A Superstar in making?

Bollywood can breathe high. Yes, finally there’s a motion. There’s a development. I won’t say it all started this year. But it has definitely accelerated this year. We got movies like Dev D which redefined the sexual taste of audiences while Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey struck a different chord by making movie watching experience so different, so intelligent. And especially this year, we have got another actress whom we can put in the league of Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. She is none other than Priyanka Chopra.

It all started last year when Fashion was released and Priyanka was suddenly a critics’ hot favorite. She struck the chord with audiences as well with her next release, Karan Johar’s Dostana, wherein she exposed her western look, flashing comfortably in a bikini. No wonder she won all the Best Actress Awards for Fashion. But unlike other actresses of her time, she is improving continuously, with each and every film of her. She is so much in sync with her character Sweety in Kaminey that you can’t wait but give a standing ovation. Yes, she is proving herself time and again. More specifically, in an era of actresses where there is lot of debate on who is the number one actress of Bollywood, Priyanka is climbing the ladder up high.

The same spark was seen in Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. Apart from being typical commercial Bollywood heroines, they got accolades from critics as well. Moreover, they were the reason why people came and watched the movies. For a while, such a caliber in an actress was missing in Bollywood. Aishwarya Rai is going very slowly with her career. She is still at the top but quite stagnant in her position. Guru and Jodha Akbar came with powerful performances by the actress but somewhere she is lagging behind. May be that age is one of the factors. She is still beautiful but today’s audience needs a fresh face every now and then. Preity Zinta is literally invisible as her other commitments are keeping her busy. Bipasha Basu was never in the core competition of the actresses. In recent years, apart from Corporate, she doesn’t have a single movie to rave for. There were lots of hopes from Kareena Kapoor post Jab We Met. But it seems that she is happy with the awards which she got for that movie. Of course, Kareena has given some memorable performances like the ones in Dev, Yuva, Omkara, Chameli and Jab We Met. But eventually she had been obsessed with her size zero thing and Saif Ali Khan that it appears that the focus has shifted. But still we can keep hopes from her.

Rani Mukherji had lost all of the fame and adulation which she got a couple of years back by confining herself to the Yash Raj Films. The only movie in her kitty, Dil Bole Haddipa, again a Yash Raj Film, is slated to release in mid-September. It’s perhaps the only chance in front of her to prove her stardom. Or else it will be a great fall of the empire which Rani built with her movies like Saathiya, Yuva, Hum Tum, Black, Bunty Aur Babli and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Bollywood would literally loose a talented actress like her, an actress who had joined the leagues of Sridevi and Madhuri.

Katrina Kaif is doubtful as a front runner in number one post. She has a huge fan following, no doubt about that. But her movies are working not because of her. There is not a single movie of her which can be remembered because of her. Only grace can’t sail you through. Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor and Genelia D’Souza still have to prove themselves by making good choices of movies.

So the only remaining contender, perhaps the most compromising one and a talented too, is Priyanka Chopra. Kaminey has shown that she can act not only well but put her entire heart in the character. Two more movies of her will be releasing this year. She is in lead in both of them. They are Ashutosh Govarikar’s What’s Your Rashee? and Pyaar Impossible, a Yash Raj Film. She has a long way to go. But considering her career graph, her screen presence, her sex appeal, her choice of movies and her versatility, she can reach the topmost pedestal soon. It’s not possible to get another Madhuri Dixit, but we can always have a Super Star in actresses which Bollywood is missing at the moment.

Message is YOU!

Last three days were the most exciting days of my life. You wait for some unexpected moments and yes, here they come. With the surprise…charm…and enthusiasm.

When the week started, little did I know that it was going to be a different one. Some formally dressed people came in our class room and were dividing our class in two batches so that they could carry out their seminar. And what kind of seminar? Seminar on personality development. Err! Now what’s this? Already we had those boring sessions on communication skills and presentation techniques in our previous semesters. Wasn’t that enough to groom our personality?

No, it wasn’t. It will never be enough. That was my first reaction when the first day of this seminar was over. I felt better, rather, I was excited. I could sense a particular enthusiasm in me. Otherwise the usually serene, tired me, was actually feeling like swinging to and fro and exercising even though I was late at coming home. When enthusiasm grips you, you feel at top of the world. There arises an urge to explore many new things about yourself, about others and everything around you. You feel fresh. And exactly this was my condition that evening when I was returning from the first day session of the world famous Dale Carnegie’s official Personality Development program.

A friend of mine commented that I actually don’t need it. But somewhere I felt how I badly I need it. At least after the first day, I was very keen to attend the remaining two days. And this magic was because of our enthusiastic trainer, Feroza Engineer. We were lucky to have her. She was quite open minded, sometimes crazy, smart, dashing and a very approachable personality. Her mere presence gave us the indication that what will follow won’t be an utter boredom. Yeah, it wasn’t. She made us swing, dance, laugh, talk and most importantly, showed us how to be ourselves. Her funda was quite clear. When you talk to people, your words, your presentations or anything, is not the message. The message is the real YOU. YOU have to be expressive. YOU have to be convincing enough to let person in front of you get impressed by you. YOU have to be the most approachable, smart person. In short, YOU have to be the message. YOU have to be YOURSELF.

It was an immensely learning experience. But at the end, it all depends on what you do about it. Nobody in the world can make you talk, if you don’t want to talk. And in the competitive world as ours, there’s no room for introvert people. You’ve to become a people’s person. You’ve to become flexible. You’ve to become decisive. Otherwise there’s no donut for you!

At the last day of the seminar, I also got to know that I was being elected as the Joint Secretary in Literary Council of the college. I wasn’t aware of it as we were in the seminar and when we came out for a five minute break, everyone outside came congratulating me. Initially I was confused. I had given the interview and almost forgotten about it. But unexpected things always happen. And when they happen, you feel pleased, happy, jubilant.

It’s only when you be yourself that you can make others understand you and yourself. In whichever professions you go, you’ve to be open minded and dynamic. By dynamic, I don’t mean that you need to be an all rounder. Of course you should know your limitations and weaknesses. But you can always make an attempt to overcome them. If you don’t bring a change in yourself, you’ll never feel the change in anything around you. You’ll become stagnant. So the key is to always explore new avenues within and outside you. There is nothing in life which you can’t do. At the most, you’ll fail in doing it. So what’s the big deal? At least you’ll be proud of yourself for the fact that you’ve explored something different…tried something new.

Common man..at his best!

A Wednesday (2008)

This movie was released in India before Mumbai Terror Attacks 26/11. But one can easily gauge its relevance with more assurance today. The message the movie gave is a simple thing, that are we really safe today wherever we are? But it is supposedly the most difficult question for our Government and the common folks.

For that matter, when lakhs of Mumbaikars gathered at Gateway of India or Oberoi to show their anger in a non-violent manner, it was showcased very diligently. But what after that? When it comes to sign petitions and making NGOs, only few raise their hands.

And the less you speak of the politicians the more it is better. But anyway, why to blame them when we ourselves elect them? We blamed them after 1993...when terror gripped Mumbai like a wild fire...and we blamed them after 17th July, 2006...when Mumbai's railway was exploded by the cruel minds. Even today we are blaming. And soon the blame game will over. And everyone will almost tend to forget it. And we say that it's the Mumbai spirit to keep going on and on. Great!

What Naseer's common man has done in this movie is an exemplary definition not only for Mumbaikar's but all those who feel that since we are safe, let's continue with our work. I'm not saying that common man should adopt this stance which is adopted by Naseer's character in the movie, but at least we can try for the myriad options to unite and collectively adopt strategies to enhance our own security.

Leaving aside this issue, I guess this movie is an eye-opener for many people worldwide. It is simple yet gripping. I salute the story and screenplay writer Neeraj Pandey who has scripted each and every scene with a lot of practicality and consciousness. His direction is noteworthy.

Naseer shines as always. He has this particular way to deliver his dialogues which I like the most(sometimes, I try to imitate it!). And equally commendable performance is delivered by Anupam Kher as the decisive Police Officer who’s last scene of meeting the common man and not revealing his name took the movie to an all-together different level of maturity. Rest all actors have done their part well.

This movie needs a more public viewing than Filmfare or any other film nomination!

Rating: 4/5

Rab-bing the wrong way!!

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)

Some movies are meant for pure entertainment. The things like logic and sense don't work in such movies. They are the symbol of true Indian Commercial Movies made just for entertainment. And the fact that such movies exist in Indian Filmography is very obvious thanks to our culture, traditions and beliefs. And such movies will continue to work in India, no matter you are in 2008 or 2080. This movie is an example of such movies.

The best part of this movie is the screenplay by Aditya Chopra. In fact, it is the only thing which makes this movie a one-time watch. The story lacks sense, logic and hold in several parts but still the way it is presented by Aditya is commendable. I believe that Aditya as a screenplay writer and a dialogue writer succeeds than he as a story-teller. The dialogues and the tactful presentation of scenes has been his forte in all his movies. Same was the case in Mohabbatein.

Anushka Sharma is the worst choice for the role of Taani. If the director wanted to cast a new face only, then he could have searched for someone better than her. She looks good and sweet but lacks the much needed serenity or emotions on her face for the role of Taani.

The music is RNBDJ's another plus point. Salim-Sulaimaan has done pretty well job. Haule Haule keeps on haunting you even after the movie. Tujh mein rab dikhta hai and Dance pe chance are soothing to hear. Even the shabad in the opening credits sounds too well. End credits keep you engaged for a while.

Yash Raj Movies are always technically sound. No wonder this movie has a good cinematography.

It's Suri's character which Shah Rukh has done very well. As Raj, we have always seen him. Such a performance was expected from him after being in the industry since so many years.

Lastly, as I said, logic and sense doesn't hold any grounds here. So it's fine if Taani fails to recognize Suri as Raj and falls in love with him. It's a Yash Raj Hindi Film. I am sure many are here to love such movie. Let them enjoy!

Rating: 2/5

Fashion (2008)

Rating: 3.5/5

Fabulous! Basically almost all of the Bhandarkar movies are my favourites. This one adds to the list.
I loved the movie. It's in typical Bhandarkar style. Cinematography is very gripping. And Priyanka does her part right. Oh man, she looks amazing throughout the movie! Another sensational character, Shonika is well designed and Kangana Ranaut is the best choice for the role. She's surely gonna win all the supporting actress awards next year! And is it true that almost all fashion designers are femnine or gay? At least that is what been portrayed in the movie.
Bhandarkar articulately brings out the face of fashion world with his high profile dramatic scenes and songs. His last movie, Traffic Signal was nice as well but not as good as Chandani Bar or Page 3. With this one, he has gone to his basics again and surely gonna bag awards next year. Go for it!

Saawariya (2007)

Rating: 2/5

Over-exaggeration of anything may result in a failure. And the best example of this statement is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya. It worked for Devdas since it had some mind-blowing performances and a soulful screenplay. It worked for Black since it had a brilliant theme and a purpose keeping the dumb-and-deaf people in sight. But it doesn't work here. There isn't anything new to see and the exaggerated art direction just puts you off. And the end result is an over-exaggerated play of love and emotions which lacks depth and soul.
The tragic end adds fuel to the fire. Why did he choose such an end? Does he wanted us to rave about his so-called gracious and delightful couple? The scenes slide one after another as if we're watching an extended version of Black. Music is no doubt, appreciable (Jab Se Naina, Yu Shabnami and Saawariya were brilliant!) but how does it matter if screenplay itself lacks soul?
The only positive point about this Bhansali's saga is the performances. No, not of Sonam Kapoor..she's cute and sweet but sadly, lacks the much required acting aura for the character of Sakina. Rani Mukherji comes out as a pleasant surprise, gets to the skin of the character and delivers a mind-blowing performance (and she doesn't cry a lot in this one!!). Zohra Sehgal is sweetest lady I've seen in the recent times...hats off to her performance which adorns the sincerity of her character. And yes, last but not least, Ranbir..who's charismatic..handsome..does extremely well. The shades of his father were visible in his oration. Definitely, a graciously inherited heritage of acting is his plus point. But it couldn't save the movie.
Silence...grand sets...and lots of drama doesn't always help. Bhansali lost this time.

Dostana (2008)

Rating: 3/5

It’s all fun. Music is hilariously best…appreciable work by Vishal and Shekhar. I wanted to see more of Kirron Kher who was excellent. And heyy, what’s up with Priyanka? I mean…she have always looked beautiful, but this time she is unbelievably awesome! She looks sexy, charming and elegant in each and every scene of her. A competent performance…though nothing more challenging for her to do but still looked and acted very well…this is definitely her year…Fashion…Dostana…no wonder you hear it next year…and the Best Actress Award goes too…
And all the fuss about gays and homosexuality…uff! I mean it’s nothing to do with it. Still Karan maintained, in his interviews, that the movie will change people’s perception about homosexuality. Really? Ho-hum!
John needs some acting lessons…and Abhishek was excellent. But anyway, first time ever the commercial cinema has at least dared to laugh on gays whole-heartedly. Fire, My Brother Nikhil were the serious attempts but commercially tanked. And I heard that NCP leaders are high on this movie too. Why? Maa ka ladla bigad gaya?