Tenet (2020)

Last year, when ‘Tenet’ was released overseas, I wasn’t sure when I’d watch the movie. Much like with Leonardo DiCaprio, I try watching Christopher Nolan’s movies earlier than later. It is much to my delight that both of them collaborated for 'Inception'.

On Good Friday, the sibling informed me that ‘Tenet’ is available on Amazon Prime, and I sat down to watch it the very same day. I hadn’t looked up the star-cast and was surprised to see Robert Pattinson as part of the cast. He looked much older – it suddenly reminded me of his look in ‘The Lighthouse’, a movie I am yet to watch. The protagonist is played by John David Washington (who comes across as physically very fit), and it was a moment of delight to discover that he is Denzel Washington’s son.

Nolan’s movies show me how geography, physics and cultures can be combined in interesting ways, and it was particularly stunning to watch shots of ocean windmills. I am also a fan of his writing, and while I cannot claim to understand all that happens in his movies, they always get me to think.

I first give you the official trailer. Take a look.

 

I leave you with 'The Plan' sung by Travis Scott. It appears in the trailer too. 

The Bourne Series

When I was in high school, my classmate RM~ lent me one of Robert Ludlum’s books. I returned it to him without reading it, and now I can’t recollect the reason behind not reading it.

Later, The Bourne Series of movies arrived along with Matt Damon. I immediately fell in love with Matt Damon’s portrayal of Jason Bourne. The perfect combination of brawn and brain (and integrity), he tremendously appealed to the sapiosexual in me.

In the Bourne Series, I have watched the first three movies (2002, 2004 and 2007) on TV and liked them. The remaining two have been theatre watches for me. I didn’t enjoy The Bourne Legacy (2012) as much – it didn’t feature Matt Damon, and I was glad when he returned in Jason Bourne (2016).

Moby’s “Extreme Ways” features in the movie series more than once, and in my illness spells, I used to think of KS~ while playing the song on loop. The blue and black combination in one of the videos held special meaning to me, and the grey one more so. Even as things fell apart, I loved that the picturisations had nothing more than Matt Damon's face. 

“Oh baby, oh baby
Then it fell apart, it fell apart
Oh baby, oh baby
Like it always does, always does”

Go on, listen to the song. 

Extreme Ways – The Bourne Identity (2002) – not the official version

Extreme Ways – Jason Bourne (2016) – the official version 

I like this version even more – the pace is different.

Extreme Ways - The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - the official version

I discovered this version today. 

Bluffmaster! (2005)

Unlike books that leave much to the imagination of the reader, movies shape imagination via the actors chosen to play roles. If there are positive attributes associated with the actors, they spill-over and create a halo effect irrespective of the role. For instance, did you develop more empathy for cheaters after SRK, the emperor of romance, played one in KANK? When I first watched the movie, I had anything but empathy for the character. The unfairness of it all stung me deep. Especially since the consent of the respective spouses had not been obtained.

As I later reflected on the movie, I saw that SRK eventually did the ‘right’ thing by opting for the divorce, staying away from his lover and then got married to her after a gap. Marriages to affair partners don’t last as easily, but why bring in dosages of reality?

After writing about it in the context of neuroticism, I have found myself thinking about the role that Abhishek Bachchan’s casting has played in making con artists more acceptable. He comes across as a nice, funny guy who is westernised, and this has got highlighted multiple times in movies, including in KANK. In ‘Bluffmaster’, he cons and lies to his girlfriend and somehow by the end of the movie, he is back with her after a series of events that can pass off as light-hearted comedy.

Listen to this song. Does anything suggest that a con artist is at play? Or are we happy ignoring signs when he sings, “Yeah I'm a bad boy” because she is quick to sing, “But I'm a good girl” and asks him to come to her so that things get better. 

It takes a special woman, that's all?


 

Resham Ki Dori (1974)

Once upon a time, Bollywood thrived on a staple theme of hero brothers taking revenge for rapes and other atrocities committed on their sisters. Brotherly-sisterly love has been celebrated onscreen so many times and with so much mush that it explains why this particular sibling relationship is more tiresome than others.

I like the way Suman has sung this song, and given that Raksha Bandhan has just gone past, perhaps you could listen to it as well.

 

Sangam (1964)

Along with ‘Mera Naam Joker’, ‘Sangam’ is one of the longest movies ever made – the run time is almost 4 hours. In the days of DD, I have watched the former for the most part and I can tell you that watching a movie that long is very difficult on one’s concentration and patience. I can’t imagine what it took to make these movies!

Last year, right before the start of my sickness, of all things Arjun~ and I ended up discussing a reference from ‘Sangam’ and I kept bringing it up later as well. Much like this movie, ‘Sangam’ is about friendship and is far more grown-up in treatment. In some respects, it reminds me of 'Pearl Harbor'. What also strikes me is that movies that address class divide might not address sexism well.

I heard the song after a really long time today and was pleasantly surprised not to find it evoke the sadness that I remember from childhood. Listen to it. Vyjayanthimala’s bindi looks so good on her! She’s truly a superstar.

Dil Se (1998)

When I was flipping TV channels today, I saw that the entire Star suite was missing – this left me surprised. I didn’t notice the channel in which this song came up.




In 1998, when I was in 12th Std., ‘Dil Se’ (or rather its Tamil version ‘Uyire’) was one among two (or perhaps two among three) films that I watched in the theatre. I later watched the Hindi version and I absolutely love the music from this film. While other songs became more popular, the above song captures the relationship between the lead pair rather well.

Today also brought memories of how Preity Zinta’s character (in her film debut) responded to Shahrukh Khan’s character in their first meeting in this movie, and All India Radio. I have earlier written about one scene from this movie – read it here. The post was written almost 8 years earlier, and the movie was released 18 years earlier. Time goes past with no way of slowing it down.

Hum Aapke Hain Kaun..! (1994)

HAHK, as it was popularly known, was released on August 5, 1994 and it became the first Bollywood movie to make over Rs. 1 billion. I recently saw some articles that celebrated the 20th anniversary of its release, and it reminded me of the time when the sibling and I had gone with our mother to book tickets in advance. If I recollect right, this was among the few movies that my paternal grandmother watched along with us at the theatre.

The movie was long even by Hindi movie standards, and the 14 songs added to the length of the movie. They removed 2 songs from the movie, and retained them in the soundtrack. I was a fan of Madhuri Dixit, and the success of the movie made me happy. I have watched several movies multiple times, and it used to surprise me that HAHK did not find favour in my repeat-viewing list.

Back then, I remember reading in some film magazine that Madhuri Dixit (15-05-1967) is elder to Renuka Shahane (07-10-1966) in real life and yet played her younger sister, and now Wikipedia tells me that Renuka is elder by 7 months.

“Didi tera devar” was #1 on music countdown shows, including Superhit Muqabla, for a long time. The sight of a swinging Salman Khan singing “Kudiyon ka hai zamaana” had made me think that this is favourable to women, and I somehow had faith that Madhuri Dixit would not portray characters that allowed men to take advantage of her and treat her badly.



Posters and other promotional material also covered the backless choli and the embroidered purple saree.

I remember discussing the yellow (or was it orange?) salwar kameez that Madhuri wears in this song with some friends at school.



Years later, I realized that Nisha (the character played by Madhuri Dixit) didn’t have it easy. She had flowers aimed at her butt, and didn’t speak up when her marriage was fixed with her dead sister’s husband instead of Prem, the dead sister’s husband’s brother. Prem doesn’t admit to his love either, and stays quiet. "Saali to adhi gharwali hoti hai” – the wife’s sister is half-a-wife – HAHK made use of this theme.

It took a Pomeranian (apparently, the correct term is the Indian Spitz) to rescue the lovers and unite them.

11 years after HAHK, the movie Bewafaa was based on the same theme of “Saali to adhi gharwali hoti hai” and the dutiful younger sister is labelled unfaithful. Would a man’s younger brother ever be forced to marry the wife of his dead brother? In 1981, Silsila explored that theme briefly and it bombed at the box office.

Gender stereotypes exist for several reasons, and movies have a role in perpetuating them. This is a speech by Sharmila Tagore in 2013 and she says, “Traditionally, we as a nation have tended to view a woman either as devi (goddess) or as property of man but never as an equal.” HAHK also found mention in her speech. Post the release of Kick in 2014, this article questions whether the hero is a molester or a real hero.

HAHK inspired a generation to indulge in lavish weddings – in Hindi movies and outside of them. It also cemented Madhuri’s position as the undisputed #1 leading lady, and 20 years later, she continues to receive offers to act. I am happy for her, and am hoping to see lavish weddings lose their lustre.

Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

I have watched this movie more than once, and each time, I have learnt something new. When I watched it for the first time, I paid attention to the superb cast and the strong female characters. The second time, I paid attention to the mentions of Yale Law School, “New York kike” and relationship upheavals including divorces that took place post the attack on Pearl Harbour.

The third time, I paid attention to the paintings and the painters. The title of the movie is obviously inspired by Mona Lisa. Vincent van Gogh and his sunflowers were familiar, and I got to know about Jackson Pollock’s work. When the students start grumbling at their first exposure to Pollock’s work, this is what Julia Roberts’ character Katherine Watson tells them -

"Do me a favour. Do yourselves a favour. Stop talking and look. You're not required to write a paper. You're not even required to like it. You are required - to consider it. That's your only assignment today. When you're done, you may leave."

Marcia Gay Harden, who stars in this movie, has also acted in the movie “Pollock” made on the painter.

I love the usage of this song in the movie.

Teaser post: Shuddh Desi Romance (2013)

The title of the movie makes me think of ghee, and watching more than one song gives me the impression that the movie has some similarities with “Saathiya” and “Yuva”. Nevertheless, the pairing is fresh and I am curious to watch this movie.

The lead actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Parineeti Chopra have been appearing in TV shows including "Indian Idol Junior" and "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa", and it was wonderful to see Madhuri Dixit dance impromptu to one of the songs from this movie.

There's another actress in this movie, and she features in this song. It reminds me of Pushkar, especially in the shot taken at the well of death. Is there a Rajasthan link somewhere?

Chennai Express (2013)

I have grown up watching SRK movies, hence it is with mixed feelings that I watch his movies now. The thought of watching SRK's old movies again is far more appealing than that of watching his recent movies. Yet I go to the theatre every now and then, giving myself some excuse or another.

I was genuinely going to miss watching Jab Tak Hai Jaan, and couldn’t resist the combined pressure of the then-Yokefellow ("It is Yash Chopra's last movie") and the sibling (she likes Katrina). My parents were in town as well. Perhaps I didn't wish to resist after missing Ra.One and both Don movies in the theatre?

Perhaps.

“I am going to watch comedy and laugh a lot” – this was the reason I gave myself for Chennai Express. It is a poor reason, given that I get easily distracted while watching mindless movies. As it turned out, not getting tickets for the lone show of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was the other reason. The sibling has been aggressively promoting the Milkha movie so much that I decided to go and watch it. I still cannot fathom the sight of Milkha dancing.

The promotion of Chennai Express was eye-catching, and everything looked straight out of a Tamil movie. People took offence at the accents. 

SRK said that he was the lone non-South Indian associated with the movie. That’s not true. The 6 feet 4, well-built Nikitin Dheer who played Tangaballi can’t pass off as a South-Indian even if everybody wishes. While casting Nikitin Dheer as the villain, why do filmmakers want us to believe that he will lose physical fights? Yes, I know that romance has to win / justice has to be awarded and all that idealism, yet against Dheer, it looks absurd. Hrithik’s Akbar looked somewhat convincing against him, and managed to win the fight. SRK’s puny Rahul had a different idea. His courage won Tangaballi’s heart, and he let go.

What did I like about this movie? 

In the opening credits, Deepika's name appeared before that of SRK - this was a nice touch. Deepika’s Meena looks ravishing. SRK played a 40-year old and looked convincing. Some of the action sequences, especially the ones where SRK is driving an orange coloured jeep, are nicely done.  The usage of Tamil and some Malayalam is nice – it feels good to understand other Indian languages, particularly when I find myself stumble through the Punjabi used in movies I like (for example, Fukrey). I could recognize Tamil actors in the movie – Sathyaraj, Delhi Ganesh, the priest in the village where Rahul and Meena take refuge. I couldn’t recognize Manorama though. I liked the references to SRK's earlier movies including "Dil Se" and DDLJ (of course), and the communication via songs.

“Telegram se leke twitter ke zamaane tak woh zinda rahe. Poori zindagi ji unhone.” 

I also liked the take on death – Rahul’s Sachin Tendulkar-loving grandfather (played by Lekh Tandon who is supposed to have discovered SRK) “getting out” on 99, how Rahul reacts to his parents’ death when he was 8, and the news about Meena’s mother’s death.

As a kid, I heard the song that went “Ennama kannu, soukiyama?”. Regular Tamil movie-watchers, did this line get used later in some eve-teasing context? So when Sathyaraj goes “Ennama kannu” repeatedly, I was quite thankful that Rahul makes fun of it towards the end.

“Lungi dance” – sung by Honey Singh is a earworm. I can imagine it being played on the dance floors at b-schools and perhaps in dance floors outside as well. The tune is catchy, and everybody who watches Indian movies these days seems to swear by their allegiance to the Thalaiva. I am not a fan of Rajnikanth or Honey Singh (I am speechless at how he gets so many songs despite his horrible song of last year), and yet liked the way this song has been picturised. Go ahead, take offence.



I tweeted to the film critic post this review, and received a neat “thanks” in response. Among other stuff, I found myself nodding about the “clever update on facebook.” It did cross my mind – several updates did, and then I let them all be.

“I think I should stick to watching movies that make 00 crores”
“Rahul. Naam kyun suna maine?” 

I didn’t mind the brief sermon delivered by Rahul on what it means for women to be truly independent, though speaking to a powerful Don in a reasonable manner seemed silly.

And yes, it was wonderful to discuss the movie with Manali. We spent some time looking through the wiki entry when we were wondering about the locations used in the movie.

Now, coming to the bits I didn’t like.

Why did the Sardar character have to be introduced? Or for that matter the Sri Lankan smugglers?

More than the accent, I get annoyed when a language isn’t spoken correctly. Deepika’s accent isn’t the problem. When she mixes gender and says, “Kamban goan jaati. Chennai express se.” it is annoying. It reminded me of the focus on “shudh bhaasha” in this movie.

“Garu” makes an appearance – this is clearly Telugu. A smattering of Malayalam also appears in the form of the truck driver who calls out to Ayyappan just as all stereotypical Mallus do. Each language has its nuance. Why confuse them all?

“One two three four” is sung in perfect Hindi apart from the strong start in Tamil. If I didn’t know it was a Hindi movie, I would have easily mistaken it for a Tamil song – the music is overwhelmingly Tamil, and so are the dance steps. How did the dappan koothu dancer sing in perfect Hindi and speak about shaking booty?



I am waiting for 2 States. It better get the stereotypes right, and I hope there’s lots of English to boot.

Talaash (2012)

When the promos of this movie first came out, I knew that I’d like to watch the movie. In order to avoid an anti-climax, I started telling myself that perhaps this movie wouldn’t be as good as the promos made it out to be. When I later saw why the movie is titled “Talaash: The Answer Lies Within”, I got to know that there was another movie by the same name – “Talaash: The Hunt Begins”.

The surprising bit – Kareena Kapoor has starred in both movies.

I watched the 2012 movie on the last day of November 2012 in the theatre and liked it. I watched it in bits and pieces when it was telecast on one of the TV channels in April this year, and liked it even more. Surprising, I know.

The inspiration from The Sixth Sense is hard to ignore (I had earlier mentioned this movie here), and if you are like me, you’d spend some time during the interval in order to figure out the twist and lo behold, it is clear. Kareena’s clothes told me that something was wrong. She was too well-dressed when compared to the average Hindi movie prostitute, and that set me thinking. I then waited to see how the twist would unravel itself on screen, and was quite happy with the treatment.

As the opening credits roll, this song plays. It sets the mood very well.



The movie starts with the death of the actor Armaan Kapoor (Vivan Bhatena) in a mysterious car accident. Aamir Khan’s character Surjan “Suri” Singh Shekhawat investigates the accident and speaks to the two junkies (?). He almost speaks to the dog who witnessed the accident as well.

Suri is married to Roshni (Rani Mukerji). They have lost their only child in an accident. This has left Suri feeling perennially guilty for not being able to protect his son, and he withdraws from his wife. He also becomes an insomniac. Suri then meets Rosie, the prostitute played by Kareena Kapoor. She aids him in his investigation. He also finds himself being able to share his thoughts with her, and he often seeks her. Rosie leads him to Temur, a lame pimp played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

The name Temur is a delightful reference to Timur Lang. Temur’s love story is told really well. He is love with an older prostitute, and their anguish is best depicted in the scene towards the end of the movie when she opens a bag in the train. She finds several bundles of currency notes – the pimp has bought her freedom. He loses his life in the process.

When Rosie mentions to Suri that nobody wanted to investigate into how a girl disappeared into thin air, it made me wonder. How exactly are death certificates issued in India?

Roshni is left upset dealing with her withdrawn husband and the loss of her child. He has refused to have another child, and she finds her offbeat methods of finding solace being torn apart by him. Finally, when they fight in front of his subordinate (played by Raj Kumar Yadav), she asks her husband as to whether she ever questions him on his nocturnal jaunts. She understands that he derives happiness from whatever he does, then why mustn’t she indulge in what gives her peace and happiness?

Peace. Happiness. Both are much abused words these days.

Suri and Roshni reunite at the end of the movie. Watch them when they live in their past. As for the handlebar moustache, the sight made me relive my past.

Fukrey (2013)

I am finding it amusing that I am recommending a movie based on two loafers. It has a well-written story, and a cast that looks the part. The movie has been shot in Delhi, and I could recognize many places shown in the movie. The dust-laden feel of the city has been captured well.

Two boys have flunked their XII Std. exams repeatedly and yet are keen on entering one of the best colleges in the city. Another boy wants to shift from his correspondence course and study at a proper college - it happens to be the same college. The fourth character has studied at this very college and spends time there making music.

I liked this song based on an old Punjabi folk song. It made me think of my long-forgotten desire of picking up Punjabi.

When the struggling musician needs money for his father's operation, his estranged girlfriend (who is a Professor in the same college) steps in to help him and rather effortlessly at that. This, when he has let her go because she asks him to get more serious about their relationship and he chooses music over her. There is a gem of a scene when he starts to fill out a form and the letters get smudged immediately.

There is a remark made by the lead character played by Pulkit Samrat - "I like mature girls. Pata hai, meri girlfriend mujhse badi hai." It made me smile, for I have heard it in real life as well.

As for the character played by Manjot Singh, there are some hilarious moments involving his Bullet. The policeman makes a remark on the sound of the Bullet, and I agree. Even a non-rider like me can recognise THAT sound anywhere.

The best performance in the movie is by Bholi Punjaban (Richa Chadha). Watch it for her.

Govinda music

Recently, I saw a photo doing the rounds on facebook that spoke of how it feels like we are back in the '90s. Well, Madhuri Dixit is back in Bollywood and Sanjay Dutt is back in jail – that’s where the similarity ends. I am not the teenager I used to be, and I don't feel nostalgic when I think of the rotten and often raunchy music from the '90s.

As you can see, the title of the post has nothing to do with the original Govinda and rasa lilas.

This morning, I got reminded of this song.

“Main Apni Shaadi Mein Na Jaun Meri Marzi
 Main Pairon Se Table Bajawaau Meri Marzi

 Main Kutubameenar Pe Ghar Banawaau Meri Marzi”

As a teenager, I laughed at the first line - ‘bunking’ one’s wedding came across as daring and different, and I had never bunked classes. As an adult, the line and its repeated usage of “Meri marzi” makes me think of the word ‘loser’ readily. Marzi is all about rights / wishes and associated freedom. Where are the duties?

The song makes for awful listening, yet I'll let you go ahead. Don't miss the children who give Govinda company.



When I was even younger, I mostly couldn’t stand Govinda – those were the days when the vulgar ‘Sarkay liyo khatiya’ and its likes were big hits. The dance steps were atrocious, and even fine dancers like Karisma and Govinda couldn’t save the song for me.

See for yourself.



This ‘item’ song is better. This is mostly attributable to the presence of Ms. Dixit (as she was known in those days). Strangely, this is when I noticed for the first time how expressive Govinda really is.



When David Dhawan decided to exercise his marzi and move on to Salman Khan, Govinda's career received a jolt. He has still not recovered fully from it. As for his stint in politics, I think he got away by singing "Meri Marzi" there as well.

Post his comeback, he played an IIM-A alumnus and serenaded Katrina. Ironically, this was in a David Dhawan movie starring Salman Khan as the lead hero.

I am not sure why this post has developed into a full-fledged post on Govinda (my intent was quite different). I remember reading in magazines how close he was to his mother, how her death affected him deeply and how he talks to his dead mother.

To the humble actor who arrives late on sets - what's next?

My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Yesterday, I got up thinking of a song. I knew that it starred Julia Roberts, and I struggled to remember the movie. Then it came back to me – the song is “I say a little prayer” from the OST of “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”

Do you remember the picturisation of this song?

The lyrics go this way. I like the idea of praying for a loved one. Once a day is good enough though? 

The moment I wake up

Before I put on my makeup

I say a little prayer for you

While combing my hair now

And wondering what dress to wear now

I say a little prayer for you

Forever and ever, you'll stay in my heart

And I will love you

Forever and ever, we never will part

Oh, how I love you

Together, forever, that's how it must be

To live without you

Would only mean heartbreak for me

I run for the bus, dear

While riding I think of us, dear

I say a little prayer for you

At work I just take time

And all through my coffee break time

I say a little prayer for you

Forever and ever, you'll stay in my heart

And I will love you

Forever and ever we never will part

Oh, how I'll love you

Together, forever, that's how it must be

To live without you

Would only mean heartbreak for me

I say a little prayer for you

I say a little prayer for you

My darling, believe me

(Believe me)

For me there is no one but you

Please love me too

(Answer his pray)

And I'm in love with you

(Answer his pray)

Answer my prayer now, babe

(Answer his pray)

Forever and ever, you'll stay in my heart

And I will love you

Forever and ever we never will part

Oh, how I'll love you

Together, forever, that's how it must be

To live without you

Would only mean heartbreak for me

Rock On!! (2008)

Remember the couple Joe and Debbie from the movie? The characters were played by Arjun Rampal and Shahana Goswami respectively.

Debbie’s fashion designing career doesn’t get a kick-start when Joe’s band ‘Magik’ wins a competition and gets into the professional league. This disappoints Joe the lead guitarist, and when he gets less mileage than the lead singer Aditya (played by Farhan Akhtar) he walks out of the band in a fury.

Years later, Joe is a broken man for his career doesn’t do well. He can no longer play the guitar at the big stage. Joe and Debbie are married now and have a son. Debbie takes care of Joe’s family’s fish business. It is fair to assume that fashion designing and fish don’t go together. The difference between the two of them is that she decides to take up a job that is far removed from her dreams in order to support the family. He, on the other hand, is dejected and stuck in the past.

Our generation is caught in a flux. Women work and are economically independent. Men realize that there is indeed a fair chance that they get to pursue their dreams while the women run their house. The marriage suffers when the man is unable to meet success while pursuing his dream, and doesn’t wish to give up his dream. The woman gets increasingly frustrated for she is responsible now for the finances as well as the good health of the relationship.

Check this song between 2:30 and 3:24.



Later, when Joe finds an outlet for his music, he realizes how overworked his wife is and is back to being nice to her. If Bollywood is a fair indicator of our society, the man and his dreams remain more important than the woman and her dreams. The man can remain the teenager wrapped up in his lost dreams, while the woman matures for both of them. 

Teaser post: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Given my recent track record of not liking any song from the world of Bollywood, this song is an exception. It reminds me of the Kishore Kumar style of singing, and the song is fun. I didn't enjoy watching the sight of wine (or is it champagne?) glasses getting recklessly broken though.



I sincerely hope the movie is not a case of cliches put together, whether from real life or from other movies.

Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin (1991)

Couple of days ago, I found myself singing a song. While I was singing, I couldn't recollect the movie or the singer. I looked it up on youtube, and then realised that the song was from 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin'. The spelling of 'Manta' makes me happy - the extra letters were not in fashion at that time.

I must confess that I didn't grow up with the notion of a man of my dreams, so I am recommending the song purely on its cuteness quotient. Anuradha Paudwal is the singer.



I then looked through the other songs in the movie, and realised that I had heard all of them multiple times over. I also remembered that the movie was good fun to watch.

Due Date (2010)

Today, when I was watching the movie “Due Date”, there was this conversation that left me in splits.

Peter Highman: I'm sorry we drank your father.
Ethan Tremblay: That's okay.
Peter Highman: Are you all right? Are you sure?
Ethan Tremblay: Yeah, there's plenty of him still in here. Darryl, he made three cups of coffee, I think there's about eight cups of my dad left in here.
Peter Highman: Great.
Ethan Tremblay: At least he tasted good.
Peter Highman: Not bad. Yeah, strong. It was uh...full flavored, robust blend.
Ethan Tremblay: He really enjoyed coffee and in the end he was enjoyed as coffee. Circle of life.
Peter Highman: Lion King. All that.

The song used is also striking. Do click and hear it.

Peter Highman: Ethan, there's somethin' I've been wantin' to tell you. I feel pretty awful about, kinda wanna get it off my chest. I uh...I ditched you at the rest stop in Louisiana.
Ethan Tremblay: What?
Peter Highman: I had no intention of comin' back. So wrong.
Ethan Tremblay: Why would you do that?
Peter Highman: Because I'm a pig, I'm an asshole. I don't know, I'm working on it.
Ethan Tremblay: Well, you know what? You came back with donuts, and I think that says more about you than leaving does.

Finally, watch the reference to one of my favourite TV shows.

Teaser post: Chaar Din Ki Chandni (2012)

While I am hoping that there are no copyright related issues, it is a delight to watch the songs used in this movie.



I enjoyed Tusshar Kapoor’s take on his father’s fondness for white.



The picturizations are peppy, the songs are familiar and much loved, and the actors seem to be having fun.

Peppy music and spontaneous lyrics

I listen to a lot of Bollywood music, and it has taken me a while to get used to the idea of liking the music and almost discounting the lyrics that sound like gibberish. While I know that all songs cannot sound like those from “Rockstar”, some attention to the lyrics would be nice.

Look at what “Rockstar” gives.

“Jo bhi main, kehna chahoon
Barbaad karein, alfaz mere”

Years ago, the sibling had a habit of singing songs in their English version. For example, “Panchi nadiya pawan ko jhoke” from “Refugee” became “Birds, rivers and gusts of winds” sung to the same tune. She had perfected the technique and many a Bollywood number got translated into English.

In recent times, Bollywood music has seen songs with verses from languages other than Hindi. I sometimes wonder if any thought has gone into the lyrics, or whether the attention is only given to the music and the mood of the song.

The song of 2011 is “Chammak Challo” – it makes use of a combination of Hindi, English and Tamil.



The interesting picturisation of “Dil Dance Maare Re” made me notice this song from “Tashan”. It uses a combination of Hindi, English and Bhojpuri.



Moving South, “Kolaveri di” uses Tamil and English.



Each song had something "different" - be it the singers (Akon, Dhanush) or be it the picturisation. Thus, I will remember them and perhaps stick to humming their tunes.