I feel I am writing after a long time!!!!!!!!!
I saw Ghajini in Hindi last Saturday, 27 Dec 2008. Incidentally Ghajini (T) was my first movie with my would-be wife after engagement in 2005. We watched Ghajini (H) as a happily married couple... :)
I read few reviews of Ghajini (H) and all of them compared with original Ghajini (T). I suppose we cannot resist a comparison of remake with original.
The remake Ghajini (H) is same as Ghajini (T), scene by scene but a little better in terms of colour and technology. I feel Aamir Khan has portrayed a better lead character as Short Term Memory Loss patient. Surya was good but he was more kind of mechanical in finding Ghajini. I guess Surya did not emote well as Short Term Memory Loss patient whereas Aamir scores high in bringing out emotions. Aamir shows so much depth in the character which he must have improvised from the original.
Asin is bubbly and chubby. She dons the role with ease only we thought she was nervous in the intro song. But as the character progresses she was in terms with the character. AR Rahman has once again scored good music which lingers through your ears all day. It is NOT surprising to see that the Ghajini (H) songs are making waves in South India too!!!!!
In today's cinema world it is difficult to give one blockbuster hit but A.R. Murugadoss has given 2 blockbuster hits for the same movie Ghajini. It shows the power of plot and script that he has written. He thoroughly deserves kudos for his efforts! Bravo Murugadoss.
My rating for this movie is 3 stars out of 5.
Rating Details:
***** - Classic & Outstanding.
**** - Must Watch. Don't Miss!
*** - Good Movie. Watch it.
** - Watch it only if you really want to.
* - Not worth your money.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
Indians.....
எக்ஸ்க்ளுசிவ்:
இந்த பதிவு யாரையோ கிண்டல் செய்ய வேண்டும், நக்கல் செய்ய வேண்டும் என்ற எண்ணத்தில் நையாண்டி நோக்கில் எழுதப்படவில்லை. நடப்பதை கண்டு வலியிலும், கோபத்திலும் எழுதியது.
தீவிரவாதி 1: நாம பனிரெண்டு பேர அனுப்பி, இருநூறு மக்களை கொன்னுருக்கோம். ஆனா இந்திய அரசு, தீவிரவாதிகளுடனான போரில் வெற்றி, சதி முறியடிப்பு பேசிக்கிறாங்களே?
தீவிரவாதி 2: அதான் எனக்கும் புரியல. டிபன் பாக்ஸ்ல குண்டு வச்சோம். ஒரு மாசத்துல மறந்திட்டாங்க. சைக்கிள்ள குண்டு வச்சோம். ரெண்டு மாசத்துல மறந்திட்டாங்க. என்ன பண்ணினாலும் அதிகபட்சம் மூணு மாசத்துல மறந்திடுறாங்க.
தீவிரவாதி 1: அதனால தான் இந்த தடவை, ஏழை, நடுத்தர மக்களை விட்டுட்டு, இந்திய அரசு அக்கறை எடுத்துக்கிற மேல்தட்டு மக்களை தாக்குனோம்.
தீவிரவாதி 2: அதுக்கும் எந்த விதமான பிரயோஜனம் இருக்குற மாதிரி இல்ல. நாம நடத்தின தாக்குதல வச்சி அரசியல்வாதிங்க இப்பவே அவனுங்களுக்காக ஒட்டு பொறுக்க ஆரம்பிச்சிட்டாங்க.
தீவிரவாதி 1: எனக்கென்னமோ, ஒரு நல்ல விஷயம் நடக்குற மாதிரி இருக்குது.
தீவிரவாதி 2: என்ன?
தீவிரவாதி 1: ஏதோ, தகவல் பரிமாறிக்கணும்'ன்னு நம்ம பாகிஸ்தான் ஐ.எஸ்.ஐ. தலைவர கூப்பிட்டு இருக்காங்க. போயிட்டு வந்ததும், அவர்கிட்ட என்ன ஏதுன்னு ட்டுட்டு அடுத்த முறை அதுக்கு ஏத்த மாதிரி பிளான் பண்ணனும். மாட்டிக்க கூடாது.
தீவிரவாதி 2: மாட்டினாலும் பிரச்சனை இல்லை. ஏன்னு சொல்லு?
தீவிரவாதி 1 (யோசித்துவிட்டு): கருணை மனு போட்டுட்டு வெளிய வந்திடலாம். அதானே? சரியா?
தீவிரவாதி 2: ஆமாம். ஆமாம். அதே மாதிரி, அடுத்த முறை இந்தியாவுல கொஞ்சம் ஆளுங்கள நமக்காக ஏற்பாடு பண்ணினா போதும்.
தீவிரவாதி 1: ஏன்?
தீவிரவாதி 2: நமக்காக வேல பார்க்க, நிறைய டிவி சானல்கள் இருக்காங்க. நம்மளோட சாட்டிலைட் போன் மூலமா, பேச மட்டும்தான் முடியுது. ஆனா, அவுங்க நமக்காக லைவ் டெலிகாஸ்ட்'யே பண்றாங்க. அது மட்டும் இல்லாம, கமாண்டர்ஸ் கிட்ட பேசி என்ன பிளான்னு கேட்டும் சொல்றாங்க. ரொம்ப யூஸ்புல்லா இருக்கு.
தீவிரவாதி 1: கரெக்ட். அடுத்து எங்க டார்கெட் பண்ணலாம்? சவுத் இந்தியாவுல பண்ணிரலாமா? சென்னை எப்படி?
தீவிரவாதி 2: அங்க வேண்டாம்.
தீவிரவாதி 1: ஏன்?
தீவிரவாதி 2: நாம கஷ்டப்பட்டு குண்டு வைப்போம். ஆனா அங்க இருக்குற அரசியல்வாதிகள் குண்டு வச்சது யாருன்னு அவுங்களுக்குள்ள அடிச்சிக்குவாங்க. ஆளுங்கட்சி, எதிர்கட்சியை சொல்லுவாங்க. எதிர்க்கட்சி, ஆளுங்கட்சியை சொல்லுவாங்க. கடைசில நம்மள மறந்திடுவாங்க.
தீவிரவாதி 1: ஒ!
தீவிரவாதி 2: அதுமட்டும் இல்ல. டிவிக்காரங்களும், இந்த அளவுக்கு உதவுவாங்கன்னு சொல்ல முடியாது. அவுங்கவுங்க கட்சிகாரங்களையும், சினிமாகாரங்களையும் பேட்டி கண்டுட்டு இருப்பாங்க.
தீவிரவாதி 1: இப்பதான் ஒரு தாக்குதல் பண்ணிருக்கோம். அதுக்குள்ளே இன்னொன்னு பண்ண முடியுமா? முன்னெச்சரிக்கை நடவடிக்கைகள் பல எடுத்திருப்பாங்களே?
தீவிரவாதி 2: கடல் வழியா வந்தோம்னு எல்லா துறைமுகத்திலையும் பாதுகாப்பு அதிகரிச்சிருக்காங்களாம். ஹோட்டல்'ல தாக்குதல் பண்ணிருக்கோம்னு எல்லா ஹோட்டல்'லையும் பாதுகாப்ப அதிகரிக்க சொல்லி இருக்காங்களாம். இவனுங்க எப்பவும் இப்படித்தான். கோவில அடிச்சா கோவிலுக்கு பாதுகாப்பு. மார்க்கெட்ட அடிச்சா மார்க்கெட்டுக்கு பாதுகாப்பு. தியேட்டர அடிச்சா தியேட்டர்களுக்கு பாதுகாப்பு. நாம என்ன அடிச்ச எடத்தையா இருப்பி அடிப்போம்?
தீவிரவாதி 1: அதானே? ஆனாலும் எனக்கு வர வர வன்முறை மேல நம்பிக்கையே போயிடுச்சி.
தீவிரவாதி 2: ஏன்?
தீவிரவாதி 1: எவ்ளோ அடிச்சாலும் தாங்குறாங்க.இந்தியா ரொம்ம்ம்பபபப நல்ல நாடுப்பா...
அவனுங்களே வெறுத்து சோர்ந்து தீவிரவாதத்தை விட்டாதான் உண்டு. _._
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Top Ten Movies - My favourites
I wanted to list out the my top ten commercial movies of all time..... I tried to order in particular number position but it's tough... they are all my favourites.
The Shawshank Redemption
The Godfather I & II
Pulp Fiction
Black Hawk Down
Memento
Goodfellas
Scarface
The Good, Bad and Ugly
A Few Good Men.
The Italian Job.
The Shawshank Redemption
The Godfather I & II
Pulp Fiction
Black Hawk Down
Memento
Goodfellas
Scarface
The Good, Bad and Ugly
A Few Good Men.
The Italian Job.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Review of 'Vaaranam Aayiram' - Tamil Movie.
We watched the movie last Saturday, 28 Nov 2008 at PVR. The first and foremost before writing a full review will be... Surya is phenomenal... he is brilliant, outstanding on the two characters as father and son. Surya is one gem of an actor who I hope will follow the foot steps of the great Kamal Hassan.
The film shows the 4 phases of Surya's life and there is a portion of Surya' as father. If you put altogether imagine the length of the movie.... it is well over 2 and half hours. It is a well crafted movie and it is one of the best for Gautam Menon and Surya. For Surya this movie will be an icon in his career.
We (myself n my wife) loved the character of young Surya, the adolescent Surya. He had completely transformed to look like a school boy studying in +2. The hair style and the facial expressions are brilliant. The next phase of his life is after his college life he meets his love Sameera Reddy and my god... she is gorgeous. She has an addictive smile... an inquisitive smile on her face which makes her attractive. The young Surya woos her finally after a struggle but fate his own things written over their love.
The next phase of Surya's life is onto drugs after he loses Sameera in a bomb blast. The look is considerably changed from a lovable Surya to rowdy look Surya. He gets out of drugs after an ordeal with gangsters, saving a child. The next phase which is shown as the current phase, as a major in Indian Army. In this character Surya is stout and portrays as army man. The characterisation and the look are perfect.
As you can see there are 4-5 dimension for Surya or 6 looks for Surya, you seem to think the movie runs fast and due to this I feel the depth is lacking. The movie is suppose to be a relationship between a father and son instead the movie goes where the son Surya goes. It's basically son Surya's life. Surya says he draws inspiration from his father at every point of time but that bonding, inspiration is not seen in the movie. The father Surya is very subtle all along the movie, one would expect as a responsible father his son studies well and settle well in life but in this movie he encourages his son to do things which most fathers' will resist. I guess it's the style of urban or metropolitan culture.
The music is peppy and all the songs are a hit. In order to match the music on screenplay the background, sets and location needs to be taken care of, I mean it will be additional work effort for the Director and the cameraman involved to bring the hit song in the movie. The cameraman work is also doubled due to Surya's double role.. one as old age father and a young son. In an interview Gautam Menon told he wanted this movie to be a musical treat. So, there is lot of things happening for one movie and in this essential plot is missed, the relationship between a father and son. If you see the movie 'Thavamai Thavmirundhu' you can feel the emotion from the characters of that movie the bonding between father and his sons - which I feel the emotion quotient is missing in Vaaranam Aayiram.
We also discussed that it is an epic movie and if the Director had used 4 or 5 different cameraman for each phase the visual treat would have been different. Ratnavelu, the cameraman has tried his best for this movie to take it to the next level whenever son Surya goes to next level but falls flat.
On a final note I would give 2.5 stars out of 5. Go watch it for Surya!!!!!
The film shows the 4 phases of Surya's life and there is a portion of Surya' as father. If you put altogether imagine the length of the movie.... it is well over 2 and half hours. It is a well crafted movie and it is one of the best for Gautam Menon and Surya. For Surya this movie will be an icon in his career.
We (myself n my wife) loved the character of young Surya, the adolescent Surya. He had completely transformed to look like a school boy studying in +2. The hair style and the facial expressions are brilliant. The next phase of his life is after his college life he meets his love Sameera Reddy and my god... she is gorgeous. She has an addictive smile... an inquisitive smile on her face which makes her attractive. The young Surya woos her finally after a struggle but fate his own things written over their love.
The next phase of Surya's life is onto drugs after he loses Sameera in a bomb blast. The look is considerably changed from a lovable Surya to rowdy look Surya. He gets out of drugs after an ordeal with gangsters, saving a child. The next phase which is shown as the current phase, as a major in Indian Army. In this character Surya is stout and portrays as army man. The characterisation and the look are perfect.
As you can see there are 4-5 dimension for Surya or 6 looks for Surya, you seem to think the movie runs fast and due to this I feel the depth is lacking. The movie is suppose to be a relationship between a father and son instead the movie goes where the son Surya goes. It's basically son Surya's life. Surya says he draws inspiration from his father at every point of time but that bonding, inspiration is not seen in the movie. The father Surya is very subtle all along the movie, one would expect as a responsible father his son studies well and settle well in life but in this movie he encourages his son to do things which most fathers' will resist. I guess it's the style of urban or metropolitan culture.
The music is peppy and all the songs are a hit. In order to match the music on screenplay the background, sets and location needs to be taken care of, I mean it will be additional work effort for the Director and the cameraman involved to bring the hit song in the movie. The cameraman work is also doubled due to Surya's double role.. one as old age father and a young son. In an interview Gautam Menon told he wanted this movie to be a musical treat. So, there is lot of things happening for one movie and in this essential plot is missed, the relationship between a father and son. If you see the movie 'Thavamai Thavmirundhu' you can feel the emotion from the characters of that movie the bonding between father and his sons - which I feel the emotion quotient is missing in Vaaranam Aayiram.
We also discussed that it is an epic movie and if the Director had used 4 or 5 different cameraman for each phase the visual treat would have been different. Ratnavelu, the cameraman has tried his best for this movie to take it to the next level whenever son Surya goes to next level but falls flat.
On a final note I would give 2.5 stars out of 5. Go watch it for Surya!!!!!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Mumbai Under Siege - Terror.
Mumbai city is under siege by terrorists from late last night 26 Nov 2008. This time the attack is direct, there is no bombs exploding at crowded market places. The attack is done at the prominent and posh hotels of Mumbai, The Taj, Oberoi and Trident and at a hospital.
There is no sign of incidents where I live Kandivali (East) which is about 30-35 kms from the Gateway of India. The life is normal here with auto-richshaws and people going about the usual business. It's like we are insulated from the events that is currently happening on the other part of the city. Strange!!!!!
We had to know the news as everybody else, from the breaking news of news channels. Mumbai is shut for today, people are advised to stay indoors.
Here is the complete news updated today on the net.
There is no sign of incidents where I live Kandivali (East) which is about 30-35 kms from the Gateway of India. The life is normal here with auto-richshaws and people going about the usual business. It's like we are insulated from the events that is currently happening on the other part of the city. Strange!!!!!
We had to know the news as everybody else, from the breaking news of news channels. Mumbai is shut for today, people are advised to stay indoors.
Here is the complete news updated today on the net.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Global Economic Crisis.
The Global economic crisis of 2008 has started to affect all living in this earth. On the macro level several countries in Europe are in recession, USA industries are fighting to survive, Japan in recession, layoffs and jobcuts are happening in all industries. The forecast is gloomy and likely to remain until 1st quarter of 2009. Singapore, Korea, Taiwan exports has been affected largely due to the economic slowdown. China is also facing the heat now as exports has slowed down. Here is the full story.
The ripple effect is seen in the shipping industry. The freight rates ex Asia to Europe/USA is steadily falling down due to mismatch of demand and supply. The supply is more and the demand has fallen down considerably ex Asia.
On the brighter side IT companies of India are eyeing to cash in on this crisis. They are on look out for acquisitions of European companies. They could get better deal and close in fast on acquisition when there is a recession in the buying country.
The ripple effect is seen in the shipping industry. The freight rates ex Asia to Europe/USA is steadily falling down due to mismatch of demand and supply. The supply is more and the demand has fallen down considerably ex Asia.
On the brighter side IT companies of India are eyeing to cash in on this crisis. They are on look out for acquisitions of European companies. They could get better deal and close in fast on acquisition when there is a recession in the buying country.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Gautam Gambhir ban appeal rejected.
Gambhir's appeal for one test match is rejected by the ICC. Here is the full story of verdict
It seems that you can provoke a player any number of times but can get past with a small fine. Why did Gambhir elbow Watson or under what circumstances he elbow? No body is seemed to bother about this question at all. Why would someone come into physical contact with the opposite team player?
Sunil Gavaskar is the only player who is raising this question boldly. There is a biased verdicts on white players when compared to the Subcontinent players. It is always the maximum penalty for players from Subcontinent whereas the white nation players are mildly let off with a fine. I must support Sunil Gavaskar at this juncture, atleast he is outspoken on this issue.
Spread the news across and support for Sunil Gavaskar.
It seems that you can provoke a player any number of times but can get past with a small fine. Why did Gambhir elbow Watson or under what circumstances he elbow? No body is seemed to bother about this question at all. Why would someone come into physical contact with the opposite team player?
Sunil Gavaskar is the only player who is raising this question boldly. There is a biased verdicts on white players when compared to the Subcontinent players. It is always the maximum penalty for players from Subcontinent whereas the white nation players are mildly let off with a fine. I must support Sunil Gavaskar at this juncture, atleast he is outspoken on this issue.
Spread the news across and support for Sunil Gavaskar.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Kumble Quits.
Anil Kumble alias Jumbo quit the international cricket at the last day of 3rd test match between India and Australia at Delhi. He announced his retirement after he had injury problems and he was not able to play 100% in the Delhi test.
He has been playing for India for 18 years! 18 years, thats a long journey! He was phenomenal in his prime years at both forms of cricket, one day and test matches. The lethal delivery which he mastered was the top spinner which hurried on the batsmen from a good length and the batsmen did not have time to adjust, eventually get out LBW. He was a fierce competitor and a good batsmen down the order. The one innings which I cannot forget with his bat was at the ODI (I believe it was the world cup'96) vs Pakistan at Bangalore Chinnaswamy stadium. India was in a bad position after losing 7 or 8 wickets and Kumble played some outstanding strokes to take India to victory. His mother was at the venue and the emotions she showed during the match while her son Kumble was batting is priceless. The emotions reflected each and every Indian at the venue and the millions to their TV sets.
I hope he will write a book on his journey in cricket and hope there are no contraversies. Wish him all the very best on his retirement life.
He has been playing for India for 18 years! 18 years, thats a long journey! He was phenomenal in his prime years at both forms of cricket, one day and test matches. The lethal delivery which he mastered was the top spinner which hurried on the batsmen from a good length and the batsmen did not have time to adjust, eventually get out LBW. He was a fierce competitor and a good batsmen down the order. The one innings which I cannot forget with his bat was at the ODI (I believe it was the world cup'96) vs Pakistan at Bangalore Chinnaswamy stadium. India was in a bad position after losing 7 or 8 wickets and Kumble played some outstanding strokes to take India to victory. His mother was at the venue and the emotions she showed during the match while her son Kumble was batting is priceless. The emotions reflected each and every Indian at the venue and the millions to their TV sets.
I hope he will write a book on his journey in cricket and hope there are no contraversies. Wish him all the very best on his retirement life.
Invitation from sriram7612@yahoo.com
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Thrilling Finish at F1 World Championship.
Yesterday, 02 Nov 2008 was the final race for F1 at Sao Paulo, Brazil. Here is the background for you
Lewis Hamilton of Mclaren leads the points table and Felipe Massa is at the second place. Massa needs to win this final race to win the drivers championship and Hamilton needs to finish the race atleast by 5th place. Massa is ready at pole position and Hamilton starts the race from 4th position. The stage is set.
Massa leads the race with Alonso behind him at 2nd, Raikkonen at 3rd and 4th position was constantly under change with Glock, Vettel and Hamilton. Hamilton was driving the race at 5th position most of the race and the pit strategy worked for all. Ferrari, Mclaren, Renault, Toyota, Torro Rosso every car maker made no mistake at the pit. This put to Massa in the lead and Hamilton at 5th. The classification after 3 pit stops around 55 laps completed, Massa - 1st, Alonso - 2nd, Raikkonen - 3rd, Glock-4th, Hamilton-5th and Vettel-6th. Vettel at 6th position was on the tail of Hamilton and pushing hard at him. During the lap 68 Kubica who was a lap behind Hamilton made a move that led Vettel ahead of Hamilton. Vettel was in 5th place now with 2 laps remaining and Hamilton was at 6th place. This could ruin his dream of becoming world champion.
At the chequered flag after 2 min, Massa won, Alonso second and Raikkonen finishing 3rd. You thought and the 100,000 thousand home fans at the grand stand thought Massa won the world championship because Hamilton was on 6th. But hold on to your breadth... Glock who was in 4th position has some trouble at the final curve leading to the finish line. Vettel goes past him, finishes 4th and Hamilton right behind him finishes 5th. Have you ever imagined a race like this? I could not believe it! Hamilton won the world championship and Massa lost it by 1 point. It was a great race full of drama(!) and pure adrenalin finish.
Lewis Hamilton of Mclaren leads the points table and Felipe Massa is at the second place. Massa needs to win this final race to win the drivers championship and Hamilton needs to finish the race atleast by 5th place. Massa is ready at pole position and Hamilton starts the race from 4th position. The stage is set.
Massa leads the race with Alonso behind him at 2nd, Raikkonen at 3rd and 4th position was constantly under change with Glock, Vettel and Hamilton. Hamilton was driving the race at 5th position most of the race and the pit strategy worked for all. Ferrari, Mclaren, Renault, Toyota, Torro Rosso every car maker made no mistake at the pit. This put to Massa in the lead and Hamilton at 5th. The classification after 3 pit stops around 55 laps completed, Massa - 1st, Alonso - 2nd, Raikkonen - 3rd, Glock-4th, Hamilton-5th and Vettel-6th. Vettel at 6th position was on the tail of Hamilton and pushing hard at him. During the lap 68 Kubica who was a lap behind Hamilton made a move that led Vettel ahead of Hamilton. Vettel was in 5th place now with 2 laps remaining and Hamilton was at 6th place. This could ruin his dream of becoming world champion.
At the chequered flag after 2 min, Massa won, Alonso second and Raikkonen finishing 3rd. You thought and the 100,000 thousand home fans at the grand stand thought Massa won the world championship because Hamilton was on 6th. But hold on to your breadth... Glock who was in 4th position has some trouble at the final curve leading to the finish line. Vettel goes past him, finishes 4th and Hamilton right behind him finishes 5th. Have you ever imagined a race like this? I could not believe it! Hamilton won the world championship and Massa lost it by 1 point. It was a great race full of drama(!) and pure adrenalin finish.
Movie Review of Fashion - Hindi
Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and others
Directed By: Madhur Bhandarkar
I was keen to watch this film from the date of release, 29 Oct 2008. I had seen few glimpses of Chandni Bar and Traffic Signal by Madhur Bhandarkar. His films have the original feel or the real life feel in a particular backdrop. This time the fashion world is the backdrop.
Meghna Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) is an aspiring young model from Chandigarh who land into Mumbai in search of her dreams. She is guided by one of the top designer assistant, who is one of the gay. Yes, there are few more gays and it seems that the fashion world particulary has gay designers and they are successful! She does not immediately lands into ramp walk and learns the intricacies of fashion world. When the time comes and with the blessings of business tycoon who runs the fashion industry she becomes the face of fashion.
I do not want to miss out the character played by Kangana. She is superb! excellent acting and her ramp presence is electrifying with the apt music on the background. When she is on ramp all eyes are on her (no blinking!) and she carries the aura required for super model. But when she is at backstage she is a depressed lonely women who lost her identity.
Back to Priyanka's career. She becomes super model and the tycoon who lifted her to top takes advantage of her. One fine day, when she says she is pregnant he dumps her and her attitude becomes arrogant. The transformation from a small town model to super model is as fast as the downturn in her career. The speed at which she goes up, she comes down at a double speed! When she is not in control, she loses herself and heads back to home.
The revival comes after one year when her father persuades to complete her dream. The rest of the story you must have guessed by now. The storyline is expected and the turn of events happen just you thought. So, I feel the spice is missing a lil bit.
Priyanka Chopra carries herself as Meghna Mathur, the changes that are brought in herself are subtle like when she leaves her boyfriend she goes for the cigarette. When the tycoon dumps her she goes for drinking. Kangana as I said, she is brilliant on ramp and off ramp. Other characters do their job. Overall it's a good movie where you can see the glimpses of fashion industry on the backstage.
Directed By: Madhur Bhandarkar
I was keen to watch this film from the date of release, 29 Oct 2008. I had seen few glimpses of Chandni Bar and Traffic Signal by Madhur Bhandarkar. His films have the original feel or the real life feel in a particular backdrop. This time the fashion world is the backdrop.
Meghna Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) is an aspiring young model from Chandigarh who land into Mumbai in search of her dreams. She is guided by one of the top designer assistant, who is one of the gay. Yes, there are few more gays and it seems that the fashion world particulary has gay designers and they are successful! She does not immediately lands into ramp walk and learns the intricacies of fashion world. When the time comes and with the blessings of business tycoon who runs the fashion industry she becomes the face of fashion.
I do not want to miss out the character played by Kangana. She is superb! excellent acting and her ramp presence is electrifying with the apt music on the background. When she is on ramp all eyes are on her (no blinking!) and she carries the aura required for super model. But when she is at backstage she is a depressed lonely women who lost her identity.
Back to Priyanka's career. She becomes super model and the tycoon who lifted her to top takes advantage of her. One fine day, when she says she is pregnant he dumps her and her attitude becomes arrogant. The transformation from a small town model to super model is as fast as the downturn in her career. The speed at which she goes up, she comes down at a double speed! When she is not in control, she loses herself and heads back to home.
The revival comes after one year when her father persuades to complete her dream. The rest of the story you must have guessed by now. The storyline is expected and the turn of events happen just you thought. So, I feel the spice is missing a lil bit.
Priyanka Chopra carries herself as Meghna Mathur, the changes that are brought in herself are subtle like when she leaves her boyfriend she goes for the cigarette. When the tycoon dumps her she goes for drinking. Kangana as I said, she is brilliant on ramp and off ramp. Other characters do their job. Overall it's a good movie where you can see the glimpses of fashion industry on the backstage.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The White Tiger - Book Review.
I completed reading of the new book which won Booker Prize for 2008 - The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga.
I had ordered this book online with Landmark, Chennai and the book was delivered in 3 days which is fantastic... I did not have to walk into a book store, browse or search for the book. It was delivered to me on my hand!
The opening of the book is itself makes the book a page turner. This is about a story of a man from the low-strata of society in India. The views expressed are from his viewpoint about India, the rich and famous, the politics and the system. The language of the book is very simple, easy to understand, no made-up twists or turns. Arvind Adiga brings you the picture of a village in interior India (most of urban population in India, including me do not have any idea of this interior India), the lives they live, joint family system, village heads, local politics and the boy who has seen it all. The protagonist is seen as writing letters to the Chinese president summing up things that has happened in his life and how he is in the present situation.
Shashi Tharoor's 'India From Midnight to the Millenium' is also a similar book (I have not read this book fully.. though) but the view of India is from a upper middle class or upper class citizen who lives in USA but has seen changes in India. When you compare this book with The White Tiger you seem to feel both are correct. The system in which we live in has not changed for more than hundred years and will continue to be so for the next hundred years. The lower caste or lower strata of Indians will continue to stuggle and the rich will become richer. In spite of the system there has been several developments like the economic growth, infrastructure development, global companies having India strategy, market stability and many other things.
People say there is too much of history in India and we as Indians cling to history, brought up listening stories from our Grandma/Grandpa's. In the 'n' number of stories that you might have heard the value or the core thing that you learn is honesty, integrity and sprituality. On the contrary the actual world is full of dirt... it's a clash between the ideology you have learnt as a kid and practical world. Almost all succumb to the practical world to survive and even if someone thinks that he can follow the rules as per his heart he cannot do it in his/this lifetime.
I recommend you to read this book The White Tiger to enhance your knowledge on India, the other side of India or true India.
I had ordered this book online with Landmark, Chennai and the book was delivered in 3 days which is fantastic... I did not have to walk into a book store, browse or search for the book. It was delivered to me on my hand!
The opening of the book is itself makes the book a page turner. This is about a story of a man from the low-strata of society in India. The views expressed are from his viewpoint about India, the rich and famous, the politics and the system. The language of the book is very simple, easy to understand, no made-up twists or turns. Arvind Adiga brings you the picture of a village in interior India (most of urban population in India, including me do not have any idea of this interior India), the lives they live, joint family system, village heads, local politics and the boy who has seen it all. The protagonist is seen as writing letters to the Chinese president summing up things that has happened in his life and how he is in the present situation.
Shashi Tharoor's 'India From Midnight to the Millenium' is also a similar book (I have not read this book fully.. though) but the view of India is from a upper middle class or upper class citizen who lives in USA but has seen changes in India. When you compare this book with The White Tiger you seem to feel both are correct. The system in which we live in has not changed for more than hundred years and will continue to be so for the next hundred years. The lower caste or lower strata of Indians will continue to stuggle and the rich will become richer. In spite of the system there has been several developments like the economic growth, infrastructure development, global companies having India strategy, market stability and many other things.
People say there is too much of history in India and we as Indians cling to history, brought up listening stories from our Grandma/Grandpa's. In the 'n' number of stories that you might have heard the value or the core thing that you learn is honesty, integrity and sprituality. On the contrary the actual world is full of dirt... it's a clash between the ideology you have learnt as a kid and practical world. Almost all succumb to the practical world to survive and even if someone thinks that he can follow the rules as per his heart he cannot do it in his/this lifetime.
I recommend you to read this book The White Tiger to enhance your knowledge on India, the other side of India or true India.
Diwali.......in Mumbai
We celebrated Diwali or Deepavali as called in South India on 27 Oct 2008, Monday at Mumbai, India. This was our first Diwali on my own. We got up early, had oil bath, pooja in the morning, new dresses for both of us and fire crackers, all as usual. In the night we burnt the fire crackers with another tamil family living on the same building. It was fun!! because for the North Indians the Diwali was yet to begin!!!! and our housing complex has majority North Indians.... I would it was odd for us to celebrate Diwali one day earlier than the rest but we got to follow the system~
The next day 28 Oct 2008, North Indians celebrated Diwali and we had expected full of fire crackers during the day... We were expecting that the sound of fire crackers is going to make us mad... but you will not believe there was no sound - it was like a sunday - during the day. No people on the road, cars were off... we were surprised and wondered where all the people had gone. Then came the evening, the sounds started around 8.00 pm and the colourful rockets invaded the sky from all around.... It was the time that the North Indians began to celebrate in full style. There was lights, sound and action all around with the mist sorrounding the region.... anyone flying above on the flights could have actually enjoyed the spectacular evening yesterday. We enjoyed it watching them lit the flower pots, rockets, chakkars and colourful sticks.
I think I am slowly beginning to understand the culture of North Indians. All their functions, auspicious occasions and celebrations are reserved for the evening/night. The day time is for the prayers and preparing for the night. The North Indians weddings are during night, the ganesh chathurthi celebration was during night time, the dussera or navrathri was celebrated the same and now Diwali is also celebrated during night time. I guess almost all of them sleep only after midnight during occasions! whereas if you look at South India everyone is into bed by 10 pm on any occasions (except the singles). Singles have their own agenda!!!!
The next day 28 Oct 2008, North Indians celebrated Diwali and we had expected full of fire crackers during the day... We were expecting that the sound of fire crackers is going to make us mad... but you will not believe there was no sound - it was like a sunday - during the day. No people on the road, cars were off... we were surprised and wondered where all the people had gone. Then came the evening, the sounds started around 8.00 pm and the colourful rockets invaded the sky from all around.... It was the time that the North Indians began to celebrate in full style. There was lights, sound and action all around with the mist sorrounding the region.... anyone flying above on the flights could have actually enjoyed the spectacular evening yesterday. We enjoyed it watching them lit the flower pots, rockets, chakkars and colourful sticks.
I think I am slowly beginning to understand the culture of North Indians. All their functions, auspicious occasions and celebrations are reserved for the evening/night. The day time is for the prayers and preparing for the night. The North Indians weddings are during night, the ganesh chathurthi celebration was during night time, the dussera or navrathri was celebrated the same and now Diwali is also celebrated during night time. I guess almost all of them sleep only after midnight during occasions! whereas if you look at South India everyone is into bed by 10 pm on any occasions (except the singles). Singles have their own agenda!!!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Hum Kise se kum nahin....
This is what Bihari's are trying to prove..... If MNS activists in Mumbai are trying to pose themselves as uneducated thugs then Biharis are matching with them by destroying public properties. What is the possible result is going to be achieved by disrupting and destroying public properties? I do not understand.
I must appreciate Lalu Prasad Yadav for being calm and effective on the situation.... He invited marathi manoos to come and write railway exams in Bihar.... Biharis will not stop them! or beat them... I believe this is the effective reply to Raj Thackeray who thinks he is the saviour of marathi manoos. Marathis or Biharis or anyone can prosper if and only if they are properly educated. Formal education is a must for everyone and education brings in culture where you can appreciate one's life.
I request to Raj Thackarey that instead of asking preference for Marathis in everything ask for formal education for everyone.... make sure that every child in Maharastra gets atleast upto high school education.... build schools and provide incentives for children if they attend the school... awareness is the key.... the prosperity will follow.... every child can become a hero. There is one tamil advertisement where all silver screen stars appear and appeal to children for a formal education. Make something happen as you are been accepted by millions of people as your leader.
I must appreciate Lalu Prasad Yadav for being calm and effective on the situation.... He invited marathi manoos to come and write railway exams in Bihar.... Biharis will not stop them! or beat them... I believe this is the effective reply to Raj Thackeray who thinks he is the saviour of marathi manoos. Marathis or Biharis or anyone can prosper if and only if they are properly educated. Formal education is a must for everyone and education brings in culture where you can appreciate one's life.
I request to Raj Thackarey that instead of asking preference for Marathis in everything ask for formal education for everyone.... make sure that every child in Maharastra gets atleast upto high school education.... build schools and provide incentives for children if they attend the school... awareness is the key.... the prosperity will follow.... every child can become a hero. There is one tamil advertisement where all silver screen stars appear and appeal to children for a formal education. Make something happen as you are been accepted by millions of people as your leader.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Mission to the Moon
It is a historic day, 22 October 2008 for India and every Indian. The mission to moon Chandrayaan-1 is a success!!!!!. I am proud on the successful launch of first unmanned mission to explore moon by India is doing perfect and orbiting as per plan.
I truly believe days for India has come.
* In the global financial crisis Indian banks and corporates are sealed from the ripple effect.....we have a sound financial system.
* Nuclear deal is a success and when we start to receive the raw materials for nuclear energy there will be a better future for our children and their children.
* In sports we are making stride, slow but steady growth can be seen in the coming years....
* Consumer spending or demand from consumers make corporates to innovate and in the new era we demand more, get more.
* Almost all the global companies have an eye on India and they have separate India strategy.
* Infrastructure is being upgraded at all the metro cities with respect to roads, power, telecom, airport/port and railways.
As I quote Abdul Kalaam's magic word "Dream"... it's time to dream and realise the dream... It is achievable in this new era.
I truly believe days for India has come.
* In the global financial crisis Indian banks and corporates are sealed from the ripple effect.....we have a sound financial system.
* Nuclear deal is a success and when we start to receive the raw materials for nuclear energy there will be a better future for our children and their children.
* In sports we are making stride, slow but steady growth can be seen in the coming years....
* Consumer spending or demand from consumers make corporates to innovate and in the new era we demand more, get more.
* Almost all the global companies have an eye on India and they have separate India strategy.
* Infrastructure is being upgraded at all the metro cities with respect to roads, power, telecom, airport/port and railways.
As I quote Abdul Kalaam's magic word "Dream"... it's time to dream and realise the dream... It is achievable in this new era.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Awareness....
I read an article in today's, 21 Oct 2008 newspaper Times of India. The article is about a leading bollywood actress walking on the ramp as a model for some designers. The actress goes on to say that she walked the ramp for a good cause... bringing awareness of breast cancer. How could possibly a fashion show in which a bollywood actress dons the role of model can bring about awareness on breast cancer? I cannot imagine how......... maybe I cannot stretch my imagination. Can anyone stretch your imagination and let the world know how this helps in creating awareness of breast cancer????????? A fashion show is where fashion designers sell their work to prospective buyers.... it's that simple.
People are pathetic (including myself)..... first thing the reporter who reported it, the editor who approved for publishing and the readers who are tempted to read about bollywood actresses.
People are pathetic (including myself)..... first thing the reporter who reported it, the editor who approved for publishing and the readers who are tempted to read about bollywood actresses.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Bankruptcy.....Bubble
Dear Friends,
Got this as a forward. A bit long, but very very explanatory… Must read!!!
Once there was a little island country. The land of this country was the tiny island itself. The total money in circulation was 2 dollars as there were only two pieces of 1 dollar coins circulating around.
1) There were 3 citizens living on this island country. A owned the land. B and C each owned 1 dollar.
2) B decided to purchase the land from A for 1 dollar. So, now A and C own 1 dollar each while B owned a piece of land that is worth 1 dollar.
* The net asset of the country now = 3 dollars.
3) Now C thought that since there is only one piece of land in the country, and land is non producible asset, its value must definitely go up. So, he borrowed 1 dollar from A, and together with his own 1 dollar, he bought the land from B for 2 dollars.
*A has a loan to C of 1 dollar, so his net asset is 1 dollar.
* B sold his land and got 2 dollars, so his net asset is 2 dollars.
* C owned the piece of land worth 2 dollars but with his 1 dollar debt to A, his net residual asset is 1 dollar.
* Thus, the net asset of the country = 4 dollars.
4) A saw that the land he once owned has risen in value. He regretted having sold it. Luckily, he has a 1 dollar loan to C. He then borrowed 2 dollars from B and acquired the land back from C for 3 dollars. The payment is by 2 dollars cash (which he borrowed) and cancellation of the 1 dollar loan to C. As a result, A now owned a piece of land that is worth 3 dollars. But since he owed B 2 dollars, his net asset is 1 dollar.
* B loaned 2 dollars to A. So his net asset is 2 dollars.
* C now has the 2 coins. His net asset is also 2 dollars.
* The net asset of the country = 5 dollars. A bubble is building up.
(5) B saw that the value of land kept rising. He also wanted to own the land. So he bought the land from A for 4 dollars. The payment is by borrowing 2 dollars from C, and cancellation of his 2 dollars loan to A.
* As a result, A has got his debt cleared and he got the 2 coins. His net asset is 2 dollars.
* B owned a piece of land that is worth 4 dollars, but since he has a debt of 2 dollars with C, his net Asset is 2 dollars.
* C loaned 2 dollars to B, so his net asset is 2 dollars.
* The net asset of the country = 6 dollars; even though, the country has only one piece of land and 2 Dollars in circulation.
(6) Everybody has made money and everybody felt happy and prosperous.
(7) One day an evil wind blew, and an evil thought came to C's mind. "Hey, what if the land price stop going up, how could B repay my loan. There is only 2 dollars in circulation, and, I think after all the land that B owns is worth at most only 1 dollar, and no more."
(8) A also thought the same way.
(9) Nobody wanted to buy land anymore.
* So, in the end, A owns the 2 dollar coins, his net asset is 2 dollars.
* B owed C 2 dollars and the land he owned which he thought worth 4 dollars is now 1 dollar. So his net asset is only 1 dollar.
* C has a loan of 2 dollars to B. But it is a bad debt. Although his net asset is still 2 dollars, his Heart is palpitating.
* The net asset of the country = 3 dollars again.
(10) So, who has stolen the 3 dollars from the country? Of course, before the bubble burst B thought his land was worth 4 dollars. Actually, right before the collapse, the net asset of the country was 6 dollars on paper. B's net asset is still 2 dollars, his heart is palpitating.
(11) B had no choice but to declare bankruptcy. C as to relinquish his 2 dollars bad debt to B, but in return he acquired the land which is worth 1 dollar now.
* A owns the 2 coins; his net asset is 2 dollars.
* B is bankrupt; his net asset is 0 dollar. (He lost everything)
* C got no choice but end up with a land worth only 1 dollar
* the net asset of the country = 3 dollars.
************ **End of the story; BUT ************ ********* ******
There is however a redistribution of wealth.
A is the winner, B is the loser, C is lucky that he is spared.
A few points worth noting -
(1) when a bubble is building up, the debt of individuals to one another in a country is also building up.
(2) This story of the island is a closed system whereby there is no other country and hence no foreign debt. The worth of the asset can only be calculated using the island's own currency. Hence, there is no net loss.
(3) An over-damped system is assumed when the bubble burst, meaning the land's value did not go down to below 1 dollar.
(4) When the bubble burst, the fellow with cash is the winner. The fellows having the land or extending loan to others are the losers. The asset could shrink or in worst case, they go bankrupt.
(5) If there is another citizen D either holding a dollar or another piece of land but refrains from taking part in the game, he will neither win nor lose. But he will see the value of his money or land goes up and down like a see saw.
(6) When the bubble was in the growing phase, everybody made money.
(7) If you are smart and know that you are living in a growing bubble, it is worthwhile to borrow money (like A) and take part in the game. But you must know when you should change everything back to cash.
(8) As in the case of land, the above phenomenon applies to stocks as well.
(9) The actual worth of land or stocks depends largely on psychology (or speculation).
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
sTress Test.
> Please take test to check how stress are u....
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> The Banana Test
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> There is a very, very tall coconut tree and there are 4
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> King Kong, an Ape, an Orangutan and a Monkey pass by.
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> They decide to compete to see who is the fastest to get a
> banana off the tree.
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> Who do you guess will win?
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> Your answer will reflect your personality.
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> Think carefully . . . Try and answer within 30 seconds
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> Got your answer?
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> Now scroll down to see the analysis.
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> Monkey = worse, you suppose to be in the hospital right
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> Take some time off and relax! ☺
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> The Banana Test
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> There is a very, very tall coconut tree and there are 4
> animals.
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> King Kong, an Ape, an Orangutan and a Monkey pass by.
>
> They decide to compete to see who is the fastest to get a
> banana off the tree.
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> Who do you guess will win?
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> Your answer will reflect your personality.
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> Think carefully . . . Try and answer within 30 seconds
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> Got your answer?
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> Now scroll down to see the analysis.
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> Orangutan = you're sick
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> Ape = you need a break
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> Monkey = worse, you suppose to be in the hospital right
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> King Kong = I think you better take 1 year leave..
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> Why?! ????
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> A Coconut tree doesn't have bananas!
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> Obviously you're stressed and overworked.
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> Take some time off and relax! ☺
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Wednesday, October 08, 2008
MHS Reunion
Our school, Mountain Home School (MHS) or Mountain Home High School (MHHS) situated at Coonoor, The Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India is having a Reunion for all students passed out of MHHS on 08 November 2008 at the school hall. If any students studied in MHHS wish to participate please contact Raquel Brownie @ raquelb.raquel@gmail.com for more details.
I wish I could attend this reunion but I won't be able to make it this time. I do not know how many of you give credit to your school for your present attitude or character but I certainly gained some of my characteristics from MHS. One of important thing that I still manage to do it is Punctuality.... I give my 100% to make it on time every time for all occasions, it can be an interview with employer or a meeting with customer or just a casual meet with a friend. The seed that was sown in MHS bears fruit in my lifetime!
The next one is the schools in the hills (Coonoor, Ooty, Mount Abu, Darjeeling etc) have two things in common... One is sorrounded by nature and as Rabindranath Tagore said A student learns when he/she is with nature..... how true!!!!!! the other is... the school leaves the students to pursue their own interests from the young age. There is no force applied on students to study and get distinction on all subjects.... it is upto the students... the schools let them decide their fate.... if you study hard you will do well in future.... if you are good in sports pursue sports as career. The schools or the teachers don't tell you straight in your face but it is a common culture seen and you will feel it when you pass out of the school.
I wish I could attend this reunion but I won't be able to make it this time. I do not know how many of you give credit to your school for your present attitude or character but I certainly gained some of my characteristics from MHS. One of important thing that I still manage to do it is Punctuality.... I give my 100% to make it on time every time for all occasions, it can be an interview with employer or a meeting with customer or just a casual meet with a friend. The seed that was sown in MHS bears fruit in my lifetime!
The next one is the schools in the hills (Coonoor, Ooty, Mount Abu, Darjeeling etc) have two things in common... One is sorrounded by nature and as Rabindranath Tagore said A student learns when he/she is with nature..... how true!!!!!! the other is... the school leaves the students to pursue their own interests from the young age. There is no force applied on students to study and get distinction on all subjects.... it is upto the students... the schools let them decide their fate.... if you study hard you will do well in future.... if you are good in sports pursue sports as career. The schools or the teachers don't tell you straight in your face but it is a common culture seen and you will feel it when you pass out of the school.
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