PAAR (1984) - HINDI

The plight of the poor is encapsulated stupendously in this heart rending tale of a couple.

Aptly titled as PAAR, The Crossing which means reaching the other end, the couple here strives just to make ends meet. Indeed fails for a good amount of time and finally is contented with whatever has been offered.

This is one of the most authentic and yet simple film that is made on the poor, and how human spirit to fight against all the odds can keep a soul happy. Also, to show some contrast , there is a scene in which the jubilation of the youth of 1983 when India won the Cricket World Cup is put. This shows the stark realities of our society which indeed is effective even today in some parts of the nation. 

This is a great lesson on film making in itself to today's youth. There is no flamboyance, style, nor any graphics or even fantasy. There are characters who are from a village, who seek employment and who are afraid of life in itself and would go to any length to respectfully earn their bread. A scene in which Naurangi (Naseeruddin Shah) is offered a few rupees and when he denies it saying, "Aap kuch bhi kaam de do mujhe, jhaadu pocha ya kuch bhi" shows that even poor have their self respect and it was put well. 

Gautam Ghose, made this film when he was 33-34 and man he has the gut to show us in face what India meant in 1984. Damn, kudos to his gut and the script work he had done. The shot of crossing the river, is a testimony of what a director should actually be capable of, without any technology, cameras or hype, simply capturing the emotions of characters. He seems to be a spectator in a grand scale to such heinous acts that were depicted in the film and has placed them supremely well in this film. 

Acting by each and everyone was exemplary. Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi gave one of their finest performances. Shabana Azmi as Rama is memorable. The other cast which includes a host of actors from Utpal Dutt to Om Puri and many more, did their parts well. 

This is a film that shows the dark realities of the Indian society in 1980's and kudos to Gautam Ghose and the makers of the film to conceive this and giving it to us. I hope so that many from my generation and from the future generations, watch this. 

The screenplay, was at time non-linear per say and with flashes of back story. It was commendable and interesting. The editing also was good, all through it just kept the story moving forward. The cinematography from the titles to the end credits was supreme.

I loved the whole of the film, but to see it again, I must have the dare to let my heart rend and wrench by the trauma I will emotionally subject myself to. I am going with 5/5 for this. Just loved it. 

ANKUR (1974) - HINDI

Ankur means the Seedling. And indeed, this film was a seed to the parallel movement in films that ran in 70's and 80's. It's a wonderful depiction of the reality which existed then, and even today in some remote parts of India. 

The narrative is simple and indeed very slow, there are no major subplots as the main plot in itself is heart rending and superior to many films that have come till then. In an age, where superstars were being made, and Amitabh Bachhhan was transformed as Angry Young Man, this film silently made its way into the public with a limited released and later on with the word of mouth. All because of many good traits that the film possesses.

Shyam Benegal, who is now considered as a father of Parallel Cinema, wrote this long back and had to go to struggle to a lot to get this made. All this was done with a meagre budget and the product that was obtained out of the hard work is a stand-out even today.  Ankur is a pioneer and has it's moments of greatness considering the time, it was made. Subsequently, even Shyam Benegal was revered as a great film maker as many more wonderful films came from him.

Now, today when I saw it, it felt a bit anachronistic and antiquated coz I do not see such kind of vulgar oppression anywhere now, may be there is but it's not reported or it's not there any more. Having said that, the emotions are universal and the feeling of being oppressed, the helplessness, the hopes that are there for well being and then a revolution being sparked. All this is put wonderfully. The last shot where a boy throws a stone at the Zamindar's house is of great symbolism and portrays a feeling that echoes with the poor who keep the poor as poor. 

The acting was superb, Shabana Azmi was a revelation and a blessed actor and we were grateful to have firstly and also grateful for makers to give her ample opportunities that helped her showcase her talent with an array of emotions. Thanks to Benegal to have found her and given Shabana to us. 

It needs applause in many areas, firstly for starting a kind of cinematic revolution in India. Yet, my only crib is the editing, I wish the film could have been slicker with sharp editing. It would have added to the pace and helped the new-age viewers like me. 

I am going with 4/5. It's a kind of film that's strong in social issues. But it's a laid back film that makes us recede in time. So just be warned of the pace coz it's a great film.

SLACKER (1991) - ENGLISH

A film that is plotless and based on pure conversations that are incoherent and yet so interesting. This is remarkable filming.

This film is an evocative reflection of an American Community based in Texas and it reflects it so aptly and in sync with the title Slacker. "Slacker" refers to a person who lacks work ethic or who avoids work. Most of the characters, just speak and there work is never shown. What they do, why they do that. All this is not mentioned for most characters. They just speak something. For most of the time, there dialogues actually mean nothing and may even some gibberish, unless you pay attention to the subtexts. Indeed, they have a profound meaning underground and they are interesting too. Just have the patience of paying attention and you will be rewarded.

Richard Linklater made remarkable films. From the "Before" trilogy to his most provocative and philosophical "Waking Life". I suppose so, that "Slacker" is indeed a prequel to "Waking Life" where conversations mean everything, characters are just real characters, who speak their mind, and there is no coherence to relate the whole film to a story. So those are the similarities of these two films and yet there are many differences too, which I better not discuss here. 

Linklater's eye for detail and understanding nuances of a whole community and capturing them as if they are all impromptu is indeed wonderful. This sets the film apart and the structure is rather stunning and yet so simple, indeed, the structure is just a flow of characters. One character leaves and other picks it up and sometimes the new character was part of the previous frame or scene too. So the structure could have been new in 1991 for many, but such structure came in 1929 with "Man with a Movie Camera". Now, what's outstanding though is the dialogue. Linklater has a gift for provoking thoughts with his dialogues and this perhaps is his earliest instance where he showcased in talent in full flow. 

This was made on a shoe-string budget of $23000 (courtesy : Wikipedia). Considering that, this is made wonderfully. Also, this film was shot on a span of few days only in Austin, Texas. So, this is a wonderful attempt in Independent films and it has raised the bar for writing and dialogue. The production values are not great but manageable. The editing is superb and the cinematography fine. Other aspects of acting are just apt. So all in all technically it was a great attempt with the budget it had.

I liked this film but this cannot be visited multiple times as the dialogues are interesting but are limiting with the characters. Thus, I am going with a 3/5 as a good film, even a wonderful film in some. But not above my favorite "Waking Life" 

http://braddugg.blogspot.in/2011/08/waking-life-2001-english.html

LETTER TO TANIKELLA BHARANI

నమస్కారములు

భరణి గారు, మిమ్మల్ని చాలా దినములుగా సంప్రదించాలని అనుకున్నాను కానీ భయంతో ఆ పని చేయలేదు. కారణం, మీ గొప్పతనం నా పేదతనానికి అడ్డు వఛిన్ది. గొప్పతనం అంటే మీ అభిరుచి, మీ ఔన్నత్యము, మీ మనసు.  

అయితే అన్నిటికన్నా ముఖ్యం మీరు తీసిన మిథునం, నాలో ఒక చిగురాశ రేపింది 

దానికి నేను రాసిన విశ్లేషణ ఇక్కడ అందిస్తున్నాను 

http://braddugg.blogspot.in/2012/12/mithunam-2012-telugu.html

ఈ విశ్లేషణ చదువుతారు అని ఆశిస్తున్నాను. 

మిమ్మల్ని కలిసి సంభాషించాలని ఉంది తెలుగుని ప్రపంచ వెలుగులోకి, మురికిలో ఉన్న తెలుగు సినిమాకి  నలుగు పెట్టి మరీ నలుగురిలోకి తీసుకు వెళ్ళే సామర్థ్యం మీకు ఉంది. అందుకే మీతో పని చేయాలని ఉంది. 

అసందర్భం అని అనుకోకపోతే, ఒక అభ్యర్థన. నేను 2007 లో "పూర్ణిమ" అనే ఒక కథను, Script గా రాసుకున్నను. 

ఇది ఒక అమ్మాయి కథ, ఆ కథనం మీకు వివరించాలని ఉంది. ఇది అచ్చ తెలుగులో నేను రాసుకున్న ఒక కథ, దీనికి ఆధారం, ఒక నిజమైన సంఘటన. 

మీరు మా లాంటి అభిమానులకు ఇచ్చిన వెసులుబాటును వాడుకుని మిమ్మల్ని దరి చేరాలి అనే చిన్న ప్రయత్నం ఇది. 

వీలు చూసుకుని సమాధానం ఇస్తారు అని వెయ్యి కళ్ళతో ఎదురు చూస్తూ, 

మీ 

భరద్వాజ 

MODERN TIMES (1936) - ENGLISH

A genius makes this. So it is wonderfully good. Chaplin has seldom faulted and here he is standing at his genius best.

So many elements are new in this, the effect of industrialisation on humans. The need and greed for money. Craving for love and doing work so as to keep the lover happy.  This is one of the most poignant films culturally and on humanitarian terms. Charlie as the Tramp delivers an immaculate performance that is a treat to watch. From being a hero in jail and struggles outside of jail. He comes to terms with the world that has become a flock, like flock of sheep that braze on grass, humans now braze on their new jobs as workers in factories. 

Ok, technically, this is a Silent film, now considering 1936 where the "talkies" have become regular in Hollywood, it seemed somewhat anachronistic. Yet, had the tramp spoke he would have become one among many, a common man and his mystic characteristics might have surfaced and he would have lost his charm. So it was a good thing that it was kept silent just for the sake of maintaining the uniqueness of "The Tramp".

There are so many unique things in this film that even today, it would to be tough to scale the magnanimity of the sets involved, the charm of the love story and the simplicity of the humour. Be it a scene where he looks at buttons of a woman as nut and bolts trying to fix them, or his fall into the damp water realising that it is not a lake or pond. So many moments are beautiful and simple and this is one of the rarest films, that will bring laughter irrespective of time and age. And it indeed brings a tear drop at times too. Emotions are universal, and the better connected they are, more beautiful the film will be. 

Chaplin knew the art if film making, yes and more than that he knew the art of being a simple human being. What it takes to live a life simply, what goes through a simple man trying to earn his bread. What goes through a lover who is trying to win the heart of a girl. He knew all this so well and many traits of his thoughts have surface in this film, making it a wonderful film and how many times ever I watch this, I never got bored and I never will. 

To distinctly say that so and so in this film is wonderful would be demeaning the essence of the film. 

So, everything is superb and I can bet on this for laughs any time. A 5/5 for one of the greatest films ever.

INSIGNIFICANCE (1985) - ENGLISH

An unpredictable film that is about a meeting of two icons. 

Indeed it's bizarre considering that this does not have a story per say except the line of the story which might have said "What might have happened when Einstein encountered Marilyn Monroe?". This interesting question in answered rather interestingly in this film. The scene in which Marilyn interprets theory of relativity to Einstein is so revealing and indeed hilarious, it puts out a layman's perspective in front of  great scientist and it's wonderfully done. 

Also, there are two more principal characters The Senator and The Ballplayer as they are referred to, had I been american I would have correlated them to Joe McCarthy and Joe Dimaggio. Since, I was unaware I had to dig through wikipedia to learn the relationships. Yet, the conversation was so intriguing and inquisitive that it just made me wonder what would come next. 

There are really very significant moments in the film and I am not very sure, why was the film titled as "INSIGNIFICANCE". The beauty lies in concealing the obvious and revealing the mystique and putting it out very very interestingly in a very minimal space. Space, I am referring to is the shooting space. The film was mostly shot in an apartment. The space in the apartment was superbly used.

The art direction, set design, and even the cinematography created the mood and atmosphere that I believe was apt, be it the flashback scenes of the characters or those during the conversation, it was all done well. 

To determine in line, what this film is actually about is a tough job for me, as I cannot contemplate the point or comprehend on the whole as to what this film actually meant. I can only say, it was based on a conversation that would have been simple, if these were normal people, but there are 4 eccentric icons who are famous and that would take the whole film to a new realm. 

All that said, it is interesting and even absurd at times, as it does not conclude, say or do anything, except for  a few laughs and few interesting moments. It's beauty lies in the absurd which I agree with, yet I wished it had a few more interesting moments than the ones. I am going with 3/5 with is interesting film that could have been so much more.

Thanks to Nicolas Roeg, this is the first film of this director and he seems to be have an interesting wit and a good head and perhaps, I will review a few more of his films.

A GOOD NIGHT

The night has come dark and slow

Time to catch up with your pillow

Keep good memories and forget the day

As the day has gone by now

And for sure there is a better tomorrow

That will bring more shine into your life

So, for now, go have fun with blanket and mattress

They are true givers of love and happiness

A wonderful night of sweet dreams

Funny, dreams shall be and none with screams

"Happy night my friend"

I wish you as I go to sleep

But this is not the end

Life has so much still for us to seek

MY REMAINS

I drenched myself in monsoons of your passion

I quenched my thirst in the rains of our unison

Yet, parched and withered I remain

Because our warmth has left me in pain

I seek to walk away from you but just cannot

For, to leave you is going to make my life go vain

When I trudge towards you and I am rewarded by a slap

"The good times have gone by, now you shouldn't expect a clap"

I hear this from your still and mellowed voice

Still, I do not crib or sob upon on my choice 

I live alone now, in those gone by monsoons unmoved and still

With patience, like a patent who took a time-stop pill

I wait for to come for one last time, just come and kill me

So that, when I die, I pass in peace as I see you in my last breath

I am not in your heart perhaps now any moment

Come take my life and make your eternal past 

I would then be happy living as your past, though dead in the present

MARIGOLD IN RAIN

Love the rain drops drooling from the Marigold flowers. Taken at a nursery in Hyderabad, India.

PALAKARIMPU (2013) - TELUGU

A short film by me, based on a small meeting between colleagues.

A SMILE

Smile for the morning and smile for the noon
Smile for the night too that comes so soon
Keep a smile, for your kid and a smile for your mother
Smile back at those too who just make you bother
Life is fun till it is done away
To smile all through is the best way
A precious gift which is undervalued
So know its worth and make it valuable
Smile when down if you can
Coz if you smile then you are the man
A smile makes up all the worries
Smile surpasses all the glories
Nothing glorifies life than a beautiful smile

VICKY AND THE TREASURE OF THE GODS (2011) - GERMAN

A fun kids film thats enjoyable when you have kids around.

Before I review, few words please to let you know that I am just sharing this review to keep up with my discipline of writing and sharing reviews as and when I see a film in a theatre or on Big Screen. 

I caught up with this film yesterday night at the Children's film festival at Lalitha Kala Thoranam with my nephew and my sister. It was fun in many ways to be seeing kids film with so many kids around. 

This is a German film and I am surprised how many kids gathered to see this and my nephew was interpreting most of the film perfectly fine, I was in awe with the knowledge and ideas todays kids have. 

The movie is a fable like story where a boy loses his father to an evil man and must get him back. It was a simple enough story that was made interesting by some wonderful shots. It is an adventure that shot akin Harry Potter. I believe so, many will mostly like this considering the simplicity it has. The film is done simply with noble intention of presenting a story with a moral. The boy rises above odds and uses his powers and gets back his father and wins over the evil. 

The production qualities were good and certain shots made in Computer Graphics were amazing. The art direction was great too. But I am not over impressed by the story as it is more a common place story than a different or a special one which you might expect at a film festival. Also, I loved a few dialogues which were humorous. The acting by most actors was very funny even silly and yet so apt. It's good that most of the acting brought out laughs.

I am going with 3/5 with this film. Above all, I loved the atmosphere and watching kids laughing and screaming at movies. 

MY PASSION

A hope I had within got me thus far

The passion of self-made me this now

But my own ego tainted many a scar

The lust for life made me stoop low

I wish not to have such valor

For that induced a taste so vigor

Can't say if it was for worse or better

Can't even say if anything does matter

Yet just can't give up my passion

That thought me a great lesson

That when cries don't work then laugh

It's better to laugh than being laughed at

CLOSE-UP (1990) - PERSIAN

A powerful film that has a question, how do we know if something is real or fake.

A man is disguised and pretends himself to be a film director; he uses that as an alibi to feed himself and earn some money. Now that he is satisfied and is good at it, he overdoes it to a point that he gets caught by the law. But wasn't he real to a right amount of time, are people so easily convinced and if all is true, then what is the real truth? Now, this might sum up the film or perhaps create an intrigue. For me, I kept jotting myself some notes (one of the few films that demanded me to take notes) as I was curious even after the end of the film.   

Primarily, I thank CRITERION again for putting this in their collection and helping me learn about it. I respect their collection much. Secondly, I was lucky to have decided to watch this on Sunday night as this kind of film makes up most of the lost weekend. It simply gives me a viewer joy, because this is not a regular movie that has a beginning with the introduction of hero, and ending with a big fight or dance. This film has questions, be it of identity or even purpose of existence and means of survival. That's like fodder for the cattle of viewers, and I love such good food which makes me relish as well as force me to try the same taste again.

Abbas Kiarostami took this story from a real incident and made it as a docu-drama, and he did it with finesse and perfection. So thanks to him in a big way. As my earlier Kiarostami movie which is WHERE IS FRIEND'S HOME, this film is also low on production values but supremely rich in content. 

Thanks to the ensemble cast who have played out their real life characters here. Kiarostami pulled it off astonishingly well. I would be critical if I said that anybody in the film acted well. Indeed, it's not called acting, it's called living the role, and each one has done that exquisitely well. Kiarostami also used the sound superbly; it was real and yet so dramatic. The dialogues conveyed a deeper philosophical meaning, and they had layers. The questions the judge put across to the accused were well drafted, and they clarified most of my doubts as a viewer too.

As and when I cast a logical doubt; the film returned me the answer asking a similar question that was running through my head and it was phenomenal in my perspective. Seldom, I have seen such a thing that keeps you glued making you think and as if it has heard your questions,  answers you back. Kiarostami seems to have known the psyche of a viewer way too well, that he might have himself asked so many questions before putting the script in place. 

Also, I got to know of another Iranian director in this film Mohsen Makhamalbaf. Maybe I will catch up with some of Mohsen's films too. But for now, I am happy to have seen this and reviewing it for my own good. It gives me happiness. 

I am going with 4/5 and please consult this in any which way possible, and I assure you that you will be subjected to a different kind of experience that's unique, to say the least. 

Also, my review of another Kiarostami movie which is WHERE IS FRIENDS HOME?

http://braddugg.blogspot.in/2011/10/where-is-friends-home-1987-persian.html

FRANCES HA (2013) - ENGLISH

I revel in the exploration of music and movies and am very happy to have found this film. Here, I share my feelings about this film. My review goes like this

An admirable film that relates to growing up, understanding relationships and more so seeking companionship.

At 27, in America, you are naturally expected to be with someone either in a physical relationship or dating or engaged. But, Frances Ha does not have any of those, she is seeking and trying to find if there is someone or hoping that may someone find her. Staying with her girlfriend 'Sophie' there is a world she has made of her own and tries to do something good for Sophie and herself always.  

Derived from the name of the character which is Frances Haliday and portrayed superbly by Greta Grewig who has brought life to the character. Greta Grewig plays it extremely convincingly and with complete control over every nuance and the subdued emotion of the character.

Characters are etched out by actions and the actions are reflected in the dialogue. The dialogue is a sheer choice of words like we do in our daily lives. If someone asks something we have a plethora of words and emotions to pick from. The range varied from a sarcastic remark to an admirable sigh to a gesture of gratitude. Now, this very choice makes us what we are and that indeed had made Frances Ha a very relatable character. It can be you too given that you are a girl or rather understand what is being a girl all about.

As I mentioned, dialogue reveals character and in this motion picture it's the choice of words by Noah Baumbach and they turn into good dialogue and making the film interesting and worthwhile. This is a film of a Woman of today that is 2012 and her own self-identify crisis, self-goals, financial coping upon standing by herself in making ends meet and all of that and more, even some psychological and physical aspects. All put together it is a completely contemporary movie. And I love it coz this about a girl of today, in the times I live.

Interestingly, the film is in Black and White I have always loved the Black and White simply because they minimize the trappings of admiration, you cannot say, oh, that was lit of so well, the lights are wonderful, a great natural scene and all that, coz it's all devoid of colours and if leaves are not green, most would not bother if they are black or white. So that sets me as a viewer in focus and the focus primarily is on the emotions of the character.  I love the black and white films and happy that even today a handful of directors are trying this.

It's good in editing, indeed it was so quick that it got over in a whizz, it's wonderful in cinematography that made me feel claustrophobic when shot in the apartments and made me feel so clumsy in the crowd and happy in the woods. The dialogues are smart witty and extremely relatable.

Now, above all, I loved the relationship between the two girls Sophie and Frances. They are like two thick friends who have some ego within them that develops, it can be considered envy to an extent but there are no hard feelings yet as they wish each other luck. So tough to put a name to it and it really made it interesting. 

The climax is not there and is like, life goes as in the Telugu film "ANTHULENI KATHA" where the protagonist's life goes on, driven more by circumstances this film too has that and it makes it more realistic.

This kind of cinema is becoming a rarity as we are moving into more commercial space where a film is losing the purpose of art, it's more like how much money will I get with a venture than about, how many will like it. I am unhappy coz I had to watch this as a download and not in cinemas. Thanks to Criterion collection for making me aware of this gem.

I am going with 4/5 for a film I loved. For the real film aficionados, this will be a well worth spent time.

నవ్వు కోసం

స్నేహ, వరుణ్ ఇద్దరూ ఏడాది క్రితం Facebook లో కలిసారు, నాలుగు సార్లు కలుసుకున్నారు, భావాలు ప్రకటించుకున్నారు . కలిసి బ్రతకాలి అని నిశ్చయించుకున్నారు.  స్నేహ తన వాళ్ళతో వరుణ్ గురించి చెప్పినా, వాళ్ళు అభ్యంతరాలు వ్యక్తం చేసారు. అందుకని ఈ రోజు తల్లితండ్రులని పరిచయం చేసి, వరుణ్ ఎలాంటివాడో అని ప్రత్యక్షంగా చూపించి, వాళ్ళని ఒప్పిద్దాం అనుకుంది.

పరీక్ష స్నేహకి కాదు, వరుణ్ కి. సమాధానాలు చెప్పవలసిన బాధ్యత వరుణ్ మీద ఉంది కాబట్టి.

తలుపు తట్టి లోపలికి వచ్చి కూర్చున్నాడు. ఎదురుకుండా స్నేహ అమ్మా, నాన్నా ఉన్నారు, కొంచెం దూరంగా ఉంది స్నేహ కూర్చుంది. 

"నువ్వేనా వరుణ్ అంటే" అని నాన్న గట్టిగా అడిగాడు
"అవునండి" అని వరుణ్ సూటిగా చూసుకుంటూ చెప్పాడు
"ఏం చేస్తుంటావు"
"ఒక I.T. Company లో Developer గా చేస్తున్నా"
"ఏ మాత్రం వస్తుంది ఏంటి" అని వెటకారంగా అడిగాడు ఆ పెద్ద మనిషి
"స్నేహకి కష్టం రాకుండా చూసుకునే అంత" అని స్నేహ వైపు చూస్తూ అన్నాడు
"తను డాక్టర్, MDS చేస్తే పెద్ద సంపాదన ఉంటుంది మరి, నీ సంపాదన కంటే చాలా ఎక్కువ"
"నిజమే, కానీ తను చదువు అయిపోయే లోపు, తనకంటే ఎక్కువ సంపాదించలేను , అని మీరు ఖచ్చితంగా చెప్పగలరా?"
"లేదు, అయితే, ఈ రోజున తనకి MDS లో Admission వస్తే నువ్వు చదివిస్తావా?"
"తప్పకుండా"
"ఎలా చెప్తున్నావు"
"ఏడాదికి 5 లక్షలు సమకూరుస్తాను ప్రస్తుతానికి, అవి ఇచ్చి, మిగిలనిది ఏమైనా ఉంటే,ఈ లోపు, ఇంకో వృత్తి చూసుకుంటా, లేకపోతే ప్రవృత్తిని వృత్తిగా మలచుకొని, తనకి చదువుకి చేయగలిగిన ఆర్ధిక సహాయం చేస్తాను, ఒక్క మాటలో చెప్పాలంటే తను అనుకున్నది సాధించడానికి, నేను చేయగలిగిన నీతి బద్ధమైన పనులు చేస్తాను"
"Script బాగా రాసుకున్నావు, కథలు రాస్తుంటావా?"
"మనసులోంచి వచ్చే మాటల వెనుక కథ, కథనం, కూర్పు ఉండాల్సిందేనా?"
"తెలుగు తట్టుకోలెకపోతున్నా, సరే కానీ మీది ఏ కులం?"
"ఎవరూ లేని అనాథకి కులం ఎక్కడుంటుంది"
"ఓ Sorry, మరిచాను, స్నేహ చెప్పింది" 
"ఫర్వాలేదు, మనసుని గ్రహించారు"
"హుమ్….స్నేహ, బావుందమ్మా, ఎవరూ లేకున్నా మనసుంది, మంచి ప్రేమికుడు, బాగా ప్రేమిస్తాడు"
"తను, నేను ప్రేమించాను అని చెప్పిందా?"
"కొంపదీసి ప్రేమించటం లేదా ఏంటి?"
"నిజానికి, నాకు ప్రేమ తెలియదు, అది ఎలా ఉంటుందో అని"
"మరి ఏం తెలుసో?"
"తన నవ్వు నిజం. ఆ నవ్వు నిలపుకోడానికి ఏమైనా చెయ్యడం నాకు ఇష్టం"
"దిగులు లేదు. తండ్రి మనసు అర్థం చేసుకున్నావు. మీ పెళ్ళి కి మా ఆశీర్వాదం ఉంది"
స్నేహ నవ్వింది, అందరూ ఆహ్లాదకరమైన మాటలు మాట్లాడుకున్నరు.

STALAG 17 (1953) - ENGLISH

Billy Wilder has not disappointed me and rather has lifted my spirits. Whenever I feel low, or feel like bored, I get hold of a Wilder film and his films have each time surprised me, from "Major Or Minor" to "One,Two,Three" there is a charisma that I believe, only Wilder could bring to the film. 

Stalag 17 is about a prison escapade and it's not a serious drama nor a suspenseful thriller, it's a plain fun-watch. It has many moments of wit and humour, especially for the good first part. Be it Animal (Robert Strauss) flirting with Russian women, or Shapiro (Harvery Lembeck) collecting letters, they are fun filled scenes and they did not seem to be cynical or mocking at the Nazis. They seemed just plain funny. Wilder, I must say is a master writer, who knows not just only the dialogue but also in which tone if it is said, brings out what emotion in an actor, and what reaction can be derived from a viewer. He deliberates acts in this film and they sync well with the script. 

Not for once, I felt anything was out of place, in this escape drama. Though most of the film focuses on the acts of the prisoners and how they have fun with each other day in and day out,  rather than the plan of escape and all, I felt it was all right there, and it helped me engage and even empathise with their characters. 

Wilder, is one of the few master of the basic principle of writing, that is actions and motives make characters, a set of these characters make a plot and better their actions, better the plot. I am speaking more of the genius of Wilder I think than the film in itself. 

Ok, the film touches all the right notes, in it's 2 hour length and fails to falter as per me. It's not a great Prisoners of War film like "Bridge on the River Kwai" or even "Shawshank Redemption" but this essentially a film where a set of people  have a motive and they get their thing done. William Holden as Sergeant Sefton gives a delightful performance and there is a host of other actors who gave some wonderful performances too, like Robert Strauss as "Animal" 

The sound design seemed perfect, considering that this is a 1953 film and it had to accommodate a landscape of War. The editing was fine too, and other aspects did a great job. Of all, I am impressed with the environment that Wilder brings with each of his films, be it "Lost Weekend" or "Some Like It Hot" or even "The Apartment". There is a sense of belonging such as being in that place, where the characters are, this is effectively done by right lighting and right art direction and even supreme cinematography. 

But Wilder has proved yet again that he was one of the most original and most acceptable voices we had who used his pen to speak more effectively than most men do. I salute his dialogue, his scene writing and even his screenplay. Though the credit is shared by Edwin Blum,  I suppose so that Wilder was behind the writing.

I am going with 4/5 for this. It's not the ideal nail biting stuff if such is the expectation, it's laid back fun-filled watch that mostly you will not regret watching. I am happy to have caught up with this.

यादों से रिहा

जब हम जीते थे, आपकी ख्यालों की पनाह में रहते थे 

अब तो मर के कई साल हुए, पर आपकी यादों से हम  रिहा नहीं होते है 

GRAVITY (2013) - ENGLISH

The most immersing cinematic experience since AVATAR.

Before I begin the review I have a qualm to express. I am appalled by the way Prasads IMAX does it's business. IMAX was built with a specific purpose and now with release of Telugu films which do not deserve an IMAX screen, Prasads expressed that its purpose is to serve Telugu films and the films essentially meant for an IMAX release, like GRAVITY have to take a backseat. I wish there was one show of this film in IMAX.

How many do know that there is an IMAX  in NASA Space Center in Florida. I was lucky to be at NASA in 2010 and more so as I did see a wonderful film called HUBBLE there. Now, GRAVITY is a film that is based on what may have happened to HUBBLE. That is all it has in common and from then on, its a bumpy ride its a kind of cast away it space. Where one person is caught in jeopardy and has to get out of it. 

George Clooney as Matt Kowalsky and Sandra Bullock as Ryan Stone are two NASA people on board the Hubble on an operation. Now, in space fixing a screw too is like an operation coz its daunting task there, considering many things. In GRAVITY, their characters are wonderfully written by Alfonso Cuaron and both have done their jobs wonderfully and indeed Sandra Bullock has won my heart with her performance. 

Why is Gravity so immersive is because this is not a film where merely some story is said. It throws you into the action, makes you empathise with the character and makes you relieved when the character attains the impossible. That's how cinema is supposed to be and GRAVITY succeeds in involving the eyes and the physical body language too of the viewer too. I felt dizzy at times and I am still feeling the jolt hours later. Impact is such heavy and also it's all worthwhile.

Alfonso Cuaron, who took the pain of directing it must be a relieved man now since he has done the job wonderfully in directing this marvel now can sit back and enjoy the results of the  hard work. The pain he took in detailing can be felt in every nuance that is there is on the screen, even the teardrops, the nuts and bolts, wow for all those in space. All my salutations to Alfonso, the writer director who had a vision and he has executed it a way that we seldom see in cinema.

I loved the editing and the soundtrack. But above all else, I loved the cinematography and the visual effects. Placing the camera in the right position and to encapsulate the whole feeling in the lens is remarkably done. The post production work I am sure will sweep all the visual effects awards of this year.

Above all, it's a story of inspiration and of human spirit winning in hard times. When there is hope and some common sense, "fortune favours the brave" and that's what exactly happened in GRAVITY.

A 5/5 for one of the most compelling experiences at cinema. I wish this film was not given a break by our theatre people and I also wish that this will be soon released in IMAX as I am eager to catch it up in IMAX many many times. JUST LOVED THE EXPERIENCE.

I take this opportune moment, to show (indeed show off) a few of my own pics of NASA, FLORIDA. 

CLICK ON THE LINK please for my NASA pics.

ATTHARINTIKI DAAREDI (2013) - TELUGU

Stylish without substance. Power packed punches in a powerless story. 

I have kept myself away as much as possible from the Telugu Films, because they are mostly not to my liking. But, I went to see this movie as it had to face a tough piracy devil. Pawan Kalyan made a good gesture by returning his remuneration back So that triggered a feeling in me and I went for it. Thanks to fans who made this film stand tall in such turbulent times and made it earn the revenue.

Coming to the film, I am disappointed again. As many telugu films have made me feel, it's the old wine in a new bottle. Here, I will just give my likes and dislikes coz I do not want to spend much time on this. I have been through an ordeal of 3 hours already and spending more time on this film would make no sense as I do not think it's a movie worth spending time

MY LIKES 

1) Video Direction of "Ninnu Choodagane" song

2) Usage of the 1940's Song "Katama Rayuda". Well rendered by Pawan Kalyan but not so well placed. 

3) Re recording, sound mixing and even background score at places. 

4) Some 20 dialogues of Trivikram, not more (each dialogue that has a rhyme I felt was not so unnecessary, most were not related to situation)

MY DISLIKES

1) The biggest dislike is editing, too many uncalled for scenes just to add up some commercial. It was done for the sake of it but not for any purpose

2) The second biggest crib is screenplay, it's a serial that is made into a feature film. Even for that, the screenplay is showed as if it's non linear, I found some similarities with the "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" screenplay too. "BMB" film needed that, but this film went overboard.

3) Dialogues for Samantha and even her acting, I wish someone else did act, she is just not a good actor. But it seems for telugu audience she is good enough.

4) Bringing Brahmanandam just for the sake of it, he was not needed but director created space specifically to fit him. The skit made in the film was too long. Indeed, his presence itself was too long.

5) Now, the biggie, Pawan Kalyan and his mannerisms.  I was doubting his manhood at various points. He acted as a girl in various uncalled for moments. Though his dialogue delivery is fine, his body language is not to my liking. 

Overall, I am going with a generous 2/5 for this. I did not like this serial (I felt it was like a serial more than film).

THE LUNCHBOX (2013) - HINDI

I have seen an epistolary play in the form of "LOVE LETTERS" and now there is a epistolary film in the form of "THE LUNCHBOX". I am so lucky to have been part of this. Lunchbox is a definite watch for few emotions that are rarely touched upon in Indian films.

Before I review the movie, I have liked 3 Indian movies this year. LOOTERA. BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG and SHIP OF THESEUS. If Lootera was a fable romance story, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag lifted my spirits and the SHIP OF THESEUS did jolt my consciousness and make me ask many questions. But Lunchbox dug deeper in few emotional aspects. It asked me if I crave for love, long for someone, do I have a heart that empathises with the aspects of companion and how long will I go   .

Longing is an universal feeling and that's well portrayed depicted and put in this film. Yet, I too was longing for more after the film. Wish that the film was more in length. In just about 1 hour, its hard to induce a feeling so deep and that's what I believe was the only drawback. 

The performances were simply superb and even sublime. Nawazuddin Siddiqui was the charmer and the bright spot who brought smiles. Nimrat Kaur was a married yet lonely wife and a caring mother. Irrfan Khan was the perfect gentleman and a serious type who craves for companionship and when he finds, he gives it away with his own prejudices. These three actors are just too good but again in 1 hour they are very short lived and I was craving even for their acting and more of their emotions.

The sound editing was at time overlapping but otherwise it gave a realistic feel. The art direction, cinematography were well complemented. The screenplay excelled at places and threw a few surprises too like the coffee shop scene. A few scenes were repetitive which besotted with a sense of deja vu. It indeed worked for the film as it made me feel living a mundane life of the character. The dialogues are witty and smart.

If I ever a crib, then it's about the story, well its made of few letters and they do not reveal more emotions. That's one thing I again wanted to see more. Overall it left me disappointed in aspects of time and emotions as they were very short lived. Else, it would have been a wonderful film. Having said that, on the face of it, I like the movie though not loved it. Maybe the interval break which was uncalled for in such a short movie, spoiled the joy. I need to see this without a break so will get a DVD of this.

A 4/5 for this and by no means it can be missed. But you watch and decide please. This is one of the most simplistic films you may have seen.Also, I felt hungry after watching this, I just loved the kofta made in this. 

TEARS OF WATERS

Each year, I wish this day shall not come
But my prayers go unheard 
I wish that this crime shall not be done
Alas, blindness is high in the human herd

For,  the rapists of a girl the law falls in line
But for abuse upon me, it all seems so fine
Coming to my seas and beaches of mine for vacations
Writing poetry by my lakes or rivers for recreation

Yet, you dump the garbage and your waste
I bear it all the year but today is a total distaste
The iron and oil you paint your gods with
They cannot dissolve nor sail
They just make ashamed of your myth
But again, none can hear my wails

I seek salvage from this rampage
But despite my cries, I am not given respite
I am an essence of you, an element you can never miss 
But "O human" by abusing me you are in bliss 

I cry today but I see for none it matters
Please spare me I beg you in tears
Alas, you cannot see nor feel mine

They too are of my own soul "the waters" 

A feeling I go through each year when I pass by lakes after the "Ganesh Visarjan". I think, how would the waters feel by the abuse we do to it. Poor soul of waters goes through a lot of pain. I am happy by initiatives of Clay idols being kept, but it's not enough. I wish a day will come soon when the oil painted and iron filled idols are banned. Till that day, there shall be "TEARS OF WATERS"

KISSES

Kiss me on my forehead

Kiss me on my cheeks

Kiss me on my nose

Kiss me on lips

Kiss me anywhere you want

Kiss me with your tender lips

Kiss me forever and never stop

Kiss me, dear, for a lifetime

Let me die in your kisses

POET FIRST

I am a poet first everything else next

I heard his first line in our first meet

As moments passed with days and nights

I heard his poems in rains and scorching sun

With many ‘of courses’ in our long discourses

With cigar or wine at lunch or as we dine

We were young then and words were handy

And a day I had to part, with him and his poems

I said ‘Thank you for your friendship”

On what I thought was our last meet

He said ‘Thank my poems before anything else

And we shall meet again in a corner of Life Street’

I met him years later and true were his words

Now he was residing on the throne of words

With many poems in the shrine of his thoughts

He said ‘World is round and thus you land

On the same ground with wrinkled feet and hands”

Some too deep, some too long his poems were

Some mellowed sonnets and rest were songs

It was a corner and I met him at life’s dead end

A dawn, by a message he did send

I knew of his illness that cannot mend

I went to his place to have some time spent

I greeted him though wailing ‘Hello Friend’

He in hurry yelled in his last breath

I am a poet first everything else next

MENDICANT OF LOVE

This poor man is a mendicant

Begging for love, begging you

With a heart filled with nothing but love

Care is what I do not show

To anyone but you

Fear is what I do not have

Of anything but losing you

Think, is what I cannot do

Of anyone but just you

The bees, the caterpillars, and ants

The tiniest of things understand it

Hope you would one day get

What I am going through

COME TONIGHT

Come tonight, O beautiful

I'd show you love

Come tonight just for another time

And see the words of love

Come please, for tonight

For tomorrow, I do not have an idea

Where’d I be and where’d you be

Come, come, come tonight

I shall give you my love and my soul

MONEY

Money comes, money goes

It brings clothes, it brings shoes

The reason for our might, the reason for our woes

The reason for friends, the reason for foes

Money comes in gold, paper, and plastic

It makes many sway in its music

It takes us to fantasies and gives thrills

It makes real, many dreamy frills

Money sheds for most their every tear

It can buy all; one may say but I say it cannot

Money can’t buy the love of mother or brother

Money can’t, my dear, give the peace for a lifetime

It can’t buy death, though it can buy a gun

It can buy a medicine, but can’t really give life

Yet, my friends and dear ones, I say this

Money, to get is substantial if not more

To make pleasures and passions come true

To make the holiday’s funny and travel easy

Money, for some buys food, makes them feel good

Money makes even in tragedy a blissful mood

WORDS

Words of all sorts

Words of death, words of life

Words of love and its strife

Words of glory, words of defeat

Words are there for every feat

Words are a lot, for every spot

Words are still hard to get on trot

Words for siblings and parents

Words for owners and tenants

Words for joy and for grief

Words for pain and its relief

Words for poor rich and sages

Words for the modern and for the ages

Words of music, words of noise

Words of extremes, words of poise

Words for unknown roots of nature

Words some for God's mighty stature

Words, without them what could we be?

Words should say again what would we be?

Words are singer’s friend and writer’s wife

Words give meaning to each one’s life

Words are there to be cared for

Words are there to be spared for

Words at any times shall always be

Words for words and words are with words