Revolution 2020

finally took some time off to post my thoughts on the latest Chetan bhagat book..I bought it on the first day of its release!I hadn't even heard or read anything about this book as i just happened to see it in a bookstore that day.so i read it with the least amount of expectations i must say!
As all his books, this book too was a breeze to read..since the language he uses is so "common man" types. Usually, Chetan has a central theme in his books and this book's was broadly the educational system in India. He did a good take on this, initially, talking about all the coaching centres, competitive exams, pressure on the students etc. Setting the story in an environment like Varanasi ,i thought was good, as he rightfully portrayed the mindset of people from the small towns or villages where they would really do anything to ensure that their sons earn that "B.E" degree. But somewhere the whole point is lost as the focus shifts to love.After a point, it is more of a hapless maniac trying to gain attention from his ever-confused girlfriend. Talking about the girl, Aarthi, i have never seen Chetan characterize a girl so dumb like her before. She seems ever confused with what she wants from life or a partner. Sometimes, she just gets on your nerves. Some parts of the book sounded a little far fetched too. Raghav's portrayal was good but required more depth. The ending seemed a little lame and quite filmy(I have seen such stuff in probably 'n' bollywood movies).
Pros - Chetan's language, bringing out the educational system in India, showing how corruption has reached every walk of life, some parts/lines which make you think and go like 'that is so very true'. This happens with most of his books.
 
 

To you, with love

I look out for you everyday, come what may
your sight cheers me up more than i can portray
I like you strong, i like you bitter
you give me the kick and make me feel better..

Without you, i would be so lost!
So here's a toast...

...To you, Coffee, with all my love!!

wish to watch this someday - Aurora Borealis

Peepli Live

Very few films in Bollywood actually portray reality without mincing words. Likewise, 'Peepli live' takes a direct dig at politicians, media and in general, attitude of the people who turn a sensitive issue like a farmer's suicide into a huge circus!
The movie begins at a slow pace, setting the context in a poor farmers' family trying to make ends meet, with indian ocean crooning des mera rang rez in the background. The dialogues between the protagonist Nattha and his brother are hilarious so much so that the seriousness of nattha wanting to commit suicide gets diluted. The portrayal of media turning everything into breaking news is brilliant (especially the saif-kareena part!). The attitude of politicians has been well captured, quite bold too.(where one of them actually says 'you just need to make tall claims..you needn't actually implement the scheme!'). The movie begins to falter in the second half with some repetitive scenes. Throughout the film, acting was brilliant; they all seemed apt for their roles. Though the theme was sensitive, emotional quotient were really low. while watching the movie, i thought the end was very shallow. But thinking over it again, i couldn't think of a better ending..
Not a theatre watch! it can be watched in a DVD.

I need a break, i guess, to clear my head off some lingering, unnecessary thoughts..maybe its time to backpack and go somewhere??

And Miles to go..

Sunrise @Kalavarahalli Betta - taken 2 years back.

Raavanan

Not exactly a movie review!!
I was really excited to watch this movie ..mani ratnam-rahman combo and to top it, vikram! After hearing the initial reviews, i was midly disappointed so i went to watch it with least expectations and i am glad for that. There is nothing great about the plot-agreed..but just the way the whole movie is picturized is so beautiful, that all you can do is gape at the screen(full marks to santhosh sivan for that). The first half was slow with scenes which i felt a little repetitive but again the cinematography will keep you from straying away.Vikram just carried the film on his shoulders. I cant imagine anybody else doing his part. The way he has portrayed various shades in his character is mind-blowing(watch out for the scene when he sets off a series of bombs with prithiviraj staring at him in the background..just brilliant). If your definition of a hero is - good looks, well built, awesome acting and amazing screen presence, then vikram is your guy in this movie. Prithiviraj shines in his good-bad role too..tried to make most of it, i would say! Well, Aishwarya just about makes her presence felt on the screen. But definitely i would rate her much better here than her past movies.
I can totally understand why this movie has not been well-received by the hindi audience because they cannot relate to the entire concept\plot(the tribe, the way they live etc.). This concept has been taken up earlier in tamil cinema so its not really out of place here.
I haven't written about the story here for its up to you to go and enjoy it(not that its a great murder mystery or something)!
Rahman's music is marvellous! he never lets you down no matter what. The background score too matched the movie's pace.
Overall, i wouldnt mark this movie as a fantastic, mind-blowing movie but its definitely worth a watch. Not the usual mani ratnam ones which you can watch umpteen number of times.