Cinema, You and I
This is one awesome movie that every Indian should watch. Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra merges two plots in Rang De Basanti. The first is about a group of friends, their bonding, the carefree lifestyle they lead. The second plot pertains to the past, when freedom fighters sacrificed their lives during the pre-independence era. Without doubt, Mehra’s intentions are noble, since portions in the film do succeed in pricking your conscience. Mehra draws parallels between Indians ruled by the British and Indians ruled by corrupt politicians today. The message is subtle at first, but echoes piercingly before it reaches its finale. The transition of the five friends from meaningless to meaningful existence is done brilliantly. But the impact Rang De Basanti ought to make gets diluted to an extent… If the awakening, after one of their friends dies in an air crash, is a master stroke from the writing point of view, the sequence of events that lead to the climax take an idealistic route. The friends enter a radio station, force the staffers to leave the premises, go Live, confess to the world that they’ve gunned down the Defence Minister for certain reasons. By then, the commandos get into action and the radio station turns into a battleground. A better finale was the need of the hour! Also, Rang De Basanti unfolds at a leisurely pace all through. After establishing the characters in the first 30 minutes, the story doesn’t really race forward. The sepia-tone parallels are engaging at times, not always. Besides, the message that the film carries with it tends to get diluted towards the climax. Most importantly, a common man buying a ticket to watch Rang De Basanti may definitely be aware that it’s all about youth and patriotism [thanks to the well-crafted promos], but the treatment of the subject isn’t the type that’ll meet with universal acceptance. The handling of the subject would restrict it to the elite, the thinking viewer or those who frequent the multiplexes. If this faction of movie-going audience might give it a thumbs up, the aam junta or those looking for a solid entertainer might look the other way. Let’s face it, Rang De Basanti offers entertainment, but it’s not your run-of-the-mill kind of a movie. Sue [Alice Patten], a young, London-based film-maker chances upon the diaries of her grandfather, who served in the British Police Force in India during the freedom struggle. Excited about these memoirs, she makes plans to shoot a film on the Indian revolutionaries mentioned in the diaries. She flies to Delhi and casts a group of five friends to play the pivotal roles of these revolutionaries. The youngsters are DJ [Aamir Khan], Karan [Siddharth], Aslam [Kunal Kapoor], Sukhi [Sharman Joshi] and Sonia [Soha Ali Khan]. One of their foes, Laxman [Atul Kulkarni], also joins them subsequently. However, products of modern India, the five youngsters initially refuse to be part of the project as they don't identify with these characters from the past. Not surprising, considering that they are a part of a generation of Indians that believes in consumerism. To them issues like patriotism and giving one's life for one's beliefs is the stuff text-books are made of. They would rather party than be patriots. In the film, both the 1930s British India and the India today run parallel and intersect with each other at crucial points. Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra opens the cards at the very outset. Alice’s sequences at the start, right till her arrival in Delhi and conducting a screen-test, are intriguing. But the film actually gets a push the moment the focus shifts to the five friends. From being hesitant to eventually agreeing to enact the roles of the revolutionaries in Alice’s film, these sequences take the film to an all-time high. In between, the sequences featuring Atul Kulkarni and Kiron Kher only cement the goings-on. The glitch is that the narrative goes into the past and returns to the present with alarming regularity, which tends to confuse the viewer at times. Besides, after the first 30 minutes or so, there’s not much movement in the story. If the first half abounds in light moments, the post-interval portions get into a serious mode. The story takes a turn when one of their friends [Madhavan] expires in an air crash. The film holds your attention right till the elimination of the Defence Minister [Mohan Agashe], but the remainder, which leads to the climax, is a downer. The climax should’ve been the highpoint of the film, taking the film to a crescendo, but it doesn’t. In fact, the climax ruins the impact considerably. Another drawback is that the film goes into a major flashback in the second half. Agreed, it has been deftly executed, but the film could’ve done without those portions. The writers should’ve come to the point straightaway: The air crash, the awakening and the revenge. Even the songs -- in the second half specifically -- don’t really contribute in taking the story forward. Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has an eye for detail and it is more than evident in his second endeavor. But it’s the writing [screenplay: Rensil D Silva and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra; story-script: Kamlesh Pandey] that’s not foolproof. Yet, there’s no denying that Mehra proves his prowess in a number of sequences. Two shining examples: Aamir breaks down while having supper with Alice and the group getting upset after hearing the Defence Minister’s speech. Technically, it’s a first-rate effort. Dialogues [Prasoon Joshi, Rensil D Silva] are excellent. The usage of Punjabi words gives the film that certain freshness. A.R. Rahman's music is ordinary. Barring ‘Paathshala’ and the title track, Rahman’s score doesn’t stay with you after the screening has ended. Cinematography [Binod Pradhan] is outstanding. The lensman captures the essence of Delhi beautifully. Stunts [Allan Amin] are okay. Visual effects [Pankaj Khandpur] are topnotch. You expect Aamir Khan to deliver yet another astounding performance in Rang De Basanti and he does, but it’s not Aamir alone that you applaud in the film. Of course, Aamir gets into the skin of the character and delivers a knockout performance from start to end, but the film has more gems when it comes to performances: Siddharth [excellent], Atul Kulkarni [fantastic], Soha Ali Khan [a complete revelation; efficient], Kunal Kapoor [natural] and Sharman Joshi [powerful]. Alice Patten is brilliant and besides delivering a flawless performance, her style of speaking Hindi is sure to win a lot of hearts. Madhavan is likeable. Waheeda Rehman is graceful as ever. Both Om Puri and Anupam Kher don’t get much scope. Kiron Kher is exceptional yet again. Mohan Agashe, Steven Mckintosh, K.K. Raina and Lekh Tandon are adequate. Songs are A-grade especially Roobaroo and RDB title track. The movie gets a rating of ****/5 Watch it, and think how you can challenge and change the system.

Cinema, You and I
The latest movie from the Bhatt-camp-"Gangster", is releasing this week. Expectations are very high as this is directed by Anurag Basu, the guy who gave ud-"Murder". The movie stars our "serial-kisser", Emraan Hashmi, Shiney Ahuja and debutant Kangana. The movie is shot in Seoul and has stunning visuals. The movie is slightly inspired from the Abu Salem affair. The music is already topping the charts and it seems the movie will be a hit.

Cinema, You and I
Pachakuthira-Movie Review
Much was expected from Dileep after the stupendous success of Chanthupottu. Lion was a commercil pot-boiler, so I am not taking it into consideration. Kamal is a great director, but this movie lacks a proper plot and storyline. A horde of comedians form the supporting cast and do the usual comic antics which are supposed to make you laugh. Dileep is trying what Kamalahasan used to do, come in different get-ups in each movie. The movie is touted to be a complete family entertainer. The first half drags but the second half of the movie saves it from falling flat on its face. Sentiments and comedy alone cannot guarantee success for a movie. Ilayaraja's music is a big letdown. The basic plot of the film is lifted from Dustin Hoffman-Tom Cruise 1988 Oscar winning Rain Man which has been Indianised to suit Dileep’s comedy image but every scene from the beginning to end is predictable and clichéd. Anandakuttan (Dileep), a happy-go-lucky guy is a supplier of extras in films and he has a group of artists (Salim Kumar, Gopika and others) with him. One day a travel agent tells him that he has a brother Akash Menon (Dileep) in Germany who is coming down to stay with him after his mother passed away there!!Akash Menon is an autistic who has a mental growth of a 5-year-old who makes life miserable for Anandakuttan till he finally decides to give him away for adoption to a rich family in Germany! But how Anadakuttan develops love and sympathy towards his brother and prevents the adoption forms the rest of the sentimental second half. In the Vishu-collection race this "green horse", will lose the race to Thuruppu Gulan and Rasatanthiram.

memories
DLF Cup
Things are not all honey and roses for the Indian cricket team. The Series win over a depleted English team brought signs of hope for the fans of cricket. Abu Dhabi is a different ball-game. Winning the toss and electing to bat first the Indians posed a meagre total of 197 and there were 4 run-outs in the innings. Venugopal Rao top-scored with 61 notout. Pakistan chased the total for the loss of 4 wickets and 9 balls to spare. Younis Khan topscored with 71 and was declared man-of -the-match. Earlier in the day Shoaib Malik took 3 wickets and a couple of catches. India have to win today's match to save some pride. Hope we win.

memories
M.V. Doulos-The Floating Book-FairThe world's oldest sailing ship, the M.V.Doulos is in town. It is docked at the Chennai harbour. The ship has an impressive collection of about 6000 different books and a number of music cassettes and CDs. Entry is free for people below the age of 16, but they must be accompanied by an adult. An adult-ticket costs Rs.50. All things are priced in Doulos units. 100 units equals 80 rupees. I hate to say this but the book fair is more of a Christian book-fair and almost 80% of the books are related to Christianity and a couple of free books on Christianity are distributed free to all visitors. Even then it is worth a trip and being onboard a real ship is a whole new experience and the children will love it. It is advisable to go to the ticket counter near the Secretariat as early as possible to avoid waiting in a queue in the hot sun. A bus takes the visitors from the ticket counter to the ship in the harbour.

memories
M.V. Doulos-The Floating Book-Fair
The world's oldest sailing ship, the M.V.Doulos is in town. It is docked at the Chennai harbour. The ship has an impressive collection of about 6000 different books and a number of music cassettes and CDs. Entry is free for people below the age of 16, but they must be accompanied by an adult. An adult-ticket costs Rs.50. All things are priced in Doulos units. 100 units equals 80 rupees. I hate to say this but the book fair is more of a Christian book-fair and almost 80% of the books are related to Christianity and a couple of free books on Christianity are distributed free to all visitors. Even then it is worth a trip and being onboard a real ship is a whole new experience and the children will love it. It is advisable to go to the ticket counter near the Secretariat as early as possible to avoid waiting in a queue in the hot sun. A bus takes the visitors from the ticket counter to the ship in the harbour.

memories
Ind vs Eng series
Well, well the Indian team is winning even though the top order is failing again and again. yuvraj and raina did the rescue act on Monday at Goa. Yuvi struck a brilliant 103 and raina hit 61 runs to propel India to 294 in 50 overs.
Pathan struck for India and took 4 English wickets. In between the Indians got a scare when Collingwood and Geraint Jones forged a solid partnership, Collingwood scored 93, but it was too late. England lost the match by 45 runs and Yuvi was declared man of the match.

memories
CHINTAMANI KOLA CASE
The Murder-case of Chintamani
The movie is touted as a legal thriller, it stars Suresh Gopi, Bhavana and Thilakan in important roles.Suresh Gopi plays the role of Lal Krishna Viradiyar a lawyer who saves criminals in the court and kills them personally later.(L.K. alias Licence to Kill). He gets the case of Chintamani's murder, who is killed by 9 NRI students, who call themselves Mirchi girls (all of them look horrible and gaudily dressed).
What is the mystery behind the murder? Why was Chintamani killed? Watch the movie to know the answers, I am not revealing the answers. It is moulded in the CBI series and Shaji Kailash has done a decent directorial job. Some violent rape-scenes could be trimmed and the back-ground music leaves a lot to be desired. The climax is sure to leave you stunned. Kalabhavan Mani does a spoof on Mamooty's Sethurama Iyer. Thilakan has given a good performance as Bhavana's father.
Go watch the movie.
Mahesh's Rate-o-Meter-3.5 out of 5.

memories
Second Ind vs. Eng one-dayer
Well India have won 14 one day matches in succession chasing a target. The match at Faridabad was a close one, Freddy won the toss and chose to bat first. England set a target of 227 for India. Kevin Pietersen and Strauss played responsible knocks to achieve the total. Romesh Powar bowled a tight line and took 3 crucial wickets. India started positively with the openers sharing a 61 run stand. Then all hell broke loose, and the score read 90/5.
Suresh Raina and Dhoni did the rescue act and saved India the blushes. Raina top-scored with 81 and Dhoni scored 36 odd runs to guide India home safely.
Mr. Chapell a message for you-
"The top order should fire properly, the tail won't click each and every time so select the team properly.

Kiran More,
Drop Sehwag and give Dada a chance.