Tanu weds Manu: The perfect arranged love marriage

Weddings in India are a time for celebration and wedding movies for rejoicing. The recent Band Baaja Baraat substantiates this emphatically. Tanu weds Manu is yet another feather to the 'wedding-movies' cap and the charm in this one remains how beautifully the prinicple characters underplay their parts untill the end. @CHARACTERS

@Tanu: A bindaas gal with a mind of her own, she is smart in her own ways. The rebel in her would want her to do all the stuff that her parents disapprove. Rules, they say, are meant to be broken and that's what Tanu's agenda in life is - to break all rules. She obviously is against the very concept of arranged marriage and would rather get married with her boyfriend whose name shes got tattooed against her parents will. She would abuse, smoke and drink so as to get rid of the contenders arranged by her parents for marriage. She is like any typical gal who would not know what is obvious unless told about it by her friends and family. Kangana exhibits the perfect nakharas and manners for Tanu. She also carries the flavours of a typical elated UP gal through her lingo and moves, albeit the diction. Check her out dancing to 'kajra mohabbat vala' in the marriage sequences and riding the bike. 'Jugni' with all its beats, dancing,masti & mazza somehow makes me miss Madhuri Dixit.

@Manu : Manu sharma is a doctor specialised in based in London specialised in pacmakers. A true gentleman, he comes to India for getting his marriage arranged. In one of his ventures to meet the gal, he comes across Tanu and instantly falls in love with her. Their marriage is fixed, voided and re-fixed through a series of happenings involving their families. This however has no effect on what 'Sharmaji' feels for Tanu which is but efficiently manifested through is smile, speechlessness and expressions. Tanu, like any usual gal obviously enjoys attention, absolutely overlooking the fine sesibilities that sharmaji holds for her and which incidently her friends distinctively notice. Madhavan underplays the NRI Manu superbly. He is happy with self for being in love and displays this perfectly while hiding his heartbreak and disappointment behind an invincible smile. The scene where he could finally tell Tanu what he feels and that everything is useless for him without having Tanu in her life gets me goosebumps. Check him out easily disrelishing yet supporting Tanu's marriage with his boyfriend and being the all-so-brave hero for his gal towards the end.

What adds to a wedding is the family and friends of the couple. Swara Bhaskar plays the rather mature Tanu's freind Payal effectively to maker her realize how much Manu loves her. Eijaz Khan aka Jassi introduces the precise spice to the plot by trying to fix a match for his best friend Manu. However, its Deepak Dobriyal aka Pappiji who has the best moments and also lifts them up with a dependable performance. Pappi is not only the funny man but also shares an amazing chemistry with his friend Manu. With his typical looks and performance as Tiwari in Omkara, Deepak sure is an actor to look out for.

@MUSIC :

I keep listening to 'Jugni' while driving. Recently started appreciating the softer 'Piya' by Roop kumar Rathod for its classic tune. Mohit Chauhan sinks in through his soulful voice and amazing lyrics in 'Yun hi'. 'Rangrez' has the perfect rajasthani folk flavour to it. 'Mannu bhaiya' carries the naughtiness of ladies sangeet in a marriage. 'Sadi Gali' has been an instant hit with its punjabbi tadka. Debutante composer Krsna delivers just the perfect variety of music for a marriage movie with so many twists.

AND FINALLY,

Watch it for pappiji for his amazing timing and dialogue delivery. Watch it for kangana for her amazing makeover, nakharas and 'Jugni'. But for most watch it for Madhavan for performing the atypically shy NRI. You don't get to see the main character underplay so beautifully yet maintain the charm of the whole thing in recent times .He somehow reminds of Amol Palekar in those lovely comedies in the 80s. Manu is so much like me in my school and pre-college days.The movie amazingly flaunts the fun, moods and colours of a typical wedding. What also adds is that it doesnt have any big names or banners associated with or was not among those awaited movies for 2011.It not only has its moments to whistle for but is beleivably enjoyable in its entirety.

GREAT FUN!!!

Dhobi Ghaat - loved it...

Lagaan, Tare Zameen par, Jaane tu ya jane Na, Peepli Live - sound like sensibly appreciated movies in their own genre. Dhobi Ghaat - the new venture from the production house, offcourse builds gr8 expectations on its release.Dhobi Ghaat - as known, is a story about 4 characters - Arun, Shai, Munna and Yasmin - 2 of them outsiders to Mumbai.

@CHARACTERS:

@Arun - He is a divorced modern art painter goin' on in his life with cigarettes, liquor and ladies. Somewhere within has he got a quest for love and a belongingness for his wife and kid. Arun is used to change his residence with every expiring 11 month lease contract. In one of his houses he finds the traces of the previous tenants - Yasmin - including few letters in the form of 3 camcorder tapes. Arun almost falls for Yasmin only to know the exteme end. Be it smoking the 'n'th cigarrete, liking being away from the crowd, enjoying a glass of whiskey with the rains, guilt on one night stand, being observant in Yasmin's tapes, getting upset on deadlines, walks by the beach or being excessively involved in painting Yasmin - Aamir's distinctive mannerisms and moody adherences reflect Arun to the fullest. As the observant painter Aamir is a treat and is even more peculiar and particular than Ram Shankar Nikumbh of TZP. He is as occupied all the time as i m while blogging or one ought to be while persuing any art.

@Shai - is a parsi american investment banker who takes a break, comes to Mumbai for some 'breathing space'. She looks forward to research on extincting professions and to foster her fondness for photography. Shai represents the higher strata of mumbai and unlike her name a'int all that shy. May be due to her comforts and upbringing she has this inqusitiveness in knowing different and more people and getting along well, which is clearly revealed by her eyes. She falls for Arun after meeting him on his exhibition and further tries to keep in touch through a common dhobi - Munna. Monica Dogra is in complete control and utlises her 'naak', 'naksha' and 'nain' effectively for a first timer. I also like Shai's accent.

@Yasmin - comes to the mumbai from Maliabad after marriage. She is unpretentious and gentle enough to capture in her cam - street childerens impromtu dance, her housemaid and her daugher reciting 'The Brook'. Amazed by the city of dreams, she communicates with her 'bhaijaan' through letters recorded in the camcorder. Through these records she is introduced to Arun who almosts falls for her, feeling her good and bad moments and cherishing so much that makes paintings for her. Kriti Malhotra does a fine job for her debut and convincingly strikes the correct emotional chord to spellbound Arun and to connect with the audience. Her presence and voice reflects the simplicity of the character to the core. The effect is such that you never meet Yasmin but develop great affection for the sweet-natured small town .

@Munna - is the local dhobi and does other odd jobs to earn more while having the aspiration to become an actor. Unlike the MBBS version this 'Munna' is no genius nor a fool like his 'Rangeela' prototype. He is only human and has negotiated the mean streets of Mumbai wherein in the quest to survive, only thing required is to keep body and soul together. This however has not disturbed his basic purity and innocence. He helps Shai find Arun and to take pics at dhobi-ghaat. In turn Shai helps him out in his portfolio. Although from the opposite strata of the society, theirs is a friendship of equals and not a patronising alliance. His temptations and tentative intiations towards Shai and the resultant unselfconscious goofiness make munna all-the-more lovable. After Jane tu ya jane na, Prateik babbar does another unarguably noticable job in enacting the multi-layered Munna. His flawless smile, charm, direct dialogues, innate decency, anger, local lingo and voice quality designate munna efficiently. Check him out warning the liftman and following Shai's car in the end.


@MOVIE - The movie may be easily be called once upon a time in mumbai since it actually shows how the lives of these move and change over a period of time. It definitely doesnt have a beginning and an end but depicts the happenings for a certain duration. It is said and known that Mumbai is the 5th character in the movie. It unfolds how Mumbai not only remains immune to the fluctuations of seasons and fortunes, time and tides,ups and downs concerned simply with the business of being and existing but also shows how the inhabitants are forced to do so too. With a painter, a photographer and a character depicted entirely thorugh camcorder tapes, the movie sure is treat to the eyes, thanks to the simplistic camerawork . And the background guitar chords by Gustavo Santaolalla is enticing enough to make me want the track. It is also unconventional not have a music launch or music release of a hindi movie in this era.

And finally -

Its definitely not a theoreticaly entertaining superhit movie but a harmless and honest effort that anyone having even a wee-bit interest in movie making or any art for that matter would like. Its too simple yet perceptive and uncrafted for an art cinema too. I cherished it after rather a loaded day at work and loved it. Appreciate it with enough time and patience atleast for the visuals.

Band Baaja Baaraat :

Its one of those rare times when you buy movie tickets online, only to find they were easily available at the counter at the multiplex. But then atleast you get the seats of your choice.

@PLOT : The movie's plot is very basic where 2 people fall in love with each other at different times only to fight, be in place and fall in all over again. Whats rather inviting and refreshing in this rom-com is that it never gets too emotional or sobby at any point and maintain the charm of the whole thing. It not only tactfully establishes that ' business<=>Mind' & 'Love<=>Heart' are 2 different equations and are better off that way but also doesnt over-do it at all.

@CHARACTERS

@Shruti Kakkad: is a focussed no-nonsense middle-class delhi gal who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it or get it done. She has a rare-for-a-girl combo of sincerity and frankness. She has the plan right in place and doesnt want to deviate at all. With her last year college exams she assists wedding planners with the scheme of opening her own wedding planning business soon. So much is engrossed in her efforts to fulfull her dreams that shes made up her mind that she would give no resort to luv-shuv. It is later that she realises love originates from the heart and has nothing to do with the mind. Anushka does a role of a lifetime in her third yashraj venture. She exhibits shurti from each and every expression, dialogue, dresses and lingo of hers. I think i've said this before - shes got the best cheeks among all followed by Preity Zinta. And she dons those churidaars/salwars with the bestest grace in recent times.

@Bittoo Sharma is a typical, chilled-out rather immature guy with all good intentions. Like any other college passout all he wants and likes is to have fun. With no serious thought of his future, one thing he's sure about is what he doesnt want to do in life. Bittoo chases Shruti intially for 'maroing' line and then to partner her in her wedding planning 'binness' to avoid going to sarhanpur where his dad wants him to join his 'ganne ke khet'. It makes him conscious to realise that shruti, breaking her own rule, has fallen in love with him, started calling her 'tum' instead of 'tu' and prepares chai for him. He makes all attempts to avoid the whole thing and shruti avenges by planning to get married with dubai-based Chetan. Bittoo's venture of telling chetan about him and shruti and his 'proposal' is sweet yet so very guy'ish. For a first timer Rajveer is way too confident and in sync. He has the boyish charms that suit the character.

@MUSIC : Salim Suleiman deliver just precise music for movie about wedding planners. The movie catches you the very first 15 minutes with 'Tarkibein' &'baari barsi'. But the high point remains 'Ainvayi Ainvayi' with some good punjabi tadka and fun lyrics. The version towards the end titles too looks good and has got some thematic lyrics.

@FINALLY
For a debutant director BBB is the most honest and finest efforts for a rom-com where comedy and romance both are remain absolutely in sync. The story unfolds with good pace in the first half and the editing is crisp. The wedding preparations are as real as those of monsoon wedding. The entire mood & characters are rather middle class yet beleivably real. What i also like about one is the whole delhi touch it has got. The lingo, colours, tones, sets, characters, dialogues, attitutes, moods, rickshaws,weddings, buses, metros,bread pakodas and overall ambience are so very Delhi'ish. In fact, this colourful wedding extravaganza has more delhi in it than delhi-6.

This is not the kind of movie that one would be eager to review but the kind of one would like his loved ones to experience.

Watch this one if wanna come out with a smile.

Guzaarish : Magically beautiful

It is unquestionably comforting to get the best available tickets for one of the most anticipated director's movie for the year with two of the most highly paid actors in the country for the weekend. Unlike me i bagged the tickets too early to save me enough time to have a vanilla sundae at the cafe in the multiplex.

Which one is more painful to see - your love unhappy with you or happy with someone else? And how far one could sacrifice or want someone to sacrifice to be happy by just being aware of the fact that the other one is going to be happy?

@PLOT
Guzaarish is the story of a magician- Ethan Mascarenhas - played magically well by Hritik, who is suffering from paraplegia due to an accident met during one of his magic tricks. He then persuades his assistant-girlfriend to leave him and get married and asks his mom to leave him in his house since he doesnt want her to see him in such a condition. Confined on a wheel chair within a room for fourteen years ,the only releif, it seems, he has got is the beautiful nurse/caretaker Sofia, whos never taken a single leave for the last 12 years from her duty. Ethan becomes an RJ and relays hope, love and courage through his programme 'Radio Zindagi'. He even manages to write a book 'Learning to fly'. Alll iz well, until one day when he asks his lawyer friend to file a petition for mercy killing. The movie then revolves his fans/public reactions, random flashbacks, out-of-the-house-after-14 years experience, courtroom trials & emotional war of words, relationships-old and new ones and the Final Goodbye with the moral - Life is too small so - break the rules, forgive quickly, love truly, kiss slowly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret a moment that made you smile.


@CHARACTERS
Ethan - Once tagged the 'merlin', he is the greatest magician of his times. More than his tricks, his magic lies in - deciding to live alone once met with the accident, sitting in a wheel-chair running a radio show that gives hope to its callers, and then appealing for euthanesia in the show called 'radio zindagi', being able to pass on his magic legacy to the son of his rival who planned the accident for him, ridiculing his fall from the bed, the father helping him sit in the car or the lady in the club saying 'sorry, sorry' , silently loving the most beautiful nurse and having the courage to propose her before the final day. Ethan wants to die so that he can live all and more before that. Hrithik on a wheelchair is not a great idea considering his dancing aptitute. However he uses his voice, mannerisms and eyes so well to depict the character that you cant take your eyes off him even when the most beautiful lady on the planet shares the frame. Check his expressions on being out of the house after 14 years. This Ethan is as cool(in his own ways) as Ethan Hunt of the MI series 'coz he has found peace in self and cant ask for more, or atleast exhibits so. He has mastered the art of making fun of himself. Ethan seems to aptly acknowledge that - 'You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain'.

Sofia - is the most beautiful nurse ever. More than her physicality Sofia's beauty lies in the fact that she is devoted to keep Ethan alive since 12 years without any leaves, that she intially disrelishes his plea for mercy killing and that she comes to know about it from the local newspaper, is courageous enough to plea to the judge to allow Ethan to deliver his speech, that she is caring and protective in her own ways, that she loves him without a reason and is ready to tie the knot with the 'vegetable', that she supports the 'love story'. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan acts great and looks mesmerisingly beautiful in those long skirts. Each shot of her (and of the movie for that matter) is worth a wallpaper and each close-up worth a frame. Check her out building the mood in 'Udi' - just too good.

Omar - With his love for magic and love for love, he convinces Ethan to teach him magic. He becomes the youngest, newest and last entrant in Ethan's inoperative life. Hes basically a nice guys who would love to make everyone around smile. Omar reminds me of Ranbir in Saawariya. Aditya Roy does a decently good job for a 2 film old actor is lucky enough to have Aishwarya in both his moives. His dress and mannerisms are very Raj-kapoorish.

Monikangana as Ethans assistant doesnt get more than a some magic, a kiss and a phone call. Her vote to fullfil Ethans wish to end his life is complex yet compelling.

@DIRECTOR Sanjay Leela Bhansali has his own league of movie making. He beleives that however strange it be, if it is good, it'll be appreciated. It requires courage to cast an actor known for his dance in a charater whos limbs are not working and to cover Miss World with long dresses in the entire movie.

Also, Guzaarish is an absolute visual pleasure. Be it the sets, the magic sequences, panaromas, rains, rivers,people, scarecrow, Aishwarya etc., each frame is perfect. I love the overall dark tint of the print. Methinks it is a great addon to a story with such an Anticlimax.

@MUSIC

Like Vishal Bhardwaj, SLB is another man who'd render his own music. And he does it in Style. To add to the music, the poetry too is overpowering. Sample this - Jaane kiske khwab.Takhiye ke niche raat raakh jaati hai, Hala ke neend nahi aati hai & sau gram zindagi etc. Sunidhi in 'Udi' is beautifully loud. After the forgettable 'kites' Hrithik delivers his voice for yet another english song.

FINALLY, It is a story wherein true love overpowers true courage only to give in. The flick lives its tagline - Fall back in love with life. Go for it when you have enough time for something wonderful - in vision, listening as well as in content.

PS:

Saw the trailers of 'Dhobi Ghat' and 'No one killed Jessica'. Both look promising. Check out Rani sitting jumping on the car and saying - 'Vahan hote to **** fat ke haath me aa jati '

Khan, from the epiglottis:

It takes courage for a mainstream actor to go off the track and play a character than a hero.

I m kinda getting used to being late for movies. So, when i entered the local multiplex, i could see a younger SRK removing water by some kinda mechanism he developed to help the local parsi. It was some kinda flashback goin on i guessed.

London Dreams...

Starting to write after sometime now, for no particular reason at all, makes me kinda feel strange ( and may i say unconfident too?).

For no particular reason, methinks London Dreams is a perfect thing to be written about these days.
Tagged - 'Two best friends... to fulfill a dream, one must sacrifice' it is a movie about music, rock music, a band, a group of friends and a dream. No i m not talking about rock on here. Nor does London dreams even touch the path where rock on takes us. Honestly i would find the idea of having Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan in a rock band quite odd(if you know what i mean). But once you watch the flick you'd easily make out how performance and character can effortlessly take over an image courtesy some finest acting.

The story is depicted by Arjun, an aspiring indian music-star based in london whos got this only dream of performing at the Wembley stadium for the sake of his grandpa's lost glory and life. The plot is necessarily about the amicable Munnu who is a chaddi buddy of Arjun. While Mannu is more happy-go-lucky than you can imagine, Arjun is rather go-happy-get-lucky types. Arjun, much alike his name, is so concentrated that he would not even cherish what he gets on his path till achieving what hes determined to acheive. He is so much concerned about his dreams that would virtually talk with God and evaluate his Karma so as to calculate the probability of achieving them, only to be disappointed and frustrated later for being wrong in his Mathematics and that he is only human!

When i entered the screen of the local Adlabs multiplex it showed Arjun playing at the Trafalgar square which was the starting point for his band - London dreams. This not only helps him get his own band but also his love interest - Priya - played beleivably by Asin.

Time flies and discovering Mannu's in-born singing talent, Arjun takes him along form punjab to perform along with rest of the band to London. While Arjun had a method in madness, Mannu didnt even care what method is. But Mannu had a god-gift in singing as called 'ada' later in the movie. With his charming boyyish ada, it doesnt take long for mannu to take over the band as well as priya. What then starts is a story of friendship... trust... passion... ambition...talent...fame...love...sacrifice...revenge...conspirancy... self-pity...forgiveness.

POSITIVES:

-Salman at his effortless best after wanted. Check him out being hilarious in the airplane and his innocent confrontations in nightlife in London.

-Ajay = intensity personified. No other actor in Bollywood can be as intense as Ajay and he fits into Arjun’s skin with much precision. While he doesn’t really look like a rockstar, its his acting histrionics that does the trick. Check him out mixed feelings of jealousy, helplessness, revenge and self-pity. Only human.
- Music - Shankar Ehsaan and Loy team up to give the best of indian-rock. 'Barso' is an absolute treat with the Hanuman Chalisa to end it.

-Salman and Ajay render the magic how they did in Hum dil de chuke sanam, with characters similar to it. I love the use of colours and shades, not tint rather pure lights - green, red etc to show off the intensity.

-Asin looks cute and lovable. She plays her part comfortably well only to be taken over by some amazing chemistry between Salman and Ajay.

NEGATIVES

- End could have been more intense and may be realistic.

- Me personally think the song to end the movie should have been 'Barso' or a similar fast number rather than the rather smooth 'Khwab jo'.

-Few scenes are over the top. Ajay's confrontation to the audience asking for Mannu could have been more intense.

All said and done, I seriously like the scale of the movie w r t the concerts, conspiracy and comedy. Right in the first half it takes you into it. Go watch it coz it explains nicely how sometimes to achieve what you want, you have to overcome your personality.

Go watch it atleast to have see of 'Barso'

PS :

A question to end -

What would You do 'When your dreams come true for your best friend'?

99

Last few weeks have been bad for bollywood(rather to multiplex/cineplex owners) with virtually no releases. Whats strictly needed is a break - some good story, good actors, light moments, lots of fun. And me being busy with something else, makes the things worse..;)
This movie aint the perfect 'break' but provided the space, it does the job pretty well

After the 'different' 13B, '99' - the name makes the movie look like some kinda thriller. Add to it the cast containing 'method' actors like mahesh manjrekar, boman irani, soha ali and veterans like vinod khanna. Not to forget the dynamic duo of Kunal Khemu sporting a new hair do and the physicaly unfit yet characterily(if theres a word like dat) Cyrus Broacha who remind me of Naseer and Satish Shah in the classic black comedy Jaane do bhi Yaaro.

And for that matter i do think there are few things similar in the 2 movies, except a happy ending that is.I hate to admit, unlike me, i ws bit late for the show again. So i had a Kunal khemu voice in the background tellin me bout the plot. The movie is essentially story of Boman Irana aka Rahul - a compulsive chain-gambler(if theres a word like dat) whos supposed to pay debt to the don AGM-mahesh manjrekar. Mahesh sends Cyrus-zaramud and Kunal khemu to recover money from Rahul. What follows is a cult of crime comedy and moments dat leave u laughin out loudly.

The cast does their job aptly.

Boman Irani is an actor to watch out. This guy shows how to portray a character and looks rather fit. I like the way he pauses in his dialogue delivery.

Kunal khemu is good. Cyrus is the new one on the board. Hes as funny as his bakra days and could make u laugh widout sayin anything with mere expressions. Has got gud comic timing. Soha luks pretty n does her job well. Vinod khanna is almost in special appearance. Mahesh manjrekar has always been a gr8 actor. Theres also Simone singh as Boman's cheerless wife. But who impresses the most is Amit Mistry the recovery agent with his bhaiyaji accent,'dimple' and attempted angrezi- An actor to look for further in more n more comic roles.

The plot of the movie impresses n especially towards the second half the pace catches up. Its baiscally about the match fixing scandal that happened in 1999. But unlike last years Jannat, Its hilariously funny in parts. Albeith some parts are dragged on for too long.
It gets boring at times but at the very next moment, you just find yourself laughing hilariously. I like the way the plot mysteriously connects itself for a happy end. The movie is also very well shot and has got some crisp editing. Picture the scenes between Boman n Simone, Soha n Kunal's ride on the lift, Kunals palika bajaar getaway, the casino scenes are all well executed. I like they way the plot jumps between mumbai n delhi(so much like pyar k side effects). Also the song featuring kunal, cyrus n soha reminds me of DCH, esp whn the 3 laugh for no reason.

On the whole 99 does serve wat is says, provides pure fun my mixing fact and fiction. If you like being in a dark airconditioned hall in the hot summers laughing intermittently and munching popcorn at your will, go watch the flick.