This is one topic i wanted to write on. Talking of films, this was one flick where a sorts of Fun + message = confusion
Once in a while, I took this opportunity to spend three hours in an a/c theater away from office "doing office ka kaam"- watching Bunty and Babli.
In my review for the movie, I was rather charitable. I gave the film 3.5 out of 5. The thing is, I went to see B&B with a very positive disposition. Given the colourful and kitschy publicity campaign, the rap song with Big B and the Bonnie and Clyde inspired premise I was expecting a fun and frothy film. Which it was - but only in parts.
Borrowing a line from Bunty's philosophical musings in the film - "Yeh jo world hai na, isme do kism ki films hoti hain - good aur verry good". Bunty aur Babli, unfortunately was merely good, not great.
Rakesh a.ka. Bunty from Fursatganj and Vimmi a.k.a Babli from Pankinagar are small town kids with bigtime dreams. While Bunty thinks he too can be a Tata-Birla or Ambani, Vimmi aspires to be a Miss India. They set out in search of fame and fortune, but end up having more fun playing 'con banega crorepati'. By the intermission, Bunty and Babli have fallen in love and marry.
Now here's the problem - from a con caper the film degenerates into pyaar-mohabbat, melodrama and unnecessary song sequences shot in Switzerland (yes, I know it's a Yashraj film but still!)
Post interval, the bidi-smoking, chana-chewing policeman Dashrath Singh (Amitabh Bachchan) is hot on their trail... Now the plot gets thicker (and I mean that not just literally but in terms of the IQ level). Bunty and Babli pull of the mother of all cons with the 'sale of the Taj mahal'.
Unfortunately the way in which it was executed was really not very interesting. It was neither intelligently funny nor slapstick funny. (Except for the bit where a pointless morcha is staged outside the tourism minister's house - that's hilarious!)
Fun + message = confusion
Actually, throughout the film the audience was merely smiling - not laughing full throatedly. Which kind of tells you something.
The makers of Bunty and Babli wanted to make something more 'meaningful' kind of mindless comedy ie They wanted the film to reflect the aspirations of small town India, the clash of values - izzat aur sharaafat vs quick and easy money which youngsters want today.
Yet, in attempting this duality (comedy + message) they did not end up with a product as endearing as Munnabhai MBBS (which I think can be watched again and again). Bunty aur Babli was well marketed and packaged and given the star cast (the Abhishek-Rani pair really rocked on-screen) - to be a hit. But it never went down in the annals of Bollywood as a 'classic'.
Highs and lows
The scene where Amitabh and Abshihek are sitting at a bar and 'Umrao Jaan' is suggestively playing in the background. Aishwarya appears in an Umrao Jaan-type outfit and shakes her booty. Really - it should be edited out!
And Rani, who looked lovely otherwise, should have taken care not to bare her less-than-flat tummy.
Amitabh and Abhishek on-screen together, incidentally, was one of the highlights of the film. But though Amitabh played his role well, you can't help but feel he doesn't come across as a 'bumbling' cop. Paresh Rawal might have done the bumble bit better. Big B was part bumble, part sinister. Which is a bit confusing for the audience.
Net: net - the movie had a fair bit of flaws but was nevertheless watchable. I only wish as much imagination had gone into scripting the cons as went into Babli's clothes (which are simply amazing).
By the way, the 'disputed' outfit (which Suneet Varma accused designer Aki Narula of plagiarising) was seen on screen for all of 5 seconds.
Bottomline: I may have given the film only 2.5 had it not been for the last 5 minutes - when the scriptwriter redeemed himself. Just for that - an extra star. And given that Dhoom was getting a sequel - I think room had been left for a part 2 here as well.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
No flavour in the Koffee
The newspapers hit the final nail on the head when they dissected what went wrong with the grand finale of Koffee with Karan.
All that happened was Shahrukh Khan sucked up to Amitabh - "aap kitne mahaan hain". Why can't he be asked some tough questions for a change?
Because in Bollywood everybody has to scratch each other's backs. Just that doing so in public does not make for interesting television.
And it went against the spirit of the show. In contrast to the saccharine sweet "Rendezvous with Simi Garewal" Karan Johar did - to an extent - put his guests in the dock. He asked some 'tough' questions (by Bollywood standards) - but in a way that no one took offence. The rapid-fire round , for example, was rather fun.
The stars who were most comfortable with him - like Kareena, Rani, Preity, Saif, Shahrukh and Kajol - shared a little more of themselves than they normally would have. They gave more honest answers to the usual questions - and appeared more human.
Now if only the finale could have lived upto the same high standards. Instead of icing on the cake it ended up feeling like crumbs.
All that happened was Shahrukh Khan sucked up to Amitabh - "aap kitne mahaan hain". Why can't he be asked some tough questions for a change?
Because in Bollywood everybody has to scratch each other's backs. Just that doing so in public does not make for interesting television.
And it went against the spirit of the show. In contrast to the saccharine sweet "Rendezvous with Simi Garewal" Karan Johar did - to an extent - put his guests in the dock. He asked some 'tough' questions (by Bollywood standards) - but in a way that no one took offence. The rapid-fire round , for example, was rather fun.
The stars who were most comfortable with him - like Kareena, Rani, Preity, Saif, Shahrukh and Kajol - shared a little more of themselves than they normally would have. They gave more honest answers to the usual questions - and appeared more human.
Now if only the finale could have lived upto the same high standards. Instead of icing on the cake it ended up feeling like crumbs.
Jobhop, skip and jump
Jack Welch spent his entire career at GE. Like my father, who retired after a 36 year stint at St. Pauls H.S.S. School as an Economics HOD, the same school where i studied.
That kind of career graph is pretty much extinct. Most young people are going to go through several jobs in their lifetime - for the right and the wrong reasons. The way I look at it...
There are two ways to grow the talent pool in your company: coach it or poach it. You achieve the first by hiring bright young men and women who earnestly seek a challenging career with your company.
The second involves cutting short the careers of bright young (and not-so-young) men and women in the neighbouring company, by offering a greater challenge at your own.
Lekin phir aajkal dull but secure jobs hain kahaan ? "Niji naukri mein na izzat hain, na mazza, aur na matlab". Isn't that what we all want from a career - and life in general.
That kind of career graph is pretty much extinct. Most young people are going to go through several jobs in their lifetime - for the right and the wrong reasons. The way I look at it...
There are two ways to grow the talent pool in your company: coach it or poach it. You achieve the first by hiring bright young men and women who earnestly seek a challenging career with your company.
The second involves cutting short the careers of bright young (and not-so-young) men and women in the neighbouring company, by offering a greater challenge at your own.
Lekin phir aajkal dull but secure jobs hain kahaan ? "Niji naukri mein na izzat hain, na mazza, aur na matlab". Isn't that what we all want from a career - and life in general.
A comment on comments
It's a little over 3 months since I started blogging. I never knew it would be so addictive - or fun. Or that I had so much to write about!
I like people reading my blog and leaving behind comments. But - as many of you have noticed there are none.
Why? Well, it was a policy decision of sorts when I started blogging. A way of limiting the amount of time and energy spent on the activity.
But policies can and do change. And hence, I have decided not to ask for comments - as and when the junta feels it may add some value.
Also, I have decided to allow "anonymous" comments. If I put my name with my opinion - you need to too :)
I like people reading my blog and leaving behind comments. But - as many of you have noticed there are none.
Why? Well, it was a policy decision of sorts when I started blogging. A way of limiting the amount of time and energy spent on the activity.
But policies can and do change. And hence, I have decided not to ask for comments - as and when the junta feels it may add some value.
Also, I have decided to allow "anonymous" comments. If I put my name with my opinion - you need to too :)
Let there be fight !!
Newspapers are nowadays just like cockroaches, popping up every now and then from everywhere with competition and rivalry with each other. Almost all the famous and infamous get all the due attention and then its finally the newspapers again who decide whos' to be in the limelight off and on.
Of course that is an exaggeration - even the most strident TOI basher would be unable to produce a real-life example of Miss India on the sports page. But perception is reality and the endless plugging of Miss India in almost every other part of the paper makes it dig a good one.
Magar karega kya?
The question however is - what is it that the newspapers promise? Full coverage of glamour/ parties/ Miss India/ Bollywood?
Much as many people profess to dislike newspapers these days, its subject matter has become part of what you expect from a paper. Almost all the leading dailies have a supplement which compete with any other supplements circulating in the country more or less on exactly the same lines.
We do want to know what Mallika Sherawat wore at Cannes and perhaps even whose wedding lehenga weighed 10 kilos. And for the few who don't - on every front, whether local or international coverage dailies have pulled up their socks and are now actually quite readable products.
If the imminent threat of competition can result in such a bonanza, wonder what happens when the competition actually arrives? From Rs 4 a day for our morning paper, we will probably start paying Rs 1.
An extra visit to a restaurant can probably be had from the money thus saved!
"Surprise yourself. Surprise everyone."
Of course that is an exaggeration - even the most strident TOI basher would be unable to produce a real-life example of Miss India on the sports page. But perception is reality and the endless plugging of Miss India in almost every other part of the paper makes it dig a good one.
Magar karega kya?
The question however is - what is it that the newspapers promise? Full coverage of glamour/ parties/ Miss India/ Bollywood?
Much as many people profess to dislike newspapers these days, its subject matter has become part of what you expect from a paper. Almost all the leading dailies have a supplement which compete with any other supplements circulating in the country more or less on exactly the same lines.
We do want to know what Mallika Sherawat wore at Cannes and perhaps even whose wedding lehenga weighed 10 kilos. And for the few who don't - on every front, whether local or international coverage dailies have pulled up their socks and are now actually quite readable products.
If the imminent threat of competition can result in such a bonanza, wonder what happens when the competition actually arrives? From Rs 4 a day for our morning paper, we will probably start paying Rs 1.
An extra visit to a restaurant can probably be had from the money thus saved!
"Surprise yourself. Surprise everyone."
Slim shady ?
Wondered if 'slim' jeans can really make you look thinner? The surprising answer is YES!
Of course if you're shaped like Tun-tun they won't transform you into Priyanka Chopra. But, if you're a normal human being with a few extra bulges here and there, the L591 fit will do some streamlining. And hence make you look - and feel - slimmer.
'Slim jeans' is a return to the skin-tight jeans of the early to mid 90s. The kind Urmila wore in Rangeela. The wheel turns full circle after a decade of anti-fits and flares. Though of course, those who like those styles can continue wearing them.
Kya Kool Hain Hum?
Levi's is not THE brand for young people in developed markets because they don't really want to be seen in the same jeans worn by their parents. In the 50s and 60s it was rebellious for middle class America to wear a garment associated with blue collar workers. Now it's cool to be seen in rap and hip hop clothing worn by blacks.
However in India, it's still cool to own a Levi's. Of course they had an early I-want-that-brand advantage but additionally it's strived really hard to create and maintain a trendsetter image in the youth fashion market.
Not all the trends Levi's has attempted to spark off actually caught fire. But a few did. Like cargoes. Then Levi's moved on to engineered jeans (did not take off), low rise (major hit ) and now slim-fit (looks like a winner).
Somewhere in between they also had detachables and reversibles - interesting but with more of novelty than lasting value.
The trouble with being a trend setter is you have to cash in on your trend really quick, before every other jeans manufacturer starts offering it at reduced prices, and you have to keep inventing new trends. Or, ressurect old ones but make them look like something new and hip.
Incidentally, the choice of Bipasha as the 'slim jeans' model is a master stroke. The once well endowed (some would say chubby!) star just lost 10 kgs (through diet and exercise). The ad every-so-subtly suggests you'll do the same. Just by wearing those jeans...
Of course if you're shaped like Tun-tun they won't transform you into Priyanka Chopra. But, if you're a normal human being with a few extra bulges here and there, the L591 fit will do some streamlining. And hence make you look - and feel - slimmer.
'Slim jeans' is a return to the skin-tight jeans of the early to mid 90s. The kind Urmila wore in Rangeela. The wheel turns full circle after a decade of anti-fits and flares. Though of course, those who like those styles can continue wearing them.
Kya Kool Hain Hum?
Levi's is not THE brand for young people in developed markets because they don't really want to be seen in the same jeans worn by their parents. In the 50s and 60s it was rebellious for middle class America to wear a garment associated with blue collar workers. Now it's cool to be seen in rap and hip hop clothing worn by blacks.
However in India, it's still cool to own a Levi's. Of course they had an early I-want-that-brand advantage but additionally it's strived really hard to create and maintain a trendsetter image in the youth fashion market.
Not all the trends Levi's has attempted to spark off actually caught fire. But a few did. Like cargoes. Then Levi's moved on to engineered jeans (did not take off), low rise (major hit ) and now slim-fit (looks like a winner).
Somewhere in between they also had detachables and reversibles - interesting but with more of novelty than lasting value.
The trouble with being a trend setter is you have to cash in on your trend really quick, before every other jeans manufacturer starts offering it at reduced prices, and you have to keep inventing new trends. Or, ressurect old ones but make them look like something new and hip.
Incidentally, the choice of Bipasha as the 'slim jeans' model is a master stroke. The once well endowed (some would say chubby!) star just lost 10 kgs (through diet and exercise). The ad every-so-subtly suggests you'll do the same. Just by wearing those jeans...
Kabhi khushi, Kabhi birthday
Hum bhi agar bachche hote
Hum bhi agar bachche hote
Naam hamara hota Taplu Paplu
Khaane ko milte laddoo
Aur duniya kehti
"Happy Birthday to you"
There is a time in life when you live for your next birthday. Children are always in that mode. They get excited about their 'big day', which may be many months away!
This 'I-wish-I -could-grow-up-as-soon-as-possible' phase generally lasts till you're 16, or 18, or 21 - depending on whether you find being grown up a pleasant role or unpleasant responsibility. At the very outer limit, most people enjoy and look forward to their birthday until they turn 25.
After that comes a phase from 25-30 in which every advancing year brings with it a sense of foreboding. The latest teen pop sensation or upset winner at Wimbledon is a full decade younger... And where are you??
You start getting those cheeky cards reminding you to forget about your advancing age. Opticians and acquaintances on social networks remember your birthday while your childhood friends - now living continents away- suffer from amnesia.
You don't feel like celebrating really - what is there to be happy about? But a bunch of people will call to wish you and there has to be an answer to the question: "So what's the plan for the big day?"
Finally, the 'worm turns' when you actually hit 30. You realise things are not so bad after all. In fact, you have less pimples than you did at 16 - and now have the means to undergo expensive 'skin glow' treatments, if that is still a bother.
Taking a leaf from Karan Johar's book I'd say "it's all about loving yourself". And for me at least that happened after the big Three O. The feeling of being comfortable in my own skin. Of being able to trust my own instincts. Of listening to what others have to say but not being bound by their approval.
Would not trade that to be 'sweet (and confused) 16 again'!
Hum bhi agar bachche hote
Naam hamara hota Taplu Paplu
Khaane ko milte laddoo
Aur duniya kehti
"Happy Birthday to you"
There is a time in life when you live for your next birthday. Children are always in that mode. They get excited about their 'big day', which may be many months away!
This 'I-wish-I -could-grow-up-as-soon-as-possible' phase generally lasts till you're 16, or 18, or 21 - depending on whether you find being grown up a pleasant role or unpleasant responsibility. At the very outer limit, most people enjoy and look forward to their birthday until they turn 25.
After that comes a phase from 25-30 in which every advancing year brings with it a sense of foreboding. The latest teen pop sensation or upset winner at Wimbledon is a full decade younger... And where are you??
You start getting those cheeky cards reminding you to forget about your advancing age. Opticians and acquaintances on social networks remember your birthday while your childhood friends - now living continents away- suffer from amnesia.
You don't feel like celebrating really - what is there to be happy about? But a bunch of people will call to wish you and there has to be an answer to the question: "So what's the plan for the big day?"
Finally, the 'worm turns' when you actually hit 30. You realise things are not so bad after all. In fact, you have less pimples than you did at 16 - and now have the means to undergo expensive 'skin glow' treatments, if that is still a bother.
Taking a leaf from Karan Johar's book I'd say "it's all about loving yourself". And for me at least that happened after the big Three O. The feeling of being comfortable in my own skin. Of being able to trust my own instincts. Of listening to what others have to say but not being bound by their approval.
Would not trade that to be 'sweet (and confused) 16 again'!
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