I still remember, when I switched the TV on, a lady had won Rs 40,000, Yes, ‘ F o r t y T h o u s a n d ‘, and she could win 80,000 if she answered this question right. And lose it all, and get just 10,000 if she answered it right. She had some idea but then, how could one risk so much money on just an idea? So she decided to quit. And then Amitabh Bachchan asked him, _____ ji, yadi aapko is sawal ka jawab dena ‘hota’ to aap kya jawab detin?

Lady: Option C. Mohinder Amarnath.

Amitabh Bachchan: Computer ji, ______ ji keh rahi hain ki wo Option C ko lock kartin, batayiye sahi jawab kya hai….. OOoooh, ye sahi jawab hota.

Long sighs everywhere. The lady has a face with a natural expression that is confused whether to be happy or sad. And me? I’m still under the spell. Probably even today as I live the moment again. That was the magic of KBC. Of that legend known as Big B.

And now, KBC is coming back, in its fourth season, with Amitabh once again. As Amitabh whistled the KBC music in the darkness of the same old set during an ad, I was near getting goosebumps. No, I don’t think that the magic will be here again, but surely, it will be a treat to watch Big B once again with all those questions, answers, phone a friend, janta ka poll, fifty-fifty and uh oh, samay samaapt.

If I go back to the time of KBC (now KBC 1), I recall so many things. Of all things I remmeber a fat notebook where I used to write answers for some of the questions. Mostly those beyond the 3,20,000 stage. Not because I thought I could go there (KBC was for 18 plus and I was merely 14) but because I loved knowing it all. KBC first told me about Edwin Lutyens and KBC only told that the southernmost point of India wasn’t Kanyakumari but Indira Point.

well, now it all comes back. At that time I won thousand, sometimes lacs of rupees in many shows. Pretend money of course, because I was not 18. But now, I am 18 and I realize that I don’t know half the things I knew back then. So when the show starts after Indian Idol gets over (that’s my guess since the day I knew it would come on Sony) I think I’ll have to sit back and enjoy with the pretend money again. In any case, I crave for that magic.

The news was confirmed through Amitabh’s blog, bigb.bigadda.com.

Do I need say more?

Follow him at http://twitter.com/SrBachchan

But then, in the second half the movie moves ahead and we get to see some great performances, especially from Amitabh, who makes a perfect mathematician in the movie. There are some good dialogs too, one of Ajay Devgn about ‘better luck next time’ being my favorite. Talking of performances, all the students of Amitabh, who are majorly new faces, have given quite good performances, in the limits of story and direction.

The major drawbacks of Teen Patti are, the writing, that makes the movie go up & down, and with the exception of Amitabh, and to some extent Madhavan, you do not get a clear picture of anyone’s mind; and the direction, that falters so badly at some points that I wonder if there are some Priyadarshan scenes lined up ahead. Adding the two, you get that the movie is not smooth as it should have been. But the person who makes up for it all, not all the times though, is the one and only Amitabh Bachchan. The end of the movie, especially the part where it all comes to Amitabh and Ben Kinsley, is definitely the best part of the movie.

By the way, I count on Amitabh as the mathematician and would not comment on the logic or way they use to earn money in the movie. Whether that is something beyond logic and practicality is not under the perview of the review.

Talking about other things, music is mostly made for the movie and works in its place. But then, you go home with a Neeyat that is definitely kharab. Salim-Sulaiman’s background is good too. Choreography shows its color in Neeyat again. Cinematography is interesting with all the effects added to numbers though it reminded me of Taare Zameen Par’s beginning scenes.

Overall, Teen Patti is a could-be-good, average movie. The reason I say average may be my high expectations from the film but a cast of Amitabh and Ben Kingsley does deserve that attention. Still, both Amitabh and even Ben in his small role deliver good performances. Watch it if you want something new and are not afraid of getting bored in search of that new.

Rann is a lot. It’s a good movie on a good topic. It’s Ram Gopal Varma back to the form; quite as he was in Sarkar. It’s an actor’s wonderful entry in Bollywood (though he was in Phoonk and is a well known Kannada hero). And above all these, it’s something that we should see.

Rann is a story of a person who is an ideal journalist in today’s time, ready to sacrifice TRPs for content and real news. A person who believes that a newspaper/channel should not take anything from anyone and knows there are no free lunches. But the good part is that even with Amitabh Bachchan playing this iconic role of Vijay Harshvardhan Malik, the movie is a story that does not completely belong to one person. The story gives space to its characters and you can see shades of grey in most of the characters even if they are in black or white.

The story of the film is definitely good and keeps you there even though many times you get an idea what is going to happen in the next scene. And then, there are moments in the movie which give you a high, making the movie what it is. The story has pace and looks quite crisp and though the end is a bit too long, it’s all worth a watch and thinking.

The best part of the movie is… it’s story, direction and acting. While the story and direction were good, actors have given some great performances in Rann. Amitabh is perfect for the role, even though he reminds one of Sarkar at times, while being all powerful and authoritative. Sudeep as Jai Malik is a watchable performance that matches Paresh Rawal’s awesome work in the movie.

Riteish Deshmukh is simply good while Gul Panag looks natural in her little role. Mohnish Behl gets a wonderful role and he performs with his usual sincerity. Or rather does better than his usual good. Suchitra Krishnamurthy is fine, but not as good as I was expecting from her, being so experienced. Rajat Kapoor doesn’t have much to do. But Rajpal Yadav gets a good role and while doing a better kind of comedy, he shows quite some truth.

The only disappointing part of the movie is its music. While a few songs are good in background as expected, some are unnecessarily obscene, especially Gali Gali mein shor hai. Even the background music in the movie gets too high when not so required. Still, that doesn’t give an overall bad effect.

In short, Rann is certainly worth a watch if you like reality, watch films for more than just entertainment, or have been an RGV fan sometime. Maybe you become one again.

Either you’d be shocked by that, or you would have guessed the movies I am talking about.

Well, for now, my most awaited movies include Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year, Ishqiya, and Teen Patti. Followed by Rann and My Name is Khan, the latter more because of Kajol than SRK.

First I will talk about Rocket Singh. Rocket Singh Salesman of the year is a movie so awaited because of one brand name. Shimit Amin. I liked Ab Tak Chhappan. I loved Chak De India. Now, I want to know what is that the man has made. To me, it really doesn’t look like a comedy. In fact, the song, Pocket mein Rocket, suggests that it’s the story of a person who can do anything to move ahead in life, a person who wants to be on top, as fast as possible. Remember the lines, Tata Birla Kaisa, Tere Mere Jaisa…

Then comes Ishqiya. Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan. No, other than Naseer the names were not so big, but the trailer was. I loved the trailer of Ishqiya. Or more than that, I saw a promise in that. It makes me want to see the movie. Dying to see it.

And finally there is Teen Patti. A story of two geniuses of mathematics, played by Amitabh Bachchan and Sir Ben Kingsley. Isn’t it enough to keep you intriguing? To me it is something worth waiting for.

Other than these three, there are some more I have some expectations from. And one of these is, somehow, RGV’s Rann.

I have no idea what Ram Gopal Varma has in him but even after so many disasters, he manages to keep some of his projects high-profile. Rann is one of them. I do not know how it MAY turn out. But as of now, I want to see this Amitabh Bachchan-Ritesh Deshmukh starrer. Also, I am waiting for My Name is Khan, not because of SRK OR Karan Johar, but because I would love to see Kajol act again.

3 Idiots is certainly on my watchlist but I don’t have very high hopes with the movie. I know it will be watchable for sure but do not know if it would have something that will make me watch it twice. The way I watched Taare Zameen Par twice in a hall, or the way I want to go for Paa again.

And while Pyaar Impossible and Chance pe Dance look like above average movies right now, I have Zero hopes from Shahrukh Khan’s Dulha Mil Gaya.

So the last movie I am going to talk about is Veer. No, I don’t think it’s going to be anything I am waiting for. But I’m feeling like it may be not-that-bad. And if that happens, it may do wonders, as Salman Khan is anyways going to sweep off the small towns, so if it manages to stay OK with multiplex audiences, it may be a big hit. OK. I am waiting for it. Just to see which hand pump Salman is going to remove this time.

Big B has been accused of poking fun at people with disabilities.

The case has been filed by Patna High Court lawyer Shruti Singh in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate under The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. It has also been filed against director R. Balkrishna.

“I filed a case in the court demanding a probe into whether ‘Paa’ violated the act or not,” Singh said Saturday. As a result, the lawyer’s name has come to the front page of the Times of India and I hope many other places. So her work must be over.

“My stand is simple: If it violated the disability act, the authorities should act against the producer and actors of the film for making a joke of disabled people,” she added. Now, after watching everybody using all their spare tissues to wipe their faces, I’m wondering how Auro and co. made a joke of disabled people.

Wasn’t there a fine of 10000 bucks or something on useless PILs? Well, 10k well spent by the lady then.

3 Word Review: Just Loved it!

2 Word Review: Go, Watch!

1 Word Review: Paa.

Rating: 9 on 10. In the hope that Mr Bachchan may still have some surprise someday.

My WORK is over. But if you still want to read on, you sure can.

Now that you have shown the willingness to read ahead, I should give you the story from start. Abhishek Bachchan joined Twitter on 3rd November. The promotion of Paa started on 4th, right one month before the release. And I was mad about the movie ever since I saw Amitabh Bachchan’s face on the evening of 4th November.

Since that day, Paa team has been saying ‘Introducing Amitabh Bachchan’ which I felt was a little too much for a mere film, however good it might be. But today, after watching the movie I’d say they are right. They HAVE introduced a new Amitabh Bachchan today. Hats Off to Mr Bachchan.

And now, I come to the movie.

It starts off well. An idea-l* politician, a courageous doctor-mother, an even more courageous, more understanding grandmother, and a mature with mind, witty and too mature with body Auro. That makes a small, perfect cast for the wonderful story of Paa. I don’t want to give the spoiler here so I wouldn’t talk much about the story. All I can say is that the story is amazing and so is direction and acting of Amitabh, and even Abhishek, Vidya, and Arundhati Naag. The only thing that beat them all in the movie is the look of Amitabh which does not let you think at any point of time that it’s him. Paresh Rawal hasn’t got as much as others but has been good in whatever he gets to do.

One line for the Hollywood fans. PAA IS NOT BENJAMIN BUTTON. (Though make up artists could be same, they both have superb getups)

Ilayiaraaja’s music is wonderful and even a small Halke se Bole is effective.  And while make up artists are as good as Amitabh, Cinematography of PC Sreeram is good too.

Overall, Paa, which belongs to Auro, is probably the best movie of the year. It’s big on emotions, good at wit, harsh on media, gives some funny moments, and has imperfect characters who strive to do good. It has negatives but it gives you a lot of positivity too. Go, watch it.

PS: The only question on my mind about the movie is why was the movie named PAA and not AURO. My guess is somebody must have thought of that name, and seriously.

* – Pun Intended

meri jaan teri hai mere paa
meri maa teri hai mere paa..
meri maa teri hai mere paa
meri jaan teri hai mere paa..

maano meri baat
na kabhi milegi laat
jaise hon haalaat
hogi tere sath
meri jaan
meri maa
mere paa
meri jaan teri hai mere paa
meri maa teri hai mere paa

*`*`*

dikhne mein jhansi ki rani hai paa
sachchi mein meri maa, darpok hai paa
sabka dar chutki mein bhagati hai paa
par sachhchi mein thoda sa ghabrati hai paa
raat ko soti hai
batti na bujhati hai.. full light on!
picture mein bhoot dikhe
aankhen band karti hai
khush hoon main tu uske sath hai paa.
haha..
meri jaan.. hmm hmm hmm.. hmm hmm hmm.. paa
… … mere paa..

*`*`*

dikhne mein thodi si, udaas hai paa
sachci mein meri maa bindaas hai paa
ziddi hai mujhse bhi khaas hai paa
chutki mein..phir.. … jab chauraha
chillane wo lage
to sar ko hilana.. Just shake your head no..
har baat hai uski sahi
yehi jatlana
khush hoon mein tu uske saath hai paa..
meri jaan teri hai mere paa
ab meri maa teri hai me..re.. paa

*`*`*

Here is my review of the album, Paa.

Mudi Mudi Ittefaq Se: The album opens with the well known, promoted song mudi mudi ittefaq se, sung by Shilpa Rao. Shilpa has always sung good songs and this one is no exception. But then Shilpa sings this song a bit differently as the ‘rough’ element in her voice is not visible, or rather audible, in the song. A good number that may stick to your tongue, and keep your mind busy in the tongue twisting song.

Gummsumm Gumm: The second song, Gumsum gum can make you feel for the first 10-15 seconds that you have heard the tune. Yes, a tiny, small piece there is same as yeh hai meri kahani of Zinda, sung by Strings. But then I came to know that it’s another version of Ilaiyaraaja’s Malayalam song of ’80s. So in case u think it’s a copy of Strings (like I did earlier), know that the case is probably the other way round. Anyway, after that, Gummsumm takes a turn and seems like Gummsumm is right from the Roja age. The singing of Bavathrini and Shravan is full of innocence and the effect of chorus is wonderful. Lyrics of the song are good while the best part of the song is its last one and half minute.

Udhi Udhi Ittefaq se: The third song of the album is another version of Ittefaq se which doesn’t have many differences compared to the first version. Some changes in lyrics and slight changes in music and singing are all that is there. Probably put in the album just to make sure every version that is there in the movie goes in the album too.

Hichki Hichki: The next song, hichki, is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. But this is nothing like a typical Sunidhi song. Hichki uses the Sunidhi’s voice in a beautiful way without going to high pitch. A slow, soft song with some light music that puts more stress on the lyrics and singing. I think it’s a song that Sunidhi would love to have to her credit.

Gali Mudi Ittefaq se: Here is the third version of Ittefaq se, called Gali mudi ittefaq se, and it’s Shaan behind the microphone this time. The slower version of the song has some good instrumental parts in between while compared to other versions. The lyrics are quite different, though Shaan doesn’t sound that perfect in his singing this time, falters a little bit near the end. Good still.

Halke se Bole: The next song of the song, Halke se bole, is actually a small, less than one a half minute piece sung by a chorus of children, probably the classmates of Auro in the movie. My guess is that it could be touchy in the movie. Got to see this one.

Mere Paa: The joke says, Himesh stops singing nasal. Amitabh starts. Mere paa, sung by Amitabh Bachchan, is a beautiful, wonderful, cute song with some superbly created music by Ilayaraja. The only thing I can say about the song is go for it. The lyrics are absolutely wonderful, and so is music, but Amitabh takes away all the credit for the song with his probably greatest ever song, in probably his best ever movie. Wow! see my optimism even before the movie is out.

Paa theme remix: At the end of the album there is Paa theme remix. And Paa becomes probably the first album of a movie with the remix of a song that actually doesn’t exist in the album. Yes, Paa theme is nowhere in the album other than inside the song Mere Paa, but the remix is there. Also, interestingly, this is the remix of an instrumental. I don’t remember having seen one before this.

Overall, it’s lovable. Still, if you don’t have the patience for much, go straight to Mere paa. I hope you’d love at least that.