The Common Man Speaks

Kala Ghoda Festival 2012 Photos

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Like every year, even this year’s Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a treat to your senses and the creative genius inside you. Have a look at the photos of the 2012 Kala Ghoda Festival.

Gold Car (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Tower made out of cutting chai glasses (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

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Gold Bricks (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

A huge ball made out of umbrellas (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

A still from the play 'Azad Ka Sapna Hindustan Ki Azadi'. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

 

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu Box-Office Prediction

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Star Value: Kareena Kapoor is one of the biggest names in Bollywood. Her performances and choice of films have made sure she is one of the most sought after actresses today. Even the Ra.One debacle has had no effect on her popularity. Imran Khan’s popularity is also well known. He is also fresh from his last release Delhi Belly, which was a blockbuster. Hence, the film is high on star value.

Hype: No doubt the movie Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu is known and the promos are well received. However, there isn’t as much hype as one expects from a Karan Johar movie. It would have been difficult for the head honcho of Dharma Productions since there wasn’t much gap between the release of EMAET and the keenly anticipated Agneepath.

Music: The title song of the movie is slowly becoming famous. Although the rest of the numbers aren’t popular, they have a chance if the film scores big at the box-office.

Prediction: Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu will certainly get a good to descent opening at the ticket window due to Kareena and Imran, who are cast opposite for the first time. The initial response will determine whether it will sustain the collections after the first weekend and attain success at the box-office.

Gali Gali Chor Hai Movie Review

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Direction: Rumi Jafry

Production: One Up Entertainment

Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Shriya Saran, Satish Kaushik, Mugdha Godse, Annu Kapoor, Aditya Lakhia, Murli Sharma

Music: Anu Malik

Rating: * ½

Plot: Bharat (Akshaye Khanna), plays a Common Man from Bhopal who works in a bank as a cashier and leads a simple life with his wife Nisha (Shriya Saran) and father (Satish Kaushik). Just before elections, politician Manku Tripathi’s (Murli Sharma) men ask Bharat and family to let them occupy a room in their house for election purposes. However, Bharat, at Nisha’s insistence, refuses. In this way, Bharat indirectly invites great trouble in his life.

Review: The promos and the promotional title song of Gali Gali Chor Hai gave a clear indication that the film deals with fighting against corruption. This became more evident when a special screening of the movie was organized for anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare.

However, what is presented is a tiresome saga of the central character’s struggle against the corrupt system which, after a point of time, is difficult to believe or sit through, leave alone creating an impact!

Coming straight to the point, the film is an amalgamation of unconvincing scenes and situations. This starts with a silly misunderstanding between Akshaye and Shriya, straight out of those boring daily soaps. To solve this, a song is forcefully added. Then, the troubles for our protagonist begin where an age old table fan and few corrupt individuals turn his life topsy-turvy.

But due to the dumbness of our common man you finally lose patience at the end of the first half when he gets to know that the table fan has become a big villain of his life. Later we realize the writers have given more importance to the fan than the two actresses.

They also make sure you stop caring for the characters courtesy some more unconvincing events in the second half where the misunderstanding factor also keeps returning! To make matters worse, a raunchy Veena Malik item number ‘Chhanno’ is thrown in. But the way our hero is further submerged in trouble takes the cake (pun intended)! Although some heroism and encouragement is shown in the final scene, it hardly leaves an impact. You really wonder how a bunch of producers agreed to finance a film with such a script!

One shouldn’t blame Rumi Jafry’s direction when he is as a writer, along with Mumukshu Mudgal, has failed.  It’s only plus point is the creation of some interesting characters and few funny moments here and there.

Composer Anu Malik’s return produces a well written title track. The rest of the songs aren’t much to talk about. Dialogues, cinematography and background score aren’t bad.

Akshaye Khanna’s performance is the biggest plus point. The actor excels as a victim of corruption. But one hopes he chooses better films. Shriya Saran isn’t bad as his wife but even she needs a better platform in Bollywood to showcase her talent. Annu Kapoor gives a stellar act. After 7 Khoon Maaf, he once again proves he is one of the best character actors of Hindi cinema.

Aditya Lakhia and Murli Sharma play the bad men well. Mugdha Godse has hardly anything to do while Satish Kaushik is likable.

Overall, Gali Gali Chor Hai makes a mockery of the concept of Common Man versus corruption. It is impossible for the movie to survive at the box-office.

 

Kala Ghoda Festival 2012 Schedule (Updated)

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Like every first week of February, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is back this year (2012) too. It will take place from February 4 to February 12. 

For the whole festival schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/artfest.htm

For Film Screenings schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Film.pdf

For Plays/ Theatre schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Theater.pdf

For Children events schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Children.pdf

For Workshops schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Workshop.pdf

For Literature schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Literature.pdf

For Heritage Walk schedule, click here –http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Heritage.pdf

For Music Events schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Music.pdf

For Visual Arts schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Visual-Arts.pdf

For Street Fest schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Street.pdf

For Dance Events schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Dance.pdf

For Food Festival schedule, click here – http://www.kalaghodaassociation.com/schedule-2012/Food.pdf

 

Have a great time!

 

Sher-O-Shayari Part 2

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Few more of my Hindi/ Urdu Shayaris: –

 

*
Dil Mein Humare Pyar Bhar Ke,
Woh Pyar Ki Boli Bhool Gaye,
Humein Na Badalne Ki Kasam De Kar,
Woh Mausam Ki Tarah Badal Gaye

*
Zindagi Lati Rahe Chahe Kitne Ghum,
Aati Rahe Har Dum Pareshani,
Par Khuda Ki Rehmat Se Mila Ek Shaqs,
Jo Barsaata Hai Dukhon Ke Sholon Par Pani,

*
Na Hote Aap Is Safar Mein Shamil,
Khushiyon Ke Saath Majboori Hoti,
Na Milti Mujhe Woh Sunehri Manzil,
Kahani Poori Hokar Bhi Adhoori Hoti

*
Shehad Se Meethi Boli Uski,
Sun Ne Ko Rahoon Har Waqt Bekaraar,
Jaane Kyun Use Maange Mera Dil,
Jaise Papeeha Maange Sawan Ki Bauchhar

(Click HERE for Sher-O-Shayari Part 1)

Gali Gali Chor Hai Box-Office Prediction

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Star Value: Akshaye Khanna has proved his mettle as a versatile actor by playing a number of challenging characters with perfection. However, he has ceased to have the power to garner a good box-office opening since it’s only those big stars that attract audiences the most these days. Shriya Saran is a superstar down south but has not been able to add star value in Bollywood. The rest of the cast, including Mugdha Godse, can’t help the opening either.

Hype: The promos of the movie have managed to impress the audience. But such small or medium budget movies lack proper funds required for promotion. And whatever promotion they carry out is overshadowed by the big budget movies with big stars. But the ploy of arranging a special screening for social worker Anna Hazare has helped the film gain attention, especially after the media idiotically misquoted Hazare for his slap remark.

Music: The title song of Gali Gali Chor Hai, a peppy number, has become somewhat popular. Veena Malik’s item number ‘Chhanno’ too has been noticed for reasons best known to everyone!

Prediction: Gali Gali Chor Hai will find it difficult at the box-office despite the film promising to bring to light an important issue with humour. If the initial reaction is positive, it will require a strong word-of-mouth, which is almost like a miracle for such low budget films.

Jana Gana Mana (Marathi Movie) Review

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Direction: Amit Abhyankar

Production: Golden Dreams Production House

Cast: Nandu Madhav, Chinmay Sant, Santosh Juvekar, Madhura Velankar Satam, Asmita Joglekar

Music: Dr Saleel Kulkarni

Rating: * * * ½

Plot: School teacher Ramchandra Sontakke (Nandu Madhav) is fed-up of teaching in a school in a tribal area of Maharashtra called Mhalunge. He longs to get a transfer to a school with more civilized students. In order to impress his senior, who will be visiting the school on Independence Day, he organizes a flag hoisting ceremony and a patriotic play to prove his mettle.

His student Katu (Chinmay Sant) is eager to sing the National Anthem on Independence Day. For this, he needs to be dressed up in new white clothes. However, his parents Dagadu (Santosh Juvekar) and his wife (Madhura Velankar Satam) can never afford it as they are struggling for even the basic necessities of life (food, clothing and shelter). Will Katu be heartbroken?

Review: Tribals are looked so down upon in our society that they are almost considered from different species. Naturally, their children are regarded the same. However, given a chance, these children can match up to their civilized counterparts and develop love for the nation if they are given proper education. This bold message is sensibly delivered in Amit Abhyankar’s Jana Gana Mana, a film which will change many a perception towards the so-called backward classes.

(Click to engarlge)

Sameer Joshi’s impressive writing is seen right in the initial moments as the tribal life is presented realistically with the inclusion of simple but rib-tickling humour. The fact that these children are not aware even of the name of our country will come as a shocker for most of us. A well-performed humorous scene follows when Madhav’s character struggles to explain the name of our country and its history to the students.

But what takes the cake is the actor’s one-act play performance at the interval portion where he narrates a historic incident in one take. Talking of one-take scenes, there’s another one where Madhav, on a bicycle, tries to dodge bullock carts coming from opposite direction, which could have been dangerous. Looking at Madhav’s overall performance, you can’t help but applaud the actor’s talent and dedication.

Apart from few dragging moments in the later part of second half, there isn’t any flipside. Lastly, Chinmay Sant’s act in the climax touches your heart. This also gives rise to a twist (not possible to reveal) which sends a positive message that every child has a right to education irrespective of his or her social status.

Rajesh Khale’s camerawork and Dr Saleel Kulkarni’s music suit the mood of the flick. Editing department should be praised too for the tight length (less than two hours).

Child actor Chinmay Sant adapts a tribal lifestyle with ease and delivers a top-notch performance. Santosh Juvekar and Madhura Velankar Satam are remarkable in challenging roles. Asmita Joglekar as Chinmay’s sister does well too.

Overall, Jana Gana Mana deserves applause for presenting a serious issue in a light-hearted manner while retaining the sensibility of the subject. However, it won’t have an easy run at the box-office since it is released with the Bollywood biggie Agneepath. Hence, it is highly in need of positive word-of-mouth.

Darling Darling (Marathi Play) Review

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Writer: Madhusudan Kalelkar

Direction: Pradeep Pawar

Production: Rupali R Lakhan, Sanjay Nevrejar

Cast: Shashikant Bhobekar, Pradeep Pawar, Sandeepa Gujjar, Manjusha Morgaonkar, Sujata Tulsankar, Sachin Kadam, Tushar Namaye, Rajeshri Kale

Rating: * * *

Plot: Prabhakar (Shashikant Bhobekar) pretends to be loyal to his wife (Sandeepa Gujjar). His wife is unaware that he is having an affair with a number of girls. Sharmila (Manjusha Morgaonkar) and Mona (Sujata Tulsankar) are two such girls. Prabhakar’s uncle, who is no more, has left Rs 50 lakh for him in his will. However, according to the condition put forth by his uncle, Prabhakar can lay his hands on the money only if he is loyal to his wife and living a happily married life.

All hell breaks loose for Prabhakar when one fine day both Sharmila and Mona land up at his house. Now, Prabhakar is in a fix as he has to hide his affairs from both his wife and the advocate. Will Prabhakar succeed or will he be forced to say good bye to his wife as well as the money?

Review: Themes on infidelity, where a husband tries hard to hide his affair, have become common over the years. So, when a comic play is based on such a story it is vital for the writing to be top-notch so as to deliver huge number of rib-tickling moments. Writer Madhusudan Kalelkar and director Pradeep Pawar’s Darling Darling provides that for the majority of the duration which surely makes it a one-time watch.

One of the good things about the writing is that the main plot is revealed soon. A large number of comic twists that follow manage to keep your interest alive. Both situational as well as crazy humour is used in abundance; almost in every line. A bunch of crazy characters and their weird traits are one of the major plus points.

Talking of flipsides, the duration should have been shorter, especially in the second half where the proceedings do appear tedious at few portions. Also, some of the lines and acts appear too over-the-top at certain post-interval portions. But since it’s a keep-your-brain-aside kind of an entertainer, such points shouldn’t be considered as crime.

The play scores high on performances. Shashikant Bhobekar perfectly carries the proceedings on his shoulders with a commendable act. His comic timing is up to the mark. He is aptly supported by Pradeep Pawar who also displays good comic skills. Sandeepa Gujjar as his wife shows maturity. Manjusha Morgaonkar gives a confident performance as Prabhakar’s love affair.

Sujata Tulsankar does well too and so does Rajeshri Kale in the role of an overweight cop. But it is Sachin Kadam who turns out to be a surprise package. His crazy antics will have you in splits. Tushar Namaye and actors playing doctor and constable aren’t bad either.

Overall, Darling Darling will be liked by those who prefer mindless, over-the-top comedies. It deserves more publicity and promotion.

Agneepath Movie Review

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Direction: Karan Malhotra

Production: Dharma Productions (Karan Johar)

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Rishi Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Zarina Wahab

Music: Ajay-Atul

Rating: * * ½

Plot: Kancha Cheena (Sanjay Dutt) dreams of running a drug kingdom, in the guise of salt business, in Mandwa and for that he wants to take the village on lease. However, Master (teacher) Dinanath Chauhan (Sunil Chauhan) urges the villagers against falling in Kancha’s trap. In order to get his way, Kancha mercilessly kills Dinanath. The film follows the story of how Dinanath’s son Vijay (Hrithik Roshan) tries to avenge his father’s death.

Review: Although the original Agneepath (1990) is known for Amitabh Bachchan’s greatness, the film suffered courtesy a weak script which became a reason for its downfall at the ticket window. Karan Malhotra’s remake of the same has a slightly better writing and offers a different take on the same plot. However, this doesn’t ensure a flawless product which is also due to the casting of Hrithik Roshan as Vijay Dinanath Chauhan.

Malhotra’s version sees lots of changes in the sub-plots and incidents from the 1990 movie. Even the character of Vijay is completely novel in terms of mannerisms, temperament as well as age. Hence, it won’t be proper to compare the remade version with the original one.

After the cruel initial moments, things brighten up after Hrithik and Priyanka Chopra’s entry. Pace does drops down few times, mostly due to the inclusion of songs and some emotional scenes. During the ‘Hun Hun Huna’ number you realize such jazzy birthday celebrations, including the disco effect, can take place in a chawl only in a Karan Johar flick. But the subsequent twists end the first half on an exciting note.

Things continue to be interesting in the second half too. However, brakes are applied again in the proceedings in the form of some over-emotional scenes (very K Jo-ish indeed!). Fuel is added once again with some paisa vasool moments and mostly during the Ganapati Visarjan part (‘Deva Shree Ganesha’ song) only to disappoint in a non-believable and over-filmi climax.

Debutant director Karan Malhotra leaves a mark in a number of sequences. He surely has a future in Bollywood.

‘Deva Shree Ganesha’ is the track of the movie. The rest of Ajay-Atul’s creations are not bad. Ravi K. Chandran and Kiran Deohans deserve brownie points for their camerawork. The same can be said for Abbas Ali Moghul’s action although it gets too violent at times for a UA certificate film.

Hrithik Roshan lacks the manliness needed for the character. This is largely felt by his non-mardana voice. Due to this, he lacks the personality needed for a bhai or dada. But despite these limitations, the actor carries off his act with dedication.

Sanjay Dutt is the one who leaves the biggest impact! He brings a new dimension to the cult character of Kancha Cheena with his outstanding villainous acts. You just love to hate him. Rishi Kapoor is remarkable too as Rauf Lala. Priyanka Chopra is average. She doesn’t appear like a Maharashtrian mulgi although she tries a lot.

Zarina Wahab isn’t bad as Vijay’r mother while the girl playing his sister is likable. Inaamulhaq presents a commendable act as Shiva.

Overall, Agneepath has its share of good as well as bad moments which finally tilt more towards the latter. Its box-office opening has been tremendous which will make sure it breaks quite a few records.

 

Agneepath to create new box-office records?

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Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots is the highest money grosser film ever in Bollywood while Salman Khan’s Bodyguard holds the record for the biggest earner on first day with Rs 20 crore. But looking at the way advance booking of Hrithik Roshan’s Agneepath has gone so far, one shouldn’t be surprised if the film breaks Bodyguard’s record if not 3 Idiots’.

The cash registers for Agneepath started ringing from Monday itself when the advance booking commenced. Such advanced positive response is hardly seen these days. And considering the film’s huge number of shows, we can say Dharma Productions are sure to earn huge bucks from this extraordinary opening!

One noteworthy fact is that the audience hasn’t seen an interesting film since last few weeks after Abbas Mustan’s Players disappointed them.

Hence, there is no doubt that the collections for Agneepath will be one of the highest ever in Bollywood. But more importantly, let’s hope the film also succeeds in satisfying majority of the audience unlike other blockbusters like Bodyguard and Ra.One.