Yes, I'm Very Much Alive...

And after defying the murderous exams and recovering from the post exam hangover I am back to blogging.

I'll start by wishing all of you a very Happy New Year. There couldn't be a better start-of-the-year than this for me. Why? Because the new year itself is reason enough to blog, and this time the cause of blogging was strengthened by the 'idiotic' controversy!!!

The only comment I would make would be

1. The overall story of the film is completely different from the book (claims that 70% of the story from the book has been lifted directly is, according to me, baseless)
2. The timing of the controversy only makes it clear that Chetan Bhagat knows how to get his book sold, if you know what I mean!
3. Vidhu Vinod Chopra needs to join an anger management program and Bhagat needs a better lawyer (and a magnifying glass to read the fine print).

And yes, I have read the book and seen the movie.

Though I have nothing against the author, I do feel a person like him, who speaks about a principles and reforms (in his columns), shouldn't have resorted to such publicity tactics.

Moving on, time for some shameless self promotion.

Please remember you are always welcome to send me a mail about anything you wish to express - suggestions, complaints, requests - regarding the blog, to arjblogger@yahoo.com

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Remember, your opinion counts!

With that, this is ARJuna, your friendly neighbourhood blogger signing off.

P.S. Did I mention that this is my 50th post. Sigh! It's great to be back.

Movie Time: 17 Again

Courtesy: New Line Cinema

Watched it yesterday. I am not good with reviews, but since almost every other blogger writes one when he or she watches a movie or reads a book, so I said to myself - why not join the junta and try my hand at a review too!

To start with, 17 Again is a story about a guy, Michael O'Donnell, who's lost both his job and his family. He visits his high school (which is now attended by his kids) to reminisce about how great his high school life was - A popular football star and in line for a full scholarship, Michael gives it all up on the day of the championship game when he realises that his girlfriend is pregnant. Suddenly after coming across a stranger, he turns 17 again. Now it's time for Micheal to decide if he should go after the life that he gave up or set things straight with his family through his 17 year old self.

Now for the review part. A nice light-hearted comedy with a good story line. Great acting by the complete cast and it's refreshing to see Zac Efron in a role outside the High School Musical trilogy. However the short duration of the film (it's only 1 hour 45 minutes long) turns out to be a spoilsport. Even the dialogues and scenes at times are easily predictable.

All in all, I would give it a 3 out of 5 rating.

Please leave a comment if you have anything to say about the movie or my dismal attempt at a review.

A Slice Of The Oscar Glory...

First and foremost, a hearty congratulations to Mr. Gulzar, Mr. Pookutty and Mr. Rahman. I would also like to congratulate the complete cast and crew of Slumdog Millionaire and all the rest of the Oscar winners.

The reason I waited so long to publish a post about this historic event is that I wanted to witness the reaction of the print media. And I must say I got what I wanted, all the front pages at the newsstand were flashing Rahman’s images. The insides of ‘The Times Of India’ were gushing with how-when-where-what of Rahman’s life and also loads of ‘Slumdog’ trivia.

Amidst the pride-oozing journalism, the fact that disappointed me the most was that all of it was mostly about ‘Slumdog’, it’s cast and Rahman. Save an article or two, there wasn’t much mention of the other two Oscar winners - Gulzar and Resul Pookutty. I was surprised to see a banner that congratulated Rahman and urged it’s readers to wish Rahman by smsing to so-and-so number (what about congratulating the rest of ‘em winners???)

But this one really took the cake - The UPA govt. claims that the Oscar wins were a result of their leadership!!! These people will do anything for grabbing attention.

All in all, it makes me feel proud to be an Indian, to see deserving fellow Indians achieve recognition for their talents. Jai Ho and Jai Hind.

The 'Slumdog' Issue

The past few days have been filled with criticisms and counter criticisms about ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. It’s literally been a food fight of sorts!!! While some prefer to go out in the open with their opinions others claim to merely pass on the ‘opinion of the masses’. But I am not gonna debate upon that.

What I want to point out is that, if the film makers of Bollywood claim their right to ‘creative license’ that they deserve, why aren’t they as ready to let others have a bite out of it too.

Agreed (even though I haven’t seen the film yet), SM brings to the forefront the slummy side of the city; it exploits the crime and sleaze in the city and indicates it to be the only things that the city has to offer. Agreed the westerners who have never been to India may be ‘delighted’ to see Mumbai in such light. But this isn’t any different from the fact that thousands of Indians flock to enjoy the crime infested movies by Ram Gopal Varma. Why don’t critics (and the common public) oppose him for exploiting the Mumbai’s crime scenario and projecting it as a city full of crime?

The bitter truth is that we accept anything and everything that comes from a fellow Indian, but it hurts our ego if the same comes from a foreigner. What a shame!!!