The Common Man Speaks

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.

Swami Vivekananda play to be staged in Mumbai

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On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, a Hindi play will be staged in Mumbai based on him. The play is titled Yuganayak Swami Vivekanand and it will focus on the life and principles of the great disciple of Ramkrishna Paramhansa.

Title: Yuganayak Swami Vivekanand

Presented By: Adhyatma Vidya Mandir Ahmedabad and Vikram Academy of Performing Arts

Director: Dr Vikram Panchal

Date: Sunday January 8, 2012.

Time: 9:30am

Venue: Bhaidas Auditorium, Juhu Scheme, Road No. 1, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai – 400056.

The play is free for all but one needs to collect passes from the office of Ramkrishna Math at Khar or call Jayesh Shroff on 9820293242.

 

True story of Anna Hazare’s MMRDA (Mumbai) fast

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With the Government sabotaging the passing of the Lokpal Bill on December 29 by their cheap tactics, Anna Hazare’s grudge against them is proved right. Now, the intentions of the Congress are crystal clear in front of the nation! But I would like to take your attention on some other serious issue.

There has been a massive hue and cry by the media that Anna Hazare’s fast in Mumbai’s MMRDA ground, which took place on December 27 and 28, was a flop as very few people turned up at the venue to support the Gandhian. However, truth is something else at least on the second day.

Agreed, the long distance shots seen on various news channels showed vast empty spaces on the ground. When I saw the footage even I felt the attendance was way below short of expectations. However, recently my brother Fenil Seta and few IAC supporters told me a totally different story.

According to them, large number of people had turned up at the venue but since the ground covers a humongous area, the crowd looked small when seen from long distance. After watching the pictures and videos taken by them, I find no reason not to believe them.

(Article continued after pictures.)

When my brother took the above picture on the second day, he had to use the zoom function to the fullest effect. This is because he was just not able to go anywhere near the stage due to the strong crowd on the second day.

To prove my point further, I would like you to watch the following videos: –

During Hazare’s August fast at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, the crowd started increasing as the days progressed. Given the fact that the crowd had increased on the second day at MMRDA, it would have increased further if the fast was continued for some more days.

Considering that MMRDA is so far from Bandra and Kurla railway stations, with hardly any BEST buses running on the route, it should be said the turnout was good and the event by no means was a flop! It seems our media either didn’t know the truth or for some strange reason was shying away from reporting actual facts! Was it money? Who knows?

Naye Saal Ka Naya Veham (New Year Poem)

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By: Keyur Seta

Kab tak phool barsenge naye saal par,
Yeh bhi ho jayega ek din purana,
Sookh jayenge tab yeh saare phool,
Samaapti ka iski karega intezar zamana

Door ho jayegi sabhi duvidhayen,
Naye saal mein hoga naya savera,
Nav-varsh lagta atyant bharosemand,
Jhooti ummeeden ban jaati sahara

Purana hoga jab yeh naya saal,
Ho jayegi ummeed ki kiran ojal,
Dhoka de gaya yeh saal bhi,
Aao kare iska bhi qatal,

Naye saal mein kya hai nayapan,
Hai to keval tarikh mein badal,
Tu vijai ho saal ke pratyek din,
Paida kar utna aatmabal

 

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Anna Hazare ends fast, battle continues

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Finally Anna Hazare has broken his fast due to his deteriorating health condition. With this, the Jail Bharo Andolan, which was scheduled to take place from December 30 to January 1, is delayed indefinitely. Although he has gone against his decision of fasting for three days, this is the right decision since his presence in vital for any future course of action.

But the big issue which is in everyone’s minds is the low turnout at Mumbai’s MMRDA grounds. This was surprising considering the increase in the number of members in various Anna Hazare and India Against Corruption (IAC) groups and fan pages in Facebook and Twitter. According to me, the reason for the low turnout could be: –

Location: MMRDA ground is too far away from the station. It is also not accessible via BEST buses from every corner of the city unlike Azad Maidan.

Working day: It is very difficult for Mumbaikars to take leave from work during weekdays to attend the event. Even if they are willing to join after work, the location makes it difficult for them after a tiring and hectic day.

Having said all this, I show no bones in saying that I am highly disappointed by the way Mumbaikars have responded to the fast.

I have been reading huge number of comments in favour of Hazare in Facebook, Twitter and under various news articles. Even a good number of friends, family and relatives have been supporting him. So, why the same number didn’t reflect on MMRDA? I hope it’s the above mentioned two reasons that kept large number of Mumbaikars away. If that is not the case, such major events shouldn’t take place in Mumbai again!

But as Anna said, the battle will continue. I don’t care if large number of Mumbaikars don’t respond. I am fully committed to the cause. And why shouldn’t I all since the government is hell bent in presenting a toothless Lokpal Bill? Their intentions are crystal clear – to help those who wish to indulge in corruption. On the other hand, Anna’s dream is to bring a Bill which will help curb corruption. So, of course, I am with the one with good and noble intentions.

Don 2 Review

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Direction: Farhan Akhtar

Production: Farhan Akhtar, Shah Rukh Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Om Puri, Lara Dutta, Kunal Kapoor

Music: Shankar Ehsan Loy

Rating: * * ½

Plot: After becoming the king of drug mafia in Asia, Don (Shah Rukh Khan) now eyes Europe. But to achieve this, he will have to finish off the existing drug mafias of the continent, who are already eager to kill him. Hence, Don hatches a plan which will help him defeat his enemies and conquer Europe.

Don (2006), succeeded largely because of the novel interpretation of Farhan Akhtar of the original 1978 classic, path-breaking action and most importantly, a shocking twist in the end. So, when its sequel arrives, you surely expect at least a similar thrill ride if not more. But in the case of Don 2, that hardly happens due to some indigestible writing and events mostly in the second half.

The writers succeed in building up excitement in the initial moments as Don goes about his plan and later when he escapes prison. The sleek direction and editing, witty dialogues and action a la Hollywood keep you engrossed. Considering it’s a commercial action film, you can even afford to forgive a few flaws during this part including the laughable way in which Hrithik Roshan is used as a guest actor. All is still fairly well when the major heist is planned at the end of the first half.

Things are fine even when the heist is carried out. But it’s the all important portion after that where the writing falters. The twists and drama that follow are just too vague to digest especially the way Roma gets carried away. It’s utterly dumb of a super cop! But what makes you raise your eyebrows is the way Don’s human side is shown suddenly. It clearly doesn’t go well with the cruel character.

Few more of such indigestible events make sure you seldom care about the climax since it is anybody’s guess. A twist at the end makes you wonder at the way Don easily managed to pull off such an over-complicated plan.

As a director, Farhan manages to handle such a Hollywood-like film. It is his own script that acts as a dampener.

Music composers Shankar Ehsan Loy are one of the few ones who can hold their heads high for the musical and background score. But as per the nature of the film, only the title song and ‘Maya’ could be used in the film. Similar applause is needed for Jason West’s extraordinary cinematography.

The performance of the central character needs to be spot on when the whole film is based on it. Shah Rukh Khan does manage to put his better foot forward and give a commendable act through his charm. However, he looks too old to play such a character. Even his worn out body is visible regularly. Due to this, it also becomes difficult to believe when he bashes up baddies.

Boman Irani is effective although not at his best. A mature performer like Priyanka Chopra deserves a more performance-oriented role although she is good in action scenes. Lara Dutta manages to impress in a supporting role. Kunal Kapoor and Nawab Shah do well. Om Puri is average and so is Alyy Khan.

Overall, Don 2 had the potential of being a perfect sequel but is let down by the writing department. At the box-office, it will be another 2011 movie that will earn huge bucks but will fail to satisfy a good section of the audience.


 

 

Sharyat (Marathi Movie) Review

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Direction: Viju Mane

Production: Ashwamegh Productions

Cast: Sachin Pilgaonkar, Vidyadhar Joshi, Neena Kulkarni, Santosh Juvekar, Sampada Joglekar

Music: Chinar-Mahesh

Rating: * * *

Plot: A traditional bullock-cart race takes place every year in one of the rural areas of Maharashtra. The family that wins the race gets a chance to perform the very important Shiv Puja that year. For years Dhananjay Rao (Sachin Pilgaonkar) is winning the race for Gayatri’s (Neena Kulkarni) family. But once, Dhananjay loses the race due to the crooked method employed by Pratapsingh (Vidyadhar Joshi).

This ensures Dhananjay’s bullock cart meets with an accident which kills few people and injures the bullocks. Devastated by the incident, Dhananjay migrates to the city. He returns after five years and refuses to take part in the race. However, circumstances force him to take part in the last bullock-cart race. This race will decide which family will perform the auspicious puja each and every year. But Dhananjay has to face the mighty Pratapsingh.

Apart from story and direction, Marathi movies have come a long way even in the technical departments like cinematography, sleek editing and background music. These factors are visible in Viju Mane’s Sharyat, which, minus few hiccups, is surely a one-time watch.

Writers (Mane and Hemant Edlabadkar) bring the first plot point (main point) much sooner in the script. Due to this, there is not much to tell before the interval. Fortunately, the events and the cat and mouse game between the protagonist and the villain keep you interested if not fully gripped. The major twist at the interval point appears promising.

But a lengthy item number at the start of the second half acts as a dampener. Even the romantic song between Santosh Juvekar and Sampada Joglekar halts the proceedings. An unusual fact here is that Juvekar’s character has hardly anything to do with the main plot. Plus, Neena Kulkarni’s cruel act in the penultimate moments doesn’t go well with her character.

Fortunately, the events that follow later in the second half and the climax are laudable. In fact, the bullock-cart race in the climax is wonderfully shot which keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Shabbir Naik’s impressive cinematography and Satish Patil’s sharp editing deserve special mention. There is not much scope for music. ‘Sheela Chya Aaicha Gho’ is the track you take home from Chinar-Mahesh’s compositions.

Sachin Pilgaonkar perfectly gets into the skin of his character. This can be rated as one of his mature serious acts. Vidyadhar Joshi has enacted a similar character few times before but he deserves applause for playing a negative act with perfection. As expected from a respected name like Neena Kulkarni, she gives a mature and sensible act.

Although Santosh Juvekar’s character isn’t related to the story much, it’s a pleasure to see him perform. Sampada Joglekar, who looks naturally beautiful, isn’t bad as his love interest. The actor playing Kulkarni’s husband does well to portray a paralytic patient. The rest of the cast provides good support.

Overall, Sharyat tilts more towards the positive side. At the box-office, the film should garner decent collections before the big Bollywood release Don 2 hits the theatres.

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol Box-Office Prediction

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Star Value: Tom Cruise, one of the most famous actors in the universe, is back in the fourth installment of the successful Mission Impossible series. This reason is enough to get the cash registers ringing. Plus, the fact that it also has Anil Kapoor in a cameo has further boosted its chances in the Indian market. There is also Paula Patton playing the female lead.

Hype: The hype is tremendous for Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol with its promos having a terrific impact on the audience. The film has been more in the news in India due to the Anil factor.

Music: Being a Hollywood film, you can’t expect song and dance sequences. But Eminem’s ‘Won’t Back Down’ and the theme music is gaining a lot of attention. The songs and other soundtracks will appeal more when seen in the movie.

Prediction: Due to the above factors, Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol will have a very good run at the box-office, at least in the first week. The fact that not a single well known Bollywood film is releasing with it will give it further advantage. Even if the initial response doesn’t turn out to be very positive, people will go to see it once. However, the collections will come down once Shah Rukh Khan’s Don 2 releases on December 23.

Chikni Chameli joins the bandwagon!

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So, the much awaited teaser of ‘Chikni Chameli’ item number featuring Katrina Kaif from Agneepath is finally out. The song is based on the superhit Marathi song ‘Kombadi Palali’ from the movie Jatra.

But judging by the way this song and the last few item numbers (Sheila Ki Jawani, Munni Badnaam, Jalebi Bai, etc) are presented in the promos, the makers’ desperation to use it as a marketing tool is clearly visible.

There were times when item numbers were included in the movie due to the demand of the script or the story. The songs were rich in terms of lyrics and singing, whereas today, the focus is more on exposure and vulgar dance moves. And most importantly, the makers never boasted about their item numbers as an achievement unlike today.

Another notable fact is that the girls that feature in these item numbers are considered on par with a successful actress! It’s shocking to see how someone like Malaika Arora Khan is termed and given as much importance as a successful actress! What has she achieved apart from shaking her body to these seeti-bajao numbers?

And now, ‘Chikni Chameli’ will add more feathers in Katrina’s cap! So what if she can’t speak a word properly and fails to give proper expressions most of the times? Bollywood is going through such a phase where all good-lookers are considered good actors regardless their acting skills!

Have a look at the full video of Chikni Chameli: –