All this 3D buzz that has been surrounding Hollywood studios since Avatar invaded the B.O. must have definitely started ringing bells in the Bollywood camp of producers. We can (or try to) forget the horror of Haunted 3D. I heard this rumor about RGV making a 3d horror flick called Warning. Of course Bollywood had its historical innings with 3D before all of this recent craze of 3D germinated. The first Bolly 3D movie was Jaggu Dada’s version of Zorro called Shiva Ka Insaaf. Just look at that flippin awesome poster.
And then of course, we all remember the all time kids favourite – Chhota Chetan, which was re-released with an additional item number starring Urmila. Don 2 is being given a retrofit 3D green light. C’mon George Lucas is doing it. So why not the Bokadias, the Chopras and Desais? Let thy imagination fly! Here we go again, making yet another list. I don’t think you’ll really agree to this list, but what the heck. You know this post would definitely be worth it. So hit the jump and let the feast for your eyes begin.
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by Sujoy on August 15, 2011
in Bolly
As I sit down to write about one of the most vibrant and exuberant actors of Indian cinema, I feel the weight of sorrow on my shoulders, and the tears in my eyes hinder my vision. Shamsher Raj “Shammi” Kapoor, or as we knew him lovingly as Shammi jee, left for his heavenly abode on Sunday morning, 14th August 2011.
He ‘is’ a man who will always remain in my heart and soul as a source of liveliness and an icon that oozes out positive energy, an icon that is ageless in every aspect of the word. From being the naughty and rebellious dancing romantic in numerous 60′s movies to the new age tech aficionado, Shammi jee, I salute you.
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Prior to the year 2001, Indian cinema screen space was primarily occupied by the run-of-the-mill popcorn entertainers, mildly interrupted by the multiplex movie – an attempt to cater to the urban audiences who were fed on MTV, Star World and international sitcoms. The Bollywood blockbuster had turned into a potion of ingredients best known to the ones who incorporated the star sons and daughters, copied scripts from Hollywood blockbusters, diamond merchant producers and South Indian technicians into the perfect recipe. Most often than not, these recipes failed, with only those suceeding at the Box Office which genuinely appealed to both classes as well as masses. The top list from the entire decade of the ’90′s-produced’ blockbusters consisted of DDLJ, DTPH, K2H2, KNPH, HDDCS and other multi-worded titles, delving deep into the world of romance and romantic storylines spicened up with sub-plots of obstacles to romance such as a father who is never pleased with a love marriage. The time was nigh for the recycled storylines to be discarded and to embrace new ideas and challenging scales of storytelling.
The year 2001 marked the rising of a new sun in the horizon of Indian cinema. June 26 2001, things were about to change dramatically. LAGAAN was released and in every sense of the term, it was a game-changer.
In this post, I will be discussing about LAGAAN and how its influence can be seen in today’s Indian cinema. The magical glow of this cinematically brilliant masterpiece still shines bright even today, 10 years after its release, and here’s why.
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by Sujoy on June 29, 2011
in Bolly
There are not many movies in Indian cinema where you can name each and every character of the ensemble. It has been 10 years since the release of LAGAAN, and even so, the excitement and enthusiasm as well as the anguish and misery of the many characters of LAGAAN is as fresh and graphically vivid in my memory as it was when I finished watching it the first time. The only other movie that can claim to have attained such a feat is (no points for guessing) the immortal blockbuster – SHOLAY. So why not reflect upon these colourful members who complete this massive painting of LAGAAN with their various shades.
Outside the LAGAAN XI:
Aakshvaani – Sutradhaar (Amitabh Bachchan)
The voice which introduces us to the world of Champaner, and also concludes the tale with the words – “Itihaas ke Panno mein kahin kho gayi hai” [ Lost somewhere in the pages of history ]
‘Maa’ – Yashodamai (Suhasini Mulay)
“Hey Ram! Bakhat se pehle hi khushiyaan!” [ Hey Ram, premature celebrations ]
The quintessential mother, but not Bollywood-ish. She sees the reflection of her lost husband in the courage and daring nature of her son.
[WARNING: Image heavy post ]
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