Film Review- Detective Byomkesh Bakshy

Detective Byomkesh Bakshy

After a long time I enjoyed a film, in fact loved the film. Detective Byomkesh Bakshy is a must watch film for all those who love gripping story, impressive art direction and amazing cinematography. After his great work in films like Khosla Ka Ghosla, Love, Sex Aur Dhoka or Shanghai, director Dibakar Banerjee has yet again proved that he belongs to a different league in Bollywood industry. With his excellent eye for detailing, intricate characters and plots, he has definitely created a new definition of thriller in Hindi cinema.

It is one of the films where the city becomes a character. Calcutta of 1940s is created in a beautiful way. Everything in the film like- the tram, rickshaw, old buildings, poster of films, the cigarette tin, the random man in the market with fresh fish in his hands and boarding house have been created in such a way that it depicts the city of that era in a perfect way. Vandana Kataria the production designer of the film has done an impressive work.

Cinematographer Nikos Andritsakis has shot the film in simplistic yet stylistic way. The aerial view from the roof top, the shadow picturization of fight sequence (reminds me of Sherlock Homes) the by lanes of the city and the over busy roads of Calcutta every shot has been thought upon. The use of freeze frame flash backs has also been done very effectively.  The sequence where tram moves across the city with city showing through the window with Byomkesh Bakshy sitting there in soft focus has been picturized very beautifully. It signifies the upcoming story of the dark Calcutta of that time.

The film start off as a simple story of missing father but it eventually, with different course of events takes its journey through a nexus of gangs, politics, drugs and hence unfolds a catchy story. The story is short and intriguing and the the film never looked draggy.

The music syncs well with the film. The tracks are fresh and different, it is unlike the tracks used in Bollywood. Done in collaboration with various artistes like Madboy/Mink, Ursi Banerjee, Akshay De and others, the film’s music is adds up to the overall feel of the film.

Each and every character has been very well crafted. Sushant Singh Rajput with his simple yet impressive acting has done complete justice to the role. His acting is neither under done nor overdone. His character is also not of a super hero but of a simple detective who vomits at the sight of dead body. All the supporting characters have also done justice to their roles.

So, all in all this film a must watch who loves to watch something different in Bollywood film industry.

Dedh Ishqiya

Dedh Ishqiya 

Most of the time if a sequel of a film is made, either it looks too redundant or it is just a repetition, but Dedh Ishqiya is definitely different. It is after a long time that I am really impressed with a film. Superb lighting, wonderful camera work, coupled with amazing performances by its ensemble cast, Dedh Ishqiya is definitely a good film to start the year with. Yes, this is the first film I watched this year and I really liked it.

The characterization is simply perfect. Each and every character has justified the role they have been given. I will start with my all-time favourite  Naseeruddin Shah. it is needless to say that the versatility of this actor always surprises me. He gels with the characater of Iftikhar Hussain’s so flawlessly that I felt that this character is written keeping him in mind.

He introduced the new stages of love- the seven stages of love - dilkashi, uns, mohobbat, akidat, ibadat, junoon and maut in the film. The obvious charm he emanates is definitely one of the many reasons of why we all look up at him. The iconic actor uses his old-world charm (very much required for this film) proving yet again how delightful he still is.

Vijay Raaz has proved his amazing acting skills again. The Kauwa biryani actor has yet again impressed the audience with his extraordinary acting skills. The beauty and effortless grace of Madhri Dixit- Nene is simply magical. Through this film the actress has given a bang-on come back performance. The Begum Para mischievous glance, smooth dialogues and evergreen smile is simply wow. Munira, played by Huma Qureshi has charmed the audience with her sensuality and intelligent acting. She is one of the most promising actresses of recent time and with her every passing film she proves that she is here to stay for a long time. And of course the rustic, hilarious Arshan Warsi alias Babban has again charmed the audience with his carefree acting skills. The half-Italian poet called Nur Mohammad Italvi, played by Manoj Pahwa stocked with delightful shayari, kept entertaining his audience. The equation between- Begam Para and Iftekhaar, Begam Para and Munira,  Khallo and Babban, Babban and Munira is also noteworthy.  

Abhishek Chaubey’s Dedh Ishqiya  is an amalgamation of an engaging story, beautiful music, impressive camera work, stunning sets and wonderful performances. Vishal Bhardwaj's rib-tickling, witty dialogues and Dr Bashir Badr's lovely Urdu poems has been able to captivate its audience throughout the film. The beauty and sweetness of Urdu language is brought into the Hindi cinema after a long time.  The songs are written by Gulzar and brought to life by Rekha Bhardwaj. Surprisingly, the song has been choreographed by Remo D'Souza, who is known primarily for western dance. Subrata Chakraborty's production design restores the captivating mehfil-like atmosphere and mushaira, transporting you to another world. Setu's camerawork captures the old-world charm beautifully. All in all It is a must watch film fir all those who have been really disappointed by the films released lately.

Madhubala

Every February, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. A candle light dinner, soft music, dim lights and a romantic movie are the main ingredients for a special and fun-filled Valentine's Day celebration.  Keeping in spirit of the festival today I thought of writing a blog on this special day.

 Well, its not going to be about over-hyped love or this over fantasized feeling. But about a special person born on this day, the day that is celebrated as the day for loved once. Mumtaz Jahan Nehlavi better known as Madhubala - the eternal beauty was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1933. Perhaps was no coincidence with such a birthday that Madhubala would grow up to become one of the most beloved romantic actresses of India. But her life could not share the happy endings of many of her films.

The first image that comes to my mind whenever I think of her is a shot from the song- Mohe Panghat Pe (from film Mughle-azam) when she unveils herself and we see a close-up of her face. She has an unmatched beauty and the most beautiful actress of all time.

Her first film that got immense success was 'Mahal' in 1949 with another legend of Indian film industry-Ashok Kumar. After that she became a very successful actress of Indian film industry. Later on she acted in many successful films as Mr & Mrs 55, Amar, Kal Hamara Hai, Shirin-Farhad, Howrah Bridge, Phagun,Kala Pani, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi,Barsat Ki Raat and of course Mughal-e-Azam.

Though there are lots of things written and discussed about her love life, one thing is sure that despite being born on the V day, she never received the love that she deserved in her life. After the tragic break-up with Dilip Kumar (5 year- long affair) she got married to Kishore Kumar at the age of 27. When Kishore Kumar got to know, that she won’t be living for long, he bought a new house in Mumbai, kept a nurse to look after Madhubala and dumped her there. In a month or so he came to see her, he didn’t take her phone calls. So she died there alone and depressed.

The beauty of Madhubala is often compared with many new actresses, but none of them can match up to her beauty and elegance. While reading about her today here are some of the important facts that I thought are worth sharing-

1. Madhubala’s real name is Mumtaz Jehan Begum Dehlani. It was Devika Rani, founder of Bombay Talkies who gave her the title Madhubala.

2. She is the only Indian actress to have starred in a film whose title is her name. It was her first flop.

3. Those who worked with Madhubala said her skin was so fair and translucent that when she chewed paan, “you could almost see the red colour going down her throat”.

4. Her discipline for work was unparalleled - she was always the first one to turn up at the studio and would leave sharp at 6pm. Punctuality, commitment to work and professionalism were her hallmarks.

5. Her self-control was amazing. Her world began and ended in a film studio. She never attended any parties, film premieres of functions, film festivals, picnics or races for fund-raising initiatives.

6. She had no fascination for jewellery - either on-screen or off-screen. She hardly wore any because she considered it a waste of money.

7. She was extremely generous though. When she had established herself as an actress, she would always carry about Rs 2,000-3,000 rupees with her, never hesitating to loan / donate it someone who asked for help.

8. Despite acting in 66 films, she never received an award. It is widely believed that her distracting good looks did her a disservice - names like Meena Kumari, Nargis, Waheeda Rahman was considered more of actress material.

9. Madhubala stopped acting when she was 27.

10. She had a fear of crowds and of being mobbed. No guests or journalists were allowed on her sets. The author found that she was ‘the grand dame of privacy’, unwelcoming, unapproachable, reclusive, obsessed about her performance to the point of rudeness.

11. Frank Capra was willing to give her a break in Hollywood. She refused.

12. One of her films, Hanste Ansu (1950) was given an adult certificate, leaving the 17-year old actress unable to see her own movie.

13. A rather bad film she acted in, titled Jwala, is the only film where you get to see Madhubala in colour. And what a treat it is - her rich, golden brown hair, accompanied with her milk-n-roses complexion.

14. She had a heart disease right from birth. She died at 36, the same age at which her Hollywood counterpart, Marilyn Monroe passed away.

15. She was quite a poetess herself. In her last few years, when she was ailing, she remarked sorrowfully:

Jab zara kaam ki samajh aayee

Toh uparvaale ne kaha

Ab bas

FILMS...FILMS AND FILMS

FILMS...FILMS AND FILMS

Being a student of Mass Communication, I have always loved and cherished watching and discussing movies. Although there are number of film carnivals all across the city, I have not been able to go to any of the film festivals for quite a while. One fine day, while browsing through the online deal's website –www.snapdeal.com, I came across a film festival called- Taj Enlighten Film Society. I bought the deal in the blink of an eye specially because it was applicable for weekends too. 

Sitting in office with just a few clicks, I became a member of this film society. I did not even have to take the trouble of standing in queue for buying the ticket. And here I am, a part of a world class film festival - a window to the wonderful cinema extravaganza.

Through this deal, I have been able to rekindle my passion for movies. It gave me a chance to get associated with the wonderful world of cinema. The festival has provided me with the exposure to some great films. And the most interesting part of this festival is that it showcases films of different genre. 

I got the chance to watch Majid Majidi’s film- "Children of Heaven". The movie offers an insight into a strand of Iranian life.  I have special love for films made on and for children.  Obviously, I fell in love instantly with this outstanding film. I have seen- "The Color of Paradise", so I had already tasted the magic of Majid Majidi's style of film making. No wonder, as soon as I got to know that this film is being screened, I knew how to make the best use of my Snapdeal voucher.

Another classic film that I saw through this wonderful fiesta was- "Rear Window" which depicts voyeurism (the act of observing the lives of others) exceptionally well.  It is said that we all have some element of voyeur in us. And it is actually right as going to a movie is nothing more than opening a window into the lives of others (fictional or real). Therefore, it's not a surprise that the film industry has examined this aspect of the human experience, time and again. Movies about voyeurism come in all varieties - everything from serious studies to light, exploitative fare.  And one of the most engrossing studies of voyeurism is Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. The film is universally regarded as a classic and a strong cadre of critics, scholars and fans (including myself) consider this to be the director's best feature.

The third in the list was a complete different genre of film and one of the greatest classic of Hindi Cinema - Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam. Directed and produced by two maverick geniuses- Abrar Alvi and Guru Dutt, it is a brilliant depiction of neglected and mistreated wife trou servant's perspective. Definitely a must watch for all cinema lovers. The striking beauty of Meena Kumari combined with her extraordinary performance is definitely one of the many reasons that gives it the status of a classic.

The fourth was "The Roman Holiday". Being a fan of Gregory Peck, I was all the more excited to see this film. A sweet and romantic classic story that is definitely worth watching.  Being an Indian, I cannot deny that I love romantic films (along with many other genre of cinema), so I fell in love with this film right away. The performances of- Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn are simply amazing. One thing is for sure, that I can watch this film again and again. 

These are some of the world class classic films that I have seen through this festival. Snapdeal.com is not new to me and neither are its deals. I have availed lots of deals from this website but I always thought that it is all about salon, spa, fine dining and other services. But now I have realized there is more to it than I assumed.