Movies

Despicable Me 2

November 8, 2015 Movies

I skipped the first instalment to watch this animated comedy, and the amusement lasted until the last sequence! A hilarious account of a super-villain turned hero/dad Gru managing a bunch of dwarfed, babyish characters somewhat awkwardly dressed called ‘Minions’, and 3 very cute daughters. The Minions are these energetic cheerful bunch of Lilliputians, with no regrets for their unremarkable looks, stature or appeal, having fun always but congregating when distress comes in the form of the villain Eduardo/El Macho. 

It has loads of artistic imaginativeness especially the gadgetry which included Lucy’s inventive automobile that is part-submarine part-aircraft and the jelly guns (slurp!), the design of the croc sofa in the girls’ room and the hippo chair, the nacho-shaped Sombrero with Guacamole that the characters dip and relish (that was so creative!), and last but not the least, a pet chicken called ‘Pollito’ acting as the villain’s henchman (or ‘henchcock’?).

‘Despicable Me 2’ is a mad comic caper complete with a love story, tons of Minion naughtiness, artistic fantasies, and 3 adorable little girls! I’m already waiting to watch the next release.

Ghajini (2008)

December 25, 2008 Movies

It must be the much-hyped movie of the year like all Aamir Khan movies tend to be. Which included the splendid musical score of A R Rahman and Aamir’s year-long exercise regimen that was broadcast frequently on various TV channels. To add to this we had the Ghajini hair style and Aamir’s bald mannequin from the movie greeting us at almost all cinema halls across the country. It’s a fact that Ghajini is inspired by Memento (1999). However it does not follow the storyline of the original movie. It has obviously been ‘flavored’ to suit Indian taste buds so the comparison at this point is worthless.

Continue reading…

Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008)

December 7, 2008 Movies

After Dibakar Banerjee’s critically acclaimed movie Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006) comes Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye (OLLO). Dibakar’s style of showcasing real incidents in the genre of comedy is very inspiring for me. Additionally his ensemble of cast are actors that a) are not stars by Indian definition and b) are always set in northern India mouthing colloquial speech. OLLO is set on similar principles. It’s a point which I want to make to our film-makers – stars do not necessarily make a great movie but the story does play a integral part of the film-making process.

Continue reading…

Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008)

September 27, 2008 Movies

When I had read about Shyam Benegal directing a movie with Shreyas Talpade in the lead, it was called Madhav Ka Sajjanpur. And I wonder why the title was anglicized later to Welcome to Sajjanpur when the story is perceived and described through a village erudite called Madhav. And indeed traces of the original title still remain on the censor board certification displayed before the movie starts if you pay attention.

Continue reading…

Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008)

August 24, 2008 Movies

It all seems like the Indian art cinema movement has come alive with the making of such sensitive movies like Aamir and now Mumbai Meri Jaan which deal with present day issues like terrorism and cultural & religious cliches. The latter has been the subject of much discussion in the media for its strong portrayal of the Mumbai train blasts of 2006 – branded as India’s 7/11. It’s to be noted that Mumbai is one of the few cities of the world that has repeatedly been in the eye of storm. On the one hand is the human saga of hardships and the rigor that the Mumbai lifestyle is bound to guarantee. On the other is the repeated assault on its self-confidence and dignity which the citizens have bravely overcome through their high spirits.

Continue reading…