The Common Man Speaks

Are Indian cricket fans, experts Amnesic?

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India’s performance in Australia in the ongoing Agneepath series has indeed been hugely disappointing. However, I am pained to see the way Indian cricket fans and so-called cricket experts are reacting.

Just over nine months back on the night of April 2, the whole of India literally worshipped Team India after they lifted the World Cup 2011. Just two bad series (in England and Australia) and the same people are reacting as if Team India is worse than minnows. What right do you have to call yourself an Indian supporter if you can’t support your team when it requires the most? After all, support is needed the most when a person or a thing is struggling. The difference between an Indian supporter and an Indian fan (who just likes to see the team winning) is proved once again!

It is even more disheartening to see the way the most experienced players – Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman – are been forced to retire! How right is it to humiliate them in this manner for their age old services for the team? The fact that some of the ex-players are involved in these forceful tactics is even more shocking considering their knowledge and experience.

Tendulkar’s contribution to Indian cricket is known far and wide. He has been consistently scoring runs. His fitness level is clearly visible. So, if he wants to continue playing, what is wrong in it? For your kind information, he is India’s leading run scorer even in the current series!

There is no doubt even Dravid has been one of the greatest Indian batsmen ever and even he is scoring runs, although not much in this series. He was also the only one who showed some resistance in the England tour. So again, how can we force him to retire if he is scoring runs and wants to play? In Laxman’s case, I agree he has not been scoring runs but that doesn’t mean one should forget his talent and record and compel him to hang his boots!

In my personal opinion, it is Virendra Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir who are more responsible as they have failed to build a platform as openers. Especially in the case of Sehwag, he has been in terrible form but we are just busy pointing fingers at the ‘big three’.

Before this series, all types of cool adjectives were used for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his captaincy, especially after winning the World Cup. There have also been debates going on whether he is the best Indian captain ever. It is a mixture of shame and amnesia that after just two bad series, even he has been indirectly forced to step down as captain!

Apart from their performance, team India has also been demoralized by the reactions and forceful tactics of the public and ex-players before the start of the fourth test match at Adelaide.

P.S: – People laughed at me when I continued to support India despite their shameful exit from the 2007 World Cup. I laughed back at them in the same year when we won the T20 World Cup and other series which followed after that. I am quite sure I will get a chance to laugh once again!

Shala (Marathi Movie) Review

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Direction: Sujay Dahake

Production: The Great Maratha Entertainment, Nishad Audio Visuals, Naulakha Arts

Cast: Anshuman Joshi, Ketaki Mategaonkar, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Nandu Madhav, Santosh Juvekar, Jitendra Joshi, Devki Daftardar, Ashwini Giri, Amruta Khanvilkar

Music: Aloknanda Dasgupta

Rating: * * * ½

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Plot: Based on the novel of the same name by Milind Bokil, the film is set in the 1970s in the interiors of Maharashtra. Ninth standard student Mukund Manohar Joshi (Anshuman Joshi) has a crush on his beautiful classmate Shirodkar (Ketaki Mategaonkar). There are also a bunch of interesting characters in the form of teachers, a principal and Joshi’s parents.

One day, Joshi garners courage and proposes to Shirodkar. Will she accept his proposal? Is there a future for their love story? Backdrop of the Emergency period is also used in the narrative.

Review: No matter how big you grow, school memories will always be etched in your memory forever. Time and again, you feel like revisiting your old school days. Sujay Dahake’s Shala (School) will help you revisit those days for almost two hours by experiencing the joys and sorrows of a bunch of kids studying in the ninth standard.

Avinash Deshpande (screenplay) deliberately uses not-so-fast narration due to the nature of the subject. This was necessary so as to involve the audience into the proceedings as the kids go about their daily routine in the school. But despite the kind of pace used, proper care is been taken to keep boredom at bay with the help of some humorous incidents and conversations.

Apart from Dahake’s handling of the classroom scenes, it is Diego Romero’s artistic camerawork and Divya Mehta’s realistic sets (of the 70s) that make you feel as if you have enrolled once again in a school. This is more evident when you feel for the students in the climax. The above trio’s contribution in the village (non-classroom) scenes makes sure you also experience a visual treat. Aloknanda Dasgupta’s background music provides further soothe to the proceedings.

But the events in a few portions of the second half might test the patience of those who are looking for commercial entertainment.

Despite the presence of some experienced actors, it was necessary for Anshuman Joshi and Ketaki Mategaonkar to give top-notch performances as they are the central characters. Both kids do exactly that while making us feel as if they are seasoned actors. The rest of the kids, especially the one who plays Mhatre, are lovable too.

Experienced actors like Dilip Prabhavalkar, Nandu Madhav, Santosh Juvekar, Jitendra Joshi, Devki Daftardar and Ashwini Giri give mature acts in supporting roles. Although Amruta Khanvilkar does well, she should have been given more lines.

Overall, Shala is as gentle as a smooth flowing river. Those interested in meaningful, off-beat genre should attend this class. At the box-office, the word-of-mouth will help the movie enjoy good collections.

 

 

 

Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta premiere enthralls audience

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For the first time ever in India, audience was bestowed upon with a chance of watching the first episode of a television serial along with its cast and crew. This happened when the makers of the Marathi serial Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta organized a special screening of the first episode of the series for the public which was attended by its actors Swapnil Joshi, Mukta Barve, Rekha Kamat, Asavari Joshi, Ila Bhate, Spruha Joshi, along with director Satish Rajawade and producer Shrirang Godbole.

A large number of spectators had gathered at Amar Hind Mandal at Dadar (West), Mumbai to witness the first-of-its-kind event. Efforts were put in to create a marriage-like atmosphere; right from the sets and decorations to the ladies presenting flowers and til gul to guests.

The unusual event amazed not just the audience but also the actors. Said Swapnil, “To watch my serial with the audience is a memorable experience for me.” But Mukta’s excitement knew no bounds. “I feel as if I have come for the premiere of my movie,” said the actress.

The pair of Swapnil and Mukta was hugely appreciated in the movie Mumbai Pune Mumbai. The actors revealed they were excited to share the screen with each other once more. The fact that she is also a close friend of Swapnil helped Mukta a lot, she said.

(Article continued after picture.)

Veteran actress Rekha Kamat gets candid about her character in the serial.

Producer Godbole, who had earlier made a play named Eka Lagnachi Goshta, said, “Earlier, I wanted to make a play on this story. Later on, we thought of making a movie. We also fixed a release date for it. However, after going through the story again, we thought it will be best if a serial is made on this movie.”

Since Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta is sprinkled with laughter, there was plenty of humour during the launch. Some unintentional hilarity took place as well when the coconut flew backwards from Swapnil’s hand while he was trying to break it.

But what got the audience in splits for a long time was the question by an aged uncle from the crowd. He asked Swapnil, “Is there a lady character in your serial who likes to poison other people’s tea?” This also took the actor by surprise but he kindly answered in the negative.

During the screening, both Swapnil and Mukta’s entry was followed by loud applause and whistles. Judging by audience’s response, the first episode of Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta provided good entertainment. If the same is continued in the forthcoming episodes, the serial should enjoy very good TRPs. (Timings: Monday to Friday at 8:30pm)

More pictures from the event:

 

Swapnil Joshi interacting with the audience. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Director Satish Rajawade speaking about his serial. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Mukta Barve in conversation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Good numbers had turned up for the event. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Audience enjoying Swapnil Joshi's funny side. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Producer Shrirang Bodbole along with the leading pari. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Swapnil obliging his fans. (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Shala (Marathi Movie) Box-Office Prediction

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Star Value: Child artists Anshuman Joshi and Ketaki Mategaonkar are slowly gaining popularity after the promos and the publicity. The film also has well known Marathi actors like Dilip Prabhvalkar, Santosh Juvekar, Nandu Madhav, Jitendra Joshi and Amruta Khanvilkar. However, for Marathi films, presence of big stars doesn’t matter since it is the story or the plot that attracts the audience.

Hype: The promos of the movie instantly impressed the audience when they were released last year. The excitement for the movie rose after it was appreciated the world over at various film festivals. Later on, the fact that the movie was postponed a number of times further increased its popularity.

Music: There isn’t much scope for music in Shala but that shouldn’t be a worry.

Prediction: Judging by the fact that the film is eagerly awaited, it will surely gain a very positive opening. And if the initial reports are positive, the word-of-mouth will help the film continue its reign in the forthcoming weeks.

(Click to enlarge)

What the hell happened to democracy?

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Our so-called government and authorities have forced me to ask this question by their silly acts in the last few months or so.

Firstly, in June 2011 when they acted in a Taliban-like manner and used force to end Baba Ramdev’s agitation against India’s black money stashed abroad. Although I don’t fully support Ramdev and his methods, I wonder how justifiable it is to mercilessly beat-up non-violent protestors including women and children!!! Taliban is the apt term for them!

Later on, in August 2011 when the government, in a state of panic, created a huge blunder of arresting Anna Hazare and denying him the right to peaceful protest. Then, telecom minister Kapil Sibal created a hue and cry to monitor content on social networking sites but the move didn’t gain much fuel.

But recently, there has been put forth a big question mark over India’s democracy after the Centre gave its approval to prosecute websites like Facebook, Google and others if they fail to remove offensive content.

A day before this, a High Court judge Suresh Kait threatened to go the China way and ban websites like Facebook and Google! Well, what bigger proof of India going the undemocratic do you require? From what I have heard, this was the same judge who granted bail to Amar Singh and Sukhram in corruption scandals!!! Any mature grown up will agree that banning such websites is the most cruel as well as foolhardy step!

As filmmaker Shekhar Kapur said on Twitter, “YouTube, Facebook, Google and Twitter are platforms, not publishers. Can you sue a bookshop for carrying Satanic Verses if not banned? Can you sue the Loudspeaker Company for the lies that politicians tell the electorate? Internet is free source and each of you with a blog is a potential publisher, can government sue a million blogs? Each email forwarded 1000 times is potential ‘objectionable material’. Can courts shut down e-mail?”

Another example: – Terrorists have used mobile phones to plan our death. Why haven’t you banned mobile phones yet?

I feel the only way to save India from this barbarism is to protest! Protest in every possible way to show the government that we the people won’t take it lying down else, the day isn’t far when people would say that India ‘was’ a democratic country!

Agneepath Box-Office Prediction

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Star Value: Whether Hrithik Roshan will be able to do justice to the character of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan will be known only after Karan Malhotra’s Agneepath releases. But one thing is for sure – having Hrithik as the main lead will surely help the film gain a very positive opening. The presence of other big stars like Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt and Rishi Kapoor will add more weight.

Music: ‘Chikni Chameli’, which is adapted from the Marathi song ‘Kombadi Palali’, has gained terrific popularity ever since it is released. The Katrina Kaif item number has given mammoth publicity to the movie. Other songs like ‘O Saiyyan’ and ‘Deva Shree Ganesha’ are being liked too.

Hype: The fact that Hrithik will be essaying a character played by the great Amitabh Bachchan has generated enough hype for the movie. Even the first two promos, along with ‘Chikni Chameli’ video, have added to audience’s curiosity to watch Agneepath.

Prediction: There is no stroke of doubt that Agneepath will garner a very good opening. God forbid, even if the film or Hrithik fails to match audience’s expectations, Dharma Productions should be in the safe due to the money collected in the first week. And if both the film and Hrithik receive thumbs up, Agneepath will surely be one of the biggest hits of 2012.

Vivekananda 150th Anniversary Celebrations in Mumbai

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Ramkrishna Mission Mumbai and Bhavan’s Cultural Centre (Andheri) have organized a variety of cultural programs in Mumbai to celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The day is also celebrated as National Youth Day across India.

Events: A mono act play on Vivekananda by Shekhar Sen. There will also be few other plays on the great disciple of Ramkrishna Paramhansa along with dance, skits and elocution performances. There will be an atmosphere of festivity throughout the event.

Time: 3pm to 9pm

Address: Bhavans Campus, Convocation Centre, Kalangan No 1, Behind Wadia High School, D N Nagar Cross Road No. 1, Andheri (West), Mumbai (Ample parking space).

NO ENTRY FEE. ALL ARE WELCOME!

How Swami Vivekananda enlightened me!

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Some time back, I came to know that social worker Anna Hazare’s inspiration to serve the country was none other than the great Swami Vivekanand. Since I am a great admirer of Hazare, I became utterly curious to know about the life and teachings of the person who inspired him.

Just when I was thinking of grabbing some book on Vivekananda, I came to know from Ramkrishna Mission (Mumbai) that a play will be staged in Mumbai based on the life of the great disciple of Ramkrishna Paramhansa in order to celebrate his 150th birth anniversary. It would be an understatement to say that I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

The play is titled Yuganayak Swami Vivekananda. It is conceived and directed by Dr Vikram Panchal while the script is written by Panchal and Qais Jaunpuri.

Among the various defining moments of Vivekananda’s life shown in the play, I would like to highlight the following:-

Fear: The play starts with Vivekananda stressing the importance of having no fear of anything or anyone in the world. You can say it was an electrifying start to the play since the way the actor uttered the lines, the audience experienced terrific josh which was felt by the huge applause!

Rationalism: Vivekananda wanted a rational proof for the existence of God. It was touching to see his quest to literally see the almighty.

Religion: Vivekananda and his family, although staunch Hindus, had equal respect for other religions like Islam and Christianity.

Caste: After enlightening people at a village, Vivekananda was hungry since three days but nobody offered him food. After three days, he accepted food from a Chamaar (people from the lowest caste). This infuriated and offended the Brahmins (people from the highest caste). Even the Emperor of the kingdom was taken aback by this.

From here on, the way Vivekananda explains the absurdity of the caste system is worth applauding again and again! His simple explanation was – A man should be judged higher or lower according to his karma (deeds) and not birth!

Idol Worship: During a visit in a kingdom, an emperor and his disciples opined to Vivekananda that idol worship is blind faith. According to them, just by giving shape to a stone, how can you consider it as God? To this, Vivekananda got hold of the emperor’s photo and asked one of his disciples to spit on it.

The disciple, along with everyone, was aghast! Vivekananda explains that just as you respect your emperor’s photo as you see him in it; devotees respect the idol as see their God in it.

Western Music: I was really surprised to know that Vivekananda was not only an admirer of western music but also possessed great knowledge in it.

Books: The way Vivekananda highlights the importance of reading books can develop an interest in reading in just anyone.

Encounter with Tata: I was also surprised to see Vivekananda stressing importance of science and technology for the development of the nation while conversing with Jamshedji Tata. His interaction with the founder of Tata industries was one of the most memorable scenes ever!

Chicago: Lastly, there was maximum applause from the crowd when Vivekananda highlighted the importance of Bhagwad Gita and India at Chicago.

After experiencing the play, I can say my perspective towards life has changed and I am feeling a great deal of positivity within me. I wonder what kept me away from such enlightenment all these years. Well, it’s better late than never. Now, I have become a disciple of Swami Vivekananda for life!

Players Movie Review

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Direction: Abbas-Mustan

Production: Burmawala Partners, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sonam Kapoor, Omi Vaidya, Sikander Kher, Bobby Deol

Music: Pritam

Rating: * ½

Plot: Charlie (Abhishek Bachchan) and Riya (Bipasha Basu) are professional thieves who decide to fulfill their mentor Victor Dada’s (Vinod Khanna) dream – of carrying out a major heist in order to build a school for the needy. Charlie decides to rob the gold bars which will be transferred from Russia to Romania. For this, Charlie builds a team comprising Spider (Neil Nitin Mukesh), Sunny (Omi Vaidya), Ronnie (Bobby Deol), Bilal (Sikander Kher) and Victor’s daughter Naina (Sonam Kapoor).

The Italian Job (1969) was remade once in Hollywood with the same name in 2003. Abbas Mustan’s Players is the remake of the 2003 film. You have two choices while remaking a movie – you can either make is ditto as the original or add your own inputs. Abbas-Mustan choose to do the latter in Players and create the following blunders: –

– Story: A lot of tampering is been done with the original story. Nothing wrong in this if you can provide an interesting tale. However, the story which is presented here hardly is hardly believable. Plus, the huge number of twists and turns not only take your interest away but after a point of time provide unintentional laughter! After a point of time, you just don’t seem to care about the climax, which is anybody’s guess.

– Characters: They have also increased the number of characters as compared to the original flick. For example, inclusion of Bobby Deol’s character hardly serves any purpose and his tricks in the mission appear weird! Bipasha Basu does have a lot to do with the story but the dumbness shown by the character is, again, laughable! But what’s more funny is the bunch of Indian cops who appear not more than sabziwalas or baniyas!

– Screenplay: Rohit Jugraj and Sudip Sharma’s screenplay and dialogues fail to involve the audience right from the start. Although you shouldn’t search for logic in such action thrillers but there is hardly any believability factor here. The characters are shown breaking all kinds of laws in public but never get caught. Plus, the drag-full proceedings and uninteresting twists get on to your nerves later on.

– Length: The 2003 Hollywood movie was just around 1 hour 45 minutes long while Players is close to three hours!!! Such high length can be justified only if your proceedings are highly interesting. Sadly, that isn’t the case here as the movie is pointlessly dragged by adding some uninteresting incidents which force you again and again to look at your watch.

The most impressive track from Pritam’s composition ‘Jis Jagah Pe’ fails to feature in the movie. The rest of the songs are not much to talk about. The only people who can hold their heads high the most are Ravi Yadav (cinematography) and Allan Amin (action and stunts).

Neil Nitin Mukesh is the most impressive of the lot when it comes to performances. The actor shows maturity. Abhishek Bachchan too is likable as the captain of the ship but once again he makes a wrong movie selection which will worsen his career graph. Bipasha Basu is average and so is Sikander Kher.

Sonam Kapoor’s poor acting skills and expressions are visible here too. On top of that, she is seen wearing mismatched clothes and accessories. She should seriously consider a change in profession. Omi Vaidya has great talent but he overdoes here in most of the occasions. Bobby Deol is hardly there while Aftab Shivadasani is wasted. Vinod Khanna hams in between an average performance. Johnny Lever provides good comic relief.

Overall, although Players is the first movie of 2012, it will surely be counted as one of the year’s biggest duds. It has failed to get a good opening which will make sure it will bomb at the box-office.

 

Players Box-Office Prediction

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Star Value: Players, which is the official remake of the Hollywood flick The Italian Job, has well-known names like Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Bipasha Basu, Sonam Kapoor and Omi Vaidya. However, these names don’t have the power to garner huge opening for a movie. Over the years, the star power of Abhishek and Bipasha has reduced while Neil’s decision of becoming choosy has lessened his popularity.

Hype: The makers have created Hollywood-like interesting promos and posters but the hype is missing. Even, the publicity campaign has been low key. There is hardly any excitement for Abbas-Mustan’s ambitious project.

Music: The song ‘Jis Jagah Pe Khatam’ is a catchy number with intelligent lyrics but despite that it hasn’t become famous. Other promoted songs like ‘Yeh Dooriyan’ and ‘Dil Ye Bekaraar’ are hardly known by the public.

Prediction: Although Players has been in the news ever since its announcement, it will fail to have a good opening due to the lack of hype and excitement. Even if the critics’ and initial audience response is positive, it will still have a tough time at the box-office. Sadly, Abhishek’s chances of returning to the successful league look dim.