, before I talk more about the movie, I am not sure how much you know about this kala bandar thing. If you are not aware then you might be surprised to know that this kala bandar phenomenon is a fact and the capital city of Delhi was griped by this mass hysteria in 2001. Here are few links that you can visit to know more about it:

This kala bandar or monkey man is an abstract creation of peoples weird imagination and insecurities that is what is used as a metaphor in Delhi 6. It is important to understand this historical occurrence to appreciate the movie.

The movie tries to project how people use this hypothetical character to do what they want to do. Some use it to avoid getting caught red handed having extra-marital fun, others use it to cook their religious and political rotis, and then there are some who use it as a business opportunity to maybe start selling kala bandar merchandise. The movie conveys this message repeatedly, highlighting the fact that we humans use many happenings and things around us as excuses. And, we can make up anything, just to save our ass or get some benefit out of a situation. So, the fact is that there is no kala bandar anywhere outside, it is sitting inside us that makes us do these things. It is our insecurities, incapability, or opportunistic behavior which is the kala bandar that can impact our mind and thoughts in such a way that we can even go to the extent of creating these hypothetical creatures, which become such a phenomenon when more than one person joins in and believes the same. Hear the ‘Kala Bandar’ song closely, and it talks about the same thing and actually spells out the crux of the movie.

I think this whole thing also highlights the power of a human brain and what it an do, on which oneself has not control. Its like that scenario where we fear that there might be a time powerful computers and robots might take us over. Check any sci-fi movie and you will see a character similar to that. Thats what our brain is. It is the most powerful computer, which is ours, which we should control, and use it to do what we want to do, but most of the times it is the other way around. It is so damn powerful that it just makes us do what it wants to do. We are bloody so helpless. Dont you feel that at times? Maybe it is just me. There might be some around who don’t, then those are the folks who we call gurus, or at least they pretend to be ones. These gurus are growing like wild grass, just trying to give us that elusive formula to control our brains and the thoughts that it produces. Such a basic thing but an amazingly lucrative business idea, anyways…

You might be glad to know that there was one very positive outcome of this monkey man incidents of Delhi. There was so much hysteria around this that it kept police and government on its toes. During those times, there was more police on the roads and electricity never went off at night, just to ensure that people feel more safe and the monkey man doesn’t attack again. But what a shame… it needed a hypothetical character to help our agencies perform to their optimum levels. This is what they should be doing every day.

So, just remember that we have a few weak characteristics within ourselves (collectively call it a ‘kala bandar’) that we should work to over come, before they become a hysteria, and never, never give an opportunity to others to exploit it. Also, ensure that even you do not use them for your benefit. Live in peace!

NOTE: Please see the movie to find for yourself what Abhishek, Sonam, and others have done. I think they were good, so go and watch it. Just ensure you take your heart and brain along. Also, enjoy the music. A. R. Rahman has done a great job.

Taking your own life isn’t easy…

It seems these days movies are making me think a lot… and that is why these blogs. Watched Seven Pounds and it made me think that anyways it is difficult it is to take your own life, but what would make you take your own life so that you can help others? I am not sure…. I think I can’t… but will you do that?

Will Smith, someone I really like, as a singer, actor, star… really cool guy. It has been few days since I saw, The Pursuit of Happyness, an amazing movie. I hadn’t even heard about it, till i saw it on HBO. A wonderful story of a really determined man, Christopher Paul Gardner (Chris Gardner), who dreamt and did everything possible to realize his dreams. Wonderful acting by Will Smith and really good direction by Gabriele Muccino. I like this movie so much that I have watched it few times so far (also because it keep coming on HBO) and still can watch it again. Actually, it is a coincidence that the movie is on HBO at this present moment when I am penning this blog :) A must watch movie for all.

It was this movie that made me really go watch Seven Pounds. Now you can ask, what's the connection? There are two, Seven Pounds has Will Smith and is directed by Gabriele Muccino. I thought these were compelling reasons to go watch it as soon as it releases in India, and that's what I did. Couldn’t watch it first or second day, but made it to the first show on Sunday.

As the movie started, I struggled to get grips of what was happening. So much so that I thought whether I made the right decision to watch this movie, however, slowly I started getting involved. For a long time you might wonder why is this guy, Ben Thomas (Will Smith) whose actual name is Tim Thomas (but he tries to impersonate his brother Ben throughout the movie), is nearly stalking few people and trying to do good for them. Even those people in the movie are as lost about Ben’s motive as the audience watching the movie. However, you might be able to connect the dots, which are really difficult to find, as the movie goes on. Ben identifies seven folks who he wants to help. The common connection with all is that they are suffering from some critical medical conditions. Now, this made me think about why Ben is on a look out for such folks and how can he help them. Its soon that I realize that the plot of the movie might be related to organ donation and towards the end of the movie, my thoughts are confirmed. Now, the question was why is Ben so interested in doing that. I at times thought that maybe he himself is suffering from a life threatening illness and wants to identify folks to whom he can donate his organs. However, there are some flashbacks that are shown, which make you think that there might be some other reason and that Ben is trying to earn some good karma to pay for something bad that he might have done earlier.

It is at the end that this reason becomes evident and it is disturbing to know what he does to help these guys. He actually kills himself, in a rather unique way by using a jelly fish. The reason that drives him do this is his guilt of killing his girl friend and a family of six in a road accident. Its only at the end of the movie that this is shown clearly and it is then that when you connect the final dot to complete the picture. It is his guilt of killing seven folks that makes him look out for seven other people who he can really help and change the course of their lives for good.

The end is so tragic and painful that you are forced to think why would someone do that. On the other hand, you can’t help but appreciate the courage of this guy to take his own life to help seven others and come to terms with his guilt of taking seven lives. I found it difficult to hold my emotions and was nearly in tears to see it happen. An amazing experience that makes you wonder how can some stories affect you. And, seeing them in a movie just brings it much closer to you.

Will Smith is great and so is Muccino’s direction. All other actors played their parts wonderfully, whether it is an old lady in the hospital, a blind call centre employee, or Emily Paso, who is suffering from a critical heart disease. The conversation of Ben with this blind call center employee is so rude that you really feel angry about how can someone be so insensitive. And then there is a short but sweet relationship with Emily. Its so touching to see Ben and Emily together, knowing that it is not going to last for more than a few days.

A wonderful, emotional, heartfelt, lovely, sweet, tearful movie that motivates you to think above I and inspires you to do something for others, selflessly.

P.S.: Important learning from the movie, don’t use phone when driving.

Am I a slut? Are you?

Does this question arise in your mind, ever? I am sure someone who has watched Dev D, might have asked this question to themselves, at least once. Its been two days since I watched this new movie, a latest adaptation of Devdas, a novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Though many movies have been made on this novel, but Dev D by far the most contemporary and radical adaptation of the novel.

Its a two and a half hour movie, but seems like a hell long… doesn’t mean its boring… but there is lots happening and it keep happening. At times it appears it is going too slow, then it gets too fast that you feel you are in a rollercoaster. This might also be more from the fact that there is insane camera work, especially when they show Dev (Abhay Deol) drinking and getting high. The direction is outstanding, so is editing, and so are performances from all. The characters appear so real that you connect with them. So are the situations and the behaviors. I am sure you will see parts of you in it or at least remember some one you would have known or met. Another thing that I really liked in the movie was the coolness of Dev… he is the real example of what the term cool means when defining someone's attitude, though alls not positive about it. Dev’s character highlights both pros and cons of a cool dude. So, if you think you are cool… when you see this movie you might realize you aren’t close to it, and if you are really cool… then learn a few things that you should avoid when under the influence of your coolness. However, if you aren’t cool, don’t bother, it is difficult to become cool… its an attitude that is in you or not.

Since I planned to go for the movie Sunday noon, I ensured I do not come across any review of the movie, and it helped me. I went with a blank mind and was punched hard with every twist in the story. The first pleasant surprise was that the movie is set in Punjab. Dev is a punjabi jat and Paro (Mahi Gill) is a punjabi jatti… a fiery combination. If you do not have a clue what punjabi jats are, watch this movie. You will get a glimpse of their way of life and thinking. They are the real examples of angry young men and women. Can rip you apart in a moment with a gandasa or blow your brains out with a do-naali. Or if you are their pal, you will be treated like royalty. Hey another big surprise for me was that I personally know the lady who plays the role of Paro’s mom in the movie. She is my cousin aunt (Roopa Sood), sister of my badi mami. I felt really proud, though she has a very small role. I wanted to scream aloud and tell all in the theatre that I know her, however, sense prevailed and I kept my calm.

Anyways, coming back to the movie, the way Paro shows her horny ‘taking control’ side with Dev, and her fiery side when chasing and beating the heck out of the other cheapster guy, is an example of a true punjabi jatti. You can’t but appreciate the love that she has for Dev. She doesn’t mind sending her nude picture to him or getting a whole bloody mattress to a field to get herself fucked by Dev, as that’s what he has always wanted. And then there is Dev, who also loves Paro, but doesn’t mind being a slut and exploring other opportunities that just wonder around him all the time [take a moment and think, does this ring a bell… aren’t you like him…]. And in these distractions and based on a few other happening around, he gets so disillusioned that he screws up his relationship with Paro. Then, the turn of events so happen that Paro gets married to another guy and Dev is not able to handle this easily, getting deeper and deeper into the bottle of vodka and other interesting intoxicants.

A parallel story that runs in the movie is about an mixed breed gori looking girl, Leni (Kalki Koechlin) and how one of her adventures with a boyfriend are captured in an MMS, making her the talk of the town. She goes through her churn and Leni becomes Chandramukhi a.k.a. Chanda, a high end randi, which is what she calls herself, however others are a little more polite and call her an escort, a sex worker, or more precisely a CSW (commercial sex worker). It is different to see how the movie treats this character. Though Chanda earns money by sleeping with someone or the other every day, there is a sense of respect associated with what she is doing. It is not shown as in other movies. She come into this knowingly, and treats it as if this is another profession that someone can take up to get regular flow of income and complete their studies. I am sure this situation is close to reality. There might be many such students, who earn money for their studies like this. Personally, I do not think there is anything wrong in it and I like the way the director has portrayed Chanda.

And then there is a time in the story where these two parallel stories cross each other and Dev meets Chanda. Dev, who still loves Paro, so he thinks, and Chanda, who starts liking Dev, come closer with passing time. However, Dev is a real slut, maybe not in the real sense, but in the sense that he still wants Paro, who can’t be his and then there is Chanda in front of her, who he doesn’t seems to be interested from a long term relationship point of view. Anyways, he does realize that towards the end. During this journey, there is a time when Chanda visits Dev and helps him clean his room and wash his cloths. That was a wonderful moment in the movie. It just showed that there is love and admiration between Paro and Dev, even if Paro is married and Dev still has not clue what he is doing with his life. The way she just comes, does things, and goes shows what true friendship and selfless love is all about. That’s my take on it.

Overall, an amazing movie… there moments where you might experience a high…. really, this movie take you to a high that you think your brains might just blast out of your skull. It appears too long at times… I couldn’t believe at the end of the movie that it was just two and a half hour long… I thought it was going on forever… however, this doesn’t take from the fact that every frame is worth watching. It keeps the excitement going, baring a few moments. You can’t guess what is the next thing that is gonna happen. There are so many one liners in the movie, that you want to take out a notepad and jot them down. For example, there is a time when Chanda is providing support to Dev and says…. when in pain, talk…. I think that is a powerful thought, isn’t it. Anyways, do watch the movie and try to enjoy!

Finally saw Slumdog Millionaire

This weekend seems to be a different one. Actually, I am behaving a little crazy, as I am on a movie watching spree. I wanted to watch at least four movies this weekend. However, managed to do bookings for three. Could have gone for the fourth one if I did not have a class today (Saturday, February 7, 2009). Anyways, still watching three movies in a theatre over a weekend is a first time for me. The first one in this list was Slumdog Millionaire, which I watched today evening.

Have been hearing about this movie for so long now. Actually, seems like an over doze. Every news channel for last nearly one month has some news or the other related to the movie, its cast and crew. Maybe it deserves that as it has been getting awards left right centre. So today was my turn to watch it.

As a first impression, the movie is good. Direction, look n feel, performances, music, all are different and good. Its actually nice to see how an English director treated an Indian subject. It breaks the monotony that we Indians might be used to watching our movies. They at times look so similar and from the same factory.

Anyways, coming back to the movie, I think the child artists stole the show and are the real stars of this movie. However, it is sad to see that none of the child stars have been highlighted as much as they contribute to the success of the movie. There are many others who are treating this movie as their personal endeavor, even if they had a screen time of just a few minutes. Anyways, it is human nature to feel proud and more closely related to anything that becomes a success.

The movie starts well, though it feel like a drag as it moves on. At one point I lost complete interest in it that I actually dozed off. Honestly, I should not blame the movie for it because I was short on sleep today. Have been struggling to be awake throughout the day. The highlights of the movie for me were,

The complete scene and background music when kids are running from airport security guards. It was a thumping start to the movie.
Young Jamal, especially his cute face and smile
Jamal’s shitty escape to get a glimpse of Amitabh
Salim taking the reigns of controlling the kid gang and sending them for work
Train experiences of Jamal and Salim
Saurabh Shukla’s scenes
When Jamal and Salim meet after a long time and are sitting at an under construction high rise building
Jamal and Latika’s meeting at the gangster’s house

There are a few other good scenes, but don’t remember them right now. Actually, loosing patience to remember them and pen them down. However, will have to mention the low light of the movie and that is the accent put on by Irfan and Anil Kapoor. Anil’s accent might be considered bearable, but Irfan’s accent was intolerable. One of the most useless performances of Irfan, otherwise a serious and good actor.

The weekend is half-way through. I am looking forward to the other two movies I have planned for Sunday. Lets see if I am able to share my experience about them. I have to still get a hang of this blogging thing. Till next time, chao…