Kai Po Che - My feelings!

Disclaimer - I'm not a film critic, this is not a full fledged review either! Just an outlet for the overwhelming "feels" (in tumblr speak, LOL) after watching the movie Kai Po Che (Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, based on the novel Three Mistakes of my Life by Chetan Bhagat and Music - Amit Trivedi)**just in case you were living under a rock**

Kai po che .. After a long time I saw a movie that moved me deeply and when that happens I can't stop myself from going on and on about it! (as you can see )

I remember reading three mistakes of my life when it came out. Strangely enough (strange because it was not as well regarded as the earlier 2 books) I liked the book because like I read somewhere about Chetan Bhagat, even I believe in a rather simplistic approach to nationalism and patriotism. However there were elements in the story that were both unreal and dramatic. That's where the movie differs from the book.

Kai Po che is not the novel its based on..its so much more and it deviates from the unreal part of the story and paints a believable picture that is both heart warming and heart rending at the same time.

The characters Govind Ishan and Omi who are the central troika are not perfect rather they are very real and believable. They have their strengths and failings as any normal human being would.

Govind's love for money is almost endearing (which is saying a lot considering how one generally looks down upon the money minded). There is a hint of his difficult life only in the widowed look of his mother and the very ordinary state of his house/bedroom. He counts every paisa but is benevolent enough to spend it on his friends on a rare occasion or two. You can't help but feel for him when he completely crumbles at the loss of his (their) shop in the earthquake..the consummate businessman with a heart that's always right when it comes to his friends and of course the best friend's sister !

Omi and Ishan are the better friends if you look at it from a story point of view. They are invariably closer with conflicts and love flowing in equal measure. Omi thinks the world of Ishan and Ishan loves Omi like a brother. While omi is naive and easily brainwashed..Ishan is emotional..hotheaded and passionate about cricket. When Ishan takes a shine to local cricket prodigy Ali and takes him under his wings for nurturing his talent. You can see Omi withdrawing. Its almost as if Omi loses Ishan to Ali..in a completely non romantic manner (of course..!) This pinches Omi but Ishan ..forever large-hearted and myopic towards any kind of communal divide (or distress of friend) is clear about his priorities. He wants the kids in his academy to have everything he lost due to petty politics and more! Omi is diverted into politics by his uncle in a smooth manner constantly offering the trio monetary support in the running of their cricket shop/academy. Its interesting to see how his father, a kindly temple priest has no interest in extremist politics. In fact Omi is so naive at times and so genuinely troubled at other times that you feel sorry for the boy when he is away from his best friends.

Some of the scenes really make an impact .. the boys taking a day off to just have fun, jumping from a cliff into the sea,how Govind's life is brightened up by his two friends is beautifully shown. In the same sequence when Govind and Omi giggle at a clearly disgruntled Ishan sitting next to a huge man in the bus.. and he, ever the dreamer, makes way to the top of the bus only to be followed by "the follower" Omi and further followed carefully (on his knees, cute!) by Govind ..just defines their characters in a single stroke. Brilliant!

Another scene that stands out is how indifferent /ignorant Ishan is to the clear divide that is there in the party camp while helping those affected by the earthquake. While Omi otherwise ignorant is well aware of the divide.
Their reunion is a classic one. The India Australia test match that India so historically won after being asked to follow on becomes their catalyst ..when they hug it makes you want to cheer for them! (Manjha makes an appearance to make everything better)
Govind Vidya moments flow unobtrusively within the context of the story and is not thrust in like some other love tracks in movies! Vidya's one scene with her brother Ishan stands out for its sweetness!

There are moments that I felt tears flow down (which is very rare for me!)and I don't want to mention and ruin the story/scenes for those who haven't seen the movie ( in case someone comes across this elusive blog.)

Just to conclude a rather rambling piece.. needless to say I loved the writing..words used judiciously..every scene is there for a reason yet doesn't seem forced. The direction is spot on! The cinematography is beautiful.. everything looks real yet there is a vibrant beauty to every scene without the designer sets/clothes. The music and lyrics of each song is so seamlessly blended with the scenes that it adds a magical effect to the movie (another recent widely popular movie had me cringe with its appalling background score!) .. The actors are brilliant in their roles. It was hard for me to differentiate between the characters and the actors ..that's how involved every actor was.
All three were fantastic Rajkumar Yadav gives life to Govind with subtle nuances in acting. You root for him in spite of his dull nature and/or money mindedness because you see the good guy shining through (the one scene where a young boy sits to watch the cricket match but he doesn't really insist on him buying anything is a scene where you see the Govind behind the mask) . Its hard not to empathize with Omi .. Amit Sadh plays him well keeping alive his naivety but you also see his feelings on his face ..his walk and talk and every reaction is so apt that your heart goes out to him in the trickiest of scenes.(watch and all will be clear)
Last but not the least.. the best of the lot for me was Ishaan, only because the character was such. Sushant Singh Rajput gets into the skin of Ishan.. motherless boy.. a wastrel.. hothead..a talented cricket player who is lost in the melange of politics ..the best friend anyone can ever have..a benevolent cricket coach often paying for the cricket gear of his students .. giving away the occasional free sports equipment from his shop..because he truly understands how the kids feel. Passionate and emotional to a fault. His ideals are set high. He can't see the grime around..he sees only the great and the magnificent. This character has gone straight into my favourites list! Amrita Puri is lovely and Manav kaul reminds me of Ashutosh Rana in a similar get up but I mean it as a compliment as to how real he was!
The movie refuses to stop playing in my head. Overall..What a lovely movie experience!

Rainy Days In Seaside Towns

There is something about seaside towns..something very compelling! I love the sea, but it took a weekend recently to realise how much I love the towns that overlook the sea. Of all the things a sea offers, its the calm that is imbibed in the town. The sun, the sea breeze, the side walks, the endless merchandise, the sea food restaurants and of course the tourists, these are the regular fixtures of these towns. As you walk along the sidewalk, you feel a sense of happiness, maybe because you are on vacation, but most likely reason is the atmosphere, it just lulls you into a sense of peace that in today's times does not exist even in children's cartoons. In a mad mad world, they give you a moment to stop and breathe, to enjoy the warmth!

Now, replace the sun with the rain, it becomes a new world altogether, the winds are so strong you have to concentrate on walking without falling and more importantly finding shelter, the rain comes down so heavily that, before you can say rain, you are drenched from head to toe. The sea only augments the fiercity of the situation, its so dramatic a change that you feel like you are caught in a tempest. The town truly comes alive then, lazy sun bathers run for cover, strolling tourist rush for shelter, restaurant owners,waiters and shopkeepers wake up from their pace induced slumber and scurry about to save their customers/merchandise. After the intial madness (and the heavy shower) settles down a little, taking a stroll in the rain is the biggest high you can find there. You'll see other tourists now walking in their very bright ponchos..everything settled back into as much normalcy rain can restore, a few stray puddles and everything seems radiant.

Taking a walk in a light shower after the thunderstorm is a bliss that only a coastal town can provide. Its neither too cold nor too warm, the rain drops don't hurt you either! You can feel the wind on your face, the only difference is that it is mingled with light drops of rain, the effect is stunningly good, more rejuvenating than any number of spa treatments! You truly know what they mean, when they say BLISS.

Take a walk in the rain (make that in a sea side town for better effect!)

Desperately Seeking - Integrity In Individuals!

I'm not going to start with a dictionary definition of integrity as is the pattern when writing about such topics. The reason is simple, if we need a dictionary to define the word integrity, then clearly the purpose of the post is served.

The other day I re-read one of my favourite books, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. The thing about the book is that people often dispute the ideology of the book and the author. Fair enough, there is no need for every individual to follow a philosophy, leave alone one that is quite contrary to the accepted ideologies and principles of the world. However, it would be unfair to dismiss every aspect of the book. There are qualities defined such as integrity, original thinking that surely need to be given importance. No?

I'm not talking about taking a moral high ground and behave like an orthodox person unyielding to the obvious and necessary changes the world has seen. The need of the hour is to think broadly and more importantly on your on, not to fall for the high drama that the current social media is all about. There is also an absolute necessity to avoid any influence on your thoughts once you have decided on the path that you chose for yourself. That is all the integrity I seek.

When you set a goal in life, its easy to sway, you either work towards it and fail or give up midway. Often you feel tempted to take the shortcut to success, pay a simple bribe at first or compromise on your morals once in a while. Its simple enough you think, I wouldn't repeat it once I reach my goal. However, before you know it compromises are routine and later you convince yourself (rather well too) that it is unavoidable. Later it becomes a part of life.

This is when you realise (if ever you stop to think at such a juncture) that you have lost your integrity.

To walk a path where you hold on to your ideals, unbending and unyielding will be difficult, life will not be easy, but you find that end of the day your conscience is clear, the fruits of your hard work seem so much sweeter and far more valued.

My lament is where are such people now? Every person in the public eye has a proverbial albatross around his or her neck, big or small, skeletons either out of their cupboards or waiting to tumble out. Its a sad state of affairs where role models do not exist and my only hope to provide an example is to resort to a fictional character like Howard Roark.

Where are the Howard Roarks of our times?

O Captain, my Captain!

Writer's note - India Won the Cricket World Cup and the euphoria still remains high in my heart! The Captain truly made us believe and this one is dedicated to MSD!

It took me about 20 days to finally write about the historic win ! India had won the Cricket world cup and the last time the same had happened was a good 28 years earlier! I remember being excited about the pictures I had seen of Kapil Dev holding the WC Trophy on the Lords balcony, almost ten years after the event actually occurred. I even remember my cousins having a poster of the Captain and World Cup hero of 1983, Kapil Dev in their room. I had read of some and heard of many stories of courage and bravery of how the captain had led a side that nobody had given a second thought to as probable winners of the prestigious world cup. Fascinated, I had wondered how it felt to watch such an historic moment! The first world cup final I remembered watching was the 1992 one, where again a captain, Imran Khan had heroically led his team, Pakistan, to its maiden win!

By 1996 world cup, I was a cricket maniac like more than half this country’s population. We were the host nation and had a great side, we had our hopes! The way it was shattered is something that any cricket loving person in this country will remember with more than a little shame! Again a great captain, Arjuna Ranatunga guided his team, Srilanka, brilliantly to a victory that cemented Srilanka’s place as one of the finest cricketing nations.

In 1999, Steve Waugh, the Captain of the Australian team, not only won the cup for his team by winning against a formidable South African side that was the firm favourite to win the cup, but also apparently told a hapless Gibbs when he dropped Waugh’s catch ..that son you just dropped the world cup. Immense confidence in that semifinal match did not go invain, as Australia managed to hold on to that trophy for a record 3 consecutive world cups under Rinky Ponting the next two times.

Though in 2003, under Saurav Ganguly, the first Indian Captain to bring aggression into the side and a self belief that we can be world beaters too, India managed to reach the World cup final, Australia were a far superior team with the likes of Gilchrist, Hayden, MCGrath, Warne – each legends in their own right – still playing at their best.

2007 WC was the kind of disaster for the Indian team, that should be avoided mention if possible.

It was during this event that a promising and upcoming cricketer who had made an impression on the Indian psyche with his big hitting, powerful shots and long locks, had his effigies burnt and the foundation to his under construction house vanadlised by some fanatical fans swayed by extreme emotions. Strangely enough, this person was not the captain of that team nor was he the most important player of the team, there were other legends in the team. Yet the expectations from this individual was already sky high, the person was none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

When all the big weights of the Indian team like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Saurav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble withdrew from the 2007 T20 first ever World cup held in South Africa. The Indian board sent a rookie team with a new Captain, MS Dhoni. Just like it was the case with Kapil Dev’s team in 1983, nobody gave this team the tiniest of chances to win the cup. Win, they did and in complete style, thus heralding a new generation of players into the Indian team.

The Captain, a small town boy with no connections, background or support had created quite an impression by his unconventional ways and cool approach. When he took over as the ODI captain and the test captain, nobody had reservations, as he had, by then, made quite an impression.

2011 World cup was special that way, India were one of the favourite teams to win the cup even over teams like defending champions Australia. With India playing host along with Srilanka and Bangladesh, the expectations were sky high. However as the tournament progressed, the lack lustre performance by the Indian team even in wins created quite an unrest in this cricket loving nation. MS Dhoni , by now an experienced captain was criticized for his team selection, poor strategies and lack of form.

The knock-out stages however brought hope, with India beating Australia convincingly and then winning against Pakistan comfortably though not comprehensively, still meant India had beat some of the best teams to reach the final. The final was to be against a very strong Srilankan side. Nothing less than a win and the hundredth International ton by Cricketing Legend Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar was expected .

The Final itself was well worth a final, with the drama starting right at the toss, with both Captains thinking they had won the toss and a re-toss where MS Dhoni lost the toss, much to everyone’s dismay! However, though Zaheer bowled like a dream initially, the captain continued to receive flak for his team selection. Indian Team, not really known for its fielding were flying around the field stopping impossible to touch balls, especially, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli, the best fielders in the team. Some fluid batting by Mahela Jayawardane saw the Srilankan side make a decent 275 that was the highest target that needed to be chased in a WC final. Needless t o say, this had never been done before and nor had any home team won a WC before and no team had lost after a batsman had made a century. The history seemed to indicate another disappointment for India

While chasing, when India lost the fabulous Virender Sehwag, there was still hope as Sachin Tendulkar seemed to be hitting the ball well. However when Tendulkar nicked a ball for an easy catch and India were 32/2 there was a stunned silence in the Wankhade stadium where the deafening noise initially had actually been the reason why the match referee couldn’t even hear the toss call. It was not just the stadium that lost hope, it was also a nation full of cricket loving people and others watching from all over the world. As Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, held on and played some wonderful shots, the hope seemed to slowly rebuild, run by run. When Kohli got out to a brilliant return catch by Dilshan, everybody expected an in form and 4 time man of the match winner in the tournament Yuvraj Singh to walk in.

Much to everyone’s surprise, in walked Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.. there was ofcourse some strong cricketing reasons for this, he would later say, the left and right hand combination, his ability to play spin better and a better knowledge of Murali’s doosra. However at that time, absolutely nobody would’ve even raised an eyebrow had Yuvraj Singh walked in. Yet in taking a decision so brave, in the most demanding of circumstances, Dhoni had earned respect of not just the commentators but also of the entire nation. As the nation watched, Dhoni played with resolve and confidence, not an iota of fear or worry on his face. The commentators , who were earlier criticizing his decisions , couldn’t help putting into words what every Indian was feeling then, here is a captain, who does not evade responsibility , instead leads from the front, like a true leader!

When Gautam Gambhir lost out a well deserved century owing to one bad shot, India were still a little away from victory, but when Yuvraj singh walked in, there was almost a surety that yes, we were nearing that elusive World Cup win, because our captain had made us believe in him. Even when a physio came in to sort out a back strain, even when we saw him grimace in pain , we knew, this man would not leave the field without finishing the game. Finish he did and how, with nearly 10 balls to spare and yes with a magnificent last ball six. That Six will remain etched in the hearts and minds of every person who has witnessed it. A few seconds to watch the ball as it soared into the gallery and a bat twist in the coolest of fashion, a smile as an emotional Yuvraj hugged him . I, like many others that day, that moment became a fan of MS Dhoni, captain cool, captain courageous!

As he spoke in the presentation ceremony, like he did in every other match, admitting to making mistakes even when his so called bad judgements had worked well, I looked on in awe. Now he admitted to knowing the consequences, had his judgement gone wrong! Like the modest person that he is, he stayed on in the sidelines as the great man Sachin Tendulkar was paraded around the ground on the shoulders of the team mates who had all dedicated that win to this great man.

To think MS Dhoni had been criticized heavily for stating before the WC, that he wanted to win the WC for Sachin Tendulkar! It was then considered a sign of overconfidence! When the captain had proved his detractors wrong , he remained the same, living in the moment, not getting carried away nor making brash statements filled with arrogance. The mark of a true man lies in the way he behaves when he is at the pinnacle of success. Here is a man like no other, a true inspiration!

The Bitter bitter people!!

Everywhere you go - on the internet that is, you see people commenting enthusiastically on topics of importance , no importance et all... Like always I read through the comments about a young Bollywood actor getting married. He's been with her for 8 years..so when is the divorce the comments went. The other comments were along the same lines. I wonder, what is it that make people so bitter. Every comment you read on any issue makes you want to rethink your views. No not your views on the subject, but on the people all around you. As much as you would like to think the majority are democratic, forward thinking and intelligent people..every comment seem to say otherwise..
Bitterness is all I see. Everybody seems bitter. Some are just plain sarcastic but the bitterness in their voice(words) is hard to miss. Maybe they are tired of the routine, celeb link ups break-ups, marriages, re-marriages, patch ups, insults and praises they shower on each other, everything seems fake to them. Same goes for the political parties, when you have to decide on who to vote based on whose corruption was the least harmful to the people, we are indeed living in "bitter" times. Take sport, its no more fun. You want your team to win, no matter what, you hate the opponent, you suspect your own players of having taken money..or you see your favourites being auctioned like cattle in a cattle market. No fun, just that bitter feeling creeping in, why do I not make as much money..I work just as hard..ah bitter bitter very bitter.

So in a country (can I add not just the country) that is fast filling up with bitter people, there is no role for genuine people? Genuine people are doubted, questioned and branded as unintelligent, not fit for the current times. You are nice? Then you are not fit to live seems to be what the message is!

Ah you what bitter people...I have a message for you.. The bitterness gets to me as well, but I try and look at things without my own myopic view of things affecting things.. well most times..atleast there is something nice left in the world ..and I'm only too glad I see it. Take a look, you wont mind it too :)

PS - Happy New year!!

My Name is Khan!! (not a movie review)

IS this for Real? I cant believe my eyes!! A movie titled My Name is Khan...is being vandalized by the noble souls who run their politics in the dirtiest manner possible! The irony of it? The movie has a Khan in it !! SRK, though I'm no great fan of his, has been victimised to such an extent that I feel an urgent need to do something drastic.

Film fraternity, please wake up!! This is the time to unite and act!!

Has freedom of speech been discontinued in this country? Are we not allowed to speak anymore ..about anything sensible lest we be called anti nationals? Pakisthani players should have been taken for the IPL, valid n logical statement, how does that make Mr Khan a desh-drohi ? I would love to know that? We are not at war with Pakisthan and even if we were, cricket and politics should never ever be mixed.. Also, the players in question are not terrorists. How dare anybody- political outfit or otherwise ask Mr Khan to leave the country? What have these people done for the country ? Other than divide it along regional lines. Sena with its Mumbai for Marathis agenda is even more ANTI National that all the traitors of the country put together.

I fail to see how people take this lying down, especially people with power, authority and money !!

Please fight back people before we are taken over by some fanatics who are brain-washed and paid into believing things for increase their vote base by a party that is not even in power!!!!

Jai Ho...!

Now that Rahman's won the OSCAR everybody has something to say about him (All of it - from nice to great..!). I've my Rahman story too! This was way back, I dont even remember the year, it was before Roja for sure and when the TV was full of ads that had wierd music that went Washing powder Nirma, washing powder Nirma ...One day, I saw the most beautiful commercial, I dont remember what they showed in it, but I sure remember the music, it was classic. I thought wow thats great music. I din't know who made it, I din't find out until much later. Till date, that remains one of my favourite music tracks. Wow, did I really know then that a great talent was waiting to explode into Indian movie history, into the hearts, minds and souls of millions of listeners!
Then Roja happened and rest as they say, is history. So from winning the National award for his very first film, to winning the BAFTA, Goldenglobe and finally an Academy award seems like a dream. A dream, in which millions of listeners like me have lived for nearly 2 decades.
What is it that Rahman has that the others don't have? (ok, ok, not the oscars- besides that?). It could be his talent, his modesty inspite of his incredible fame and adulation. I clearly remember Rahman's 1998 show in Dubai. It was only his second stage show and was being touted as his biggest and most ambitious till date. Everyday, I would wistfully look at full page ads in newspapers advertising the show. Only a few days back I had had an argument with my dad about songs of Taal. I had said rather defiantly that the music is so god-damn awesome that no one could ever have made anything so beautiful. He had carelessly commented that now a days there's less of music and more of noise. So, watching some of my friends get tickets for the show I had cribbed to my mum as to how lucky they were to be going for 'the ARR concert' . On the day of the show there was little I could do to keep my spirits high! I was morosely doing homework when my dad suddenly comes home early and asks, what? You are not dressed? Don't want to go to the Rahman concert, waving 3 tickets wildly. I was gobsmacked (:))for want of a better word). My dad had bought tickets weeks earlier just to surprise me, was it super cool or what! The concert itself was way way beyond anything seen before and like everything Rahman touches, a grand success! That remains one of my all time favourite life-time experiences & yeah, my dad was completely bowled over by the charm, music, magic, melody, modesty and simplicity of the man called A R Rahman! To me, that day defined ARR, reaching out to even those far away from his music. That's true success..Jai Ho..!