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When I first read that the information and broadcast ministry has slapped a notice under section six and other sections of the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 to the owners of Big Boss, I was taken aback. If the entire concept of the show is ‘people being themselves’ in a home, how can there be a problem? Do we not want to see (or do we not have the guts to accept) how we are, when we are being ourselves? Agreed, there was violent behaviour, and agreed that it is not acceptable. But lets play it fair here. There have been many such shows before now, which more lewd and less real and got away with it. I am referring to the many music channels of today who are taking youngistan to a sleaze ride these days. Why is it that this new reality has come under the scanner? For that matter, what was so wrong with Sach ka Saamna for it to be taken off air. The question, we debated over coffee in office, was not of nudity there. It was about moral nudity. Or simply – the truth. If our tru...

Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapur need to take a bow. The former for delivering an out and out commercial film full of authentic art and the latter for giving the best performance of his life. For many who ask and wonder what great film making is about. And want to understand where the 'craft' actually lies, Kaminey is a textbook, of how to rewrite the rules of Commercial cinema, and yet make a film that is sure to be a hit. Warning: It aint a lovey dovey cosy film (although some trailers gave that impression.. esp the romantic slow song and the raat ke dhai baje promo). This one is a dark film. Literally as well as in its subject. The screenplay is the first of the many pluses this film has to its merit. The recent Hollywood Comedy Hangover, showed how a film becomes funnier, only because of a non-linear plot, this one is a reply from the Hindi Film Industry. Agreed, it takes a while before you understand what really is happening here, the jigsaw in fact takes upto the interva...

‘And we Twist’ the simple tale of love? The point was made well. And well in advance. It was clear that Rishi (playing a Sardar Coffee shop owner in a phoren land) was trying to explain to Jai (an aspiring Khulla sand in his early/late twenties) what love is all about and how the Generation 2.0 cares not of the real thing – the pyaar, ishq mohobbat types. Now that was that. But why make an entire film trying to prove that point? So there you have a couple a year into a relationship (Saif and Deepika) throwing a ‘breakup party’ to the surprise of their friends. They separate and decide to keep in touch like bosom pals. Giving dating tips, criticizing fashion sense and all that they couldn’t do as a ‘couple’. But when the warning of commitment lurks, the two find themselves helpless. A love too deep never confessed, is harder to reveal than to hide. And the ho hum drags along, with each of them taking their own sweet time to realize yehi pyaar hota hai and all that! The point is, the fil...

Vishal Bhardwaj has himself to blame for raising the bar. Arguably OmKara is one of the finest films in recent times. It's music too was of very high standards compelling AR Rehman who won the film fare award the same year to admit while receiving the award that his favorite album of the year was infact OmKara. So comparison is obvious and after almost spending a week on the album or Kaminey. Here is my verdict - I still like Omkara better. This is not to take anything away fromit, for it might still end up being one of the best albums Of the year, and some it's songs will be chartbusters! Dhan-ta- tan for sure! A word about Gulzaar must be said. To Use words like Dhan-ta-tan and mix them up in a cocktail of poetry, is an art almost exclusive to him. The song, sung by Vishal and Sukhvinder is already topping charts, deservingly. The other song which will find its way into the hearts of the audience has got to be – Raat ke dhai baje. Teasing tones of Sunidhi and Rekha Bhardwaj ...

Life, Hope and Susan Boyle! Kartik KJ “I dreamed a dream in time gone by, When hope was high and life worth living…” For those who don’t know the above two lines, these are the first two lines of the song that Susan Boyle chose to sing at Britains got Talent. For those who don’t know Susan Boyle, she is being seen as the messiah of hope and possibilities, after her grounded yet spellbinding performance at Britains talent based reality show. She walked in as an unassuming 47 year old, self proclaimed ‘never been kissed’ virgin and walked out to become an overnight celebrity (3Lakh youtube hits, if you may) Back to the two lines… The two most agreeable lines ever written, aren’t they? Life, the puppeteer. It makes you swing, toss and fly at its will. And what happens then of that small dream, you once dreamed? Whatever it was – to be a writer, to be a teacher, to be a dancer, to be florist, to be a gardener, - it gets shot down in the socio-economic hoo-hah of living for your soul or for...

Aloo Chaat – aptizing, but not satiating. In recessionary times, if your regular Chaatwala bhaiya who makes Aloo Chaat for a living, decides to reduce on the quantity a little to suit his pocket, and suit his convenience, how would you feel? If it tasted well, but last enough to leave you satiated? Well that what I felt after watching Aloo Chaat. After choosing a great premise and building a beautiful plot, Aloo chaat rushes into a abrupt climax and finishes just about when you felt you in for a great treat. Don’t get me wrong, this is a very nice film. But it is almost an opportunity lost, for the story had the potential to stretch a couple of reels and give a few more comic punches, which it so beautifully does otherwise. The story is simple and belongs to todays times. What does Indian boy studying in America do when he falls for a Muslim girl? He tells his parents it could be worse – it were a pardesi girl, with her pardesi ways, raw meat cuisine and bikini comforts! The plot is li...

How Fair of unfair do you think are this years awards..? Heres what I found on this website http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20470&Itemid=70&limit=1&limitstart=1 Assuming these are true. Here's what I feel. Nominees: Dostana; Ghajini; Jodhaa Akbar; Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi; Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na Rock On!! Winner- Jodha Akbar Well, first of all, where A Wednesday? What in the world is the reason why Rab ne finds a mention and A Wednesday doesnt? It is kinda ridiculous. Although, in the final analysis, the winner had to be Jodha Akbar, for its mass and class appeal. Best Director Nominations: A.R. Murugadoss - Ghajini Abhishek Kapoor - Rock On!! Aditya Chopra - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi Ashutosh Gowariker - Jodhaa Akbar Madhur Bhandarkar - Fashion Neeraj Pandey - A Wednesday! Winnner: Ashutosh Gowarikar (Jodha Akbar) I personally felt it was a close call between three here - Neeraj, Madhur and Ashutosh, but then again I agree that it is safe...