Bollywood Insights

My Name Is Khan

2011-10-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

For some strange reason I had neverbeen able to watch My Name is Khan completely. Never, ever! Somehow Ifelt it would be better not to complete the film, that it is betterto watch it when it is forgotten. But it served to remind why SRK is not just oneof the biggest superstars ever but also one of the best actors inIndian cinema.

And when I watched MNIK today, myrespect for Karan as a director grew. His previous films are nowhereclose to this wonderful epic that he has made. So much so that it isdifficult to believe that he directed it and even more difficult tobelieve that it hasn't changed him one bit, as one could clearly seein Koffee with Karan, season-3. Maybe, SRK did really talk Karan intothe film saying that it would be really wonderful to try somethingdifferent.

The reason I mention direction is thatwhen I watched the film deeply, I couldn't hold back my tears. Thefilm was so emotionally charged in every sequence. Some of them are:

The first “My name is Khan. And I'm not a terrorist” dialog.
Rizvan comforting his mother.
The priceless blush of Rizvan, when Mandira asks him to marry her
The namaaz reading scene.
Rizvan finally being able to say I love you
Everytime Rizvan smiles with happiness, it jerks a tear from the eyes.

Nothing less than great cinema, MNIKleaves you with the characters and gives you the impression thatRizvan exists somewhere, in all of us. Its magic!

And as for SRK, he hasdelivered to the maximum and has proved that he can do any kind ofcinema, that he is just amongst the best. I definitely think he wouldtake up more cinema of this kind in the future and push Indian cinema further than anyone has ever done before. And boy, was heinsanely good-looking in those settings, he should have done a couple offilms simultaneously that year :D

Main Aur Meri Tanhayi

2011-09-25T10:33:00.002-07:00

What great lyrics.

The best feeling in the world when you hear it for the first time and are able to connect with it.

Main aur meri tanhayi aksar yeh baatein karte hain

Ki tum hoti to kaisa hota...

Tum yeh kahti, tum woh kahti

Tum is baat pe hairan hoti, tum is baat pe kitni hasti.

Tum hoti toh aisa hota, Tum hoti to waisa hota.

Main aur meri tanhayi aksar yeh baatein karte hain...

Yeh raat hain ki tumhare zulfe khuli hui hain

Hai chandini ya tumhari nazron se meri raatein dhuli huyi hai.

Yeh chaand hain ya tumhara kangan,

Sitarein hain ya tumhara aanchal.

Hawa ka jhoka hain, ya tumhari badan ki khushboo.

Yeh pattiyon ki hain sarsarahat, ki tumne chupke se kuch kahan hai

Yeh sochta hoon mein kabse gumsum

Jabki mujko bhi khabar hain

Ki tum nahi ho, kahin nahi ho.

Magar yeh dil keh raha hai,

Ki tum yahi, yahin kahin ho...

Majboor yeh haalat idhar bhi hai udhar bhi

Tanhayi ki ek raat idhar bhi hai udhar bhi.

Kahne ko to bahut kuch hain magar kis se kahe hum

Kab tak yun hi khamosh rahein aur sahe hum

Dil kahta hain ki duniya ki har ek rasm utha dein

Deewar jo hum dono mein hain aaj gira dein.

Kyun dil mein sulagte rahein logo ko bata dein

Haan humko mohabbat hain, mohabbat!

Ab dil mein yahi baat, idhaar bhi udhar bhi...

Robot

2010-10-31T11:30:00.002-07:00

At the audio launch of Robot, Rajnikanth had said that watching this film will be an experience, an enjoyment. I found his next words more apt:

Robot cinema is a celebration in the theatre...

I mean think about it, you've watched Shivaji and seen how the director handles Rajni; how the satire is on the actor himself. When you have India's biggest superstar ever in your film, why mock anybody else to sell it.

Overview

You watch awestruck: overtaken by the stars, the music and the robot. The first half simply blows away your mind and you are left asking for more. Rajnikanth as Robot is simply superb and the scientist's role is no less appealing. Aishwarya and Rajni rock the celluloid!

The second half is definitely the spending point of the film (a crore for every minute) but the only highlight is the transformation of the good robot to the bad one. The special effects are fantastic and all that but there is no real reason for them to be there. I mean how do you stop a mad robot? How many policeman would come to the aid of a machine that bursts bullets in all directions? What do you do when the robot's apparently indestructible?

Shankar

And that is where the genius comes in. An engineer at some point in life, Shankar knew how to deal with these problems; embed a social message and create the commercial magnum opus that the world shall remember forever. He had also addressed the growing debate on the question: "What if AI does succeed?"

Music

People talked about Rahman's falling supremacy with the CWG disaster (which is perhaps the only time he came out of the humility shell and claimed his composition to be better than Waka Waka) but it is soul of the movie. Each song is in a league of its own and perhaps that is the reason the album has come to the top spot in iTunes.

Sequel

Shankar definitely leaves open the possibility of Chitti's return. And that would be another huge budget flick. Perhaps in the coming five years. But for now, the Robot collections are growing and the film has earned critical appreciation from all corners.

Prequel: to the movie making

As to the question if SRK could've pulled this off I don't really doubt it but he would not have been able to sell the film. And also, he would have had to produce on his own (any actor for that matter) That's Rajnikanth, someone the film-makers can bank their money on and be assured of its successful run.

Saluting the biggest superstar in the country for his humbleness in real life and a screen presence that is larger than anything one can imagine.

The name is Rajnikanth. Mind it!

GULAAL

2010-10-15T21:45:00.002-07:00

There are some movies which I've learn to appreciate more with time and Gulaal is definitely one among those. A high drama of student politics intertwined with the Rajputana separatist movement. Watching it for the second time, (in a better print) at the end of the movie I was in total awe for the director and the plot.

I would categorize it as a movie that would be appreciated most by the people in the age 20-30. No spoilers here, only the highlights:

Transformation of the lead character: gullible -> arrogant -> dangerous

A phenomenal Kay Kay Menon
Female cast whose roles are well chalked out (not usually the case with mainstream Hindi cinema)
Rajputana tradition and the attitude of their men (look at the scenes where they are killed)
Anurag Kashyap's direction and story-telling (would rate this higher than DevD)

Aarambh hain prachand!

Three Idiots

2010-01-01T09:05:00.002-08:00

Let us have a look back at the last three years of Bollywood to find who would be best suited for the '3 Idiots of the year' award.

In the year 2008,

Aamir Khan for the dumbest hyped-up remake of all time: Ghajini
Salman Khan for claiming re-birth through Yuvvraj
Shah Rukh Khan for not only fighting with the above but also for projecting Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, a simple and stupid movie as a world-class one.

Year 2009 would definitely go to the actors in '3 Idiots':

Aamir Khan for coming out in flying colors with Three Idiots. The audience that saw the movie on the first day were not only sure that they would be coming to watch it again but also that he is the #1 actor in the industry, giving SRK a run for his money.
Sharman Joshi who has realized that it is not Chetan Bhagat (Hello!) but Aamir Khan (Rang De Basanti) who can give him a break in his career.
Madhavan aka Maddy who is an actor in the truest sense of the word, who has the potential to rise beyond the Khans.

Something in common in those two years was definitely the fact that we had to wait till the end of the year to know who made it into the list. But I guess the 2010th reason as to why 2010 is going to be special is definitely this: On the very first day we know who the three idiots are.

The three idiots for year 2010:

Aamir Khan, the perfectionist, who would not agree to sign a film without knowing what brand underwear he is supposed to wear while shooting, is now claimed to have done 3 Idiots without reading the book (Five Point Someone). As if that isn't enough he chose to comment and give his opinion on Chetan Bhagat calling his claim a publicity stunt!
Raj Kumar Hirani who hit back at the reporters saying the story was original and he even dared to do a shot-by-shot comparison between the movie and the book at the press conference. Wonder which 5% of the movie he is talking about :P
Vidhu Vinod Chopra. No words for this man. His manners clearly like one of the many spoiled kids who just don't agree to have committed a mistake. Definitely All is not Well with him and it will not be long before he starts receiving 'Get-Well-Soon' greetings :D

As Chetan would put it, it is not the fact that he was not given importance but it is the fact that people should know the truth. This kind of a thing is a threat to all writers.

And by the way congrats Aamir, for making it on the top in all of the three years. You are indeed a perfect idiot! I do hope you focus on chasing excellence (acting) like you did in Taare Zameen Par and not success (turnovers). Ghajini, 3 Idiots: Esey movies banakey bhi kya fayda!

King Kaun?

2009-03-17T10:23:00.002-07:00

A Bollywood special :

I closely followed the Aamir - Shahrukh rivalry ever since it had become a huge spiced-up sensation. The movies they made in 2008 weren't even close to good, yet ran away with good accolades. While Ghajini went on to become the biggest-grosser in Bollywood, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi touched a lot of hearts with its music and performances.

Apparently, the Filmfare power list is out and the no. 1 spot goes to...

Aamir Khan

followed by Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh's running through this terrible time:

an injured shoulder
unemployed till the summer
been removed from the Pepsi commercials
holding back a lot of projects whose fate is highly uncertain
toppled from the top spot of the power list
( not that he would bother ) Aamir suddenly seems to be the only thing on anybody's mind

Aamir's story :

He had his bad time when he was going great with Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hain. That year, nobody opened their mouth but were all praise for the superstar. He was if anything the King then. Just when things were going in the perfect way and he was looking real good he had problems. So, he hibernated and decided to come up with a movie once every 4 years.

It was at this time that SRK gained fame, his films went on to thrill the audience from all over the world and he was the first choice for any power list! Aamir would comfortably have said that this was because there weren't films from his side but he instead replied back with a mind-blowing Rang De Basanti.

Well whatever the background, both actors have had boththeir share of bad luck and huge success. Its just that Aamir is being hailed as the King by the same people who were SRK's faithful. But as such, the game has just started ( 0 - 0 ). It will be interesting to see how well they will perform in their forthcoming movies because they will now do well to recall that their popularity had begun with good acting. Good acting and not acting for fame.

If SRK is indeed looking for an opportunity to leave the trail of a great actor he would not say no to the Marathi film that is on his way but My Name Is Khan promises a comeback for him. ( Ironically, he hasn't taken any break! )

DevD

2009-03-03T09:08:00.002-08:00

Awesome poster - I

I was very fascinated by the emotional atyachaar video: the promos and posters of DevD. And all of us in the wing were waiting for a good print of the movie.

On a particularly chilly night after draining an elaichi tea I headed back to my room feeling slightly sick. There was no hint of headache or cold but just the feeling of being weak.

In my regular search over DC for a good print of the movie I finally came across it! Ten minutes into the movie, my eyes started watering; should have recognized the signs and slept but I persisted.

I experienced a severe headache at the point where Dev plunges himself into water.

Awesome poster - II

At the end of the film (I finally liked the movie because it had the transforming character), I had severe headache and cold and it took three days to feel better.

Note:
Music director and director of photography were absolutely awesome and so were the actors.
Try not falling in fever.

My name is Khan

2009-02-18T12:02:00.002-08:00

For a decade he has entertained the audience in a manner that was unmatchable and unthinkable by many. He is the biggest brand in the country today and also a source of inspiration for young and old alike. His stories and interviews are hot property that is read and re-read and never found boring.
While many term it success he calls it hard work.
While others think of simply great things he does simple things in the greatest way possible.

If there was one word in match to excellence it would be best fitted for that. But alas! as all good things come to an end, so will the King Khan. If people would have told that he would have failed to act after his first few films, there would be a Baazigar to pull him out.
If the conventional roles of Raj and Rahul never established him as an actor there was a Dil se.. after which he never looked back.
Every single thing he did went right afterward save the unnoticed woh lumhe judai ke which had released ten years later than planned. He gave terrifying hits, a few cult ones and the usual chocolaty types. While he was there on the screen he was at his best.

Apart from the interesting films he had taken up he is also an intelligent customer and a shrewd businessman. Instances like his quoting of movie prices, advertisements he takes up and also the managing of his IPL team. Another interesting thing is his ability to lie conventionally , his cheap jokes, his digs at his co-stars and that sense of being one among a million and yet wanting to be like every one of those million.

Well the signs are clear, the wrinkles are clearer. He is, if anything, in the fag-end of an illustrious career. His recent films were unimpressive and the spake of attacks on Aamir or brands he endorsed were never followed. He has now an injured shoulder to attend to and movies like Dulha Mil Gaya, Dhoom 3 and Don2 , have taken a backseat adding to the worries.

Coming to the much anticipated My Name Is Khan. Well, its anyone's guess to what the movie might turn out to be. Yet you'd get a bad impression if you have heard the comments he had to make.

" Karan and I are trying something like this for the first time. We've never done anything like this before. "

Sounds more like : " I am not alone responsible for the disaster that is on its way :P "

" There is this man, who has Asperger's syndrome and he goes around telling people my name is khan and I'm not a terrorist. "

Sounds like: " The whole movie will be filled with the same kind of scenes. My voice may have been dubbed. "

" Kajol plays his wife and she calls him Khan. "

Sounds like : " I'm bored with her and want to end shooting asap :P "

Glint of Hope

If you happened to see the Filmfare awards, you'd have noticed the charm, with which he is associated, returning back to his face. There is every reason to believe that he will be looking to give any claimant of the throne a perfect film to stay away from it.

Arziyaan

2009-02-09T08:05:00.002-08:00

The man, the genius has delivered an 8: 41 song that plays at your heart, that leaves you spellbound, that takes your mind places, on a beautiful journey...

Lyrics were provided by the godly lyricist Prasoon Joshi who seems to be moving from strength to strength. It is a devotional Qawali song. Most people would have thought ARR would have given it to his best man, Sonu Nigam, but he instead choose ( the extremely talented ) Javed Akthar and Kailash Kher for the song. He had the two singing together and the result was a masterpiece. The lyrics go thus :

Arziyaan Sari Mein Chehre Pe Likh Ke Laaya Hoon
Tumse Kya Mangu Mein Tum Khud Hi Samjah Lo
Ya Maulaaaa....
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula

Meaning:
All the applications I have brought, having written them on my face itself
What should I ask of You? You can understand it for yourself...
Maula means " O Lord "

Daraarein daraarein hain maathey pe maula
Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula
Mere Maula
Tere Dar Pe Jhuka Hoon Meeta Hoon Bana Hoon
Marammat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula
Marammat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula

Meaning:
( There are ) creases and creases are on my forehead
please repair my luck, o Lord.
My lord...

Time and again I bowed in front of You, I got destroyed here, I was made here
please repair my luck, o Lord.

Jo Bhi Tere Dar Aaya
Juhkne Jo Sar Aaya
Mastiyan Piye Sabko
Jhoomta Nazar Aaya

Jo Bhi Tere Dar Aaya
Juhkne Jo Sar Aaya
Mastiyan Piye Sabko
Jhoomta Nazar Aaya

Meaning:
Whoever has come to You
With the intention to bow their head at your Doorstep
Has drunk all the happiness in life
And can be seen dancing with joy by everyone.

Pyaas Le Ke Aaya
Dariya Woh Bhar Laya
Noor Ki Barish Mein Beeghta Sa Tar Aaya
Noor Ki Barish Mein Beeghta Sa Tar Aaya

Meaning:
( They ) had come with thirst ,
and filled a sea here
In the rain of light, he got drenched, and got rescued

NOTE: "tar" is a hindi word, tar jana, tar gaya, meaning getting moksha, getting rid of the cycle of karma and rebirth.

Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula
Dararein Dararein Maathe Pe Maula
Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula
Mere Maula

Jo Bhi Tere Dar Aaya
Jhukne Jo Sar Aaya
Mastiyan Piye Sabko
Jhoomta Nazar Aaya

Jo Bhi Tere Dar Aaya
Jhukne Jo Sar Aaya
Mastiyan Piye Sabko
Jhoomta Nazar Aaya

O Ek Khusbu Aati Thi
O Ek Khusbu Aati Thi

Mein Bhatakta Jata Tha
Reshmi Si Maya Thi
Aur Mein Takta Jata Tha
Jab Teri Gali Aaya
Sach Tabhi Nazar Aaya

Meaning:
a fragrance used to reach me

I used to keep on getting lost
there was silky sort of appearance
and I kept on staring at it
When I came to Your street
only then, the truth became apparent to me

Jab Teri Gali Aaya
Sach Tabhi Nazar Aaya

Mujhe Mein Woh Khusboo Thi
Jisse Tune Milwaya

Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula

Dararein Dararein Hai Maathe Pe Maula
Maramat Mukdar Ki Kar Do Maula
Mere Maula

Aaa...aaaa

Meaning:
When I came to Your street
only then, the truth became apparent to me
That frangrance was in me myself only, with which, You introduced me, o Lord

( There are ) creases and creases are on my forehead
please repair my luck, o Lord.
My lord...

[ This is my favorite part #2]

Tut Ke Bikharna Mujhko Zarur Aata Hai
Tut Ke Bikharna Mujhko Zarur Aata Hai
Varna Ibbadat Wala Sharur Aata Hai

Sajde Mein Rehne Do
Abb Kahin Na Jaunga

Sajde Mein Rehne Do
Abb Kahin Na Jaunga

Abb Jo Tumne Tukhraya To
Sawar Na Paunga

Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula

Meaning:
I, of course, know how to get broken and got scattered
but I don't know the style of praying
( How beautiful )
Please allow me to remain bowing to You, now I will not go anywhere else
If You reject me, then I wouldn't able to take care ( control, change ) myself

[ This is my favorite part #1. The duo sing together!]

Sar Utha Ke Mene To Kitni Khwahishe Ki Thi
Kitne Khwaab Dekhe The Kitni Khosishe Ki Thi

Jab Tu Rubaru Aaya
Jab Tu Rubaru Aaya Nazarein Na Mila Paya
Sar Jhuka Ke Ek Pal Mein

Sar Jhuka Ke Ek Pal Mein
Mene Kya Nahi Paya

Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula

Mere Maula ..
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula

Meaning:

With my head held high, I desired so much
I had seen so many dreams, I tried so many times
But when you had come face-to-face I couldn't meet your eyes

By bowing in front of You,
In an instant, what not have I been blessed with
( i.e., in an instant he had gained so much more than he had asked for )

Mora Piya Ghar Aaya
Mora Piya Ghar Aaya
Mora Piya Ghar Aaya
Mora Piya Ghar Aaya
...............

Meaning:
My beloved has arrived home

Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula
Maula Maula Maula Maula

Mere Maula ..
Maula Maula Maula Mere Maula
Mere Maula

The song would end and you would want it to go on. You will keep playing until you really understand its essence, love every word of it, appreciate every moment and revel in the mystic magic of Mozart...