Monday, April 5, 2010
Feel good factor
It was a lazy Sunday yesterday. Afternoon was spent lazing around the house and reading an Indian fiction. Surfing through the various channels, I see that The Princess Diaries is being aired in one of them. I again watched the whole movie for the nth time. The dialogues and the sequence of scenes are all imprinted in my mind. Why did I watch the movie again? The simple reason is that it gave me a good feeling and a sense of happiness and peace. Sometimes very small inadvertent actions can refresh us and fill us with renewed hope and vigor.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Clash of the Titans Remake 2010
What can you expect different in a movie which was made previously too? An imaginative change in the storyline (if it is a myth) and in today’s era; the standard of graphics and special effects. The movie touches the issue of Man, God and their inter-relationship.
One would argue that why should I watch this movie? Well if you are interested in mythological stories and especially Greek/ Roman ones then this one is for you. Some stories like Cleopatra, Gladiator, Troy, Alexander, even non-descript ones like 300 have a certain appeal for the die-hard followers and of course I would recommend these kind of movies for kids.
Yes, Clash of the Titans is worth watching in a movie hall or if you have a huge screen with “surround sound” at home.
The movie has also been released in 3D format too. Viewing the movie in 2D one can imagine how phantasmagorical the 3D experience will be.
The story is about Zeus, Hades and Perseus who is mentored by Ammon in his endeavor. Another not too central female character is that of Andromeda.
The Greek Gods have lot of similarity with the Hindu ones and parallel can be drawn in their stories too. Even the specificity of actions where a man is forbidden and a woman can maneuver reminds one of Bhisma and Shikhandi or Amba.
The city of Argos shown in the movie has a misty hangover of the sets of Lord of the Rings and so does the costumes. Some graphics reminds of the “Death-eaters” in Harry Potter. The SFX pertaining to Hades are most resplendent and enamoring. On the flip side Kraken is lackluster and so is Zeus’s palace (reminds ones of Indra’s palace). Medusa is engaging and slithery.
The weakest part of the movie is that Kraken is defeated too easily as compared to the hype created about him and his strength. In comparison Hades creates bigger mayhem.
The most subtle underlying message in the movie is that you need the Gods. There are actions of Gods which one might feel unjustified but they serve a bigger picture. Argos needed a demi-God to protect its citizens. Man alone could not protect them. Man forgets the greater benevolence of the Gods at times of peace and hence is thrust upon with dire situations to bring them back to Gods.
Go watch the movie and enjoy!!!
One would argue that why should I watch this movie? Well if you are interested in mythological stories and especially Greek/ Roman ones then this one is for you. Some stories like Cleopatra, Gladiator, Troy, Alexander, even non-descript ones like 300 have a certain appeal for the die-hard followers and of course I would recommend these kind of movies for kids.
Yes, Clash of the Titans is worth watching in a movie hall or if you have a huge screen with “surround sound” at home.
The movie has also been released in 3D format too. Viewing the movie in 2D one can imagine how phantasmagorical the 3D experience will be.
The story is about Zeus, Hades and Perseus who is mentored by Ammon in his endeavor. Another not too central female character is that of Andromeda.
The Greek Gods have lot of similarity with the Hindu ones and parallel can be drawn in their stories too. Even the specificity of actions where a man is forbidden and a woman can maneuver reminds one of Bhisma and Shikhandi or Amba.
The city of Argos shown in the movie has a misty hangover of the sets of Lord of the Rings and so does the costumes. Some graphics reminds of the “Death-eaters” in Harry Potter. The SFX pertaining to Hades are most resplendent and enamoring. On the flip side Kraken is lackluster and so is Zeus’s palace (reminds ones of Indra’s palace). Medusa is engaging and slithery.
The weakest part of the movie is that Kraken is defeated too easily as compared to the hype created about him and his strength. In comparison Hades creates bigger mayhem.
The most subtle underlying message in the movie is that you need the Gods. There are actions of Gods which one might feel unjustified but they serve a bigger picture. Argos needed a demi-God to protect its citizens. Man alone could not protect them. Man forgets the greater benevolence of the Gods at times of peace and hence is thrust upon with dire situations to bring them back to Gods.
Go watch the movie and enjoy!!!
Living within laws
Oops that was a typo. I meant “Living with in-laws”.
Last night I am my better half went to watch a late night show at a multiplex close to our house. Our 1.5 year old son went off to sleep before we left the house. We happily went ahead for the movie without looking back. My in-laws were at home looking after him.
That instant while we were waiting for the lift outside the apartment, I looked back at the closed main door and realized how much secure I felt to go out for an evening of enjoyment without any burden. I realized the benefit of living in a joint family with in-laws first hand. This blog post is not to propagate joint family system etc. It is aimed just to share my positive experience.
Indeed this issue is not devoid of vehement discussion and counter argument with instances of gruesome conditions. I agree that my case might be one of those blessed ones and I am thankful to God for this. But with the absolutely horrific stories that one sees on investigative TV channels about maids and their methods I am ready to compromise a bit for a safer environment for my kid.
Last night I am my better half went to watch a late night show at a multiplex close to our house. Our 1.5 year old son went off to sleep before we left the house. We happily went ahead for the movie without looking back. My in-laws were at home looking after him.
That instant while we were waiting for the lift outside the apartment, I looked back at the closed main door and realized how much secure I felt to go out for an evening of enjoyment without any burden. I realized the benefit of living in a joint family with in-laws first hand. This blog post is not to propagate joint family system etc. It is aimed just to share my positive experience.
Indeed this issue is not devoid of vehement discussion and counter argument with instances of gruesome conditions. I agree that my case might be one of those blessed ones and I am thankful to God for this. But with the absolutely horrific stories that one sees on investigative TV channels about maids and their methods I am ready to compromise a bit for a safer environment for my kid.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Corporate culture in the IPL teams
It is worthwhile to note that the teams held by corporates have managed to do better though there is no scientific data to support the same other than the match scores.
Royal Challengers Bangalore after a dismal performance in IPL 1.0 has managed to get their act together and so have Mumbai Indians.
Delhi Daredevils are languishing in the second half of the table this season but did well last 2 seasons. Rajasthan Royal’s low-cost proposition has also helped its owners earn handsomely. Somewhere the corporate culture definitely percolates into the team. Yes, I admit that this statement is highly debatable.
Getting the costliest players, best endorsements, prancing cheer leaders and other promotional gimmicks and hoopla is not enough.
Royal Challengers Bangalore after a dismal performance in IPL 1.0 has managed to get their act together and so have Mumbai Indians.
Delhi Daredevils are languishing in the second half of the table this season but did well last 2 seasons. Rajasthan Royal’s low-cost proposition has also helped its owners earn handsomely. Somewhere the corporate culture definitely percolates into the team. Yes, I admit that this statement is highly debatable.
Getting the costliest players, best endorsements, prancing cheer leaders and other promotional gimmicks and hoopla is not enough.
Shahrukh ke shoorvir
KKR has finally won a league match in IPL 3.0 after couple of losses recently. There are some silent sigh of relief here and there.
The team though needs to win its remaining league matches to remain in contention for a place in the semis. Of course the permutations and combinations of outcome of other league matches will also decide KKR’s fate and that is not directly in their control. So winning wont be enough, they will definitely need some “Daivam”.
Ganguly’s valiant knock of 88 runs created a solid base for the team to fight back. And it can be clearly dubbed as a “Captain’s leading from the front” knock. But in my opinion Chris Gayle is a waste. I have never seen him perform to match all the hype about him. And dear old Ajit still manages to throw wide ones during crunch situation like the end 2-3 overs. But end of the day, KKR have won fair and square.
Another interesting observation (not just my unique observation though) is the toned down version of King Khan compared to his fist pumping dug-out routine during IPL 1.0. Maybe he realizes that his Midas Touch wont work everywhere and has probably accepted the reality.
Finally, it is the outcome of the matches that matters the most. Break even can be shown by tweaking numbers anyway you want. A case in point is trying to show what a big grosser “My name is Khan” through advertisements in the newspapers. But did they bother to show how much was spent in making of the movie or its promotion?
The team though needs to win its remaining league matches to remain in contention for a place in the semis. Of course the permutations and combinations of outcome of other league matches will also decide KKR’s fate and that is not directly in their control. So winning wont be enough, they will definitely need some “Daivam”.
Ganguly’s valiant knock of 88 runs created a solid base for the team to fight back. And it can be clearly dubbed as a “Captain’s leading from the front” knock. But in my opinion Chris Gayle is a waste. I have never seen him perform to match all the hype about him. And dear old Ajit still manages to throw wide ones during crunch situation like the end 2-3 overs. But end of the day, KKR have won fair and square.
Another interesting observation (not just my unique observation though) is the toned down version of King Khan compared to his fist pumping dug-out routine during IPL 1.0. Maybe he realizes that his Midas Touch wont work everywhere and has probably accepted the reality.
Finally, it is the outcome of the matches that matters the most. Break even can be shown by tweaking numbers anyway you want. A case in point is trying to show what a big grosser “My name is Khan” through advertisements in the newspapers. But did they bother to show how much was spent in making of the movie or its promotion?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Sania Mania – Is there a need for the media hype?
Sania Mirza, the tennis player who has put India on the World Women’s tennis map is back in the news. And thankfully this time is about her marriage to Pakistani cricket player Shoaib Malik and not of losing another championship’s first round match.
I would not like to belittle her achievements but if we compare her achievements to all the other Williams or *Ova’s of the world then she has a long way to go. Saina Nehwal instead has achieved much more in badminton for the nation but does not share the same kind of limelight.
The media has gone on a tizzy. Juicy details about Shoaib’s alleged first marriage to another lady is already making the rounds with various degrees of accuracy.
It is hilarious to note that discussions have catapulted to the intricacies of Indo-Pak border relations etc. affecting this relationship and vice-versa. Of course it is also reported that they will settle in a neutral territory – Dubai.
Rediff reports that the Pakistani Tennis Federation has started trumping the issue that Sania should play for Pakistan post marriage.
Is it really worth reporting such juvenile statements?
This whole media hype and exposure is absolutely unnecessary. It is inconsequential whether Sania continues to play tennis or represents Pakistan instead of India. And let us not forget that Sania plays professional tennis where she represents herself first; the fact that she belongs to India or Uganda is trivial.
I would like to stress that it is a marriage for God’s sake between two people irrespective of whichever country they might belong to. Is it just because one is Indian and other is Pakistani? Would it have made so much news if she was marrying someone from Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan?
The media should harness its resource strength and analytical ability to impartially focus on issues of greater importance like the inflation, economic slowdown, nation’s preparedness for the Common Wealth Games, causes of water crisis and electricity shortage, the state of our education and healthcare system or even the honor killings perpetrated across the nation.
I would not like to belittle her achievements but if we compare her achievements to all the other Williams or *Ova’s of the world then she has a long way to go. Saina Nehwal instead has achieved much more in badminton for the nation but does not share the same kind of limelight.
The media has gone on a tizzy. Juicy details about Shoaib’s alleged first marriage to another lady is already making the rounds with various degrees of accuracy.
It is hilarious to note that discussions have catapulted to the intricacies of Indo-Pak border relations etc. affecting this relationship and vice-versa. Of course it is also reported that they will settle in a neutral territory – Dubai.
Rediff reports that the Pakistani Tennis Federation has started trumping the issue that Sania should play for Pakistan post marriage.
Is it really worth reporting such juvenile statements?
This whole media hype and exposure is absolutely unnecessary. It is inconsequential whether Sania continues to play tennis or represents Pakistan instead of India. And let us not forget that Sania plays professional tennis where she represents herself first; the fact that she belongs to India or Uganda is trivial.
I would like to stress that it is a marriage for God’s sake between two people irrespective of whichever country they might belong to. Is it just because one is Indian and other is Pakistani? Would it have made so much news if she was marrying someone from Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan?
The media should harness its resource strength and analytical ability to impartially focus on issues of greater importance like the inflation, economic slowdown, nation’s preparedness for the Common Wealth Games, causes of water crisis and electricity shortage, the state of our education and healthcare system or even the honor killings perpetrated across the nation.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Bonding with Bacchus - Call a cab!
I am seriously surprised at these events of drunken driving leading to fatality. Two innocent lives lost, and families shattered. So many lives have changed forever owing to lack of judgment by a single grown-up adult person.
Nooria is 27 years old as reported by the media. (The same media which has reported two different reasons for the accident in papers owned by the same group, but that is besides the point here). She is not 14 or 16. Someone who has lived on her own in the US and come back to pursue a profession. Many people her age get married, have kids and also hold responsible positions at work.
What prompted her to drive her vehicle after such reported huge amount of alcohol, close to 6 – 7 large pegs?
I am sure someone who drinks that kind of alcohol is not an occasional drinker and must have done it earlier too. I am not against drinking or drinking in large amounts.
What puzzles me is the psyche behind driving a car to a party or gathering with friends where one is sure to drink and revel? Did she think that the police might not catch her or that she will be able to drive back home steadily? For God’s sake we have so many cabs in this city not to mention the services of Meru or Mega cabs too. One call for a cab would have saved the lives of the people who died for no fault of theirs and saved Nooria all the legal tangles which she is finding herself in.
This city has regularly featured in the media with cases of drunken driving but something is seriously wrong in the psyche of the people who don’t seem to take things seriously until something happens to THEM!
Last but not the least what kind of friends did she have who were reported to be hanging around with her? Were they really friends? Or were they simply acquaintances? I don’t think any good well-meaning friend would allow her to drive away after such a heavy – drinking session. They are friends whom we can choose not relatives.
Everyone is to blame to a certain extent – Nooria herself, her parents, friends, laws and enforcement of laws.
In a country like ours, laws alone won’t act as deterrent or help improve the drunken driving situation. People themselves have to become serious and take responsibility. Friends have to step – in and grab the reins before it is too late. Parents also have an active role to play. Accept that their child/ children drink and then help them become responsible by not admonishing rather instilling safe ways of drinking and reaching back home.
On the lighter side - Honda can claim how great its car safety measures are considering nothing happened to Nooria after the huge crash and the condition of the CRV as photographed in the media.
Nooria is 27 years old as reported by the media. (The same media which has reported two different reasons for the accident in papers owned by the same group, but that is besides the point here). She is not 14 or 16. Someone who has lived on her own in the US and come back to pursue a profession. Many people her age get married, have kids and also hold responsible positions at work.
What prompted her to drive her vehicle after such reported huge amount of alcohol, close to 6 – 7 large pegs?
I am sure someone who drinks that kind of alcohol is not an occasional drinker and must have done it earlier too. I am not against drinking or drinking in large amounts.
What puzzles me is the psyche behind driving a car to a party or gathering with friends where one is sure to drink and revel? Did she think that the police might not catch her or that she will be able to drive back home steadily? For God’s sake we have so many cabs in this city not to mention the services of Meru or Mega cabs too. One call for a cab would have saved the lives of the people who died for no fault of theirs and saved Nooria all the legal tangles which she is finding herself in.
This city has regularly featured in the media with cases of drunken driving but something is seriously wrong in the psyche of the people who don’t seem to take things seriously until something happens to THEM!
Last but not the least what kind of friends did she have who were reported to be hanging around with her? Were they really friends? Or were they simply acquaintances? I don’t think any good well-meaning friend would allow her to drive away after such a heavy – drinking session. They are friends whom we can choose not relatives.
Everyone is to blame to a certain extent – Nooria herself, her parents, friends, laws and enforcement of laws.
In a country like ours, laws alone won’t act as deterrent or help improve the drunken driving situation. People themselves have to become serious and take responsibility. Friends have to step – in and grab the reins before it is too late. Parents also have an active role to play. Accept that their child/ children drink and then help them become responsible by not admonishing rather instilling safe ways of drinking and reaching back home.
On the lighter side - Honda can claim how great its car safety measures are considering nothing happened to Nooria after the huge crash and the condition of the CRV as photographed in the media.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
H1N1 - Is it straight out of a Hollywood script?
The recent news reports on the H1N1 "scam" seems that the perpetrators (if proven) created the whole scenario like a Hollywood virus movie like say the story based on Ebola or some futuristic XDP345E or something. (Dont ask me what is XDP345E)
The corruption charges against drug companies are from time immemorial like that of the cigarette manufacturers. This is further aided by regular journal articles on the harmful effects of Ayurveda (and Yoga as well as Pranayama) which seems to be eating into their profit share. Lets test the drugs openly live on TV like a reality show and let it be aired round the world. Ramdev baba are you reading this?
It is claimed that India is one of the most corrupt nations alongwith Indonesia but one needs to see what the so called high priests of the society of the developed western world do for their own material gain. The alleged Rs. 50 charged by an average traffic police for missing helmet seems innocuous in front of what the officials of institutions like WHO or UN are doing. This does not mean I am defending corruption but trying to put things into perspective.
Think!
The corruption charges against drug companies are from time immemorial like that of the cigarette manufacturers. This is further aided by regular journal articles on the harmful effects of Ayurveda (and Yoga as well as Pranayama) which seems to be eating into their profit share. Lets test the drugs openly live on TV like a reality show and let it be aired round the world. Ramdev baba are you reading this?
It is claimed that India is one of the most corrupt nations alongwith Indonesia but one needs to see what the so called high priests of the society of the developed western world do for their own material gain. The alleged Rs. 50 charged by an average traffic police for missing helmet seems innocuous in front of what the officials of institutions like WHO or UN are doing. This does not mean I am defending corruption but trying to put things into perspective.
Think!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Bhagat(e) Raho
I have been reading the recent brouhaha about Chetan Bhagat's tussle with the makers of 3 Idiots for credits. I am not sure how far and what is true but I gathered that the rights for the movie was properly bought 2- 3 years back and he was promised credit in the end. Does it really matter? I am not sure what Mr. Bhagat is running after (if he is running after as reported)?
All print media, blogs have mentioned that the film is based on this book. People who have read him also can identify the same. I am not sure if it is one of those publicity gimmicks or just plain "need" fore recognition.
All I can say is that "Mr. Bhagat, your book was a trendsetter after which many IIM grads wrote similar stuff". You were first of the block and always will be remembered for it irrespective of whether there is a flick like "3 Idiots" or not.
What new are you coming out with?
All print media, blogs have mentioned that the film is based on this book. People who have read him also can identify the same. I am not sure if it is one of those publicity gimmicks or just plain "need" fore recognition.
All I can say is that "Mr. Bhagat, your book was a trendsetter after which many IIM grads wrote similar stuff". You were first of the block and always will be remembered for it irrespective of whether there is a flick like "3 Idiots" or not.
What new are you coming out with?
Monday, January 4, 2010
Farmville Fever
Are you on Farmville? (Facebook, Farmville - does it ring a bell?)
I regularly check my Facebook account. I used to get lot of Farmville gifts and invites etc which I ignored for months. Then out of sheer necessity to be courteous to my friends and their invites, I ventured into Farmville one fine day.
And guess what? I am hooked totally! And the "need" to check my farm forces me to log on to the net atleast once a day irrespective of whatever work I have.
Yesterday my friend told me the benefits of visiting my friends' farm. I put that also into practice immediately. Today while checking my friends' farm I found that some of the stuff is ready for harvest. What did I do? I called my friend and asked if she can check on her farm, she said no! I took her login and password, went to Farmville, harvested the stuff and logged out. Imagine what a farmer I am turning into!!!
My farm
Saturday, January 2, 2010
3 Idiots - The Review - Must watch
First and foremost - "Awesome".
I have not seen such a well made Bollywood flick in a long long time. The message is crisp and clear. I will not want my son to try and go to Harvard from now on :).
Locales are breathtaking without trying to show any undiscovered part of Europe. The color of water in the final scene is mind blowing. Acting of the 3 Idiots as well as Boman is a class in itself.
Some parts of the book seem to be from 5 Point Someone but some instances like the answer sheet scene is from a copy of Chicken Soup (I dont remember for whose soul). Overall a wonderful watch and absolute value for time and money spent. The songs are nice and hummable. I intend to buy a DVD and keep it for posterity.
Go out, grab a friend and watch the movie. Live!
I have not seen such a well made Bollywood flick in a long long time. The message is crisp and clear. I will not want my son to try and go to Harvard from now on :).
Locales are breathtaking without trying to show any undiscovered part of Europe. The color of water in the final scene is mind blowing. Acting of the 3 Idiots as well as Boman is a class in itself.
Some parts of the book seem to be from 5 Point Someone but some instances like the answer sheet scene is from a copy of Chicken Soup (I dont remember for whose soul). Overall a wonderful watch and absolute value for time and money spent. The songs are nice and hummable. I intend to buy a DVD and keep it for posterity.
Go out, grab a friend and watch the movie. Live!
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