Agneepath-An Ode

You didn't read it wrong. The title does say 'An Ode'. What normally is supposed to be a review has turned to an ode. I guess, that in itself is an indicator on how much I liked the movie. Though it'll be almost impossible for me to express, and explain why the movie struck a cord with me, or touched my heart; I could give you the top five reasons, as to why you should drop whatever you're doing, and head out to watch this movie. For me the movie was much more than just some revenge saga, it was an epic that unfurled on the silver screen. Anyway, before I get all soppy over it. Here are five reasons why Agneepath is a must watch!

• Sanjay Dutt : Don't let his awful look in the promos, cheat you into thinking that Sanju baba has not done a great job. He has perhaps given the best performance of his entire career. He is the personification of evil itself, in this movie. And truly evil seems to ooze from ever pore in his body on screen. His action is so so perfect, that you hate Kaancha. You want to cheer as Vijay kills him!

• Hrithik Roshan:  Where do I even begin ? He has done such a fabulous job. Right from his look, to his dialogues, his brooding eyes. Everything. He is the perfect Vijay Deenanath Chauhan! He has brought about so many shades to the character. He is passionate, he thirsts for revenge, he is brutal, he craves for his mother's love, he is cold and calculating.And that's just the beginning! You could watch the movie, just to see Hrithik do all this on screen. I see a filmfare in his kitty at the end of this year!

• Rishi Kapoor: Who could've even imagined that the grey eyed, lover boy of the 80s could play Rauf Lala to such perfection? Lala is foul mouthed, and coarse, and Rishi kapoor brings him to life with absolute perfection. Personally in some scenes, I forgot that I was watching Rishi Kapoor on screen, and absolutely wanted to pelt Lala with stones!

• Dialogues : I'm just awed by the dialogues in the movie.They're so well written, and fit the plot perfectly. The dialogue sequence between Father and son in the first 10 minutes, effectively set the tone of the movie, and form the crux of the entire story. The poem Agneepath by Shri. Harivansh Rai Bacchan has been used aptly, creating the mood for the movie. For me, it was absolutely inspirational, and I took much more than just the experience of Agneepath home.

• Chikni Chameli: Last but not in the least, "Chikni chameli" is enough a reason for people to go n watch this movie. Katrina is an absolute treat to watch on screen. The song is peppy, and Katrina's moves are a perfect match for it. She is one person who has grown from movie to movie. And with this one she can be queened!

P.S: Kudos to Karan Malhotra! He has managed to keep the soul of the original intact, and yet give us a complete epic. He's shown us that this is how a remake is made!

So people, don't waste any time. Grab the tickets for Agneepath! Abhi, Isi waqt!

Dreams in Prussian Blue- A Review

It is breezy, light, and meaningful. It is an excellent read, and an absolute page turner.

I am talking about Paritosh Uttam's maiden novel 'Dreams in Prussian Blue'.

Naina is the protagonist of the book. The book revolves around the lives of Naina, and her live-in boyfriend, and college art genius Michael Agnello.

Naina and Michael are both students at the Fine Arts college in Mumbai. Head over heels in love with Michael, Naina drops out of college with him, leaving behind her family and way of life. It is only after a while that she realises that life is not at all a bed of roses. All Michael is interested in doing is painting through the night. He refuses to share any of the other responsibilities at home, cranky and irresponsible most of the time. Naina struggles with many odd jobs, providing everything for Michael, including his painting supplies. Naina also works hard to get Michael some kind of recognition as a painting genius. The lack of Michael's cooperation on anything leads to failure in every aspect. Just when Naina's patience wears thin, and she is all set to leave Michael, tragedy intervenes. Michael loses his eyesight in an accident, and Naina is back to where she began in the first place. As she struggles to make both ends meet, and Michael happy, she has transcended to becoming a liar, and a cheat.

Will Michael ever forgive her for what she has done to him? Will she be able to forgive Michael, for pushing her to such ends? Or will there be two separate personal tragedies?

The novel is fast paced, and breezy. It delivers just what it promises to be, a Metro read. It goes to show the various nuances in the lives of live-in couples. It shows the consequences of rushing into any relationship without rational thought. It efficiently displays the sorrow, and despair prevailing in such life. It showcases the fact that a person with a passion, like art cannot be capable of adjusting in any other occupation. Blue seems to be the central theme of the book, as it is evident in the title. Whether it is Naina who is blue with sorrow, or Michael who in his blindness, cannot see anything else.

Almost throughout the book, the reader is sympathetic towards Naina. Naina has put all her dreams on hold for Michael's sake, who is insensitive to her needs, feelings or dreams. It is commendable that a male writer has been able to empathise so well, with what a woman goes through in such situations. What one must remember is that Michael is also a victim here, but merely of the circumstances. His views on life and materialism, though indifferent, ring the bell of truth.

The narrative technique is good. The time frame constantly shifts from the present to the past and back. It is something fresh, but definitely not something that is unheard of. It is character central. The characters have been dealt with very well.

It is fast paced, and leaves you dwelling upon the realities of life, as we know it. A good read.

The interpreter of Maladies---> my take on it at The Viewspaper!

My take on Jhumpa Lahiri's " Interpreter of Maladies" Chk it out at http://theviewspaper.net/the-interpreter-of-maladies/ . Please do rate the review, and comment on whether you like it or not :)

Dheera Dheera Magadheera !

I must admit that i had booked tickets for this movie half-heartedly. Simply wanted to see it to pass time. I'm no fan of Ram Charan, though i believe that he is quite a good dancer.
The after experience of the movie however completely changed my perception of both Ram Charan and Telugu Cinema in general.

Wow ! What a movie! Its got style!
Wondering why ? I give you five reasons to check out this flick in your nearest theatre.

• Wonderful Special effects:

Though it is no Matrix or Gladiator or 300. It is definitely the best we have seen till now in Telugu Cinema. Really amazing animation, the scenes of the kingdom, and its architecture are truly awesome.

• Good Music:

Have to hand it over to Keeravani for this. I should say that recreation of the song 'bangaru kodi petta' is fabulous. 'Panchadara Bomma' and ' Dheera Dheera' are good. Ofcourse, the song 'bagundi' is a dud. But the other songs make up for this one. Background score is also decent.

• Great Screenplay and Direction:

Kudos to Rajamouli, every detail has been taken care of very well. The narrative technique is good. Details have been parted with on the screen at the right time, in the perfect manner. Like the beginning of the movie, with only glimpses of what is yet to come, and what has gone by, is very innovative.

• Great Performances:

Charan has given a wonderful performance in this one. He has improved a lot from his first movie. Be it in his dancing or expressions. He still does need to work on his diction of Telugu, and the dialogue delivery is a bit unclear. Kudos to this Horse riding! He has done marvellous job. even his Dance is superb, and very natural. In these two arenas seems like he has surpassed his father. Kajal Aggarwal is also good, and this time, does more than simply smiling or glancing around. Dev Gil has also put up a very good show, and truly makes a shiver run down your spine. Even though Srihari has a very less screen time, he has done a great job in two completely opposite characters in the same movie.

• Chiranjeevi!

Last but in no way the least Chiranjeevi ! He has but 5 minutes of screen time, but he doesn't fail to charm us even today. You're pleading to him after that, asking him to quit politics and get back to the silver screen.

Well, there you have it. A great movie, a surely the birth of better Telugu cinema.