Kanoon (1960)

A well made, ahead of its time movie, which raises significant questions about the Law and its grounds of making a judgment. Can a person be charged for the same crime twice? The movie starts with this intriguing question and then moves on towards unmasking deeper loop holes in the judiciary system. The story revolves around a plot where a murder is committed but an innocent person is caught due to his untimely presence on the spot. Now should he be hanged only on the basis of some dicey witnesses and can the Judgment be turned over with some forged testimonies, are the points intelligently raised in “Kanoon”.
It’s true that the Law does take its decision on the basis of witnesses available and doubts can always be raised on the authenticity of all those testimonies. But that’s the way Law forces work, which can anytime punish an innocent person for a crime not committed. May be that’s the reason, Law is said to be blind and that is the basic theme of this captivating court room drama called “Kanoon” directed by B. R. Chopra. In fact I recall reading an article which mentioned that B. R. Chopra made this movie to prove that Indian Cinema is not only few songs and dances put together. To show the brilliance and talent of our Indian filmmakers and its actors, B. R. Chopra made this song less classic court room drama in the times when songs were treated as an essential ingredient of film-making.

The director is well supported by his talented star-cast which includes Ashok Kumar in the lead role as a Judge. And the narration holds you till the climax which has a shocking revelation to make. In few words, “Kanoon” is not a normal Bollywood movie of the Sixties. But it’s an important path breaking attempt, made well ahead of its time, raising notable questions about the Judiciary system of the world, still prevalent in the current times. So, if you want to see a thrilling, court room drama, then go for this All Time Classic in the nostalgic Black & White format.

However, I also remember this similar theme being used in two different mediums before and after “Kanoon”. In 1983, Amitabh Bachchan raised the same question standing in the court that “How can you charge a person twice for the same crime”. That was in “Andha Kanoon” also featuring Rajneekant, Hema Malini, Reena Roy, Prem Chopra & Pran.

And before the release of “Kanoon” in 1960, there was an episode of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” T.V. Serial, titled “The Motive” aired in 1958. In that episode too, there are two friends who have a bet on a point that a murder can be committed without being caught, in the similar manner in which Ashok Kumar has a bet with his fellow Judge. The sequence may be inspired but that doesn’t take away any merit from this B. R. Chopra’s worth watching Classic. So just go for it!

(Originally posted at www.bobbytalkscinema.com)

Cast Away (2000)

“Cast Away” is a different experience of its own kind, with a novel concept and an unique storyline. The movie is not an usual drama or love story as you may expect, but on the contrary it’s a film entirely based only on a single character. Hard to believe, but it’s true that in major part of the movie, Tom Hanks is there alone on the screen, talking with the nature and a ball.

The plot is about a young energetic person (Tom Hanks), living a happy life with his lady love (Helen Hunt). While flying for a professional tour, his aircraft meets an accident and gets crashed into the ocean. Being the only visible survivor, he reaches an abandoned island and now has to find a way to get out of the absurd situation. Sadly, he is not able to find a solution and has to live on the island alone for four long years. A real scary plot it is, acted superbly by Tom Hanks and directed intelligently by Robert Zemeckis.

It’s indeed tough to make an entertaining movie with only a single character there to play around. But here, both the actor and the director, break the normal mould of movie making and deliver a fine, polished, intellectual product for the lovers of cinema. The way, they have conceived the solitary moments lived by Tom Hanks on the island alone are worth watching for every single appreciator of the art. And the professional commitment of Tom Hanks, to play the character living 4 long years on an island alone is simply remarkable.

Realistically, any person living alone on an island, surviving only on coconuts and fish is bound to have an extremely thin body in years. So, to give it an authentic feel, Tom Hanks took the challenge, worked hard for months and turned himself into an unrecognizable figure as seen in the picture on the left. The method acting art followed by the veteran in the movie is like an essential text book material for every student of film-making.

Cast Away, also scores on the emotional level as it has a philosophical climax, depicting the bitter truths of life when people tend to change with time and circumstances. The movie takes an unexpected turn when Tom gets rescued after four years, returns to his normal life and meets his lady love again. For his friends and relatives he was a dead person and now as he returns, he is made to witness some unpleasant changes in the characters of his loved ones, leaving him alone again in the crowded city.

But, instead of making it sad, the director keeps the spirit of life alive, with the small doses of humor incorporated smartly towards the end. For instance, when Tom returns to his old life, one of his friends says, “We had a funeral and a coffin for you”. And to this Tom laughs and replies, “What was in it?”……… A true masterpiece, representing commitment towards your passion, simply not to be missed.

Directed By Robert Zemeckis
Starring : Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt & more

(Originally posted at www.bobbytalkscinema.com)

Forrest Gump (1994)

Another masterpiece from Tom Hanks, who surpassed his own set standards of acting and reached new greater heights in his inspiring career with “Forrest Gump”. The movie is about a loving personality with a low intelligence quotient but a heart full of emotions. The story talks about his journey from his childhood to his youth and how he faces all the complexities of life with his saintly smile and ease. He overcomes his fears, fights with his limitations and wins every heart on his way. He earns name, fame and glory with his inspirational and innovative acts and goes on to become a Hero in the eyes of a common man.

However the only thing he remembers in every phase of his life is his childhood love, Jenny. His emotions and expressions whenever he thinks or talks about Jenny are simply adorable. Later in his life, as there are more great events happening around him, he still has Jenny in his mind, as always. It’s also fun to see the animated graphics where Forrest is there interacting with some great historical figures of the past with his lovable smile.

The director uses many novel sequences in the movie where Forrest Gump is shown creating history in his own style, which also becomes funny at times. For example, when Forrest just decides to run and run for several days without any motive or aim and people also start following him blindly…..it all seems to be funny and weird at the same time. But the exceptional act of Tom Hanks makes every single step of Forrest, believable as real. His inimitable and worth praising performance makes every single flaw in the movie simply vanish in the thin air. And there lies the beauty of this movie called “Forrest Gump”

In fact, the much appreciated act of Hrithik Roshan as a low I.Q. person in “Koi Mil Gaya” also seems to be inspired from the Academy Award Winner performance of Tom Hanks. If you haven’t seen this yet, then you are missing one of the most famous and highly admired acts in the world of cinema. And as Forrest’s mama used to say, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”………So, it’s indeed worth trying.

Directed By Robert Zemeckis
Starring : Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Sinise

(Originally posted at www.bobbytalkscinema.com)

FIRAAQ : 'Saat Suron Mein Itna Jadoo Kahan Ki Yeh Vehshat Rok Saken' - Nandita's sensitive & insightful offering.

Nandita Das, an actress known for her off-beat choice of movies and remarkable acting skills, wears the cap of a director and gives us a sensitive & thoughtful movie based on aftermaths of the Gujarat Riots, which unfortunately happened in 2002. Last year we had a brilliant movie “Mumbai Meri Jaan” which talked about different people who were victims or a part of Mumbai Train Blasts. On the similar lines “Firaaq” (means Separation or Judaai) tells stories of few people, their fears and the trauma they face after one month of the mis-happening in the state.

Though it may not be liked by mainstream viewers for its artistic treatment, but for a thinking viewer, “Firaaq” has depth, emotions and power to make you reconsider, what is the difference between two religions which causes so much hatred and bloodshed? Nandita Das succeeds in generating the empathy impact in the viewer as he witnesses the sequences on the screen. The film and its sensitive direction can make you understand the minute distinction in the words ‘sympathy’ and ‘empathy’. You can feel the pain of victims as if it was all happening around you. And the credit goes to the intelligently written, well directed and brilliantly cinematographed scenes throughout the movie.

The first scene itself is the most important and impactful scene of the movie which is capable of generating chills down your spine. It’s a graveyard scene where a loaded truck arrives giving more work to the grave diggers who already have enough bodies to bury together. In fact, this is the most powerful scene out of all the movies made on communal riots till date. The last time I felt this way watching anything on screen was when I saw Govind Nihalani’s “Tamas” many years back. So hats off to Nandita for this particular scene.

The movie then moves into different stories of people who witnessed the massacre, and are still haunted by the memory of those black days. Deepti Naval, as a middle class housewife is trapped in the pool of guilt of not helping the persons who came to her house for shelter. And now she is punishing herself each new day, thinking about her cowardly act. Paresh Rawal as her husband is a cunning materialistic person who is more interested in taking advantage of the communal tensions in the city. Shahana Goswami and her friend both earn by inscribing mehndi on the hands of ladies in marriages. How a simple “bindi”, saves them both from being treated otherwise is worth watching. A group of men manage to get a pistol with only one bullet and that also goes wasted in their own fight. A child gets lost in the big town, roaming around helplessly after all his family members are killed. The story of this child also gets connected with Deepti Naval and she takes him to her home. The conversation scenes between Deepti and the child are the most emotional ones in the movie which prove the immense talent Nandita Sen has got.

However there are two stories which stand out and have a lasting impression on the viewer. One is about a Hindu-Muslim couple (Sanjay Suri & Tisca Chopra) who have decided to leave the city after their store was looted and destroyed. Their confrontation dialogues and two minds situation has been shot realistically which touches your soul.

The other moving story is about a true old classical singer (Naseeruddin Shah), who still believes that everything is at peace out there and nothing has changed. Raghuvir Yadav is a person serving him for years but he has not got guts to tell Naseer about the brutal killings. Jagjit Singh giving playback to the classical singing of Nasser brought back the memories of “Mirza Ghalib” once again. And when Naseer is asked what he can do to stop this, he rightly says with grief, “Saat Suron Mein Itni Taaqat Kahan Ki Yeh Vehshat Rok Saken”. Very True!

Here I would also like to mention a scene I found both emotional and disturbing to a great extent. As Naseer and Raghuvir pass through a road sitting in an autoricksaw, Nasser suddenly asks the driver to stop and comes out looking for something. Actually he is looking for an ancient and ages old mazaar which is not there where it was from years. Raghuvir calms him down explaining that we are on the wrong road and everything is fine. This is another well conceived scene equivalent to the first seen in the start.

In acting department everyone is there doing their part perfectly and are also well suited for their roles. Out of all, Naseeruddin Shah & Sanjay Suri stand out with their true to life performances and are a treat to watch. Cinematography is of first rate and plays a major part in giving the realistic touch to the movie.

“Firaaq” actually, should be seen more as an artistic and thought provoking docu-drama than as a mainstream hindi movie. After the impressive & shocking start, your expectations rise sky high, which get fulfilled to some extent. But you also feel a little less satisfied as the movie finishes. That deprives “Firaaq” to be called an ultimate masterpiece, but still it is a movie which should be watched by everyone as a compulsion and you cannot afford to miss it.

That is why it also enters my “Movies To See Before You Die List” too.

So don’t miss it as it is an intelligent and well made gift from the charming Nandita Sen. Would love to see her more works very soon.

Ratings : 3.5 / 5

Black Snake Moan (2006)

I picked up this movie only because of Samuel L. Jackson and was not having expectations of any sort from it. But the film, shocked me with its bold and raw content accompanied by brilliant acting by the lead actors. The movie is definitely not for the minors as it has some very intense and disturbing kind of sequences based on drug addiction and its sexual impact. Imagine a very young girl under the influence of drugs, tied with heavy thick chains in order to keep her inside a house.

Samuel L. Jackson, who himself is fighting with his destiny living alone, plays the savior to this over reactive girl enacted by Christina Ricci. The movie is worth watching for their superb scenes together showing their burning expressions with hard hitting dialogues. Samuel L. Jackson surprisingly plays some sweet music to Christina in a scene, which is also one of the best directed scenes in the movie. Justin Timberlake is there too giving a loving small performance as Christina’s lover.

As suggested by its unusual name, “Black Snake Moan” is a strong impactful movie talking about the bitter truths of life like childhood abuse, youth giving up to drugs & sex, mid life crisis and a person’s trembling faith in the Almighty. The director brilliantly captures the confused psyche of a young girl living dangerously with her sexual lust and drug addiction. The movie is certainly not for mere entertainment and having a good time. It deserves a good, sincere watch by the thinking viewers. A must see movie for all the grown-ups still searching their way out in this big tough world.

Directed By Craig Brewer
Starring : Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake and more.

Swades (2004)

This Shahrukh Khan starrer and Ashutosh Gowariker directed movie can be listed among those few ones which got recognition as a masterpiece or were appreciated hugely after a few years of their release. It is one of those good movies which were not accepted by the viewers when it was first introduced, but with the growing times became immensely popular in the cinema world for its innovative subject and content. The story revolves around a successful NASA engineer who decides to quit his job and moves back to his motherland, India, amused by the country, its simplicity and its loving people. The ethnic feel of the movie is captivating and impressive. Though at some places you may find it cliché, but on the whole it is a fine family watch with some mesmerizing songs from the maestro, A. R. Rahman.

This was Ashutosh Gowariker’s next movie after the blockbuster “Lagaan”. Thought it was not received well by the viewers initially but now it is rated among the best works of Shahrukh, Ashutosh & Rahman. A must watch if you want to see a decent and earthy movie about India and its people.

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker
Starring : Shahrukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi and more.

Ijaazat (1987)

While living the later years of his life, a lonely character suddenly meets a person (in a railway station's waiting room), who was once the most important one in his life but had parted and gone onto living her own path, in her own way. What happens when two such persons meet, how they remember each personal moment they had lived and how they see the reasons of their separation once again with a new perspective. This is the subject of “Ijaazat”, a very intense, emotional and loving movie from “Gulzar”. The plot gets more enjoyable with two great artists Naseeruddin Shah and Rekha. Anuradha Patel completing the triangle also gives a memorable perfromance of her short career. And another main merit of movie is its music by R. D. Burman. In fact he has done a great job in putting the unconventional lyrics into beautiful compositions. And the songs blend into the scenes and narration beautifully. There are moments of silence in the movie which have a language of their own, and there are some well written one liner dialogue scenes, which are a treat to watch. Another not to be missed gem from the master film-maker, Gulzar. You are sure going to find this movie and its soundtrack both in the collection of almost every fan of bollywood movies.

Directed By Gulzar
Starring : Naseeruddin Shah, Rekha & Anuradha Patel

Amu (2005) (English)

After a long time, here is a movie which raises a serious question that “Whether the youth should be made familiar with the ugly part of the history of a nation or not?.” Writer-Director Shonali Bose certainly deserves praises for choosing this kind of uncommon topic for her film. And she even deserves bigger applause to make a film on the trauma faced by a community which she doesn’t belong to by birth. “Amu” is a movie based on the Sikh Riots which were witnessed in New Delhi after the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, then, the world famous Prime Minister of the Country.

Normally you expect movie on such burning topic coming from the people of the victim community like “Maachis” directed by Gulzar, who belongs to a Sikh background. He could easily relate and understand the problem faced by Punjab due to the terrorist movement at that time, which was visible in his widely acclaimed movie. But to my amazement the brilliant agony and pain of the riots, expressed in “Amu”, comes from a person who is a Bengali. May be she had some relationship with the happening in any way but this is a pure example of how a human heart can feel the pain suffered by another human irrespective of any community differences. I was awestruck after viewing the film and couldn’t believe how intelligently the subject was handled by the writer and director.

The movie is about a small girl whose parents are killed in the Sikh riots and then she is adopted by a Bengali family. She is living with the family abroad and now when she has turned into a young lady, she gets a chance to visit Delhi for a family function. Coming back to the city she feels somehow attached to the surroundings and finds it strange. With the help of her friend she discovers her past and comes to know the ugly history of the city which everybody is trying to hide from the youngsters. Interestingly the movie is about riots, but there are only few scenes showing the angry and mad crowd, instead the director emphasizes on the victims and people who unknowingly participated in the happenings and regret doing it till now. Not going into it politically, the director gives indication to many incidents of that time, which are still considered controversial.

It is really remarkable that in a film based on riots there are only few scenes of actual killings, yet you can strongly feel the torture realistically. The movie was allowed a Censor Certificate in India after several cuts and it could only manage an unpublicized release due to reasons unknown. Now it is released on DVD with some extra features related to the making of the movie too. Coming back to the question the movie raises, I would suggest that the youth of a nation should be made familiar to both the good and bad past of a country as that would make them think better about their own future and about the path they have to choose.

The movie is a must watch for all those who were part of that tough time in Delhi and it’s an even more essential watch for all those who have just read about it, as it is very close to the reality which could have been avoided. A well made movie which deserves a standing ovation for choosing the unconventional subject and executing it brilliantly.

Directed By Shonali Bose
Starring : Konkona Sen, Yashpal Sharma, Brinda Karat, Ankur Khanna, Loveleen Mishra & more.

The Bicycle Thief / Bicycle Thieves (Ladri Di Biciclette - 1948) (Italy)

This is a fine example of mastery over simplicity and expressions. Applauded all over the world for its content and execution, you may find the movie very simple and straight. But I would like to suggest you two different ways to watch this movie if you still haven’t seen it. The story is about a person who needs a bicycle as a requisite to get a job. After he acquires it, giving away some of his belongings, he finds his bicycle has been stolen on the very first day of his job. Now the rest of the film is about how he goes on searching for his lost bicycle along with his 8-10 years old son. The hidden message of the movie is to see the journey of their search through the eyes of the child.

The director beautifully shows how a small child is totally dependent on his parents and completely helpless in situations out of his control. You can feel the pain and uneasiness experienced by the child as he witnesses his father doing different things to find his lost bicycle. Just see the movie keeping in mind the child and you will surely find new angles of expressions filmed brilliantly. The movie received an Honorary Oscar Award for its excellence and Indian master film-maker Satyajit Ray quoted this film as an influence on his choice of becoming a director.

If you have seen Bimal Roy’s “Do Bigha Zameen” then I would like to add that Bimal Roy also must have had “The Bicycle Thief” at the back of his mind while making the much appreciated Indian Classic. The main difference between the two is that “Do Bigha Zameen” goes too melodramatic and sentimental in its approach whereas the Italian Classic says it all without going over the top. Here lies the beauty of it which makes it better than the Bimal Roy’s movie. And this is the reason why I didn’t include “Do Bigha Zameen” in my must see movies list.

However while watching “The Bicycle Thief”, there was only one person in my mind who could play the lead if it was made in Hindi, and he was the highly respected “Mr. Balraj Sahni”. He was the only person who could have expressed the suffering of the bicycle owner in the right way, because he always thought through his heart and knew how to act without acting. So another way of watching “The Bicycle Thief” is thinking “Balraj Sahni” as the lead hero. That will again double your pleasure watching “The Bicycle Thief”. Go For It!

Directed By Vittorio De Sica

Charade (1963)

If you are a Hitchcock fan and love watching his films then this is what you must watch as your next movie. Strangely, its not in any way related to Alfred Hitchcock but it can surely be called as a Hitchcock movie never made by Hitchcock. A fast paced thriller with a highly entertaining climax and impressive performances by the lead pair Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. The story revolves around a few characters who suspect each other and the screenplay keeps you guessing every 5 minutes with its engrossing sequences. The lead couple looks cute in their small fights and chases. In fact the film is so intriguing that you will find it tough to stop in between and would like to watch it in one go. Its undoubtedly better than the thrillers made even in the current times. One of the best mystery movies I have seen with a pinch of comedy and romance too. It’s sad that these kinds of light and entertaining movies are not being made anymore by the current filmmakers. Make sure this is your next watch if you are a fan of mystery and thriller movies.
Directed By Stanley Donen
Starring : Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn & More

Lagaan / Chale Chalo – The Making (2001)

Somehow I missed to include this masterpiece in my list earlier. But now as I see the “Unseen Footage” and the Making of this Epic, I am proud to call it an Indian Classic which also made it to the last final nominations for best foreign film eyeing on an OSCAR. Though it didn’t win but still the movie is worth watching for its innovative theme and superb performances from the entire star cast. And a special mention for the brilliant musical score by another Indian Maestro A. R. Rahman, who is making Indians proud all over the world. “Lagaan” is a result of collective effort by the entire crew headed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the director and Aamir Khan, the lead and the producer of the movie. There are very few movies made in India with the main subject being Sports and “Lagaan”, proudly stands tall in that list at the very first place. It is the really the creative vision of these two people which resulted in this not to be missed flick.

You must have seen the movie but if possible do see the “Chale Chalo” Bonus Feature DVD on the making of the movie and all the deleted scenes and songs. The making shows all the pain and discomfort suffered by all associated with the movie. It shows the spirit and importance of a good team required for this kind of huge effort. And the climax of “The Making” relating to the disastrous earthquake in Bhuj, where the film was shot is shocking as many may not even know about it. If you loved “Lagaan” then you will love “The Making” even more. Just Go For it Now !
Directed By : Ashutosh Gowariker
Starring : Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh & many more

A Wednesday (2008)

First of all I wish to thanks “Mr. Ronnie Screwvala” for being a unique producer who has the guts to back up projects like “A Wednesday”. Secondly, Kudos to writer & director “Neeraj Pandey”, who brings a fresh & new tide in the vast ocean of Hindi Cinema. “A Wednesday” is not a big movie, but it is many times powerful than all the 50-70 crores projects being talked about in the news. It’s a movie which shows the signs of intelligence and the art of film making flowing in the veins of our young directors. It’s a movie made with courage, with conviction and with a strong point to raise in favor of a common man.

Without giving away the main plot, the story is about confrontation between a man played by Naseeruddin Shah, who has planted bombs in the city and Anupam Kher, the Police Chief of the city. In simple words it’s like fire between two stalwarts of our Hindi Cinema and they both make it just worth watching. I remember seeing two giants together on the screen last time in “Saudagar” (Dilip Kumar & Raj Kumar) and way back in ”Shakti” (Dilip Kumar & Amitabh Bachhan). And like those two movies, this one too satisfied my expectations to a large extent.

Though the movie starts with some predictable scenes of planting bombs in public areas. But after this weak start, the moment first phone call goes to the office of Anupam Kher, the film is straight away in the top gear and never looks back. The script is strictly to the point and that takes the viewer to the edge of his seat with every passing minute. Many movie buffs may judge the main twist post interval but even after you have cracked it, the movie still has the grip to keep you glued to your seats. Performances have many surprises in store for the viewer. First of all, Jimmy Shergil is completely convincing and once again impressive in his act of an angry young police officer. The four terrorists and the entire supporting star cast has done a commendable job which makes you believe the unexpected happening on the screen. Cinematography and Background Music both completely support the vision of the director. Frankly speaking, the script has its flaws like what happened to the bag planted by Naseer at the station in the start of the movie. But these loopholes must be (essentially) ignored to enjoy one of the most powerful film of this year.

The last 20 minutes need a special and standing ovation for both the director and the actors. The long, strong and impressive explanation by Naseer about his reasons is a kind of landmark in Hindi Movies. You will find each word, completely justifying our day to day experiences in life. You will feel that whatever may be the outcome, this man (Naseer) is somehow saying the right thing, which you may have felt at some moment in your life. The worth praising fact about the movie is that it doesn’t take sides for any religion or its followers. There are references to some Hindu & Muslim characters, but they do not indicate any partiality on behalf of someone particular character. At many times, the silence of the actors, just says it all.

And the best part is that the director refuses to tell the real name of the man causing all troubles in the end. And the narration says that “If a name is given then it will lead to un-necessary conclusion, so let it be a common man who chose to fight for his own safety”. And that, in my opinion is the most unexpected and original climaxes you may have seen in a Hindi movie. A well written and fantastically executed climax scene, when both Naseer & Anupam shake hands and cross each other is simply excellent.

The two volcanoes of talent, Naseer & Anupam Kher have nothing to prove about themselves, but they do prove one thing.....that we are not making much films which can tap the talent available in the country. Imagine Naseer in “Jaane Tu....” & Anupam Kher in “C Kkompany” after watching “A Wednesday”. You will surely understand what I am trying to say. I also remember “Nasser” & “Om Puri” together in “Maqbool” in the same context.

Coming back to the movie, “A Wednesday” certainly takes its place among the Top10 movies of both Naseeruddin Shah & Anupam Kher. And the director “Neeraj Pandey” is a talent to watch out in the coming future. An essential Watch, even at the cost of a holiday from your work.
Directed By : Neeraj Pandey
Starring : Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill and more.

Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008)

There are numerous movies made on the cause of Terrorism and about the people behind the inhuman acts. But here comes a movie which emphasizes on impact (not the cause)of these happenings on people from different parts of life, rich and poor, brave and strong, young and old. And the sensitivity with which the consequences have been captured by the director is indeed commendable. Nishikant Kamat's first Hindi venture is a praise worthy effort, which shows you the aftermath of Mumbai Train Blasts and amazes you in the two hours of its narration.

There is a new trend catching up fast with the filmmakers in Indian Cinema, to take up 5-6 stories together and then telling the story from different angles with different characters. Naseeruddin Shah tried this in his debut directorial venture, then Anurag successfully adapted this in his “Metro” and you may recall many more movies made in the recent times with the same multi-plot structure.

But “Mumbai Meri Jaan” stands apart from these all both in quality and content. There are moments in the movie which are immensely realistic and the viewer can relate to characters he is close to. The script has some sequences which you may have thought of while watching the tragedies and their victims on news channels in your secured homes.

Like the story of Soha Ali Khan, which thoughtfully showcases the psyche of reporters and news channels, when they want to cash on each new tragedy and mis-happening on their channels. You may have also thought sometimes that how a reporter can ask a person who has lost his entire family about “How is he feeling?”. It’s simply inhuman to have such courage to ask such question to the victims. This question is answered when there is a twist in the story and the reporter Soha Ali Khan herself becomes the victim. She loses her fiancé in the blasts and then another reporter asks her the same question. That’s a brilliantly executed sequence with feel, depth and questions unanswered.

The best of the 5 main characters is Paresh Rawal, giving one of his finest performances as a police constable retiring in few days. Along with Vijay Maurya as his assistant both emote and act as real life characters on the street. They superbly show the pain and discomfort caused by the faulty system in their own different ways. Worth watching performances by both.
Madhavan, can be seen in his best ever cameo in a Hindi movie. People who may not be his appreciators would find it hard to ignore his fine act as a person who was there in the train but survived. Many would have faced the same trauma in days after, who were there in the trains at the time of the blasts.

The two masters Irfan Khan & KK are again at their best and they prove once again why they are considered the top among the younger generation. Irfan Khan is a treat to watch as a poor person who is thrown out of a Mall and takes revenge from the rich in his own unique way. KK gives a unforgettable performance as a strong person, who helps the blasts victims to reach hospital. After that day, he finds hard to trust any other person out of his cast and the sequence of his transformation has been canned impeccably.

Though the movie has its loose ends and it also has a Mumbai ambience which some may find tough to relate to. But still you cannot afford to miss it, if you love this medium of expression.
Together Paresh Rawal, Irfan Khan, KK, Madhavan & Soha Ali Khan make this movie worth watching for every single person who feels for his nation (East or West). A treat for lovers of cinema. A must watch in Hindi Cinema after a long time.
Directed By : Nishikant Kamat
Staring : Paresh Rawal, Irfan Khan, K.K., Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan, Vijay Maurya & more

Casualties of War (1989)

You may not be a lover of war films, but watch this eye opener to feel the pain and hardships faced by the civilians in a war scene. There are many untold secrets of a war, which if told openly can bring mankind to the deepest shame. The movie is about such an unbelievable but true incident during the Vietnam War. A group of 5 military men, in order to have a good time, kidnap a local girl from a village in their way. Even after the strong opposition from one member in the group the girl is brutally assaulted and then killed by these men. Brain De Palma, the reputed director, films the intense moments as a master. Among the most touching ones is the death scene of the girl on the bridge amidst the bullets shot from all sides. And the trauma faced by the girl makes you think hard after the film gets over. Words like World Peace, Global Village, and One Mankind are simply meaningless when these kinds of incidents come out of the carpet. The title “Casualties of War” points toward the question that - Who are the real casualties? The soldiers who die fighting for their country or people like this girl, who had nothing to do with the war. A strong, thought provoking film for the mature audiences. A must watch for youngsters who sometimes get carried away with the circumstances.
Directed By Brian De Palma
Starring : Michael J. Fox, Sean Penn, Don Harvey, John C. Reilly & more.

My Left Foot (1989)

This splendid movie deserves to be in the curriculum of every acting school in the world for the fabulous job done by its lead actors. It’s a movie about the life of a physically disabled man who has got the courage to fight and learns to paint with his left foot. It captures the moments in his life from his childhood to his youth. The director tenderly explains the pain, love and affection felt by this strong man. Daniel Day Lewis plays the role of Christy Brown with class. In few words, I rate the work of Daniel Day Lewis in this film as one of the top 10 best acts in the world of cinema. Not for a single moment, you feel that he is acting and actually he is not physically disabled. He grabs you from your collar and amazes the viewer with his superb and flawless acting. The best part of the direction is that it is not asking you to feel pity about Christy. You are bluntly shown both the good and bad sides of the character and how he feels realistically in different situations. Another brilliant aspect of the script is the relationship between the mother and her disabled child. The feelings they have for each other, and how they fight with the outer world. No doubt the OSCAR for both the best actor and the best actress went to this movie along with other numerous awards. Don’t expect it to be a tear jerker or a highly emotional film, because it is neither of these. It is a simple movie about the story of a man who fights his disability with the help of his family and you may not find it entertaining enough. But its like a text book on acting which is a must to read (see), if you are a student of cinema.
A special praise for the amazing child actor Hugh O’Conor, who played the young Christy Brown. He has really given an incredible performance. Interestingly Daniel Day Lewis insisted on being on his wheel chair always between the shots and also tried to eat and drink like Christy, the disabled character in between the shooting. I think this example of method acting rightly deserves to be seen at the earliest.
Directed By Jim Sheirdon
Starring : Daniel Day-Lewis (as Christy Brown), Hugh O’Connor (as young Christy Brown), Brenda Fricker (Mother), Ray Macnally (Father), and Fiona Shaw (Doctor)