Curious? .. Phenomenal!

The other day, i saw a phenomenal movie-" The curious Case of Benjamin Button". Its really a movie made with a lot of thought into story and screenplay. Its an out-of-the-box concept movie, set in an era of simplicity. The maker doesn't go into the science behind the hero aging backwards but rather shows it in a light of acceptance and reconciliation with the fact. The news of the "monster baby" makes no media headlines. Everything about the movie is so.. so.. simple. there isn't a better word to describe the times- how one wishes that the present would be that simple!

The story also leaves you with a feeling of some gratitude towards life- a lesson to count one's blessings. How often we take the things in our life for granted!How often we forget our "normalcy" is really a gift in itself!

The lead actor's character in the movie is top class. We get to see more of his matured side, as most of the story is set in his early days. The joy he gets out of "scrapping bird shit"!..his remarkable statements on life itself like "realizing the value of earning money while visiting a brothel!" or "the timed description of the heroine's tryst with fate".. all words worth their weight in gold!

Truely impresssive stuff!

The Changing Face of Indian cinema: My Must See Movie List

In recent times I have come across a number of really good Indian movies- a suprising change from the usual song-dance-action routine. These films are more in tune with the times- realistic, low budget and refreshing. Technically too these movies are up to the mark in most instances. 

One of my present favourites is a telugu movie called "Happy Days". Its a college romance story.. but thats where the similarity to the usual masala potboilers ends. Its superbly made.. simple yet appealling. Its a definite must see for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. As for me, I have seen it 10 times already and till counting

Shekar Kamulla, the director of Happy Days, is quite obviously the brain behind the film- as the entire movie is steered by its direction. His earlier movie "Godavari" is also just as brilliant and is also a definite must-watch.

Another must see in my list is "A Wednesday" starring Naseruddin Shah and Anupam Kher in probably their best performances to date. Although somewhat predictable, its central theame is innovative. Another movie with a similar theame is " Aamir"- also a good flick. Although, made with sincerity that shows in the performances, its not quite in the same league as "A Wednesday". Naseruddin Shah gave us another stellar performance last year with "Parzania"- a moving story in the background of the Gujarat riots of 2002. More than the story, the movie brings into focus the horror of the riots like it has never been seen before- leaving you wondering how such deplorable acts can be carried out in this age!

A Pakistani movie "Khuda Ke Liye" is another reminder of the turbulent times we live in- where religious extremism and terrorism go hand-in-hand. You have to have patience to get through the slow script, but at the end, its worth it. It leaves you with a better understanding of society as its exists today.

I recently chanced upon a tamil movie-" Vaaranam Aayiram" and was floored by it. With dual acting by the ever perfect Surya and sound track by Harris Jayraj, its a complete entertainer. Even though it is a somewhat song-dance-action movie- its different in a way. 

Taking baby steps

So finally, here i am. After looking at 10 templates. changing fonts and background colors, im now settling down for the real thing..my baby steps in blogging. "baby steps"..know where i heard that term today?..on TV..Frieda Pinto..describing her experiences of stardum as "her first baby steps"; must say.. frieda was taking her "baby steps" while, Danny Bolye was "jumping" on the stage like he was on a trampoline and  AR Rahman "leapt" into history books. Man!... im a proud Indian today..(i know ur thinking- whats with these Indians?.. they associate everything with nationalism!..but sorry man.. thats how we've been brought up!). Ive seen the movie"Slumdog Millionaire"..yes u guessed in.. on a pirated CD(what else to do.. when the movie doesnt release in India after all the hype!).. and i wasnt "floored" by it... yes thats right.. i wasnt "too" impressed!.. not taking anything away from the movie.. it was a great watch.. never boring..always keeping u engaged.. but its not the "best" ive seen..and as for the music.. great but again not Rahman's "best". there have been bigger and better films( in India) ive seen .. and more melodious tunes of Rahman ive heard..too bad they never get recognized..but may be someday they will be..Anyway till then "jai ho" Rahman!..u make me so proud to be Indian!