Monthly Archives: August 2012

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A filmmaker wants the sequel or the second part of his movie to be a notch higher than the first part in terms of overall satisfaction. It seems the Indiblogger think-tank follows the same mantra. If the 2011 Mumbai meet (at R K Studios) was very good, the 2012 meet yesterday at Taj Lands End was even better! Being a filmi keeda, I couldn’t find another way of describing it.

Although I was truly happy to attend my second IndiBlogger meet, I was quite sure I would be the odd man out when I got to know that the event is called Nokia Apptasting. This means there would be discussions and demonstrations of different types of mobile applications or apps as they call it.

Amar and Prem in action without Aaila and Uimaa. (Click to enlarge)

I used the term odd man out as I have never used any app in my life since I am using the very simple Nokia 3110 since four years. I want mobile phones only for calling and SMS-ing as I don’t want any more tech addictions (I already have quite a few including SMSes, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, etc). What will be further surprising for you is the fact that I have never used internet from mobile and don’t wish to do so, at least in the near future. But since it was an IndiBlogger meet, my excitement levels were high! I was also glad my friend Celin will be attending her first IndiBlogger meet (I am partnering her in our food blog – mumbaigluttons.blogspot.in).

At my arrival, I was taken aback by the luxury oozing out from every little corner of Taj Lands End. It quickly reminded me of those huge budgeted Yash Chopra or Karan Johar films, minus people with expensive and heavy wedding attires (thankfully). When I reached the ballroom in the basement, I realized the place is too luxurious for a common man like me, although I was super-impressed by the peaceful ambience. But my eagerness was focused on only one thing – IndiBlogger meet!

(Click to enlarge)

The event also helped me meet my two of my friends Anuradha and Rahul after a long time. This was similar to the films of the 70s and 80s where estranged friends reunite in a mela (in this case, the Indiblogger meet).

The start of the event took all of us by surprise. It was very impressive to create an atmosphere of friendship by giving high fives, shaking hands and hugging each other. The hosts Vikas Khanna and Rajiv Makhni were up to the task. Their unusual chemistry with some witty humour gave way for some refreshing entertainment. They were very much like Amar and Prem of Andaz Apna Apna. The joke on Simran (who came on behalf of Nokia) is something that will tickle my funny bone whenever I recall it, especially his pose with Rajiv as Raj-Simran!

After a lot of fun and laughter during the initial period the Apptasting started. In my words – after a very impressive first part, the post-interval portion started. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel out of place during this period. I was impressed with some of the apps, especially the one which helped Rajiv make a short film on Vikas along with two girls from the audience. Their silent fashion show with Charlie Chaplin music is worth watching again and again. The contest where the audience was asked to describe their dream app was also an interesting idea. I, along with others, was spellbound by the imagination of some.

The cutting of the huge cake celebrating five years of IndiBlogger, followed by a group picture and dinner proved to be a perfect ending to a memorable evening.

Now here’s the twist in the climax – The Apptasting ensured that I might use some app in the future. Of course, it has to be the one which is useful for the common man. Hence, we can say IndiBlogger and Nokia have something more to be proud of. They managed to do something which a whole lot of my friends couldn’t – to convince me in using apps! Oh wow! This was similar to the happy ending of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge where Amrish Puri’s character finally says, “Ja Simran Ja.” No, I am not hinting at the one who represented Nokia.

More pictures from the event:

Contest time (Click to enlarge)

More contests (Click to enlarge)

Happy Birthday to the 5-year old (Click to enlarge)

Very Very Special Goodbye!

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During the stage of my late childhood when I was trying to learn and understand that game of cricket, successful Indian players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Javagal Srinath and Mohammad Azaharuddin were at the peak of their careers. Due to this, no matter how many great or greater players emerged after them, players in the above mentioned elite list will always hold a special place in my memory.

So whenever a player from that list announces retirement, it certainly comes as a blow. The same happened when VVS Laxman announced his retirement yesterday, although this was on the cards after India’s tour to England and Australia. But those two unsuccessful tours can in no way be considered a dark spot over his career due to the huge number of glorious moments he has given to team India.

Having said this, many would be surprised that my very first memory of Laxman wasn’t a pleasant one. This was in 1996 in the first test match against South Africa in Ahmedabad, which was Laxman’s debut. After his failure in the first innings, I thought it wasn’t a good idea to have him in the playing eleven as I wasn’t sure about his technique. However, he made me swallow my opinion in the second innings when he scored a half century and led India’s fightback with Anil Kumble. How delighted I was to have been proved wrong!

This was just the first step of Laxman’s remarkable career. His brilliant timing along with his wristy flicks impressed cricket fans world over. Thinking about his career, the first innings that comes to mind is his earth-shattering 281 against Australia in the second test at Eden Gardens in 2001. Laxman, along with Rahul Dravid, shook the cricketing world with an unthinkable fight back. India’s victory was just the second instance in the history of test cricket where a team managed to win a match after being asked to follow on. Laxman wasn’t considered a one-day match specialist but his brilliant form in this test series forced the selectors to include him in the ODIs that followed.

From the Eden Garden innings onwards, he came to be known as India’s ideal man for crisis. He lived up to the title in the years to come by bailing India out of trouble time and again. With his retirement, team India will miss the bailing out ability of one of India’s greatest batsmen.

Here’s a big thank you to VVS with the hope that his career becomes an inspiration for the generations to come.

Have a look at the highlights of Laxman’s memorable innings of 281 against Australia: –

Arranged marriage = Shopping!

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(This post is not against the practice of arranged marriages. It is just speaks out about how even in the 21st century, marriages are continuing to be like a business deal or shopping. This is something I have been witnessing all my life.)

By: Keyur Seta

Arranged marriage versus love marriage is a debate which has not reached a conclusion. Although it is a general belief that there are merits and demerits in both the methods, I wholeheartedly support the institution of love marriage. This is simply because, according to me, love marriage is a natural process while the arranged one is against the forces of nature.

In love marriage, a boy and a girl meet in places like colleges, offices, parties, etc. They become friends at start and if the tuning of their hearts and wavelength match, they go ahead and become life partners. Hence, we can say they met in a natural way. In other words, their meeting and falling in love is a natural process.

In arranged marriage, two families ‘fix’ a meeting between a boy and a girl. They are made or even forced to meet and decide in maximum 3-4 meetings whether they can consider each other the most important person of their life. The most important relation of our lives is ‘fixed’ by going against the forces of nature as if it’s a business deal. And going against the nature is certainly a bad idea!

However, my opposition to arranged marriage is not limited to this point. After witnessing and hearing first-hand-accounts of marriages fixed in an arranged manner, I find no difference between arrange marriage and shopping! Yes, you heard it right. Okay, let me explain!

(Article continued after picture.)

Before starting their search for a partner in an arranged manner, both the girl and the boy mentally prepare a list of qualities their future life-partner should possess. This is very similar to people thinking about the color, brand, quality, price and fitting of a jeans before going out to buy it. And if you are an MBA, your chances of getting a life partner increase fivefold. I am not sure whether an MBA degree will get land you a lucrative job but I am certain it will increase your ‘market value’ in the ‘market’ of marriage.

But the real shopping fun begins when the girl and the boy’s family meet each other. The party which starts asking questions first behaves like the buyer while the other has to behave like the seller. For example, the boy’s family will start listing all his good qualities, just like a salesman tries to portray his product in a must-buy manner. On the other hand, the girl’s family will try to figure out the percentage of truth in their claims, just like the buyers do to make sure the salesman isn’t taking them for a ride.

After the first round, the tables are turned. Buyers become sellers and vice-versa. Now, the girl’s family will start proving how perfect to-be bahu their girl is while the boy’s family will do some brain-work in guessing the percentage of authenticity in their claims. Most importantly, both of them (girl and boy) will check whether the list of qualities in their potential life partner matches with the mental list they prepared. If it doesn’t, they will probably go to another shop!

If both parties are satisfied, they go ahead with the marriage. In my words – the deal is finalized with both parties benefiting both as buyers and sellers. In this way, a total stranger becomes the most important person of your life after just few meetings. Wow!

But wait a minute! Where the heck does love figure in all this since it is the most important ingredient for marriage? Oh forget it! As long as the girl’s family can say, “Humare sar ka boj hat gaya!” and the boy’s family can proudly declare, “Humare ghar me oonche khandan ki bahu aa gayi,” nothing else matters! Not even love!

Ek Tha Tiger Review

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Director: Kabir Khan

Producer: Yash Raj Films

Writers: Aditya Chopra (Story), Neelesh Misra and Kabir Khan (Screenplay and Dialogues)

Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey, Girish Karnad

Music: Sohail Sen and Sajid-Wajid

Rating: *

Plot: RAW agent Tiger (Salman Khan) is sent on mission to Dublin to just observe a scientist (Roshan Sheth) as the agency has doubts over his activities. Over there, Tiger meets Zoya (Katrina Kaif) and falls for her. But the mission goes haywire due to some unexpected events.

Review: First things first – Kabir Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger is a replica of Sriram Raghavan’s Agent Vinod minus few twists in the second half. But the final product suggests that an exact copy of Agent Vinod would have been a better decision since the Yash Raj version makes the not-so-impressive Saif Ali Khan starrer appear like a classic! The Salman Khan starrer not only makes fun of the secret intelligence agencies but also takes the audience on a ride that makes them tear their hair off in despair after reaching the final destination.

The film, however, starts on a promising note although it follows the age old formula of Bollywood and Hollywood action flicks – the hero making a dhamakedar entry in an action scene followed by his next mission where he meets his lady love. This won’t bother you since the fast-paced writing, impressive action and some good quality humour provide satisfying entertainment. But the next turn in the story poses a question mark when the scientist is just thrown out of the plot. Not just that; the interval point is the same as Mohit Suri’s Awarapan, with the audience already knowing the filmy outcome.

But since the second half is still to be seen, you try to ignore these points. That doesn’t help as the script goes further downhill with those clichéd romantic moments. Then the story takes the biggest turn which defies logic and doesn’t go with the nature of the secret intelligence officers. You still hope for something better but what you get is a series of idiotic twists and some dumb action scenes where, on few occasions, the lead pair tries to imitate Spider-man and even succeeds in it!

Although there is no hope left by this time, you still expect to get some satisfaction from the climax. Then suddenly, Ranvir Shorey’s voiceover indirectly tells us that the film is over. The abrupt ending coupled with the final outcome crosses all levels of idiocy! The message of peace between India and Pakistan is given in a laughable manner!

Kabir Khan’s talent is seen in some of his fearless documentaries and two feature films Kabul Express and New York. Due to this, it is not possible to believe that a passionately talented filmmaker came up with something like this!

Talking about the technical aspects, Aseem Mishra (cinematography) does a brilliant job during those difficult action scenes and while artistically capturing different cities of the world. Background music (Julius Packiam) and editing (Rameshwar S Bhagat) are the other plus points. Sajid-Wajid and Sohail Sen have produced songs that, although not brilliant, are likable.

Salman Khan appears more like Salman Khan and less like a RAW agent. Even his performance falls in the not bad category. But since most of his fans will be queuing up just to see his looks, songs and fights, they won’t have a problem. Like most of her films, Katrina Kaif struggles with her dialogue delivery due to her accent. Although she enacts the right emotions on most of the occasions, it is difficult to believe a hardcore Pakistani girl with such poor pronunciation and diction. Ranvir Shorey and Girish Karnad provide good support although the latter appears awkward on few occasions. Roshan Sheth excels in a cameo. The actor playing Katrina’s aide is adequate.

Overall, Ek Tha Tiger is yet another poorly made Salman film that will break box-office records as the masses will watch the film at least once. The crazy opening will ensure it crosses Rs 150 or maybe even 200 crore, if money can be considered a yardstick for measuring success of a film.

Ek Tha Tiger to break Ra.One’s first day record

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At the start of the year, Dharma Productions’ Agneepath took a grand opening at the box-office due to some heavy advance booking, which is a rare occurrence in Bollywood these days. But the advance booking of Yash Raj Films’ Ek Tha Tiger has been even crazier. Ever since the booking started last weekend, the response has been unprecedented. This brings back memories of the good old days when advance booking was a norm for every big budget movie.

Judging by the crazy response for the Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer, it is certain that the film will break Ra.One‘s record of earning Rs 25 crore in one day. At that time, Ra.One had broken the record of Salman’s Bodyguard which had earned Rs 21 crore in one day. Now that Ek Tha Tiger is all set to break Ra.One‘s record and SRK’s next releasing later this year, it looks like the see-saw battle of the two Khans is going to continue for a long time.

Coming back to Ek Tha Tiger, it won’t be surprising if it becomes the first film to earn Rs 30 crore in a single day and the second film after 3 Idiots to cross Rs 200 crore overall.Having said that, let’s hope the film also manages to impress with its content, unless Ra.One and Bodyguard.

Independence Day Special: Birth and Death Anniversaries of Freedom Fighters/ Revolutionaries

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Ever since our school days, we are told that on Independence and Republic days, we should remember all those who sacrificed their lives or a part of their lives to free our country from the clutches of the British. But what I strongly feel is, we should also remember them on the days they were born and the day they left after serving the country. Sadly, many of us remember birth dates of filmstars and cricketers but go blank when asked about the birth and death anniversaries of India’s freedom fighters and revolutionaries. Remembering them is the least we can do for their super-great service to the nation.

So here is the list of the birth and death/ martyrdom anniversaries of these great souls. I have tried to include as many names as possible. Excuse me if I have left out some one. Would be grateful if you can add more names in the comments section.

Name Birth and Death/ Martyrdom Anniversary

Shaheed Bhagat Singh September 28, 1907 – March 23, 1931

Chandrashekhar Azad July 23, 1906 – February 27, 1931

Sukhdev Thapar May 15, 1907 – March 23, 1931

Shivaram Rajguru August 24, 1908 – March 23, 1931

Batukeshwar Dutt November 18, 1910 – July 20, 1965

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj February 19, 1630 – April 3, 1680

Mahatma Gandhi October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948

Ashfaqulla Khan October 22, 1900 – December 19, 1927

Ram Prasad Bismil June 11, 1897 – December 19, 1927

Dayanand Saraswati February 12, 1824 – October 30, 1883

Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel October 13, 1875 – December 15, 1950

Tatya Tope 1814 – April 18, 1859

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar May 28, 1883 – February 26, 1966

Madan Lal Dhingra February 18, 1883 – August 17, 1909

Jawaharlal Nehru November 14, 1889 – May 27, 1964

Swami Shraddhanand February 6, 1856 – December 23, 1976

Vinobha Bhave September 11, 1895 – November 15, 1982

Lala Lajpat Rai January 28, 1865 – November 17, 1928

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule April 11, 1827 – November 28, 1890

Savitribai Phule January 3, 1831 – March 10, 1897

Lala Hansraj April 19, 1864 – November 15, 1938

Shyamji Krishna Varma October 4, 1957 – March 30, 1930

Rabindranath Tagore May 7, 1861 – August 7, 1941

Lala Har Dayal October 13, 1884 – March 4, 1939

Swami Vivekananda January 12, 1863 – July 4, 1902

Virendranath Chattopadhyay October 31, 1880 – September 2, 1937

Ramakrishna Paramhansa February 18, 1836 – August 16, 1886

Hari Kishan 1911 – June 9, 1931

Babasaheb Ambedkar April 14 1891 – December 6, 1956

Kartar Singh Sarabha May 24, 1896 – November 16, 1915

Subhash Chandra Bose January 23, 1897 – Unknown

Shaheed Udham Singh December 26, 1899 – July 31, 1940

Jatindra Nath Das October 27, 1904 – September 13, 1929

Bipin Chandra Pal November 7, 1858 – May 20, 1932

Sachindra Nath Sanyal 1893 – February 7, 1942

Bal Gangadhar Tilak July 23, 1856 – August 1, 1920

Abul Kalam Azad November 11, 1888 – February 22, 1958

Surjya Sen March 22, 1894 – January 12, 1934

Pingali Venkayya August 2, 1876 – July 4, 1963

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay June 26, 1838 – April 8, 1894

Khudiram Bose December 3, 1889 – August 11, 1908

Rash Bihari Bose May 25, 1886 – January 21, 1945

Sri Aurobindo August 15, 1872 – December 5, 1950

Rani Laxmibai November 19, 1835 – June 18, 1858

Mangal Pandey July 19, 1827 – April 8, 1857

Ram Manohar Lohia March 23, 1910 – October 12, 1967

Babu Kunwar Singh November 1777 – April 23, 1858

Birsa Munda November 15, 1875 – June 9, 1900

Lal Bahadur Shastri October 2, 1904 – January 11, 1966

Rajendra Prasad December 3, 1884 – February 28, 1963

Jayaprakash Narayan October 11, 1902 – October 8, 1979

Gopal Ganesh Agarkar July 14, 1856 – June 17, 1895

Jawaharlal Nehru November 14, 1889 – May 27, 1964

Sarojini Naidu February 13, 1879 – March 2, 1949

Gopal Krishna Gokhale May 9, 1866 – February 19, 1915

Bhikaki Rustom Cama September 24, 1861 – August 13, 1936

Dadabhai Naoroji September 4, 1825 – June 30, 1917

Aruna Asaf Ali July 16, 1909 – July 29, 1996

Usha Mehta March 25, 1920 – August 11, 2000

Sucheta Kriplani June 25, 1908 – December 1, 1974

Vasudev Balwant Phadke November 4, 1845 – February 17, 1883

Narendra Mohan Sen 1887 – 1963

Bhagwati Charan Vohra July 1903 – May 28, 1930

Sindhutai Sakpal November 14, 1948

Jaidev Kapoor October 24, 1908 – September 19, 1994

Durga Bhagwati Charan Vohra October 8, 1907 – October 15, 1999

Important Historical Dates

Quit India Movement August 8, 1920

Kakori Kaand August 9, 1925

Martyrdom Day of Bhagat

Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru March 23, 1931

People celebrating India’s Independence in 1947. (Picture shared by Lets Speak India group on Facebook.)

Bharatiya (Marathi Movie) Review

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Director: Girish Mohite

Producer: Devisha Films

Writers: Anirudha Potdar and Sanjay Pawar

Cast: Subodh Bhave, Mohan Agashe, Makarand Anaspure, Jitendra Joshi, Meeta Sawarkar, Kuldeep Pawar, Hrishikesh Joshi, Tejashree Khele

Music: Ajay-Atul

Rating: * * * ½

(For more reviews, news and information on Marathi cinema, click HERE) (To join us on Facebook, click HERE)

Plot: City-dweller Abhay (Subodh Bhave) returns to his native place Adnide to trace his roots and claim rights over his ancestral property. He is in for a shock when village head (Mohan Agashe), who has occupied the house, refuses to vacate the place saying he owns it and has been running it since decades. Abhay is unable to prove his right over the property as Adnide has no official existence in either Maharashtra or Karnataka.

Call it a miracle or a mere co-incidence, Abhay lays his hands on something which makes Adnide a burning national issue which also becomes a reason for concern for the Prime Minister of India (Manoj Joshi).

Review: A number of small villages on Maharashtra-Karnataka border are ignored by the government to such an extent that they have neither a place in India’s map, nor any written record of their existence. Girish Mohite’s Bharatiya successfully exposes this truth apart from exploring the meaning of being Bharatiya i.e Indian. Although the film lacks 100% conviction, the makers Devisha Films bring another feel good and impactful village tale after Deool.

The writers (Aniruddha Potdar and Sanjay Pawar) succeed in the task which is the most vital in such movies – of getting the audience involved in the village proceedings. This was possible due to the inclusion of some interesting characters and their humorous conversation. The story nicely moves forward after Subodh Bhave’s arrival and his frustrating experience with the government officials. An unexpected turn during interval point sums up a well made first half. A flashback scene during this half turns out to be very appealing due to the color scheme used in it.

The turn at the interval point ensures some highly dramatic moments in the second half. The questionable aspect all this while is how Bhave’s character carries out such a humongous task without blinking an eye-lid and thinking about its dire consequences. Due to this, even his stand in the end is surprising. However, since the climax is powerful and eye-opening, there aren’t any major turn offs. The film should also be lauded for showing the mirror to the current government and its functioning.

Ajay-Atul’s music is effective. The song ‘Aamhi Lai Solid Aahot’ stands out. Shrinivas Achari’s cinematography and Santosh Futane’s art direction stay true to the subject – simple yet appealing. The background score and editing add to the plus points.

With this performance, Subodh Bhave once again proves he is one of the most talented Marathi actors currently. He gives a mature performance without going overboard in scenes which required him to portray anger and frustration. Mohan Agashe shows his class in an unusually funny role. Meeta Sawarkar is perfect as an educated village girl. Kuldeep Pawar fits perfectly as Agashe’s rival who loves using English words regularly.

Jitendra Joshi is lovable as a dumb village youngster. He comic timing is terrific. Hrishikesh Joshi offers flawless support. Makarand Anaspure as a wandering gypsy gives a mature act, although he speaks a bit too fast on few occasions. Tejashree Khele doesn’t get much scope but she does well as a simple village belle. Manoj Joshi excels in a cameo.

Overall, Bharatiya succeeds in throwing light on a neglected issue. Although the content has potential of scoring at the box-office, it will have a tough time after Bollywood’s hugely awaited Ek Tha Tiger releases.

The Common Man Speaks

Monthly Archives: August 2012

Joker Box Office Prediction

India wins U 19 World Cup: Future of Indian cricket in safe hands!

Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi Box Office Prediction

IndiBlogger meet 2012: App Ki Khatir!

Very Very Special Goodbye!

Arranged marriage = Shopping!

Ek Tha Tiger Review

Ek Tha Tiger to break Ra.One’s first day record

Bharatiya (Marathi Movie) Review