Big बाज़ार

December 09, 2024 0 Comments

खरीद फ़रोख़्त के बाज़ार में, 
लगे है सब व्यापार में।

कोई यहाँ नेह, तो 
कोई यहाँ देह बेचता है। 
कोई पथर, तो कोई हीरा जड़ता है।

कोहिनूर के तलाश में।
मोतियों के मोहपाश में।
ग्राहक यहाँ बंजारा बन फिरता है।

लोह, पीतल, काँसा, कपास, 
मलमल, ऊन, जाफ़रान, बांस 
तेल, बरतन, कफ़न और औज़ार 
मिलते है सब बाज़ार में।
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कोई रोड पे बीच बिछा चद्दर 
तो कोई गली में लगा ठेला 
कोई ऊँट कार्ट पे तो कोई 
लगा के नौचिन्दी का मेला 

कच्ची -पक्की दुकाने,
बहुमंज़िलो का लगा है रेला पेला।

मुद्रा विनिमय के कारोबार में 
बैठे है सब बाज़ार में, खैरद फ़रोख़्त के बाज़ार में।
लगे है सब व्यापार में।
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बुनकर, हस्तक, लोहार, सुनार, 
चने भूटाने वाला, दर्ज़ी, दस्तकार 
कुछ निकले है कमाने रोज़ी,
कायी निकले है मुनाफ़े के भरसट्टाचार में।

कई दफ़ा तो बाज़ार बजार को खा जाता है।
बड़ी मछली मुनाफ़ा खोरी के लिए 
बेज़ार को  भुला जाता है।
यह बाज़ार है या नरसंहार की फ़ितरत  
जहां व्यापार ही व्यापार को मिटा जाता है।

गुजरते वक़्तों के बयार में 
हसरतों की गुहार में।
इस मतलब भरे संसार में। 
तन जुदा, मन खुदा हो चलता है।
इंसान कब इंसान से इंसान बन के मिलता है? 

खरीद फ़रोख़्त के बाज़ार में, 
लगे है सब नरसंहार में।

कोई ख़रीदने वाले को,
तो कोई बेचनेवाले को ही लूटता है,

आँखो में लालच, खोंसे में ख़ंजर लिए घूमता है। 
इस बाज़ार की फ़ितरत ही जो बदल गयी है।
कल जो ज़रूरत का होता था,
आज रूह बदल, प्रलोभन का गहरा जमाजम है।
इस कुवे में पानी नहीं,
नशे के चमकीले नलके है 
तू हर नल खोलना चाहता है 
तू हर उंस मोलना चाहता है 
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पत्थर ले हर सख्श फिरता है यहाँ
तू क्यु अपने शीशे को गिनता है यहा? 
मिलता है सब कुछ मगर मिलती नही वफ़ा
इस जफ़ा भरे हिसार में। 

खरीद फ़रोख़्त के बाज़ार में, 
लगे है सब सिर्फ व्यापार में।

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copyright © Numerounity / Ekta Khetan



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Kareena Kapoor vs Kajol Vs Jahnvi vs Bollywood Wives War on Netflix

December 03, 2024 0 Comments

If actors dominated the film's opening at the theatres, OTT is all about women's power. Release after release, actresses rule the roost without big actors, enticing many viewers in this cricket, cinema, and now Internet-loving [3rd screen] nation. 

The 3rd screen [as I call it] has the popularity, the power of experimentation, without confirming scales as long as there are buyers, which am sure is, given the increasing percentage of Internet and mobile penetration. The supposedly, war of Khans, has now shifted to the K's literally, giving room to women-oriented content that was a big miss earlier. 

Netflix has quite a few women-oriented content in which women are central characters. But are they doing justice to the women's storyline or not? Or are they just films/content to encash on a strong subject, already hit formula, and a lead actress?

Let's talk about some of the latest releases starring some leading names, directly or indirectly, knowingly or just happenstance pitting against each other. It is Kareena Kapoor vs Kajol Vs Kriti Sanon vs Jahnvi Kapoor on Netflix's latest releases. See I told you K ruling the roost. So, who ruled the charts, I mean hearts?

Do Patti, Ulajh, and Fabulous Wives On Netflix Review

I have recently watched—Do Patti, Ulajh, and Fabulous Lives vs. Bollywood Wives S3. And while I watched all of them with low expectations except Do Patti and Buckingham Murders. However, none left an impact that even smaller series with low-budget do. Case in point- Laapta Ladies or even Mamla Legal hai.

The latter is not a women-centric series but is an interesting watch. I do not promote content based on central characters, gender or so. I prefer to watch good content irrespective of gender-bender, license to be remade or approved tender. Tongue twisting but I hope you roger. 

Content is like a well-cooked meal that you have in jiffy or while relaxed. You can have a meal preference or cuisine-craving. In most likelihood, you are likely to pick a well-laid table that may have some of the dishes that you like, dishes that are good for your gut, or dishes that have a good presentation. And when you dig the spoon in the pasta, it shouldn't taste like khichdi that wanted to be a Biryani. It shouldn't be served on a sizzler's plate but every bite is cold and stale.

The same goes for the content. 

Do Patti

Do Patti For the sake of brevity should have been titled Do Patni or Do Pati, as the whole film is about it with an added dash of kajol-worshipping in the movie, which unfortunately fails to land. 

Ya, most of the Kajol films of late where she plays an advocate have almost the same narrative- to make a character around Kajol, mixing the trending topics but ending up making her look unyielding. She seems trying too hard in an Upper North cop role who despite ample experience and good intent, couldn't differentiate between justice and law. Though that's the crux of her character, it doesn't land as the intent though.. She looked too seasoned for the role and almost wasted in the film. 

Had it been the reverse-casting or role exchange, it would have made it more interesting but makers seem to have wanted to encash Kriti Sanon's glamor even though that makes the narrative unbearable and too chewy.  

Kriti Sanon is a beautiful actress but her green screen-merging twin sister role will leave you unimpressed. The film's only impressive or hard-hitting scene was the sister's confrontation scene in the cafe. When a heavily abused, devastated Sanon, dresses like her on-screen mother, reveals her traumatic state of mind that has been deeply mirrored by her mother's struggle with severe post-marital abuse and subsequent demise. If you are a mother and that too of two daughters, that single line will sum up emotions that a whole film failed to convey. 

Unfortunately, she was reduced to a mannequin in the larger part of the film that tried to build many assets including a Balam Pichkari kind of song which is like a mixed multi-cuisine khichdi, leaving with a bad taste. 

The only woman who wins your heart is- Prachee Shah.

Do Patti is a lazy film that exploits a sensitive subject. If you hate filmmakers exploiting your sincere emotions with a lazy, brain-fuddling, illogical storyline then you should avoid watching this film. It's like Race taking Reema Kagti for a quick tea date. The crockery is fancy but the brew is so listless that you wanna pick a tequila shot and wrap up the whole rendezvous as fast as possible.  

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Ulajh

For a long time, I avoided delayed watching this film. The film had an intelligent subject, an aura of suspense 'What's next?" but it shows the strong woman weakened by seeking her father's approval. It is. a kind of spy thriller where a young, strong woman at her career-defining post gets embroiled in a 'bob' trap, just a few scenes after she had blackmailed another diplomat in almost a similar manner. 

See, there is a stark difference between a street-smart Fatima Sheikh's SKY in Dhak-Dhak and a strong, intelligence agent who recently faced infidelity and turned indifferent. 

Yes, often humans do make such silly mistakes. governed by emotions but we had enough of it in Hashmi's movie. So, when you are watching an intelligent film like Ulajh, you want a few things, a little more well-seasoned.

Jahnvi Kapoor gives semblance to a momo with mayo, she looks the same and talks the same in all her films. Irrespective, watching her romance with Devaiaah was cringe enough to give away the plot. The film has many good actors including Rajesh Tailang, Adil Hussain, and Gulshan Devaiaah. Roshan Mathew who played Sebi Kutty, was the only delight to watch. Yes, this film has a male lead that wins your heart.

What would be more interesting to watch would be the sequel of Ulajh, if there's any planned. 

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Fabulous Lives vs. Bollywood Wives S3

A swanky cafe that claims to be a hatted restaurant gets an interior makeover. Three pence, one the richer, was the vibe of the season. 

To sum up, the S3 looked like the launch vehicle of Riddhima Kapoor but ended up being a grand red carpet for Delhi-based rich wife and entrepreneur - Shalini Passi. [Read more on here]. The former may need a really good PR and a better season next time though. Neelam is doing this show to reduce her fans it seems.

The season only got bigger, with on-your-face [over-the-top] styling and 3 new entrants. however, only the one shone throughout and took thunder under everyone's nose, jawline, and heavily botox-ed faces.

Surprisingly enough, after this season, I started liking to watch Maheep Kapoor with her haute Kutura -Chena Bhatuuraa. And really hope that next season will have some other fresh, fire-brand wives to make it large and fresh

They can have Bobby Deol's wife Tanya, Mira Rajput, Maanyata Dutta, Priyanka Alva, Rukmini Sahay, Sarita Madhvan, and more. 

And maybe, they can add Salman Khan to the show, doing "Season Ka Vaar" to make it more interesting.  After he roasted shark in Bigg Boss, watching him roast them would be fun.

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It's all about bringing a fresh breath of life to make even a highly successful franchise work. Whether it is Stree, Bhool-Bhulaiya, or Bollywood wives. You need not turn out like Singham Again, with a large army of actors, going nowhere, failing to live up to the mark. Why? cause you just cannot get above a formula that just can't merge with your story-telling and the tellers.  

Talking about Singham again or Bollywood wives, I watched Buckingham Murders too. While Kareena Kapoor [as always] and Chef Brar are wonderful, the film has nothing new to offer except the foreign locations.  

While there is a lot of other content including a half-seen- Raat Baaki hai series and Sikandar ka Muqqadar that I am planning to watch, I am looking forward to watching "Ghoonght ke Pat khol" the alleged original film that inspired Laapta Ladies. if you have a copy or know where to watch it, do let me know. 

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numerounity

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The Shaktimaan, Salman Khan, and Delhi Air Pollution Conundrum

November 23, 2024 0 Comments

The Internet is fascinating. The news, gossip, and controversies it presents are as inseparable as the infotainment it provides, or the benefits it is meant to be built for. 

As the idiot box shrunk into a 6-inch highly pixelated handheld device, AKA mobile, the content is having a hail of a time, giving rise to a sea of micro, nano, and celeb influencers. Though there are a few that you may like to watch, actually a handful. You may not have known who Carry Minati was earlier, but today, you know him in the comfort of your drawing room. 

Discomfort yeah! you heard me right. And you will agree with me mostly if you live in Delhi NCR and are fed up with increased smog and air pollution that makes you feel suspended inside your four walls, even with windows closed. You did not see the pun coming as much as we could not see a giant mammoth 12-tower-long building in front of my huge balcony. All thanks to the smog, the pollution fog, and lifestyle costs that the developed world is paying through their health.

So, when you are at home arrest, the screen time increases and you get to know more about the world happening including mostly binging on over-scripted, overly crap shows like Fabulous Life of Whatever Bollywood Wives. Oh, I have stopped watching Bigg Boss if you are wondering why you are not getting any articles on this blog. The show is so cringed with cringe participants, that even the charm of Salman Khan the host, of "Weekend Ka Vaar", could not save the seasons to be a bearable experience. In comparison to the BB contestants, Maheep Kapoor starts sounding more interesting. However, like Salman Khans rocks BB, what rocked the desperate wives, oops Bollywood fabulous lives this season was- Shalini Passi. Like the blue oceans strategy, this rocking new entrant has swept off the thunder under everyone's nose. She has a vibe even in her "too much on your face" cross-inspired style. 

Shalini Paasi is a new vibe and is truly rocking the Internet these days and while being in Delhi, she could be the next CM. Sounds weird? Well, behind the smog, it would be more interesting to see her face across all the posters in the street rather than of politicians who couldn't do anything about the increasing level of Delhi AQI. She seems to be a fresh breath of air, much needed in the capital like Salman Khan, calmly roasting Ashneer Grover on the BB platform clearing "the air" behind the latter's claim over hiring him as brand ambassador. Bhaiever! 

No, I still haven’t started watching Bigg Biss but that's the power of the Internet, you can get quick updates from platforms like  Instagram and Twitter. By the way, if you are on Instagram you can follow me [Ekta Khetan]and still get no updates as I am busy watching other people's content than publishing my own. House arrest due to poor AQI I told you. 

Apparently, Delhi NCR AQI and Ashneer Grover have a similarity these days- dono ki Hawa tight hui hai. 

Well, Ashneer's claim has been taken care of by Salman, but the solution to air pollution may not be as easy. The odd-even rule has only resulted in an increased nos of vehicles in the city, and increasing the parking cost seems more like a revenue-making scheme and less like an impactful step. Blaming farmers for Farali is also not the right path unless the government uses it as an employment scheme for unskilled workers but then with so many free benefits, making people work is another challenge that even corporations will heave a sigh. While you may still be sitting at home, relishing Mooli ka paratha [radish flatbreads] and Shalini Passi's quotes, your lungs are not getting any better. 

Delhi needs someone really Shaktimaan to solve its air pollution crises. Gangadhar AKA Mukesh Khanna refuses to retire and politicians are only busy in coalition and corruption, your only hope is- You. So stay protected and help yourself. 

And do not forget to pay service tax even if you are on self-service mode cause if onion price pinches you, try buying garlic. Ooh! Who moved my Garlic?

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Numerounity


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Bollywood Spooky universe with Stree, Bhool Bhulaiyya, Kartik Aryan' Jigra and more

October 17, 2024 0 Comments

Stree 2

What could be more cringe than watching Pankaj Tripathi romancing Tammana Bhatia on screen or Akshay Kumar kissing Abhishek Banerjee inappropriately? 



Stree, a simple, regular word, was made into an iconic film [and now a franchise] by the creative team, collectively and collaboratively. I did not meet anyone who did not like the Part 1. It was a simple, loveable, goose-bump-giving horror comedy film that truly deserved its success. 

When Stree Part 2 was announced, fans like me were thrilled and could not wait to watch the trio unfold the magic with the gorgeous Shraddha Kapoor and Tripathi. After all, everyone wants to know the mystery of Chotiwali Shraddha, as it is evident that she is equally spooky. But story kya hai? 

It was out of a collective effort where everyone shone. The story was the hero and the screenplay was the trophy. 

So, was Stree2? Did it add to the Josh or like many sequels, squealed into m it'sediocrity? 

O' Stree, Dhaniya lana

Let's chit-chat about the movie and the controversies surrounding it, all with a pinch of coriander. Yeah, you heard me right. With prices increasing to as high as Rs 60 for 100 grams, dhaniya, aka coriander, aka cilantro, has become a luxury commodity, much to the chagrin of multiple dhaniya-loving Stree like me. Talking about Dhaniya, sorry, Stree-Dhan, the film allegedly made a huge sum and success at the box office. 

While the dhaniya is still unavailable on multiple online marts, Stree 2 is freely available online on YouTube with even fake videos raking in views over thousands. Such is the craze. 

Does the film live up to the hype? Well, the storyline is promising. There is a headless man abducting women who smoke, wear skimpy clothes, and, women who are "stereotypical" modern and liberals. Why? we do not know. He shaves their heads, siphons away their lives from them, and makes them live stalled lives like widows in the past were made to do- breathing but lifeless. Men who come to protect these women are hypnotized into chauvinism by this headless VFX monster. Until some liberal men, a spirit, and a wolf with the sneakers issue come to their rescue. Their shenanigans revolve around weakening powerful women even if she is a spirit. 

The dialogue comedy is all fine as the film is targeted for mass entertainment and you just cannot expect Vipul Goyal or Kamra kind of jokes. However, there is room for all these people or say fresh faces including Zakir Khan but why Akshay Kumar? What kind of metaphor was that? The beginning of the film almost kills the hype with Pankaj Tripathi singing an unnecessary song,  an unnecessary love angle with Tamanna Bhatia were other few "can do without such terrifying" elements. Aparshakti singing Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty, makes an interesting cut for the trailer but doesn't explore the Sheldon-like traits in him. The movie felt a little dragged, which is actually not a great thing for sequels. 

While the metaphors in the film were relevant and good, Shraddha Kapoor along with Abhisehk Bannerji was excellent too. So, if Baazigar's success could lead to SRK's rise as a superstar, why Shraddha Kapoor cannot be credited or benefit from Stree 2's success? Why does it always have to be a male star? Nope, I am not a feminist. 

Is Shraddha Kapoor taking away all the credit?

When Bhool Bhulaiya 2 became a hit, who took the credit? Karthik Aryan and rightfully so. So, why much furor over Shraddha Kapoor now? She was brilliant in both films and in the sequel, she came up as the savior, guiding the 3 actors with her LED braid. It is like Avengers where despite the ensemble, Iron men get more accolades. 

Success has many fathers, for the first time, it is enjoying having a mother. Or is it a PR game? Why do you care? The more you care over such insignificant content, the more nonsense you will get to see.

Media esp YouTube media creates unnecessary clickbait and enjoys the trend with stupid videos to earn money on someone else's name in the name of content. 

Bollywood Spooky Universe Ya Saavi Ka Jigra

No, I am not hinting at the irrelevant war going on between Divya Kumar and Karan Johar for Jigra. Neither Jailbreaking stories nor horror comedies are monopolistic. Even though Stree is alleged to have heavily borrowed from Stranger Things, the truth is that Stree managed to win the audience's hearts and views and successfully established India's first horror comedy universe—the Streeverse. 

Even though Bollywood Boycott Shraddha Kapoor, now after Stree 2, things should change. Unlike Manjulika, who keeps changing in another horror comedy franchise- Bhool Bhulaiyya aka BB. 

Bhool Bhuilayya 3 and Bollywood ka horror Universe

Bhool Bhuilayya 3 trailer has come out and the film seems interesting with Madhuri Dixit's cameo. Amisha Patel happily married Akshay Kumar and settled abroad after part 1. Kiara Advani is replaced by Tripti Dimri. But the original Manjulika Vidya Balan is back. Akshay Kumar who played her psychiatrist, seems to lost his marble and is in Chanderi Asylum. One thing needs to be added- Bipasha Basu. The "once upon a time" lead actor for multiple horror films including the one that tanked at BO, giving producers a shrill. Hope the makers will rope her back, giving a dope to otherwise stale Bhatt's horror universe. Their last horror film was Road 2, I guess.  

Whatever it is, I am keen to watch BB3 for Kartik Aryan. He is charismatic; you cannot deny it. So what if he is mismatched against national crush Tripti Dimri with a Tharki Takiya Kalam? You never know if the film makes it look better.

I mean it looked better when she said it for Rajkumar Rao but looks misfit in the BB3 trailer. Tharki is not the key here, it is Tripti Dimri and the roles she has been reduced to off late. Though she was good in Bad Newz and Animal too, nothing beats her performance in Bulbul. Speaking of the Bollywood spooky universe, she did a classy Bulbbul at the beginning of her career, only to gyrate misogynistically in mindless songs after becoming famous. It is another discussion for some other day. Maybe Khanna Aunty will come back from her hiatus.

After all, wo stree hai, kuch bhi kar sakti hai! 

So, Is Stree better than Animal, Jawan, and Pathan?

Yes!

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Singham Again Or Ramayana Deconstructed n destroyed with Chewing Gum Star cast?

October 08, 2024 1 Comments

Whenever my toddler jumps off the sofa or tries any mother-scaring stunts, I tell them- Jyada Ajay Devgan mat bano. After watching the Singham Returns Trailer, I feel like telling Ajay Devgun ki jyada Toddle down mat karo. 
Such is the trailer that invoked me to write this start-to-finish post, after a long time. Read more to know more...

I am not a big fan of Singham Franchise. I saw the first one out of sheer boredom with a friend and given the overall theatre experience, I liked it. The film became a success. And later, came with multiple franchises/sequels but I have yet to see any of them including Sooryavanshi despite boredom. But I had high hopes for Singham Again. So when I saw an official trailer released on YouTube, I could not wait but had to see it. And it left such a bad taste. Why?

Let's talk about the good things/appeals first. The film has an array of popular stars. It is studded with Bollywood stars, including some of my favorites. From the action genre they have Ajay Devgun [ we like the older version better], Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff [I dunno why is he so underrated?], and Jackie Shroff [80s ka cop verse]. For glamor, it has Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. There are other actors including an over-enthusiastic [straight from the set of Cirkus] Ranveer SINGH, a very talented Ravi Kishan [cast in a serious role?], and a very stale-looking Arjun Kapoor. Still, the film manages to kill Josh and fails to impress. Oops, it was a trailer right, and not a film. Well, the trailer was so elaborate that it barely left anything for the film. Oops, baring the Chulbul Pandey's cameo. 

The film has an interwoven [whyy] holy Ramayan story, where the modern-day protagonist looks less like idols and more like Jokers. 

Talking about the Parallel, which actually makes for a perpendicular bisector with one side having fans of the film, lapping the crap and the other side, audiences like us who are so done with Bollywood hero-worshipping that even interweaving [again whyy] Ramayan would not help but makes it look gimmickry n caricaturish.

Ramayan is not a comic book: Caricaturish Casting

The overall cast, as an ensemble doesn't gel in. It's hard to see Kareena as Maa Sita, though she is one of my most liked actresses, she doesn't fit the bill. If age wasn't an issue, Aishwarya Rai would have still looked better in this role. Ma Sita is someone who commands purity, grace, and respect. Kareena looks far independent and like she will just break into Fevicol's song. The film supposedly has Salman Khan's, Chulbul Cameo. Maybe instead of Ramayan, it could have been Mahabharta as Kareena's Avni has 5 cops coming to rescue her against one villain, as flimsy as Ki ka Ka. Ranveer Singh as Hanumanji is too goofy. And irrespective of all the sins that Ravana may have committed, Arjun Kapoor's casting for this role is like Bollywood at its worst casting ever! Does he cut off as a powerful antagonist who requires an entire army of seasoned actors, fighting with him? Too much.

A Pan masala endorsing Devgan could be a Singham but Ram? Akshay Kumar as Jatayu? Really Rohit Shetty what has gotten into you. The cop universe idea is good but not with the Vimal Gutka gang. It repels more than impresses. The ensemble could have been better. 

Bollywood seems to be currently, obsessed with sequels and franchises. If the formula is working for them fine, but how about original ideas and storylines? There is a difference between Ramayan and Avengers. Avengers is a comic book, and its success may have propelled many filmmakers to make superhero-like franchises of their own but with their limited creativity and myopic narration. 

Even if you want to use Ramayan as a common ground at least make the context worthy, and bring a cast that could do cinematic justice. 

Which Ramayn character Deepika Padukone is Playing?

After "Katappa ne Bahubali ko kyu mara", I guess this would be the next most discussed question which thankfully won't make you wait till the release of part 2. Well, not meaning to brag but I very well guessed the Katappa Bahubali riddle while watching the first film. For this one, my wild guess would be Sugreev. She is a lady Chewing gum oops Singham but most of her dialogue part looks like chewing gum only. 

Deepika tries to be Ranvir and Ranvir goofs up again. I still love Dara Singhji as Hanumanji as I feel he was the best ever.  Deeepika's glam looks, and fit persona get badly ditched as soon as she opens her mouth to deliver some really horrible cliche dialogues. It looks as horrible as her sleep-talking scene from Chennai Express. No, that was entertaining in parts, this one is- caricaturish and repetitive unless the movie shows that she dumps Halwai and becomes a cop. 

It was refreshing to see Shweta Tiwari in a cameo. And Daya is also there with the legend dialog "Daya Darwaza tod". But the delivery? It is an iconic dialogue but the way Kareena spills it out, it lands bland unless supported by CGI and Dolby in theaters. The actors look heavily hamming. Babaji, the Ramayana parallel is so unsettling. Sari pehna ke bindi laga di aur Poo ko Parvati bana diya? Joker ko Hanuman. And added "Jai Maharashtra" as another prop to entice audience' awe?? All these could have looked good a decade back. Today they look stale and very cheap tactics that play with audiences' emotions. Tsch. Problem with the the film is that it has too many caricatures. too many.

Singham ka Bhajipao Chewing gum

It's not about the genre but every idea has a shelf life and while the "cop universe" is a new idea somehow the trailer doesn't cut the thrill it was meant to. There is almost everything in the trailer which in a way is good for fan frenzy and fan pages to promote the content and clippings over the social media. Like they did with Animal, making Bobby Deol' cameo a big hit and quite a puller for people who haven't seen the film, to go and watch the film. Yours truly was being the one. Singham Again' trailer is probably trying to bank the same strategy and may encash it as well. 

Well, to each their own. Maybe the film manage to rest the cliche and entertain all alike. It may be a hit as well. So far it looks like a mass movie, meant for star crazy audience. Such is my love for the franchise which I think is nothing but good old Bollywood star machismo cinema that no longer holds relevance but will entice ensemble fans of ensemble casts. Fans to Rakhi Sawant ke bhi hai. What do you mean she is playing Shoorpnakha in this film? Lolz, they need someone to do an item number with Chulbul Pandey as Malaika broke with Arjun and Kareena replaced Kajal Agrawal as Avni. 

Do not tell me, this film has Kajol as a guest star or SRK's Jawan joining the cop universe. Hey Maa, Mataji. Daya ben, I mean Daya karo. 


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Anweshipin Kandettum is for Thomas Tovin Fans

September 17, 2024 0 Comments

I discovered Thomas Tovin in Minnale Murli. And quite liked the film. One of the rarest films where you like both the hero's and the villain's performances equally. They were strong performances indeed. Liked Mohanlal's performance in Drishyam 2 [He was par excellence and the Hindi remake was nowhere near it]. So, when I found a new release on Netflix starring Thomas Tovin, I had to watch it. 

Was the film worth the watch? I have my doubts. 


Anweshipin Kandettum means seek and you shall find. A perfect title for a murder mystery Thriller. It is a Malyalam film set in Kerela, directed by Darwin Kuriakose. 

Another good thing about the film is that it is set in early 90s when cellphones etc were not around and brings that old world charm of an investigative thriller. 

The film could not evoke a shock or an awe. Though it is a mystery, a la who-dun-it kind of cinema, it felt short on holding attention. Though TT looked quite suave the storyline was more of a narrative than an active investigation. Maybe the language change marred the impact but both the stories have 1 thing in common. In both cases, the suspect kills himself, either by mistake or via a planned move. Watch this film on Netflix to know more.

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Mrs Harris Goes to Paris on Netflix Review

September 14, 2024 0 Comments

Paris and Christian Dior!

After watching this film, I also feel like, having a Christian Dior Dress. And why not, watch the film especially the scene where they have a special preview of a new Anniversary collection. 

The names from Bar Dress to Temptation to Venus, are very present in their true aura, regal, archival, and forever retro chic! 

When I started watching this film, I wasn't aware that it would have such an iconic exhibit underlying a very modern-day Cinderella Story. 

The Film

Mr Harris Goes to Paris AKA MHGP is an old-world, charming movie about a woman with humble means who dreams of a haute couture. It is the story of a sincere English Housekeeping lady Ada [Mrs Harris] who suddenly stumbles upon a beautiful Dior dress and instantly aches to own one. 

But you must wonder if a cleaning lady would manage to earn her dress or not, and if she does, then by what means? 

As they say, the Universe conspires with those who sincerely inspire. Well, it's London, and everything is made possible. So in turn of events, she ends up having a beautiful piece and losing it too in no time. 

The premise sounds so good and the film has really heart-warming scenes. Netflix left no stone unturned in showcasing this film on my timeline until I clicked to watch and left it mid-way for weeks. 

So last night, fully determined as I am, I managed to watch another chunk of this film and completed it this afternoon. Well, why would you be interested in my timetable, so let's move to Mrs. Harris, a very talented Leslie Manville, and her Dior story.

So in a Do or Dior case, Mrs Harris manages to earn a fortune in the form of her late husband's pension arrears[see I told u it is London and things are quite possible], a small reward for returning a priced jewel that she found on her way and a portion of a lost betting money. 

Lo and Behold, she lands in Paris. The plane journey was kind of unnecessary and bore no relevance to the story. But what unfolds next is - pure filmy that even Bollywood and Indian TV will be awed to learn. The film doesn't just climax with her acquiring the new dress, but it further explores something very striking MS Colbert challenges Mrs Harris's innate desire in the Hous of Dior.

Watch the film to know more as I do not want to seed spoilers and plant my opinion 😊 

Numerounity Review: There is an Ada in all of us.

Ok so it is a "feel-good, Dior Cindrellla" Kinda story but unfortunately not a very seamless or flawless one. The struggle is quite a miss. Suddenly Mrs Harris gets everything on a platter. The erstwhile financial crisis of CD, the chance meeting with the trio Natasha-Andre-Marquis, winning the way into seamstresses Cove, etc. Certain transformations served more as cliches than evolved. 

The film lacks Ada's struggle but is filled with cliches that I may have lapped a decade back saying Awwww. The story and portrayal are indeed heart-warming and Leslie Manville becomes a familiar face to watch. 

The more impressive performances came from Lambert Wilson and Isabell Huppert who played the roles of Marquis and Colbert respectively. Alba Baptista [Natasha] looked dreamingly beautiful and Lucas Bravo as Andre was good too. The biggest star of the film is the costume designer- Jenny Beaven. 

Vintage Dior fashion preview truly transports you into a different world and every time the camera moves inside the Dior house, you are star-stuck. It left me wanting more of it but the story moves back to a dull London, but for a reason. 

As I said- Ada is quite relatable, though we do not have a gem of friends like her, the character is quite relatable. You could sense her loneliness, her indifference towards her insensitive employers, her comeuppance with loss in solitude, also including her fascination with a dress without any ulterior or exterior motive beneath. I gave her a silent yet resounding applause when she mouthed-

"Them are the days when you can treat people like scum and expect Loyalty in return"

Verdict: It is a sweet, harmless film..I may watch it again [for the new-found love for the CD world]. Warning- the film may make you want to groom your hair or dress up a little more couture, a little more Parisian, if you are not already. 

As Jean Paul Sartre said- Pour Soi, En Soi

I am gonna explore that more. Go watch this film. Am told that there are 2 more films made from the same book, I really want to see them including Mrs. Arris Goes to Paris starring Angela Lansbury [1992]

.....

PS: Is it a better film than "Ticket to Paradise" also streaming on Netflix? Oh, any day. 👍

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Merry Christmas for Murder Mubarak, Regional movies storming up OTT

March 31, 2024 0 Comments

Thanks to Netflix, and other OTT platforms, I can watch a good deal of movies while nursing my toddlers. Sleep bereft during pregnancy and post-delivery, became a luxury that I could not afford or buy until my mom came. Of course. 

While watching movies at theatres has its own fun but new mother like me esp with twin children, can only dream of going out. Hence, OTT comes as a fresh breeze wherein you can watch, re-watch, and snack on movies and series in the comfort of your child's mood and your sleep availability. 

So earlier this month, I caught these two movies [read title] using my husband's Netflix account. Thank God, I didn't have to buy a Prime subscription like I did for Dahad and Satyaprem.  It was worth it for Dahaad though and Satyaprem could have been better than the bha oops pasuri it turned out at many places. Never mind, Karthik Aryan and Kiara Advani's film had one of my favorite stars- Supriya Pathak, and that made up for it. That reminds me- if Kehvat Laal's family been released on OTT yet and is there any update on "Carry on Kesar"? 

For the uninitiated, these are two Gujarati films I have meant to watch. Yeah, after moving to Ahmedabad, I have developed a strong liking for Gujarati movies too. There are so many good Gujarati films to watch like Golkeri, Dear Father, Thai Jase, and more.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to find them on OTT whereas you can find almost every K drama or typecast Hollywood film online. BTW, you can watch some quite good Malayalam films on OTT [with translation and subtitles of course]. Start with Jaya Jaya Hey on Hotstar, which also houses some other amazing movies including the recently released Baipan Bhari Deva [Marathi].



Murder Mubarak

Murder Mubarak is a modern-day multi-starrer with popular names like Karishma Kapoor, Sara Ali, Dimple Kapadia, Vijay Verma, Pankaj Tripathi, Tisca Chopra, Sanjay Kapoor, and more. However, if one guy steals the show is [un] lead actor but a very important part of the film- ... GFY [Go Find Yourself, sometimes it is good to search deserving actors on Google too]. You would have seen him on TVF Aam Aadmi Family or the recently released- Mamla Legal Hai.

The rest of the stars are either too overwhelming [like Sara Ali's Bambi Todi] or too underplayed [Like Dimple Khanna in a very minuscule role yet looking so delish and Tisca Chopra playing a typical Aunty Turn Modern in Chetan Bhagat' era]. Actually, the film's treatment is quite CB's style, and no matter how interesting the plot is or could have been, the characters look caricaturish. The film also has Grusha Kapoor who brings ease and freshness in her small role. Pankaj Tripathi looks the same as in almost all his films of late and his constant dig at his assistant looks borrowed. 

Overall, the film is indeed a good one-time or a repeat watch if you ignore the over-imposing cliche characters built in Indian Novels, further translated on screen. You expect some suave characters too and no Vijay Verma alone enough cannot fill that gap completely for the film with Brijesh Kalra.


Merry Christmas on the other hand has just one star- Vijay Sethuraj. I am sorry but I am big fan of Vijay Sethuraj, especially when he acts in Hindi films or series. Yes, I watched the whole Farzi for him. And he was the reason, of course along with the mystery built-in with Bollywood demi goddess Katrina Kaif in the film's trailer. I am so oblivious to the directors these days that I learned it is S Raghavan's film from a friend's Facebook post. However, the unkind comparisons with the director's previous venture- Andhadhun didn't act as a dampener. Until they showed Luke Kenny's dead body, the film made me think they were going to kill Vijay Sethuraaj or he would kill Katrina as it was obvious that he killed Rosie. Radhika Apte played the gold mining lover's role perfectly. Am sorry if you have not seen the film but I didn't tell you that she played Rosie or Bouganvillea. 

Bad jokes aside, except for the over-extended demolition scene [which may have been a good watch in theaters as the suspense unfolds], I was quite besotted watching Sethuraaj and his Tamil accent Hindi. Sanjay Kapoor was loud as ever in his new-found stereotyped genre but if that's what it is, it is what it is. 

Notwithstanding any comparison with the director's previous hits, I liked Merry Christmas and you know why. 

So, here's a short and sweet personal review of the two murder mysteries hitting the OTT. If you have seen the film, do care to share your views in the comment [if you are still reading my blog even after years of inactivity]. 

Both the movies are 1000 times better than Neeyat [reviewed earlier in this blog]

And since I mentioned Mamla Legal Hai, I must share it is a great watch. Go and watch it [again] on Netflix. Oh Netflix, I love you. 

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