Movie Review (English)

Interstellar

Love you Christopher Nolan for bringing such a movie to the audience! The inhabitable Earth, the work to get man to a new home away from here and the use of travel through worm holes to reduce time travel.... only you could have thought of such a novel concept.

The other great thing about the movie is Matthew McConaughey. I have been rooting for this actor since his early days, and with the recent Dallas Buyers Club followed by True Detectives, only went on to vindicate my belief. Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain are really great actors. To be able to create space and its massiveness and beauty was also quite a feat!What a combination! Great film. 

Only goes to show that sky isn't the limit.

Movie Review (English)

Gone Girl

Does a movie do well because of a particular director only or also because the original novelist also wrote the screenplay? Gillian Flynn translated her book on to screen with love and imagination and thrill which was evident.
The twists in the story left me dazed. Ben Affleck as Nick and Rosamund Pike as Amy are really wonderful actors giving the right dose of chill on screen. When it began, which was the end actually, I was sure I had got the gist of the story. But every half hour I changed position and thought I had got the gist yet again. But when Amy returns, that was quite a master stroke. First she lets people think her husband murdered her. For this she prepared like a master artist, down to the last detail. Once out of the house, she prepares never to come back, preferring to watch her husband being hanged. But luck does not always favour the evil. So more twists follow and she returns. Poor hubby, he wanted a divorce long before, now he is caught in his suffocating marriage! The people will not let him leave her.

I enjoyed the movie. Highly recommended!!!.

Teach for India --- Mid-year Retreat

Four months into the Teach for India Fellowship and we get our first break of sorts – the Mid Year Retreat at Ahmadabad for four days -- All second year fellows (2014) and some first year fellows (2013) and the staff, of course. We stayed at a Jain ashram and slept in a 20-bedded dormitory.

Yes, we stayed away from what to do in the classroom and how to make our lessons better. But this was a different learning experience altogether. Sounded simple enough -- Simply answer the following questions: What are your core values? What are your passions? What is your purpose in life? How would you see that purpose helping educational equity in our country?

We mulled over these questions each day as our City Director, Sandeep Rai , took us through various videos and presentations. I kept asking myself --Isn’t it true that these questions are an end in themselves and we spend a lifetime answering them?

This was one part of the retreat. The other part included meetings with people who have made their passion into their life’s purpose because of their values. These people have dedicated their lives to the service (Sewa) of others. All real life examples. For several of us it was difficult to stomach. Most of our learning time was spent at Manav Sadhana, an NGO at the Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati.

The second half of the last day there were five different activities to choose from. A Padyatra, Flowing with Love, Visiting 3 different communities. I chose to visit the community of beggars and those afflicted with leprosy. This colony is called Loving community and I chose it for the simple reason that a leper and beggar community to me meant a lot of discomfort. So about 15 of us reached this place and I was pleasantly surprised to see a neat and well maintained colony. The children were quite a happy lot and the seniors seemed content. We played with the kids, changed the bandages of those leprosy infected people who needed help that day and helped serve food to the seniors. Dinner here is served for all senior citizens by Manav Sadhana. I must mention the refreshing tea and the delicious pulao that we had.

At night, the next generation of young people , back from work and college, chatted with us and played their regular game of volley ball. We slept in the huge community centre with 10 other kids. Though we left at 5 am, the children woke up to say goodbye. Vijay, our coordinator, said he would accept our thanks only when we came to visit again. That night we took the train to Pune. But the churning of my mind had begun. The four days flashed by leaving behind so many questions for me to answer.

Movie Review (Hindi)

Haider

I was really eager to see this third offering by Vishal Bharadwaj, with his take on Shakespeare's tragedies. I was disappointed. After Maqbool and Omkara, it was only natural for me to have my hopes high, but in vain. I was unable to connect with the characters or the story which is very important for me to be able to enjoy a movie. 

There were flashes of excellent acting when I was really impressed with Shahid Kapur's acting skills, especially when he addresses a crowd with his head shaven for the first time. Tabu had the strongest role but what was her character trying to do? She loves her son, she does not love her husband, she lusts after her brother in law, lives with him and then marries him the moment she comes to know of her husband's death. She loves Haider, her son, but she also suspects he has lost his mental balance. Finally, she realizes that her present husband is no good and blows herself up. Shraddha Kapoor, Haider's love interest was a disappointment. 

The movie left me cold which left me quite depressed. Enjoyed the music though.

Movie Review (English)

Finding Fanny

Thanks to Homi Adajania, for roping in big name from Bollywood to act in his movie. This is a great deed for small budget film makers who have a story to tell. I wonder, if this film had unknown faces would people still go and watch it. 

I loved the slow movement unfolding real kind of life experiences and emotional upheavals all of us have, that the movie portrayed. Hopefully, more well meaning directors will take to making such movies and again give those actors a chance who might not be well known faces but excellent actors.

Deepika was a surprise. Loved her subtle performance. I also could not get over the Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron touch. I have no words for Naseeruddin, Pankaj and Dimple. 

All in all, had a great time watching a worthwhile movie.

Movie Review (Hindi)

Khoobsurat

The original was one of my favourite movies, mainly because the protagonist was a woman (Rekha) and she was a rebel. She stood up against the rigid rules put in place by the matriarch. I was hoping this Khoobsurat would be along those lines. Well, it was in a way. Only I did not see Sonam as the reason for my liking the movie. She was wildly over the top for me. You know, Mr Director, subtlety is not obsolete, really. I liked Ratna Pathak Shah though as the tough woman laying down tough rules. Wish the younger girl (Ratna's daughter) had more life in her. Now, I must mention the hero, Fawad Khan. Total waste of a good actor. But he kept me interested. And yes, Kiron Kher though predictable, was hilarious. Thanks for the laughs... 

Though it does bring in the big question, what had gotten into Disney to do this movie???

Movie Review (Hindi)

Mary Kom

It is rarely that I get to see two Bollywood movies back to back which I enjoy. Also both movies being women oriented is also an interesting coincidence. So, soon after Mardani, I get to see this wonderful movie, Mary Kom, based on the life of India's champion boxer, Mary. 

When I had heard about the making of the movie, I read that Priyanka Chopra was to play Mary Kom. Frankly I had my misgivings about her being cast in this role. And thank goodness I was proved wrong! 

I do wish all women were blessed with such an understanding husband as Mary Kom's. He takes over the household chores and looking after the twin sons and forces Mary to stick to her discipline!! Is he for real? Apparently he is. Also like all great achievers, Mary has a super coach who keeps her 'boxing fit'. 

The movie brought all elements of good cinema together. The script was tight, the editing close, the acting just right and the direction couldn't be better. 

This makes me more confident of looking forward to movies revolving around women. There was Kahaani, English Vinglish, Queen, Mardani and now Mary Kom. Thanks to the changing times... Here's to WOMEN!!!!!

Movie Review (Hindi)

MARDANI

When I heard about this movie starring Rani Mukherjee, I was instantly reminded of the Hindi peom weitten by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan on Rani Laxmibai. There was a refrain in the poem... Khoob ladi mardani, woh to Jhansi wali Rani thi. I wondered at the simile. Was the earlier Mardani going to be reflected in this Mardani? And thank God she was! One of the few occasions when a Hindi film is carried on a woman's shoulders and the woman holds a position of power being a police officer who takes on the menace of trafficking of the girl child.
The movie impressed because of a crisp script, smart editing, clear direction and capable acting, both by the actress and the villain. Commercial movies make sense when they deal with such socially relevant topics. The more it is publicized, the more people will watch it and somewhere deep in the mind something will change. All those 100 crore clubs (or more) nonsensical movies make no difference to society other making millions for the producers and actors and creating other wanna be actors mirroring themselves after those stars.
Here's to more Mardanis!!! Thank you Rani Mukherjee. You never cease to amaze me!

Teach For India - Teach to Lead

We Are... On the Path!!!

As I begin my eventful journey as a 2014 Teach for India Fellow, the following lines will clearly 'reflect' what the journey so far has been like.

Fingers flew on the keyboard
The clock tick tocked
Racing against 11 pm
My deadline.
Seconds before the two hands meet
I’m done.

 Hey, what d’you know?
Got a call to take a test!!
Again – racing against time
Phew! Could have done better...
But am getting no younger.

 Hello, hello,
You’ve made it girl!
To the assessment centre, no less.
Then the day’s grilling is through
Here’s the day of reckoning.
Sonali, how are you feeling?
Really? Why?
Coz, you are now a part of TFI,
That’s why!

 All my bags packed,
I’m driven away for 5 weeks
Into the hills and far away.
A place called Flame,
Neat and concrete
and green as well.

 Institute 1, 270 of us...
Purpose?
We’ll find out soon enough.
The CEO introduces TFI
My family now.
What I gather is
A transformational path
I have to take up to make a change
Change lives, change mindsets
To make the world a better place
To breathe in.

 I see young people, in their 20s
Motivated people
jumping into a cause so fierce,
I wonder-
Will I be able to keep up?

 And so the days unfold-
Breakfast at 8, sessions from 9,
Lunch at 12, sessions again
Dinner at 8, then work.

 Week two, we begin summer school
Which is cool!
And from bed to breakfast
To bus to school, school to class,
Class to bus, back to Flame
Then to lunch, next a nap.
Off to study, then to a circle.
Plan a lesson
And rehearse.
Dinner in between,
Oh yes, and print!
Finally fall into bed.
Alarm at 4.30,
need I say more?

 Mastering the LP was a hard task to master
As the Opening had a hook
And INM got shorter.
The GP helped our students and was long
But the IP was the assessment
SRAS and strong.
So Math it was, followed by Writing,
RF and RC followed untiring.

 Today, a transformational leader I want to be
with almost a 4 on personal transformation,
with Collective action I think it’s a 3
While again a 3 with educational equity.
With competencies being drilled into me
Through reflection,
I can see myself growing, making a connection.

 As I think of building relationships,
creating a classroom culture,
investing stakeholders and looking at teamwork
I stretch my Sense of Possibility
to heights beyond probability.
I now move towards
the Goal and the Vision
for my students and for me
as I turn into a teacher
who is a leader.

As the training comes to an end
Into the real world we shall go,
Like the charge of the light brigade
Only spreading love, not hate.

So many friends have I made here
So many trainers, managers
All happy, motivated and helpful.
Thank you all!
I promise you, educational equity
Will remain my call.

Movie Review (English)

X-Men: Days of Future Past

I am a big fan of the X men. I have always wished to be a mutant with secret powers that go way beyond human. Well, that wasn’t to be. So I live vicariously through the marvelous X-Men. The latest movie, X-Men: Days of Future Past stood out in the concept of giving me an overdose of X-Men. There were X-Men from the present and X-Men from the past and together they fight the Sentinels who are a huge giant force created to wipe out mutants. Professor X and Magneto coming together was such a wonderful idea! As  usual, the sound effects, the cinematography and the actors leave one asking for more. Wolverine and Mystique, of course, remain my favourites.

P.S.:Thank you Marvel comics!

Movie Review (Hindi)

Two States

No, I haven't read the book by Chetan Bhagat. That's a good thing 'coz I could not compare the two. This was the first time I saw Alia Bhatt and second time I watched Arjun Kapoor. And I was not disappointed!! I am surprised! Both the actors were good at what they were told to do. In fact it seemed too easy for them. The story did not have much to say, what with the regular North and South Indian divide, though the casting was well thought out. But I got nothing extra out of it. The parents are just typical or stereotyped Punjabis with their strange ways of looking at vegetarian food and skin colour and the Tamilians with their grumpiness looking down on punjabi culture. Why so stereotypical? And are parents of such highly accomplished youngsters really so narrow in their outlook? Never mind, it was an entertaining movie with good acting skills showcased, which happens quite rarely (in Bollywood). So it was worth it.
Hope both Alia and Arjun get good directors in their other ventures, though that again is a rarity in Bollywood.

Movie Review (English)

12 Years a Slave

A lot was expected but I was disappointed. And I realize there is a reason. Atrocities shown in the movie based on colour are heart rending. But in my country, such atrocities have been continuing for centuries. Here it is not based on colour, but the caste you are born in. The so-called upper caste has always tried to squash the spirit of the so-called lower caste and thinks of this as a God given right. Maybe that is the reason I did not connect so much emotionally with this movie because I have heard of atrocities much worse than shown in this movie. What really moved me though were the various phases that Solomon, the protagonist, goes through. From a free, well established man, he is sold as a slave and given away to the highest bidder. He goes through various white households, meets and understands those working as slaves, undergoes punishments, gets rewards and looks out for his survival. His change in personality is remarkable. His release from slavery is quite sudden but a relief. That it received the Oscar was a great moment, but it was a tough call.

Movie Review (English)

Dallas Buyers Club

It was a joy to see one of my favourite actors reach the top of his acting quotient. Matthew McConaughey has always dazzled as a romantic hero, full of chutzpah. But for him to attempt this movie was so out of character, I was floored. Thank you Matthew for having shown there is no ceiling to acting. He plays the real life Ron Woodroof, an HIV afflicted electrician and a gambler at a rodeo. He achieved a body that looked like it hadn't been fed for quite some time. His bones and skin body played a big part in letting him get into character. Jared Leto who played the role of a transexual, Rayon, with aplomb, is at once shunned by Ron and then goes on to become a big part of his life. Jennifer Garner comes up as the humane doctor who doesn’t necessarily prescribe to the FDA’s findings. Given 30 days to live, our man lives for 7 years using alternative medicine to boost his immune system, instead of using FDA approved drugs that randomly kill the cells of the body. During this time he works at providing these medicines to those in a similar condition and forms a Buyers Club that charges money and supplies these illegal medicines. In the process, he keeps dodging the law which tries to prevents him from selling, never mind that they work.

Yes, the Oscar was definitely deserved.

Hindi Movie Review

Queen

Bollywood still has hopes of redemption if such movies are shot. Queen was like a breath of fresh air. The main reason being the well thought out script. Honeymooning alone in Paris and Amsterdam, befriending a smart, thoughtful waitress (Lisa Haydon), sharing a room with three men from different countries – that’s certainly not what a typical middle class Delhi girl does. But in the movie it all falls into place. So where’s the hero??? Would you believe it? There’s no hero to carry the lady into the sunset!! The egotistic Delhi boy (Rajkummar Rao) is beautifully put in place while our heroine waltzes into the sunrise. Kudos to Kangana Ranaut for her make up less face and natural dramatic talent and cheers to the director Vikas Bahl and producers Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane. Queen certainly deserves her crown!!!

Movie Review (English)

The Wolf of Wall Street

Another power packed performance by Leonardo. Scorsese never lets me down. This is the thrilling real life story of the rise and fall and rise again of Jordon Belfort, a New York stockbroker. But why so much of debauchery?! Drugs and Sex seemed a better title for the movie. The movie moves with the premise that every one and everything has a price. It’s a scary world that opens up the immense possibilities with money and the vast black hole somewhere down the road waiting to engulf you. And then you no longer remain yourself. You are a distorted shadow of yourself who thinks you have got it all, that you are the King of the World till this world comes crashing down taking everything away. But for those who have sold their souls to money, drugs and sex, there is finally no coming back on the path originally taken. The black hole is a companion for them.I am now a little scared to see Leo’s films. They are getting too dark.  Have also learnt – NEVER EVER INVEST. Thanks!

Theatre - Ensemble and Devised

This for That

On 11 February ’14, I joined a very interesting theatre workshop. I had missed the workshop on 10^th and was sure I would be turned away politely. But the directors, Rowen Haigh and Sean Mahoney simply smiled, shook hands and welcomed me!! Six actors were already well into the workshop working on the exercises and improvisations. Strangely, though I joined late, I felt quite comfortable as the group comprised friendly people, all ready to learn and contribute.

And so we began with the theme of money and our relationship with it. A poem had been selected by the directors – “On Losing a House” where the issue of money was touched upon and we began with a reading of the poem. The line O dark, O heavy, O mossy money seemed to catch everyone’s imagination. We were divided into three groups and told to improvise a scene around money. We did and amid fast flowing suggestions the evolving of money from the barter system to the card today was devised.

An entry was planned. Beggars to enter from the entrance and beg for money from the audience and two herders, already seated among the audience, to herd these beggars on towards the stage. Freeze to music . Then the barter (cloth pieces for grain) begins and we move to the first recital of a stanza of the poem. This is followed by the improvised scene between husband and wife. Another rendition of the poem followed by another barter with stones for grain (rising prices) and we move to an improvised piece between two lovers. Another rendition of the stanza from the poem and another barter with cash for grain (with cheating going on). An improvised scene in an office with money changing hands through bribes which leads to money transactions at an ATM using the card. The money extracted is spend on self indulgence and is followed by a freeze. The lines from the poem are keys to unfreeze each actor and the rising chorus of Dark, heavy, mossy money rises as actors move among the audience and distribute money (sharing). Our performance was titled This for That.

Beggars and Herders - Frozen

We performed at the Pune English Theatre festival (Pukaar) on 15 and 16 February.The music and lights were handled by our directors and that truly added to the magic. The audience gave quite an ovation to the piece much to our relief. The novelty of it seemed to have got them. The interactive session was full of questions and extended beyond its allotted time. Such ensemble pieces are the trade mark of the White Flag Performance Group run by Rowen and Sean who live in Baltimore, USA. This was their first trip to India but they have promised to be back soon and work some more...

Movie Review (English)

Saving Mr Banks

When I was a kid I believed that if a fairy godmother did exist, her name should be Mary Poppins. So when I saw Saving Mr Banks, I was fascinated learning about the origin of my fairy godmother. The writer of the Mary Poppins stories, P.L. Travers played by Emma Thompson struggles with her traumatic past. The film weaves beautifully through her past and present and the entire mystery of why Mary Poppins appears in the Banks' household unfurls. 
Pamela (P.L Travers) shows total disdain for everything American including Walt Disney, played by Tom Hanks. The gradual transition from a crotchety old lady with rigid ideas to a warm, creative person is so masterfully achieved by Emma. Tom Hanks is, as usual, at his best as the one and only Disney who gets what he wants and he wants the rights to Travers' Mary Poppins. For 20 long years he has cajoled Pamela to grant him this wish (for his daughters) but in vain. This time things are a little different. In the end, the two do get to save Mr Banks.

Movie Review (English)

American Hustle

A movie I thoroughly enjoyed not only because of the twisted plot but because each actor was so different from what I had seen them do till now in other movies. Christian Bale with a paunch and balding head which he tries to keep covered; Bradley Cooper with his curlers and superiority complex; Jennifer Lawrence with her blonde hair and silliness; and Amy Adams (and my favourite in the movie) who shifts from being a miserable American to an Englishwoman with ties to Royalty. A con man and woman caught between the Feds and the political mafia get their own when they con both the Feds and the politicians. But the movie is also about strange emotional graphs and the superb way the actors have handled it. 

Movie Review (Hindi)

Dedh Ishqiya (One and a half loves)

A rib tickling comedy after a long time . This is what happens when Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi take their place on screen once again after Ishqiya. With their superb comic timing, the two thugs steal our hearts yet again. Madhuri has finally earned her space once again with her wonderful rendition of Begum Para who seeks solace in her companion, Muniya's (played by Huma) love. The strong women characters neatly balance the uncle - nephew duo. Vijay Raaz, the villian of the piece is surprisingly good, making his presence felt. This happens only when the characters are well defined. Vishal Bharadwaj has mastered the art of writing dialogues. The refined Urdu poetry coupled with the choicest abusive words in Hindi is quite a volatile mix. The success of the film lies in the subtle old world charm merging beautifully with the not at all subtle world of crooks out to get money, power and love (or the idea of it).