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For a while I have realized that listening to A R Rehman’s music albums before watching the films is like reading a novel before seeing its interpretation on screen. For his music creates images in your mind. Powerful images that you take with you to the cinemas. So tough luck, Mr Ratnam, for you have your task cut out with this album. Be it the pompous Beera or the bubbly Ranjha or the naughty Kata Kata , this album is a visual treat, if that makes sense. The album starts with Beera Beera , aptly used as a teaser to its music launch. One hearing and you know it’s full of promise. The only problem is its too short. 3 minute something – o come on, we need of more that ‘dhama-dham-dham-dham’! Filled with tribal chanting (gibberish?), sound effects and percussions like in Azeemoshan shehnshah , the album sure starts a high note. Then comes the subtly written Behne de – its sacrificial lyrics and soulful vocals give the album a mature depth. Next up is Thok de Killi . What's with...

Humko Monkey Shakti Dena ;-)! If one had to compare, I don’t think Delhi 6 is anywhere near Rang De Basanti. In fact, the friend with whom I saw the movie suggested that the direction looked like a poor replica of Rang de Basanti. I agree to the extent that the movies message seems to come in its last quarter and up until then it’s just a watchable film. The film begins with the an aged Waheeda Rehman deciding to come back to Delhi 6, the place where she wants to die in peace. Abhishek Bachan, her grandson, decides to drop her there and comes to experience an internal journey. In Delhi 6, we meet an array of characters, a Old style house with Tulsi in the aangan, neighbours who practically live with you and stories of estranged brotherhood, lost love and ambitions crushed in orthodoxy. While this happens among the principal characters, on the broad level, Delhi is experiencing attacks from a black monkey, who no one has seen but all have heard of. There is also a Ramleela, which stops ...

Whats the whole poverty porn debate about? What really is the fuss? Are we upset at the display of poverty? Or are we upset about portrayal of India? Or are we simply upset that a movie which is a favorite to win the Oscar for the best film is based on a character life sees the downside of India? What really are we upset about? Why was it not an issue when Lagaan was nominated? Why was it not an issue when Deepa Mehtas water was nominated? Is it the importance of the category then that has upset us? What really has upset us? Are we not in the midst of this vague debate forgetting that this is infact a very well made film? Danny Boyles Slumdog Millionaire is very rich cinema. It makes you empathise for its characters. The directorial genius that oozes out of all the visual metaphors of the movie is commendable. I like this film for what it is – a film. No reasons to get personal about it. IF it were only about showing poverty in india and ensuring the film becomes a hit, why haven’t fil...