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.
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