KAMINEY: LIKE IT OR DIFLIKE IT BUT YOU CANNOT IGNORE IT

When was the last time you came out of a film wishing you could go back in and watch it again immediately so the excitement in your stomach stays longer?

Vishal Bharadwaj's Kaminey is a film you'll either love or passionately despise.

Shahid Kapur is cast as both twins, each saddled with a speech impediment. Charlie, the small-time gangster has a lisp, he pronounces every 's' as 'f'; meanwhile Guddu is a timid NGO worker who stammers when he speaks.

Kaminey is bold, stark, funny and unpredictable and that's what works in its favour. It is not the usual masala film. Sure, it's a well-made film, but there's no spoon feeding here. One has to be attentive, very attentive to grasp the goings-on and also the twists in the tale

The real strength of Kaminey is its writing. The non-linear screenplay is filled with unfamiliar twists and confusing turns that are likely to baffle you along the way; yet they're all neatly tied up and culminate in a thrilling climax which is violent and comical in equal parts.

The film's dialogue is top-notch; writer-director Vishal Bharadwaj finds a way to make the lines humorous without ever seeming to ask for a laugh.

With unchoreographed action scenes and dances, and long portions with no background score at all, it's a wildly imaginative, original offering from a fearless filmmaker who doesn't insult your intelligence.

Kaminey boasts the best performance you will see by an ensemble cast in a long time, and that includes even the bit players. Of the central cast, Amole Gupte is fantastic as the demented Jai Maharashtra-spouting gangster-politician Bhope,.

Shahid Kapur rises to the challenge of creating two entirely different characters out of Charlie and Guddu, and delivers a credible performance as each. Breaking out of his chocolate-boy image, he gives evidence of his potential when trusted with well-written roles.

Springing a delightful surprise in a smaller part is Priyanka Chopra as the feisty Sweety, who sprinkles her lines with a smattering of fluent Marathi and emerges one of the film's most lovable characters.

For an audience numbed by predictable Bollywood potboilers week after week, Kaminey might take some time to settle into; . It's not one of those lock-your-brains-at-home types, for sure. And that might not be too appealing a thought for those who swear by candyfloss or meaningless ha-ha-thons. So beware that you are intelligent enough before you enter cinema hall.

A must must watch as far as I am concerned….. Would love to hear from you.

T20 WORLD CUP 2.0

The stage is set again and this time the battleground is England. As we get ready or the non stop action to start from tomorrow I was wondering on the importance of T20 game.

I really don't want to sound either like an old bore or a cricket snob. But at the beginning I didn’t like the idea of a compressed version of the game. I must confess, I began the T20 World Cup 1.0 with a mild sense of cynicism, which was due to my reservations about Twenty20 as a form of cricket.

Yet it's easy to see why Twenty20 has a future. It is far less demanding on the spectator: it requires much less patience, engagement, and understanding of the nuances. And it has no history or tradition to intimidate new audiences. Most of all, it is short and something is happening all the time. If you are not burdened with cricket's past and the knowledge of its finer, complex aspects, Twenty20 is pretty good entertainment.

Growing up watching cricket, I understood that Cricket, especially batting, is a combination of 3 Ts viz. Talent, Temperament and Technique. The shorter the game gets, the balance shifts from Temperament and technique towards talent. While some amount of Temperament and techniques is required in One Day Format, T20 Cricket is a showcase of talent. And to add to it… it is fast, exciting and is more often than not competitive.

Wherein Version 1.0 of T20 World Cup was surprising for the audience, people are now expecting the unexpected in version 2.0. This can never be a easy job. Ask any successful Film director…….. Its never easy to repeat a Blockbuster with another. Version 1.0 saw a bowl out …….2 major upsets ……. 2 unlikely finalists and a memorable nail biting Finals…… Could it get better ….. That is something that we get answer within next 20 days.

As of on my thoughts on the shorter version of the game well let me put it this way

Sport is about skills and possibilities. Tests provide the best platform for a full exhibition of cricket skills. Twenty20 shrinks that range. But spectator sports are also about enjoyment. People having a good time can't be such a bad thing after all.

I enjoy the contests and so does my mom …… and that’s what T20 Cricket is about…. Its about the masses ….. Class we can decide later.

A Letter to Aamir Khan

The trauma of Ghajini was too big to take. I though about talking about my disappointment to the man himself. The following letter was was written at his blog http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog

Dear Aamir

I am a fan of your and I have enjoyed a lot of movies of your including Andaz Apna Apna, DCH, Sarfarosh, Rangeela to name a few.

Like most of the people I had high expectations of Ghajini. However if I say I am disappointed then it would be an understatement. The Choice of the subject and the way the movie has been made has left me heart broken.

There were flaws in the script technically and I was not convinced by the film where Sanjay on the one hand was shown to have short term memory loss within 15 mins and at the same time he would go for revenge. Think of this in this way.... can life of real Aamir Khan be expressed in 15 mins. He not only had to get angry but also to act in those 15 mins. So the basic plot itself didn’t convince me. Every thing else was too loud for a sensible person. Colors which couldn’t be identified with character of Sanjay were used in songs. So called Artistic Liberty was so extensively used by the director that the already unconvincing plot seemed all the more unreal. The lead actress was supposed to be a so called aspiring model. She looked anything but that. Not that she didn’t look cute but that was not required. If Jia and Asim could have easily swapped their roles. The lead negative role character was also not very convincing.

All in all I am deeply disappointed by the film. The fact that it could be one of the biggest bollywood hits troubles me. We, the people, should not be giving such signals to you. We should punish the wrong. Unfortunately to me democracy is not working for India where in we as a country are not using our brains.

We choose Mayawati as a CM of UP and we give Ghajini the best ever opening.... I am disappointed with the choices this country makes !!!!

Regards
Vikas Gupta

CRICKET IS A CASUALITY OF TERRORISM

Indian Government has cancelled the Cricket tour to Pakistan. Pre 26/1 too, this tour was always in trouble after Champions Trophy was postponed with western teams citing security problems. Dhoni and Tendulkar had expressed reservations due to the volatile security situation, especially after the Marriot attack in Islamabad. But even in 2003-04 the tour was almost called off. Like now, the players didn't want to go then. An attempt had been made on the life of the Pakistan president a few days previously, and an air of fear and uncertainty prevailed then. But the right decision was made it in the end to tour Pakistan, and the series turned out to be epochal. That the cricket was sensational was only incidental: the tour generated a wave of goodwill and bonhomie not seen which it is said created the biggest exodus from India to Pakistan since Partition.

However things changed post 26/11. India burns with anger and indignation over the state's failure to protect its citizens. Preliminary evidence suggests that the terrorists who carried out 26/11 attacks in Mumbai were trained and controlled by groups based in Pakistan. Argument from Pakistan is that it not as if the state of Pakistan is behind the attacks. It itself is a victim of terror at the moment; in recent months, terrorists have claimed the life of Benazir Bhutto, and carried out a horrific attack on the Marriott hotel in Islamabad - but in these charged and emotional times, lines have blurred.

Activist television channels have taken to packaging anger. With fiery anchors fanning the flames, encouraging audiences to seek hot pursuits of terrorists and the destruction of terror camps across the border, the government found itself besieged. Sending troops across the border is, of course, not an option, but the popular mood demands a demonstration of action, and it was very easy for our politicians to use cricket as a tool of appeasement.

If one looks at the step, it amounts to very little to what happened in Mumbai, but it is heavy on symbolism: a strong diplomatic measure against a nation accused of, if nothing else, prolonged inaction against terrorists originating within its borders who wreak havoc in the neighbouring country. It's another matter that the Indian government itself stands similarly accused.

All said and done, I agree with the decision. It wouldn’t be right that our cricketers extend a hand of friendship when a nation is still in agony. The scars of 26/11 are still too fresh.

I work in Dubai and it gives me an exposure to interact with a lot of Pakistani nationals. They, understandably, are not happy with this decision. We need to understand that the Fans in Pakistan are not terrorists and that they too are not enjoying the state of terror in their country. Pakistan hasn’t seen any International cricket on their soil last year and they looked upon India and Sri Lanka to understand their pain and sympathise with them. After all- India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all plagued by terrorism for some time now.

Of course, a lot is down to perceptions. India, a vast and vibrant democracy founded on Western liberalism, and an emerging economic giant, presents a picture of stability and strength despite its problems. Whereas Pakistan, which has lurched between dysfunctional democracy and army-backed dictatorship, and has acquired a reputation as a hotbed of militancy, has always felt more dangerous to Westerners. Also, India underpins the global cricket economy. The cancellation of the Twenty20 Champions League directly affects the finances of many cricket boards, and the IPL has shown the players the kind of instant wealth that would have been beyond their dreams a year ago. Just like the American economy, the Indian cricket economy involves all cricket nations. The global recession spread from the subprime crisis in America. Everyone wants to be spared the chill; the anxiety to keep Indian cricket in good health is born, at least partly, of the natural instinct for self-preservation. It is unpalatable but understandable. So anxiety and anger of Pakistani Cricketing fraternity is understandable. BCCI should now be ready for a back lash. Steps like Pakistani Players being not allowed to take part in IPL and ICL could be a possibility. Ban on Pakistani cricketers from the ICL could be lifted. And so on and so forth.

As I said, I agree with the decision of India not going to Pakistan at this moment of time. Emotions are on a high at least in this side of border. It would have been unfair on Cricketers who wouldn’t have had loss as an option. But at the same time we must remember that Sports and Politics are separate issues and need to be dealt separately. Yes there are extraordinary times like these when the lines have to erased but then we need to remember to draw the lines between them as soon as possible. We must never forget that we and Pakistan share languages, food and a culture and that the problems between India and Pakistan have never involved the people. In fact, it is to the contrary: most problems have arisen and festered because people have been kept apart by politics.

It is very sad that time has come that Indian Cricket board has to take this decision of not touring Pakistan. . The horrific tragedy in Mumbai was one of those extraordinary situation. Playing cricket with Pakistan now, wouldn't have felt right. But as life regains its course, as it must, so will cricket. At this point it is merely a question of timing.

TERRORISM: WE CONTRIBUTED BY OUR IGNORANCE

The Mumbai Attack this time have left people numb, disheartened and now they are terrorised.

This time's attack were different in two ways and so was our reaction
Earlier most of the terror attacks did not have a face. This time terror had a face. Earlier Bombs were exploded and then our Mumbai Police had to come and investigate the crime. This time they had to combat terrorism face to face. Now it was very clear within 2 hrs from the 1st incident that Mumbai Police was ill equipped. If ATS chief Hemant Kakare was killed .... it means….. Mumbai police were helpless. Police rifles are no match to AK56. So in short Terrorism this had a face and we found our selves helpless till NSG commandos took over the operation.

This isn’t the 1st time that Mumbai was targeted by terrorists. 250 people were killed in 93 Blasts and about 209 died in 2006 local trains. This time the death toll is less than the above two. So why are we making a big deal out of it? After All... Mumbai has that "Fighting Sprit". The fact is this time .... the Rich have been targeted. The Taj and the Oberoi aren’t the places where our common people can dine and have wine daily. 56 people died at CST but the attention was only grabbed by the people who were in pain in Taj and Oberoi, Its a shame on our media and to some extent even on us that the rich people are covered and talked to and that life of a poor has no value. I am not against the rich nor am a sadist. The fact remains that our Media and Politicians listen to the rich. Middle Class people have the “Chalta Hai” attitude. Fortunately the high class will influence some action on political front.

Now, starts the Big Indian Tamasha. We the people and the Police are blaming Politicians who have failed to provide leadership and have showed no will to curb terrorism. They, we all have agreed, are busy looking after their “Vote Bank”. The Politicians on the other hand see a “Foreign Hand” in almost anything and everything. What they fail to recognise is that Indian public is sick of hearing about this “Foreign Hand” and they are asking the obvious question as that this foreign hand been there for more than 60 years. So what have we done about it?

In spite of the atmosphere of helplessness and dejection, I am optimistic. If we, the people, demand actions from our leaders and if we correctly choose our leaders thing could be different in the future. I have a reason to be optimistic.

You know we do not have to go very far from India to get inspired to fight terrorism. Probably, the only place in the world where terrorism has been dealt with and eradicated in the world is Punjab in India. But it required an sacrifice of our PM. Mrs. Gandhi had given permission to execute “Operation Blue Star” inside the Golden Temple…. An incident similar to Taj …. But then it was a much more difficult and controversial as religion was involved. Mrs. Gandhi was killed by some extremists but then it meant Mr. Rajiv Gandhi gave a free hand to Punjab Police to deal with Terrorism out there. There are 100s of stories of bravery and supreme sacrifice by Punjab Police. (It’s a shame that many of the police officials who fought terrorism that time are committing suicide. Reason…. They have many human rights cases against them and no one is helping them…. This is another story which we can discuss later)

Political will…. A free hand to police and some modernisation is what is required to make our cities a safe place. I am one of those who believe in a management fact that put correct people in correct place and tell them what is expected of them and they will do their job. I know, we hardly have good leaders. We, the common masses need to persist with our pressure upon Govt and media till the time we get our results.

Recently I have also heard a lot of other ways as suggested by common people. Believe me, a Billion brains are working and coming up with creative ways to fight this menace. Some of the solutions as suggested by some of us have been to strengthen our Intelligence agency RAW (An Indian Agency like ISI of Pakistan). This agency has been accused by our neighbour in the past whenever there are terrorism in that part of the world. In my opinion too there are hundreds of options are available and many of them have to be used in conjunction.

This is not end of the road…. It can never be. We cannot keep crying over the past…. We can only learn from our mistakes and move forward. The masses like us need to pledge that we enlighten people around us…. Because we choose our leaders. A illiterate and uninformed mass in a democracy is recipe for disaster. We have witnessed the effects of this igmnorance. Lets change it. Lets choose our leaders correctly and lets keep the pressure on them consistently. Results will come

Anyways I would be waiting to hear your views. Also I would like to see your creative idea to fight terrorism. Friends … its easy to criticise ….. very hard to do your part. Like anything in the world … Democracy comes with a price… A Price that demands us to be vigilant at all times not only about the leaders we choose… but we need to influence our people to do the same. We, the educated class have in the past have run away from the political system…. A mistake too fatal.

A Wednesday

“Gang war in Mumbai, 2 groups open fire”, that’s what my Gchat alert told me at 2101 hrs when I was talking to my wife on the net. I was relieved. Yes it was after a long while, I thought, that the bad guys have resorted to the old ways. To me it’s the most effective way of reducing the number of bad guys.

But slowly the story started to unravel. We witnessed probably the most co ordinated terrorist attack after 9/11. The motto behind the attack is still unknown but we need be a rocket scientist to acknowledge the fact that we are now an economic super power. Some people do not like to see that. They want to us to feel weak. They have proven that we are venerable to every kind of attack. They attacked us with Bombs in 1993, they attacked us in Local trains in 2006 and now they have used guns to shatter our confidence. They have succeeded…. Yes they surely have shaken us. There is another theory being propagated. They say that the attacks were directed more towards the US and other western world rather than India. Foreigners were specially targeted in the Oberoi, the Taj and the Leopord. An attack in any case was on Indian soil.

India has seen more than 14 major bomb blast incidents in last 3 years and I am sure most of us will agree when I say that we have now taken it in our stride to accept blasts. But this time was different. This time people have been terrified by attacking the symbols that were of pride to us. It’s the same way as Al Quaida attacked the Twin towers in US.

A logical question that must now be asked is 14 terrorist attacks in 3 years …. Where is the security system? Its easy for us to criticise but we need to understand the complex nature of the job that our security forces have to perform. They have to work without a political will to tackle this menace. Not to mention issues like the huge population, the age old and inadequate terror laws, the huge size of the country and its diversity. Intelligence in India is neither scientific nor reliable. Human Rights activists are seen at every corner of all metropolitan cities. But now with this attack I feel that we should declare A WAR ON TERROR. Lets start action on war footing basis.

We in India have a billion brain… Brains which should now be used…. Lets come together to try and think “out of box” and try and find a solution to this problem which I am sure everyone will agree is a bigger crisis for India …. Even more critical than the Economic crisis. Its time that we have a national policy on terrorism

Some of the common Solutions to tackle terrorism as suggested by many experts include

1. A New stricter Anti terrorism law to be enacted
2. Intelligence method and network needs to be revamped

I urge all the brilliant brains to share their Ideas. We cannot take this any more.

Lets pledge to fight terrorism!!!!

India : A nation of Cowards

14 Incidents of terrorism in last 3 years have left us speechless. But I would like you all to study the pattern of these blasts


Oct. 29, 2005 – Delhi- 62 Killed, 3 Blasts
March 7, 2006- Varanasi, opposite to a temple - 20 Killed
July 11, 2007- 7 Blasts in trains in Mumbai, at least 200 killed
Sept. 8, 2006- Malegaon, Communally sensitive city – 31 Killed .
Feb. 19, 2007- blast in a train heading to Pakistan- 68 killed
May 18, 2007- Blast in a Mosque in Hyderabad –11 killed
Aug. 25, 2007- 3 Bombs- 43 killed in Hyderabad
Oct. 11, 2007- Ajmer, City of famous Dargah - 3 killed
Oct. 14, 2007- Ludhiana during Eid al-Fitr, killing six people.
Nov. 24, 2007- cities of Lucknow, Varanasi and Faizabad, killing at least 16
people. All Communally sensitive places.
May 13, 2008- Outside Hindu Temples, Jaipur
July 25, 2008- Seven small bombs hit Bangalore, 2 Killed
July 26, 2008- 22 Bombs in Ahmedabad at least 42 people.
Sept. 13, 2008- As many as five explosions, in Delhi during the Ramadan month

You don’t have to be a hardcore Intelligence detective to understand the patterns or the motives. Terrorists know for sure that India can easily be divided on communal grounds. Also they have attacked commercial centers like Bangalore and Mumbai. BJP ruled states are targeted more than others. Our Govt. has a standard “videshi Haath” reply. They also blame SIMI for all these terrorist activities.

But I have often wondered…. Why does this happen to us and why don’t we do something about it. Stringent laws like TADA and POTA are abolished without suitable substitutes. Is it easy to get away after committing a crime in India. When US found that Al Quaida was responsible, they ensured that the country that apparently protected them was bought to dust.

But then we do not do anything about it. We blame politicians for inactions, Politicians blame foreign Terrorists. Basically we are a weak nation… A weak nation in its very foundation. Our foundation is based on “Non Violence” and showing the other side of face when someone has slapped on one side. Dirty politics by Nehru Gandhi then and incorrect foundations are prime reason for we becoming a nation of cowards. Total inaction on part of our politicians is blood of today’s politicians. Otherwise how do u explain that our Home minister still does not think that we introduce stern laws. I know our blood does not boil when we read the above list. We got our freedom the same way…. Didn’t we …. The so called non violent way.

Films like “A Wednesday” in the recent past have depicted the that frustration is growing among common people like me and you. Its hi time that our internal defense system and intelligence do something about it.

These days I live in UAE, where hands are cut for stealing, where eyes are taken off for staring at women. I haven’t heard of a bomb blast in this country.

Strong laws and stringent implementation are badly required. Democracy in current form has made us ineffective against terrorism of this kind. Agression is the order of the day and we need to do something about it ASAP.

Till then, we should continue to live with fear…. A fear that when our loved ones leave our homes…. May be they wont return…. Because we and our Govt are a bunch of cowards.