C - "Light up, why are you taking so much time?"
S - "Arre, ruk"
G - "Fast guys"
S - "Tu ruk"
Chack, Chack, Phuuuusssss - the match lit up.
The hand holding the match rose up to meet the cigarette lodged in the mouth. Pretty innocuous action - not really, when the cigarette is filled up with grass and the person lighting it is already a couple of beers down.
Anyways, puffs are taken and the cigarette disappears faster than the Sensex falls these days.
C - "Let's go for a drive !"
G - "At this time ? Where ? Why don't you guys go home and chill ? It's 2330 hours already"
C - "No, we want to go for a drive !"
Arguing with 2 guys high on beer and grass is ......well.....pretty useless.
G - "Chalo - let's go, but where ?"
C - "Palm Beach road, it's new and there will be less traffic at this hour"
G - "Ok"
Everyone jumps into the Silver Santro. G was and is the designated driver. S jumps into the front passenger seat and C gets into the back seat.
C - "Metallica chalu kar"
S - "Nahin, let's listen to some slow music now"
G - "Let's put on Bollywood"
C - "Chutiye, grass marke Bollywood sunega? Nikal yahan se"
All 3 start laughing and as usual C gets his way.
ENTER NIGHT, EXIT LIGHT !!
Soon they are cruising on Palm beach road. As a small bridge approaches,
C - "Bridge pe rok de"
G - "Why?"
C - "Cigarette marni hai"
The Santro halts on the bridge. All 3 get down and as is customary peek down to see what's under the bridge. At 2345 hours all they see is darkness but their noses are assaulted with different kinds of smell.
S lights up and all 3 drag away.
S - "Let's do a hi-speed run to the NRI complex"
G - (grinning) - "Chalo"
C - "S, I am sitting in the front"
S - "No ways"
C - "You sat till here na, now let me sit in front"
S - "No"
Both run to front door and C gets there first but is unable to get in. He is held back by S, a professional boxer in his college days. S muscles his way into the front seat leaving a sullen C to sit in the back.
G - "Both of you fasten your seatbelts, else we are not moving"
C & S do as instructed.
Vroom, vroom - the revs rise and as the rev counter hits 3000 RPM, G lets go the clutch.
Screeeeeeecccccccchhhhhhhhhhhh - the Santro takes off leaving a cloud of dust in it's wake. It is close to midnight and traffic is sparse.
Soon they approach 100 kmph.
S - "G kya kar raha hai?"
G - "Kya hua?"
S - "Itna fast?"
G - "130 kmph now"
S - "Fuck, I feel like I am on a plane taxing on the runaway before take off"
G & C dissolve into laughter.
G - "It's 140 kmph"
S puts his head between his knees and closes his eyes.
Before they know - they are at the NRI Complex.
C hops in to the front seat and S is only too glad to get in to the back seat. Off they go again and within 3 minutes they enter Vashi.
C - "Grass ka side effect hai re. I am hungry, lets get something to eat"
G - "Ok, there is this bhurji wala and chai wala near the Fire Brigade station"
S - "Chalo"
They pull up to the bhurji wala. The time is 0010 hours.
C & G hop out and order for bhurjis and tea. Suddenly they realise S is not getting out. They yank open the door and S is lying down on the seat.
G - "Kya hua?"
S - "Fuck man it felt like a aeroplane."
C and G laugh and pull S out of the car.
S - "let me wear my chappals"
After 30 seconds, S gets out - "I can't find my chappals"
"Arre, it must have been shifted during the fast run, check again"
S - "Nahin hai"
C - "WTF - andha hogaya hai kya?"
All 3 search but the chappal is missing. It's not in the car.
S - "I can't go home bare feet. I need to find the chappal !!"
"Did you have the chappal on in the car?"
"Yes"
"Let's eat and then we will think what to do"
They wolf down tasty bhurji complemented with special cutting chai topped off with a Classic Milds.
"Chalo - let's find the missing chappals"
We decide to trace our steps backwards. The last stop before we halted at the bhurji wala was the bridge on Palm Beach road. We drive down to that bridge.
S is tense and missing his chappals.
As soon as the car halts on the bridge, he jumps out.
Before anyone else could get down from the car, S triumphantly yells - "I GOT THE CHAPPALS"
We get down and give him taaplis on his head - "Why the hell do you have to remove your chappals on the road ?"
Sadly, S has not been able to answer that question till today, 7 years after the incident.
But this is a memorable moment in the lives of C, S & G. And I just wanted to share it.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Movie Review - Money Hai toh Honey Hai
Verdict - I just couldn't get myself to go and watch this movie (although I am a Govinda fan)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
A Scary Moment
Driving back from work today evening, I am at the Panjra Pool signal in Chembur going towards Sion. The signal turns green and I take off since the traffic is light. Just about 200 meters ahead is a police road block. There is a ST bus to my right and I know he is going to swerve wildly to his left to go through the barrier - so I honk and flash my lights to make him aware of my presence to his left.
Then it happens - a traffic cop signals me to pull over. I do so and park the car and down the window glass on the passenger side. 2 cops come, look inside thoroughly. One asks for my license. As I proceed to open my wallet and search my license in the wallet, one asks me - "Where do you work?"
And I say "Navi Mumbai".
The expression on both the cop's faces change and I realise what I have just said.
I add - "Thane Belapur Road" but the look on the cops faces makes my hair stand.
"Aap ke paas card hai ?" - one asks
"Haan hai." - I reply and quickly fish out my visiting card.
Both have a thorough look and hand the card back to me.
"Aap Jaao"
"Thank You" - I mutter and move away.
Then it happens - a traffic cop signals me to pull over. I do so and park the car and down the window glass on the passenger side. 2 cops come, look inside thoroughly. One asks for my license. As I proceed to open my wallet and search my license in the wallet, one asks me - "Where do you work?"
And I say "Navi Mumbai".
The expression on both the cop's faces change and I realise what I have just said.
I add - "Thane Belapur Road" but the look on the cops faces makes my hair stand.
"Aap ke paas card hai ?" - one asks
"Haan hai." - I reply and quickly fish out my visiting card.
Both have a thorough look and hand the card back to me.
"Aap Jaao"
"Thank You" - I mutter and move away.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Movie Review - Mission Istanbul
Mission Instanbul
A top Indian journalist takes up a lucrative posting in an Instanbul TV channel, famous for showing terrorist activites. All the previous journalist have died under mysterious circumstances when they tried to leave the channel.
Suddenly an ex-Turkish Army commando warns the Indian journalist that he may be the next target. And from then on it's action.
Scenes have been copied from numerous Hollywood movies - one roof top chase is straight out of the The Bourne Ultimatum.
The Scorpio has been used extensively in the movie (LHD) as has Mountain Dew - making an unwanted appearance at the wrong time.
Zayed Khan plays the Indian journalist and is hamming and overacting through out . How he has still survived this industry is a mystery.
Vivek Oberoi plays the ex-commando. His is a crowd pleasing role and he goes at it with so much gusto that he looks like a model walking the ramp instead of an commando. Everything is so easy for him.
The 2 girls - blink and you will miss them.
2 villians - Nikitin from Jodha Akbar and Shabbir from the Balaji camp - overact .
Music is so-so with the "World hold On" being mutilated beyond repair.
Verdict - 1.5/5. Miss it.
ps - the 1 star is for showing George Bush in an hilarious avtaar.
A top Indian journalist takes up a lucrative posting in an Instanbul TV channel, famous for showing terrorist activites. All the previous journalist have died under mysterious circumstances when they tried to leave the channel.
Suddenly an ex-Turkish Army commando warns the Indian journalist that he may be the next target. And from then on it's action.
Scenes have been copied from numerous Hollywood movies - one roof top chase is straight out of the The Bourne Ultimatum.
The Scorpio has been used extensively in the movie (LHD) as has Mountain Dew - making an unwanted appearance at the wrong time.
Zayed Khan plays the Indian journalist and is hamming and overacting through out . How he has still survived this industry is a mystery.
Vivek Oberoi plays the ex-commando. His is a crowd pleasing role and he goes at it with so much gusto that he looks like a model walking the ramp instead of an commando. Everything is so easy for him.
The 2 girls - blink and you will miss them.
2 villians - Nikitin from Jodha Akbar and Shabbir from the Balaji camp - overact .
Music is so-so with the "World hold On" being mutilated beyond repair.
Verdict - 1.5/5. Miss it.
ps - the 1 star is for showing George Bush in an hilarious avtaar.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hi, Domino's Pizza - We SUCK !
Felt like having a pizza. Called up Domino's, Chembur branch, on 25298383.
Tring Tring.
Hi, Domino's Pizza.
Hi. What's the smallest size of Pizza you guys have ?
7 inch.
Ok, what options do I have in non vegetarian. Mutton is preferred.
Spicy or non spicy ?
Spicy.
Mexican chicken and red chicken something.
Nothing in mutton?
Kheema mutton.
I want a 7 inch kheema mutton.
Ok sir, your phone number.
The drama of taking down my phone number and address started. Finished.
Sir, today no time limit. your delivery might be late.
Why ????
Too much of rush.
People order Domino's only because they deliver in 30 minutes.
Yes Sir.
Then ?
Today rush Sir.
Is there a clause that Domino's will not deliver in 30 minutes if there is rush?
No Sir.
Then?
Today rush Sir.
Cancel my order if you cannot deliver in 30 minutes. I am paying you for that right ?
Ok Sir. Order cancelled.
Click.
Tring Tring.
Hi, Domino's Pizza.
Hi. What's the smallest size of Pizza you guys have ?
7 inch.
Ok, what options do I have in non vegetarian. Mutton is preferred.
Spicy or non spicy ?
Spicy.
Mexican chicken and red chicken something.
Nothing in mutton?
Kheema mutton.
I want a 7 inch kheema mutton.
Ok sir, your phone number.
The drama of taking down my phone number and address started. Finished.
Sir, today no time limit. your delivery might be late.
Why ????
Too much of rush.
People order Domino's only because they deliver in 30 minutes.
Yes Sir.
Then ?
Today rush Sir.
Is there a clause that Domino's will not deliver in 30 minutes if there is rush?
No Sir.
Then?
Today rush Sir.
Cancel my order if you cannot deliver in 30 minutes. I am paying you for that right ?
Ok Sir. Order cancelled.
Click.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Fear Factor !
Yes, I am talking about this new show on a new TV channel - Colors.
It is a show based on an international format where the selected participants are made to do stunts with various difficulties thrown in.
This time the show is hosted by Akshay Kumar. He is known for his dare devil stunts that he performs (or rather used to) in his movies. The channel got the casting of the host spot on.
The participants selected were all ladies / girls / females. All of them somewhere famous in their own right ranging from Ex-Supermodels to current Supermodels to TV actors to failed Bollywood actors to item girls. Good faces to look at. Each of them have an ex-army guy as a partner for the show.
The 1st episode kicked off with a stunt where the girls had to jump off a moving helicopter into a lake and land in between the specified colored area. And I was actually quite shocked to see these girls do that pretty well. And then they moved onto the next stunt.
This stunt comprised of plucking out the maximum number of fruits from a glass tank filled with water with your mouth. Sounds easy, right ? Not when the tank was filled up with creepy, slimy snakes of different shapes, sizes,colors, thickness - YUCK YUCK YUCK.
I would have never done something like that for any thing in the world. But all these girls tried and a lot of them did pretty well too.
I was shocked, well and truly shocked ! Never expected these pretty girls to even try something like this. I was impressed.
The 2nd episode that aired yesterday consisted of a stunt where a few African spiders were released over the faces of the girls and their hands were tied. They had to pull out the correct key from many keys hanging in front of them, with their mouth and unlock themeselves.
The 2nd stunt of the 2nd episode was climbing right to the top, near the roof of a building and then walking across the walls on a thin ledge with vaccum holders in their hands. Awesome and really thrilling.
Again, never expected these girls to do it so well. Kudos to them.
Akshay Kumar does well as the host egging the participants on and cracking jokes. The roles of the ex-army partners is still not clear to me though.
I am hooked and am waiting for the 3rd episode tonight @ 10 on Colors.
I suggest you guys give it a view over once. It is fun.
It is a show based on an international format where the selected participants are made to do stunts with various difficulties thrown in.
This time the show is hosted by Akshay Kumar. He is known for his dare devil stunts that he performs (or rather used to) in his movies. The channel got the casting of the host spot on.
The participants selected were all ladies / girls / females. All of them somewhere famous in their own right ranging from Ex-Supermodels to current Supermodels to TV actors to failed Bollywood actors to item girls. Good faces to look at. Each of them have an ex-army guy as a partner for the show.
The 1st episode kicked off with a stunt where the girls had to jump off a moving helicopter into a lake and land in between the specified colored area. And I was actually quite shocked to see these girls do that pretty well. And then they moved onto the next stunt.
This stunt comprised of plucking out the maximum number of fruits from a glass tank filled with water with your mouth. Sounds easy, right ? Not when the tank was filled up with creepy, slimy snakes of different shapes, sizes,colors, thickness - YUCK YUCK YUCK.
I would have never done something like that for any thing in the world. But all these girls tried and a lot of them did pretty well too.
I was shocked, well and truly shocked ! Never expected these pretty girls to even try something like this. I was impressed.
The 2nd episode that aired yesterday consisted of a stunt where a few African spiders were released over the faces of the girls and their hands were tied. They had to pull out the correct key from many keys hanging in front of them, with their mouth and unlock themeselves.
The 2nd stunt of the 2nd episode was climbing right to the top, near the roof of a building and then walking across the walls on a thin ledge with vaccum holders in their hands. Awesome and really thrilling.
Again, never expected these girls to do it so well. Kudos to them.
Akshay Kumar does well as the host egging the participants on and cracking jokes. The roles of the ex-army partners is still not clear to me though.
I am hooked and am waiting for the 3rd episode tonight @ 10 on Colors.
I suggest you guys give it a view over once. It is fun.
The Drama of Politics
Me and a friend walked in to a bar to grab a few beers yesterday
What were we to know that 4 people in starched white shirts / trousers with matching shoes would turn our trip into a fun filled one.
For a change the TV at the bar was tuned into DD-Lok Sabha (can you fucking believe that ?) A TV set in a bar screening Lok Sabha !!
And these 4 guys were the ones in charge of what played on TV and what played at Delhi.
They were restless when the Trust vote was taking place.
"Why is it taking so long ?"
"What is happening"
"You think the Govt will survive?
Yes, normal questions the nation was asking for the last week suddenly had a very tense and tight feel ! Never before had such a innocent question created so much tension that could be cut with a knife before the answer was given and was no proper or correct answer to that question !
The TV was broadcasting images from the parliament and it was actually quite nice to see the MP's at their best behaviour. Yes - they were simply shouting and screaming - all 500 odd present in the hall and at the same time. Was much better than watch them try and hit each other with chairs - thats why the best behaviour comment.
And I could feel the tension in the 4 guys in sitting in Mumbai when the time came closer. One refused to go and take a leak, lest he misses the verdict. Another refused to sip his whisky till the screen flashed the result.
This was turning out to be a great trip for us.
Finally the result was flashed and the Govt survived.
All the 4 cheered heartily and toasted to he Govt's success. The clinking of whisky glasses was heard followed by a couple of guys rushing to releive their bladders.
The result was being re-confirmed and when it was finally concluded that the Govt had indeed won - these 4 guys had a smirk that was larger than the one on Amar Singh's face.
Finally the DD-Lok Sabha channel rolled the credits and the show was over. These 4 guys felt as proud as the PM / Sonia Gandhi in Delhi for fashioning the Govt's victory.
"Finally it's over" I told my friend, "Let me ask the waiter to change the channel to ESPN."
As I lifted my hand to grab the waiters attention, one of the 4 guys yelled to the waiter "Chalo Khatam, Abhi NDTV laga."
Politics - I tell you !
What were we to know that 4 people in starched white shirts / trousers with matching shoes would turn our trip into a fun filled one.
For a change the TV at the bar was tuned into DD-Lok Sabha (can you fucking believe that ?) A TV set in a bar screening Lok Sabha !!
And these 4 guys were the ones in charge of what played on TV and what played at Delhi.
They were restless when the Trust vote was taking place.
"Why is it taking so long ?"
"What is happening"
"You think the Govt will survive?
Yes, normal questions the nation was asking for the last week suddenly had a very tense and tight feel ! Never before had such a innocent question created so much tension that could be cut with a knife before the answer was given and was no proper or correct answer to that question !
The TV was broadcasting images from the parliament and it was actually quite nice to see the MP's at their best behaviour. Yes - they were simply shouting and screaming - all 500 odd present in the hall and at the same time. Was much better than watch them try and hit each other with chairs - thats why the best behaviour comment.
And I could feel the tension in the 4 guys in sitting in Mumbai when the time came closer. One refused to go and take a leak, lest he misses the verdict. Another refused to sip his whisky till the screen flashed the result.
This was turning out to be a great trip for us.
Finally the result was flashed and the Govt survived.
All the 4 cheered heartily and toasted to he Govt's success. The clinking of whisky glasses was heard followed by a couple of guys rushing to releive their bladders.
The result was being re-confirmed and when it was finally concluded that the Govt had indeed won - these 4 guys had a smirk that was larger than the one on Amar Singh's face.
Finally the DD-Lok Sabha channel rolled the credits and the show was over. These 4 guys felt as proud as the PM / Sonia Gandhi in Delhi for fashioning the Govt's victory.
"Finally it's over" I told my friend, "Let me ask the waiter to change the channel to ESPN."
As I lifted my hand to grab the waiters attention, one of the 4 guys yelled to the waiter "Chalo Khatam, Abhi NDTV laga."
Politics - I tell you !
Monday, July 21, 2008
Shop or Shade ?
At Diamond Garden, in Chembur, there is this mall coming up. It's being developed by the Raheja's. Right next to it is a temple. And in front of the mall is a bus stop that is covered by large trees. The mall is not yet complete but............
The trees in front have been brutally cut so that the mall gets more visibility.
I guess people who need to shop inside are more important than the ones waiting for a bus in the cool shade of the trees on a hot day.
Anyone know where I can forward this complaint ?
The trees in front have been brutally cut so that the mall gets more visibility.
I guess people who need to shop inside are more important than the ones waiting for a bus in the cool shade of the trees on a hot day.
Anyone know where I can forward this complaint ?
Sunday, July 20, 2008
JAM-K - The Rapping Gangsta from Bollywood
JAM-K
This character from the movie - Bombay to Bangkok (directed by Nagesh Kukunoor) - had me in splits. Yesterday, I was watching the movie for the 2nd time and JAM-K (played by Vijay Maurya) is simply downright hilarious as the Gansta who loves to rap. Just watch his scenes in the you tube link below and you will understand what I am saying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2xBbr6nWwE
Enjoy !
This character from the movie - Bombay to Bangkok (directed by Nagesh Kukunoor) - had me in splits. Yesterday, I was watching the movie for the 2nd time and JAM-K (played by Vijay Maurya) is simply downright hilarious as the Gansta who loves to rap. Just watch his scenes in the you tube link below and you will understand what I am saying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2xBbr6nWwE
Enjoy !
Sunday
The last thing I remember when I went to sleep yesterday night was that Tomorrow is Sunday - Yippee.
I wake up at 6 am and furiously brush my teeth. A cold glass of milk is downed fast. I get into my shorts and T-shirt and tie up the shoe lace. Walk to the door and on the way, pick up my tennis racquet. The tennis courts are about 4 minutes away from where I live. I start jogging in a bid to warm up. I see a couple of people already on the courts and join them. We will play doubles today. The teams are selected and I am to serve. I get into position at the service line and toss the ball up. I see the Wimbledon scoreboard from the corner of my eye and the crowd sitting quitely. THWACK !
Fifteen - Love , Becker. The crowd erupts. I pump my fist.
Yaay - it was an ace.
The next 2 hours fly by with the only words being - thirty / forty , duece, advantage punctuated by noises like thwack.
It's 8-30 am and I am sweating like a pig. I say my goodbyes and walk home. Mom pushes me straight into the bathroom and I have a lovely cold shower. There is a smile on my face and a song in my heart.
I walk out of the bathroom and get into fresh clothes. Hot breakfast is served and I quickly gobble it up. Time to stretch out in front of the TV. Heck it's "MAHABHARAT" time.
The serials get over at noon and I still have a couple of hours to kill before lunch. Out I walk into the verendah and pick up the cricket bat lying there alongwith the ball. Our house had a big compound and we (my bro and me) used to play underarm cricket. We start off and get totally immersed in the game.
156-2 - David Boon on 67 and Allan Border on 23. Ravi Shastri bowling to Boon. Shastri tosses one up and Boon goes forward - "Gautam" - Boon plays down the wrong line and is clean bowled.
MOM - why did you have to shout when I was playing a shot ???????
We call for lunch break and Simon O Donell will join Border to continue the Aussie innings after the lunch break. (Did I tell you - our lunch breaks could extend from 30 minutes to 24 hours.)
After a heavy lunch, I (as Shastri) was in no mood to go and bowl to Border and O'Donell so I decide to catch 40 winks. Mom is happy that we ain't playing in the hot sun.
It's 3-00 pm and the fan is whirring full speed. I pull the bedsheet over me, the decide to cover the whole of myself with the bedsheet. I wait for things to settle down for 10 minutes and when I am sure there is no movement and all are asleep - I very quietly put my hand down and under my bed and pull out the latest edition of the "Ghost Who Walks" series. Cover my head and gobble up the whole comic strip.
It's already 4-15 pm. I get up, wash my face and dad prepares tea in the meantime. I get into another pair of shorts and T-shirt, put on my keds and in 15 minutes am at the ground. I see all my friends have already started kicking ball. I join then and for the next 1 hour - I am transformed into paul Gascoigne - I deliver pin point passes, control the pace and feed our strikers - England wins the game 3-0 of which 2 goals were scored on my passes.
It's 5-30 pm and I see a few of my cricket fanatic friends selecting their teams for a 12 over one day match. I rush towards them and am selected in one team. My job today is to keep wickets. After 45 minutes, it's our turn to bat and we have to chase 67 in 12 overs.
It's 6-20 pm, when I am asked to open the innings with another friend. I take guard first. It's actually twilight and dimming fast. The opposition have 3 fast bowlers. Then it hits me - I have been made a scapegoat. I have to go and face 3 fast bowlers in fading light, that when they will be at their fastest best. Damn !!!
I decide not to buckle down and a determination to win against all odds takes over me.
Right arm over the wicket, calls the umpire.
I see a tall guy hurtling down towards me, his face looking menacing. He reaches the umpire, leaps and bowls, Thack. Backfoot defensive shot - right in the centre of the bat. That felt good.
I feel we have a good chance but in the next 4 overs we reach 12 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. I am standing at the non strikers end - my contribution being 1 run.
In walks a player we just took in our team as we were not getting 11 players. And he proceeds to play a blinding innings. We reach 72-5 in 10.4 overs and I end up with 7 not out. Rest of the runs scored by a guy batting with me whose name I did not know.
It's 7-10 pm and dark now. My friend Vinay picks me up from the ground and we proceed to the badminton court. Have fun smashing shuttles and making Vinay run for 30 minutes. Soon he tires and asks me to play table tennis instead. I agree and we have a ball playing table tennis for the next half an hour.
Soon I am tired. Walk back home and again I am asked to proceed straight to the shower. Have a nice hot bath and get into fresh clothes and plonk myself in front of the TV. Have dinner and go straight to bed.
As soon as I hit the sack, I am asleep. I have to be at the tennis courts at 630 am tomorrow.
"Gautam, wake up - it's 8 o clock"
I sit up straight with a jolt - "8 o'clock - noooo I am late"
I jump out of bed and rush to brush my teeth.
While brushing I notice a stubble. Damn No - I don't want to shave now, I am already late and besides I can go to work in a stubbble today, after all it's Sunday.
WORK ???? ON A SUNDAY ??
Sigh - I remember it is 2008.
I wake up at 6 am and furiously brush my teeth. A cold glass of milk is downed fast. I get into my shorts and T-shirt and tie up the shoe lace. Walk to the door and on the way, pick up my tennis racquet. The tennis courts are about 4 minutes away from where I live. I start jogging in a bid to warm up. I see a couple of people already on the courts and join them. We will play doubles today. The teams are selected and I am to serve. I get into position at the service line and toss the ball up. I see the Wimbledon scoreboard from the corner of my eye and the crowd sitting quitely. THWACK !
Fifteen - Love , Becker. The crowd erupts. I pump my fist.
Yaay - it was an ace.
The next 2 hours fly by with the only words being - thirty / forty , duece, advantage punctuated by noises like thwack.
It's 8-30 am and I am sweating like a pig. I say my goodbyes and walk home. Mom pushes me straight into the bathroom and I have a lovely cold shower. There is a smile on my face and a song in my heart.
I walk out of the bathroom and get into fresh clothes. Hot breakfast is served and I quickly gobble it up. Time to stretch out in front of the TV. Heck it's "MAHABHARAT" time.
The serials get over at noon and I still have a couple of hours to kill before lunch. Out I walk into the verendah and pick up the cricket bat lying there alongwith the ball. Our house had a big compound and we (my bro and me) used to play underarm cricket. We start off and get totally immersed in the game.
156-2 - David Boon on 67 and Allan Border on 23. Ravi Shastri bowling to Boon. Shastri tosses one up and Boon goes forward - "Gautam" - Boon plays down the wrong line and is clean bowled.
MOM - why did you have to shout when I was playing a shot ???????
We call for lunch break and Simon O Donell will join Border to continue the Aussie innings after the lunch break. (Did I tell you - our lunch breaks could extend from 30 minutes to 24 hours.)
After a heavy lunch, I (as Shastri) was in no mood to go and bowl to Border and O'Donell so I decide to catch 40 winks. Mom is happy that we ain't playing in the hot sun.
It's 3-00 pm and the fan is whirring full speed. I pull the bedsheet over me, the decide to cover the whole of myself with the bedsheet. I wait for things to settle down for 10 minutes and when I am sure there is no movement and all are asleep - I very quietly put my hand down and under my bed and pull out the latest edition of the "Ghost Who Walks" series. Cover my head and gobble up the whole comic strip.
It's already 4-15 pm. I get up, wash my face and dad prepares tea in the meantime. I get into another pair of shorts and T-shirt, put on my keds and in 15 minutes am at the ground. I see all my friends have already started kicking ball. I join then and for the next 1 hour - I am transformed into paul Gascoigne - I deliver pin point passes, control the pace and feed our strikers - England wins the game 3-0 of which 2 goals were scored on my passes.
It's 5-30 pm and I see a few of my cricket fanatic friends selecting their teams for a 12 over one day match. I rush towards them and am selected in one team. My job today is to keep wickets. After 45 minutes, it's our turn to bat and we have to chase 67 in 12 overs.
It's 6-20 pm, when I am asked to open the innings with another friend. I take guard first. It's actually twilight and dimming fast. The opposition have 3 fast bowlers. Then it hits me - I have been made a scapegoat. I have to go and face 3 fast bowlers in fading light, that when they will be at their fastest best. Damn !!!
I decide not to buckle down and a determination to win against all odds takes over me.
Right arm over the wicket, calls the umpire.
I see a tall guy hurtling down towards me, his face looking menacing. He reaches the umpire, leaps and bowls, Thack. Backfoot defensive shot - right in the centre of the bat. That felt good.
I feel we have a good chance but in the next 4 overs we reach 12 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. I am standing at the non strikers end - my contribution being 1 run.
In walks a player we just took in our team as we were not getting 11 players. And he proceeds to play a blinding innings. We reach 72-5 in 10.4 overs and I end up with 7 not out. Rest of the runs scored by a guy batting with me whose name I did not know.
It's 7-10 pm and dark now. My friend Vinay picks me up from the ground and we proceed to the badminton court. Have fun smashing shuttles and making Vinay run for 30 minutes. Soon he tires and asks me to play table tennis instead. I agree and we have a ball playing table tennis for the next half an hour.
Soon I am tired. Walk back home and again I am asked to proceed straight to the shower. Have a nice hot bath and get into fresh clothes and plonk myself in front of the TV. Have dinner and go straight to bed.
As soon as I hit the sack, I am asleep. I have to be at the tennis courts at 630 am tomorrow.
"Gautam, wake up - it's 8 o clock"
I sit up straight with a jolt - "8 o'clock - noooo I am late"
I jump out of bed and rush to brush my teeth.
While brushing I notice a stubble. Damn No - I don't want to shave now, I am already late and besides I can go to work in a stubbble today, after all it's Sunday.
WORK ???? ON A SUNDAY ??
Sigh - I remember it is 2008.
What the fuck - 3
Just read in the papers today morning - that, Abhijeet, the famous singer has been sacked as a judge on some reality singing show on Zee TV.
His fault ?
He refused to judge a show when the Zee TV production guys called in a Pakistani singer as a wild card.
Abhijeet said - The show had Indian participants and why does a pakistani singer have to come and perform and maybe, even win the title of the winner of Indian ..............show.
And he is DAMN RIGHT. I support him fully.
On one hand the Pak govt. refuses visa for our singer Rabbi when he wanted to go and perform in Pakistan and here we are - calling shithole singers from Pakistan to come and participate in Indian shows.
Another controversy is in some other show with Himesh, Shankar Mahadevan et all as judges. It's an show where people from various countries will be selected to train under these judges. One Pakistani female refused to say "Har Har Mahadev" when it was the anthem of the team.
Why the FUCK do we tolerate this shit ? WHY ?
We need more people like Abhijeet.
His fault ?
He refused to judge a show when the Zee TV production guys called in a Pakistani singer as a wild card.
Abhijeet said - The show had Indian participants and why does a pakistani singer have to come and perform and maybe, even win the title of the winner of Indian ..............show.
And he is DAMN RIGHT. I support him fully.
On one hand the Pak govt. refuses visa for our singer Rabbi when he wanted to go and perform in Pakistan and here we are - calling shithole singers from Pakistan to come and participate in Indian shows.
Another controversy is in some other show with Himesh, Shankar Mahadevan et all as judges. It's an show where people from various countries will be selected to train under these judges. One Pakistani female refused to say "Har Har Mahadev" when it was the anthem of the team.
Why the FUCK do we tolerate this shit ? WHY ?
We need more people like Abhijeet.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Movie Review - The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight
Verdict - 4/5. Mindblowingly awesome movie. NOT TO BE MISSED.
Everyone knows the story - good v/s evil, Batman v/s the Joker - so I won't say much.
Heath Ledger as the Joker is SIMPLY OUTSTANDING. What a performance ! What a superb performance ! Watch his mannerisms (the tongue flicking and lciking his scars) - AWESOME.
The action is good and fast and the background score - I am in love with it. It complemented the whole mood of the movie so beautifully. The direction and the support cast do well too.
Some action sequences - like the one where batman topples the trailer and flips his bike had the audience - whistling / clapping and cheering.
Go and watch this. And Heath Ledger - take a bow !
Verdict - 4/5. Mindblowingly awesome movie. NOT TO BE MISSED.
Everyone knows the story - good v/s evil, Batman v/s the Joker - so I won't say much.
Heath Ledger as the Joker is SIMPLY OUTSTANDING. What a performance ! What a superb performance ! Watch his mannerisms (the tongue flicking and lciking his scars) - AWESOME.
The action is good and fast and the background score - I am in love with it. It complemented the whole mood of the movie so beautifully. The direction and the support cast do well too.
Some action sequences - like the one where batman topples the trailer and flips his bike had the audience - whistling / clapping and cheering.
Go and watch this. And Heath Ledger - take a bow !
Movie Review - Kismat Konnection
Kismat Konnection
Story is about a out of work and out of luck college topper. Nothing goes right for him and he dials a fortune teller in desperation, who, tells him that, he has his lucky charm and has to find it. The lucky charm turns out to be a girl with whom he cannot see eye to eye and then......
Shahid looks and acts good. Direction is good not spectacular. Music is rocking, I really love the songs. The minus point and it's the biggest negative of the movie - is Vidya Balan.
She look older to Shahid and her dress designer gave her the most atrocious dresses in the movie which helped her look older.
Verdict - 2.5/5. Watchable once, a typical feel good movie though predictable most of the time.
Story is about a out of work and out of luck college topper. Nothing goes right for him and he dials a fortune teller in desperation, who, tells him that, he has his lucky charm and has to find it. The lucky charm turns out to be a girl with whom he cannot see eye to eye and then......
Shahid looks and acts good. Direction is good not spectacular. Music is rocking, I really love the songs. The minus point and it's the biggest negative of the movie - is Vidya Balan.
She look older to Shahid and her dress designer gave her the most atrocious dresses in the movie which helped her look older.
Verdict - 2.5/5. Watchable once, a typical feel good movie though predictable most of the time.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Dil, Dosti aur kya kya - 2
This time I write about my friend "S". No, not sex.
S - The 1st time I met him - he was in this formal shirt and trouser (which I could not connect to then). I remember we both ended up searching something for a common friend though we met for the 1st time. I knew then this guy was a helpful guy.
Since he was in the IT industry, it was strange to see him come back home at 1830 hours daily. I used to wonder whether he actually worked (since I was under the impression that IT guys worked pretty late).
We met on and off and since he lived bang opposite to my building, it was obvious we were to become good friends. He was also the elder son in the family (like C) and he has completely lived up to his family's expectations. His parents, brother and sister - all are settled in life and he has played a major part in their lives being settled.
He is married, C is not. And marriage has changed him (however hard he may debate the fact). He is now in UK (traitor) and his wife has been a real calming influence on him I feel. He used to have a very short fuse earlier which seems to have defused these days. :)
We have done pretty crazy things to-gather - forgetting his slippers on a highway and finding it at the same place a couple of hours later, bashing up a taxi guy for banging into my car from behind, going after a guy in a ST bus in Hyderabad - we have done it all. I seriously thought then that he needed to attend Anger Management classes.
He looks serious but has a very good sense of humour and does a killer imitation of S P Balasubramanium.
Distance, though has not been able to distance our friendship and we still try to be in touch whenever we can.
S - The 1st time I met him - he was in this formal shirt and trouser (which I could not connect to then). I remember we both ended up searching something for a common friend though we met for the 1st time. I knew then this guy was a helpful guy.
Since he was in the IT industry, it was strange to see him come back home at 1830 hours daily. I used to wonder whether he actually worked (since I was under the impression that IT guys worked pretty late).
We met on and off and since he lived bang opposite to my building, it was obvious we were to become good friends. He was also the elder son in the family (like C) and he has completely lived up to his family's expectations. His parents, brother and sister - all are settled in life and he has played a major part in their lives being settled.
He is married, C is not. And marriage has changed him (however hard he may debate the fact). He is now in UK (traitor) and his wife has been a real calming influence on him I feel. He used to have a very short fuse earlier which seems to have defused these days. :)
We have done pretty crazy things to-gather - forgetting his slippers on a highway and finding it at the same place a couple of hours later, bashing up a taxi guy for banging into my car from behind, going after a guy in a ST bus in Hyderabad - we have done it all. I seriously thought then that he needed to attend Anger Management classes.
He looks serious but has a very good sense of humour and does a killer imitation of S P Balasubramanium.
Distance, though has not been able to distance our friendship and we still try to be in touch whenever we can.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Falling in Love - AGAIN
There she was, standing in a corner, looking as good as she has ever done. I was noticing her after a long time, a dull ache came over my heart. Will she talk to me ? Will she even look at me ?
What should I do ? My mind was in turmoil. I decided to go and talk to her.
I walked up slowly (watching and admiring her). She looked even better when closer.
Hi - I said.
Hi (Hint of a surprise in her voice)
Her voice sounds sweet, still.
How are you doing?
I am fine, how are you ?
I am fine too. You are looking good.
Thanks.
All the time I was thinking, what if words fail me or the conversation just takes a full stop - and that is precisely what happened. An awkward silence where both didn't know what to say.
Hows life?
It's good, nothing major has happened yet but it is fine.
Come on think on your feet. What are you going to say next - this is not going anywhere.
Err what are you doing in the evening? (Damn what was that I just said, but it was already too late)
Nothing much. No plans.
Can we just catch up?
Sure.
Let's go.
Soon we are sitting to-gather. Music is playing in my ears.
Want to dance ? - she asks.
I haven't danced in ages.
So what?
I don't know whether I would be able to dance without making a fool of myself.
Don't be a spoil sport. You can always try.
Ok, lets do it.
I was still thinking - what am I getting into? I can't dance for nuts.
We start of slowly. She helps me get the steps right and match her rhythm. I feel confident after a while. Soon the music changes the tempo, it's faster and I am feeling confident. We dance like we were wanting to dance with each other for a long time. And we are in perfect rhythm. Not a beat is missed and not a step is out of sync.
After about 30 minutes we finish dancing. I am breathless. I am grinning. My heart is pounding. I am thrilled. I am surprised, I lasted this long. We both look at each other at the same time.
And I am damn sure, as that moment, she was thinking the same as I was - damn I have missed being with him/her. That was fun.
We should do this more often - both say this at the same time.
Sadly I had to leave then, but, I knew then, I had fallen in love AGAIN. It felt great.
As I walked away from her, I turned back to look at her and there she was, looking at me. I gave her a flying kiss. She smiled at me.
Would you guys like to know her name ?
It's MH04-BK-7510.
What should I do ? My mind was in turmoil. I decided to go and talk to her.
I walked up slowly (watching and admiring her). She looked even better when closer.
Hi - I said.
Hi (Hint of a surprise in her voice)
Her voice sounds sweet, still.
How are you doing?
I am fine, how are you ?
I am fine too. You are looking good.
Thanks.
All the time I was thinking, what if words fail me or the conversation just takes a full stop - and that is precisely what happened. An awkward silence where both didn't know what to say.
Hows life?
It's good, nothing major has happened yet but it is fine.
Come on think on your feet. What are you going to say next - this is not going anywhere.
Err what are you doing in the evening? (Damn what was that I just said, but it was already too late)
Nothing much. No plans.
Can we just catch up?
Sure.
Let's go.
Soon we are sitting to-gather. Music is playing in my ears.
Want to dance ? - she asks.
I haven't danced in ages.
So what?
I don't know whether I would be able to dance without making a fool of myself.
Don't be a spoil sport. You can always try.
Ok, lets do it.
I was still thinking - what am I getting into? I can't dance for nuts.
We start of slowly. She helps me get the steps right and match her rhythm. I feel confident after a while. Soon the music changes the tempo, it's faster and I am feeling confident. We dance like we were wanting to dance with each other for a long time. And we are in perfect rhythm. Not a beat is missed and not a step is out of sync.
After about 30 minutes we finish dancing. I am breathless. I am grinning. My heart is pounding. I am thrilled. I am surprised, I lasted this long. We both look at each other at the same time.
And I am damn sure, as that moment, she was thinking the same as I was - damn I have missed being with him/her. That was fun.
We should do this more often - both say this at the same time.
Sadly I had to leave then, but, I knew then, I had fallen in love AGAIN. It felt great.
As I walked away from her, I turned back to look at her and there she was, looking at me. I gave her a flying kiss. She smiled at me.
Would you guys like to know her name ?
It's MH04-BK-7510.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Dil, Dosti aur Kya Kya
It's time to write about the most wonderful people in your life - friends.
I have 2 very close friends and I feel it's time to talk about them, one by one.
C - C is an enigma to me yet. I met him ages ago - at that moment in his life, he was the eternal superior being. He felt he was the King and behaved like all of us were his subordinates and I thought he was obnoxious. Somehow one day we got to spend some time togather which made us realise that we actually could get along with each other. Never looked back after that. The bond grew stronger and stronger. He was my constant companion round the clock - the fact that both of us had intelligence far better than the crowd around us made the friendship stronger.
He was blunt, I was politically correct. He was rude, I was the gentleman. He was without a care, I was the one always worried. Opposites attract they say - we were the prime examples.
They say people can change each other. And it has happened with C and me. In the initial days, whenever we used to go clubbing - I opted for beer and he always showed his macho side by ridiculing beer and shoving down whisky on the rocks (I told you he was obnoxious, right?) and now the situation is such that whenever I ask him for a drink he says beer and I have started relishing whisky.
He is a passionate family guy and I am proud of him the way he has responded to the duty of being the elder son. Absolutely class.
I learnt a lot of new things from him (eg tripping hehe) and most importantly I learnt not to care about what poeple might think/feel of my actions.
He was one guy who treated girls very matter of fact and it was considered that this guy would never fall in love....or rather no girl would fall in love with this fellow. But we were again proven wrong. He fell in love too.
We have survived a variety of incidents, emotions and situations - and the fact that we have come out stronger and closer is proof of our friendship and I am proud to have him as a friend.
I don't believe I am saying this about him but as I told you - he is an enigma.
I have 2 very close friends and I feel it's time to talk about them, one by one.
C - C is an enigma to me yet. I met him ages ago - at that moment in his life, he was the eternal superior being. He felt he was the King and behaved like all of us were his subordinates and I thought he was obnoxious. Somehow one day we got to spend some time togather which made us realise that we actually could get along with each other. Never looked back after that. The bond grew stronger and stronger. He was my constant companion round the clock - the fact that both of us had intelligence far better than the crowd around us made the friendship stronger.
He was blunt, I was politically correct. He was rude, I was the gentleman. He was without a care, I was the one always worried. Opposites attract they say - we were the prime examples.
They say people can change each other. And it has happened with C and me. In the initial days, whenever we used to go clubbing - I opted for beer and he always showed his macho side by ridiculing beer and shoving down whisky on the rocks (I told you he was obnoxious, right?) and now the situation is such that whenever I ask him for a drink he says beer and I have started relishing whisky.
He is a passionate family guy and I am proud of him the way he has responded to the duty of being the elder son. Absolutely class.
I learnt a lot of new things from him (eg tripping hehe) and most importantly I learnt not to care about what poeple might think/feel of my actions.
He was one guy who treated girls very matter of fact and it was considered that this guy would never fall in love....or rather no girl would fall in love with this fellow. But we were again proven wrong. He fell in love too.
We have survived a variety of incidents, emotions and situations - and the fact that we have come out stronger and closer is proof of our friendship and I am proud to have him as a friend.
I don't believe I am saying this about him but as I told you - he is an enigma.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Movie reviews
Since I have not updated stuff for a long time now, I thought of putting up movie reviews of many films togather. Hope this helps you guys :)
JAANE TU YA JAANE NA
2 best friends - boy and girl in college - with a group of friends. Everyone thinks they are in love but they aren't or are they ?
The realisation of love is what the movie is about. It is not an original concept or story but the movie works - works because of it's fresh feel and look and some really good dialogues and some very good acting by all.
I loved the hero's father (Naseeruddin Shah) and in the beginning I thought the 2 horsemen were there just for the heck of it but no.
Nice music too - it's fun , fresh , frothy and very nice.
Yes there are flaws and cliches in the movie but it makes you smile and laugh a bit and you come out feeling good.
Verdict - 4/5. Must watch.
-----------------------------------
LOVE STORY 2050
This movie is a BORE. And that is the start of my review. We have a new boy, Hrithik Roshan oops Harman Baweja who walks, talks, dances, tries to act like Hrithik - so let's just forget him.
Everything else in the movie is so OTT and loud that I almost walked out.
The special effects are really good for a bollywood movie. The music is bad.
Ultimately it's a movie that is a show vehicle for Harman. he gets to cycle, drive a MG, romance , fight and his dad wants him to act but he fails where it matters. He cannot handle the emotional scenes and people were laughing in the hall when he cried and acted at the same time.
Verdict - 1/5. Avoid.
---------------------------
THODA PYAR THODA MAGIC
Saif plays a rich tycoon who in a car accident is responsible for the death of a couple. So the judge orders the 4 orphaned kids to go and live with Saif. Obviously the kids and Saif do not get along and the kids pray to God. God hears their prayers and sends an angel Rani to help them.
Then the predictable happens - she helps Saif and the kids to love each other and falls in love with Saif.
Performances range from the average to bad. Kids are ok and Rishi Kapoor plays God like in Bruce Almighty
Ameesha plays Saif's love interest and is SMOKIN' HOT in that song and in a few scenes where she is in the tiniest of clothes possible.
Rating - 1.5 / 5. YAWN.
--------------------------------
DE TAALI
Another comedy ! It's about 3 friends (2 guys and 1 girl) and what happens when one of the guys falls in love with a girl.
Well how is the movie ? It's got a thin story line and is senseless most of the time. A series of gags is what keeps the proceedings going. And it's here the cast lifts the movie.
Ritesh, Aftab, Rimi and Ayesha are very good. A few gags will have you rolling with laughter but over all the movie is mediocre. And it is extended - with stories on Rimi's family (the most weird family to date) and some nutty professors and lovers. Also the track of Ritesh's landlord could have been edited.
ps - a couple of scenes to watch out for are - the scene where Ritesh fights with an imaginary guy and the scene in which Aftab goes " tum mere liye roti thiii" after the boardroom meeting.
Verdict - 2/5. Watch it only if want to enjoy a few laughs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SARKAR RAJ
If you liked Sarkar - you will like this too. The movie is shot the same way - tight close ups and facial expressions. There is a thin story line (resembling Enron saga) on which the movie hangs but it is the performances that lift this ordinary movie.
Ab Sr is the best of the lot followed by his son. Abhsihek has to look sullen and mouth the clinching lines and he does it very nicely. Ashwairya is there in the movie but she has a subdued role and is competent. The rest of the cast is fine too.
There are a couple of twists and turns in the movie and the end is apt for part-3.
Verdict - 2.5/5. Watch it for the performances and RGV finally seems to have found a movie that should do well.
-------------------------------------------------------
JANNAT
The leading lady makes the worst debut ever I have seen in an hindi movie. Emraan Hashmi is very ordinary. Music is just average. A couple of cars are eye candy like the LR stretch.
Verdict 1/5. Utter crap and absolutely avoidable.
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BHOOTHNATH
A must watch !! I went in with no expectations and the movie simply surprised me.
It's a formula film with a formula story. Kids will have great fun in the 1st half and the movie veers towards relationships in the 2nd half.
Amitabh is in fine form playing the ghost and he is supported well by Juhi, Satish Shah and the small kid. Shahrukh is there in a guest appearance.
At least 3 songs are not required and they slow down the movie. The movie is well shot and special effects are very good.
Verdict - 3/5. A movie for kids and adults alike. Go watch it.
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U, ME AND HUM
I really did not want to watch this movie but saw it back to back with Krazzy4.
and I am glad I watched this.
Ajay Devgan makes a very very good debut as a director. The movie is about Alzeihmer's disease and what happens when to the family and the loved ones when there is a person with the disease in the family.
The movie is all about how Ajay woos Kajol on a cruise liner by lying to her. he is on vacation with 2 couple friends of his. Kajol finds out he had lied to her and leaves him - only to come back later. Both get married and everything is great but then Alzheimer's strikes.
Beautifully and sensitively directed - this one will tug at your hearts. The movie gets into the groove in the 2nd half and grips you.
Strong performances by Ajay and Kajol (I really don't like her) and the supporting cast make this a very good watch. Women are advised to carry kerchiefs.
I loved it - an absolutely unexpected surprise.
Verdict - 3.75/5 - Go catch it.
--------------------------------------
KRAZZY 4
This is one movie I was waiting for and after I finished watching it - I feel cheated. The movie is a bore.
It has a talented cast - Arshad , Irfan, Juhi Chawla, Rajpal Yadav etc and still fails to hold your attention. Suresh Menon is one actor who makes people laugh when he speaks and he has exactly 3 lines in the movie with a common word.
4 people with different dis-orders go to town with their doctor (who feels this will help improve their condition) who promptly dissapears leaving the 4 alone. And what happens next is what Krazzy 4 is all about.
It tries to be comedy - feels incomplete
It tries to give social messages - feels incomplete
It tries to be a thriller - feels incomplete
The only positives are the 2 item numbers by SRK and Hrithik.
Verdict - 2/5 - Avoidable.
----------------------------------
RACE
Typical Abbas-Mustan movie. Twists and turns in the plot keep it going.
In short - it's about 2 super rich brothers who own a race horses breeding farm. Then a girl and jealousy - a double cross and one brother dies....then starts the fun.
Nice popcorn entertainer I say. Entertaining and stylishly shot, a few good songs, nice cars (orange Ferrari, a skyline and some drifts) , hot heroines.
Verdict - 2.75/5.
---------------------
AAMIR
I had some good expectations from this movie on watching their promos and I am so glad the movie surpassed the expectations.
A doctor comes back from London to India, only to find the immigration officer harass him because his name is Aamir. He then walks out of the airport and finds no one has come to receive him and when he calls home, no one answers the phone.
Suddenly a couple of bikers come to him and throw him a mobile phone - he gets a call that turns his world upside down.
Rajeev Khandelwal debuts as Aamir and does well. He starts off nervously but picks up steam later on. The supporting cast is fine too.
Brilliantly directed and absolutely fantastic camera work on real loactions is Mumbai enhance the reality factor of the movie. The director and camera man deserve a round of applause here.
Verdict - 3.75/5. Must watch - if you have a choice between Sarkar Raj and this - go for Aamir. You won't regret it at all.
---------------------------------------------------
JAANE TU YA JAANE NA
2 best friends - boy and girl in college - with a group of friends. Everyone thinks they are in love but they aren't or are they ?
The realisation of love is what the movie is about. It is not an original concept or story but the movie works - works because of it's fresh feel and look and some really good dialogues and some very good acting by all.
I loved the hero's father (Naseeruddin Shah) and in the beginning I thought the 2 horsemen were there just for the heck of it but no.
Nice music too - it's fun , fresh , frothy and very nice.
Yes there are flaws and cliches in the movie but it makes you smile and laugh a bit and you come out feeling good.
Verdict - 4/5. Must watch.
-----------------------------------
LOVE STORY 2050
This movie is a BORE. And that is the start of my review. We have a new boy, Hrithik Roshan oops Harman Baweja who walks, talks, dances, tries to act like Hrithik - so let's just forget him.
Everything else in the movie is so OTT and loud that I almost walked out.
The special effects are really good for a bollywood movie. The music is bad.
Ultimately it's a movie that is a show vehicle for Harman. he gets to cycle, drive a MG, romance , fight and his dad wants him to act but he fails where it matters. He cannot handle the emotional scenes and people were laughing in the hall when he cried and acted at the same time.
Verdict - 1/5. Avoid.
---------------------------
THODA PYAR THODA MAGIC
Saif plays a rich tycoon who in a car accident is responsible for the death of a couple. So the judge orders the 4 orphaned kids to go and live with Saif. Obviously the kids and Saif do not get along and the kids pray to God. God hears their prayers and sends an angel Rani to help them.
Then the predictable happens - she helps Saif and the kids to love each other and falls in love with Saif.
Performances range from the average to bad. Kids are ok and Rishi Kapoor plays God like in Bruce Almighty
Ameesha plays Saif's love interest and is SMOKIN' HOT in that song and in a few scenes where she is in the tiniest of clothes possible.
Rating - 1.5 / 5. YAWN.
--------------------------------
DE TAALI
Another comedy ! It's about 3 friends (2 guys and 1 girl) and what happens when one of the guys falls in love with a girl.
Well how is the movie ? It's got a thin story line and is senseless most of the time. A series of gags is what keeps the proceedings going. And it's here the cast lifts the movie.
Ritesh, Aftab, Rimi and Ayesha are very good. A few gags will have you rolling with laughter but over all the movie is mediocre. And it is extended - with stories on Rimi's family (the most weird family to date) and some nutty professors and lovers. Also the track of Ritesh's landlord could have been edited.
ps - a couple of scenes to watch out for are - the scene where Ritesh fights with an imaginary guy and the scene in which Aftab goes " tum mere liye roti thiii" after the boardroom meeting.
Verdict - 2/5. Watch it only if want to enjoy a few laughs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SARKAR RAJ
If you liked Sarkar - you will like this too. The movie is shot the same way - tight close ups and facial expressions. There is a thin story line (resembling Enron saga) on which the movie hangs but it is the performances that lift this ordinary movie.
Ab Sr is the best of the lot followed by his son. Abhsihek has to look sullen and mouth the clinching lines and he does it very nicely. Ashwairya is there in the movie but she has a subdued role and is competent. The rest of the cast is fine too.
There are a couple of twists and turns in the movie and the end is apt for part-3.
Verdict - 2.5/5. Watch it for the performances and RGV finally seems to have found a movie that should do well.
-------------------------------------------------------
JANNAT
The leading lady makes the worst debut ever I have seen in an hindi movie. Emraan Hashmi is very ordinary. Music is just average. A couple of cars are eye candy like the LR stretch.
Verdict 1/5. Utter crap and absolutely avoidable.
------------------------------------------------------------------
BHOOTHNATH
A must watch !! I went in with no expectations and the movie simply surprised me.
It's a formula film with a formula story. Kids will have great fun in the 1st half and the movie veers towards relationships in the 2nd half.
Amitabh is in fine form playing the ghost and he is supported well by Juhi, Satish Shah and the small kid. Shahrukh is there in a guest appearance.
At least 3 songs are not required and they slow down the movie. The movie is well shot and special effects are very good.
Verdict - 3/5. A movie for kids and adults alike. Go watch it.
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U, ME AND HUM
I really did not want to watch this movie but saw it back to back with Krazzy4.
and I am glad I watched this.
Ajay Devgan makes a very very good debut as a director. The movie is about Alzeihmer's disease and what happens when to the family and the loved ones when there is a person with the disease in the family.
The movie is all about how Ajay woos Kajol on a cruise liner by lying to her. he is on vacation with 2 couple friends of his. Kajol finds out he had lied to her and leaves him - only to come back later. Both get married and everything is great but then Alzheimer's strikes.
Beautifully and sensitively directed - this one will tug at your hearts. The movie gets into the groove in the 2nd half and grips you.
Strong performances by Ajay and Kajol (I really don't like her) and the supporting cast make this a very good watch. Women are advised to carry kerchiefs.
I loved it - an absolutely unexpected surprise.
Verdict - 3.75/5 - Go catch it.
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KRAZZY 4
This is one movie I was waiting for and after I finished watching it - I feel cheated. The movie is a bore.
It has a talented cast - Arshad , Irfan, Juhi Chawla, Rajpal Yadav etc and still fails to hold your attention. Suresh Menon is one actor who makes people laugh when he speaks and he has exactly 3 lines in the movie with a common word.
4 people with different dis-orders go to town with their doctor (who feels this will help improve their condition) who promptly dissapears leaving the 4 alone. And what happens next is what Krazzy 4 is all about.
It tries to be comedy - feels incomplete
It tries to give social messages - feels incomplete
It tries to be a thriller - feels incomplete
The only positives are the 2 item numbers by SRK and Hrithik.
Verdict - 2/5 - Avoidable.
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RACE
Typical Abbas-Mustan movie. Twists and turns in the plot keep it going.
In short - it's about 2 super rich brothers who own a race horses breeding farm. Then a girl and jealousy - a double cross and one brother dies....then starts the fun.
Nice popcorn entertainer I say. Entertaining and stylishly shot, a few good songs, nice cars (orange Ferrari, a skyline and some drifts) , hot heroines.
Verdict - 2.75/5.
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AAMIR
I had some good expectations from this movie on watching their promos and I am so glad the movie surpassed the expectations.
A doctor comes back from London to India, only to find the immigration officer harass him because his name is Aamir. He then walks out of the airport and finds no one has come to receive him and when he calls home, no one answers the phone.
Suddenly a couple of bikers come to him and throw him a mobile phone - he gets a call that turns his world upside down.
Rajeev Khandelwal debuts as Aamir and does well. He starts off nervously but picks up steam later on. The supporting cast is fine too.
Brilliantly directed and absolutely fantastic camera work on real loactions is Mumbai enhance the reality factor of the movie. The director and camera man deserve a round of applause here.
Verdict - 3.75/5. Must watch - if you have a choice between Sarkar Raj and this - go for Aamir. You won't regret it at all.
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