Chapter 2: - The Long Red Bindi

Back to Chapter 1:-The Endearing Dilemma

Sleep and sadness took over Piya’s eyes. She didn’t want to say goodbye to Geeta. She held back her tears in her big almond shaped eyes and bid adieu to Geeta. It was late and time for Piya to sleep. Though Piya had a penchant for movies, she was not allowed to stay up late since Amma wanted her early to bed and early to rise. There was a Hindi movie going on television that night, a rare sight in the typical South Indian household. Piya made her puppy face and asked “Amma, Salman picture”. "Illya" (No) said Amma sternly. That was curtains down for Piya. Piya was a very different child who never sought answers, argued or even asked anything for the second time, no matter how badly she wanted it. A rare combination of understanding and ego stood out in her personality. She was a surprisingly matured person for her age. So, little Piya dressed in her favourite white PJs with hair plaited neatly crawled on the bed next to Amma and held her hand. Piya couldn’t fall asleep without holding Amma’s hand. After a long hard day at work Amma’s arms again, had no rest. The television was switched off after the daily dose of news and lights went off after the daily dose of funny anecdotes from Milind. Piya hasn’t fallen asleep. The room was silent. Piya slowly freed herself from Amma’s protective hand around her and looked out of the window over to the dimly lit road. It was silent and serene. She could hear the leaves swaying with regular gushes of wind. It was a slightly cold and breezy weather. Something caught Piya’s attention. The building right in front of her had a home where people are awake and watching, oh yes! Salman Picture. Piya was overjoyed and though she could barely decipher what was going on in the movie, she made sure she still looked attentively over without squeaking. After about 10-15 minutes, the obvious happened, Piya got bored. She then came back to bed and started thinking, her favourite past time. She was wondering what Geeta could be doing at this time. Would Geeta had let me watch Salman picture? Maybe yes.

Geeta was in her late 20s, ambitious, charming, funny, head strong and deeply devoted to her parents. Geeta was Piya’s mother. So who was Amma then? Amma was Geeta’s mother, Piya’s Grandmother, Saraswati. The only person in the world Geeta could trust who could take care of her little bundle of joy, Piya. Piya was oblivious of the situation her parents were going through. They wanted to make sure their careers didn’t hamper Piya’s childhood in any way. So Piya became Amma and Acha, Geeta’s Father Ravi’s 4^th child. The most pampered and most loved of all. With Geeta being an ultimate prankster and a tomboy all through her life, having little angelic Piya was a welcome gift from life for Amma. She always wanted Piya to be very different from Geeta. And how she succeeded in the feat is a different story altogether.

Back in her apartment, Geeta was flipping channels and looking for something interesting to watch. She comes across a Salman Khan movie and clapped with excitement. He was Geeta’s favourite. She misses Piya. No I am not going to watch any movie without my Piya. Geeta switches off the television with a heavy heart and picks up the newspaper. Not one, not two but four different newspapers. Not that they carried different stories or events across the city, but Geeta’s love for reading knew no bounds. Once she finished reading her newspaper, she picked up her bible, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, and curled up in her bed.  She reads, reads and reads. She read till her eyes were heavy with sleep. She can’t help but miss little Piya by her side. She wished Piya was there to chirp endlessly, which Piya did every waking minute of her life. Avoiding thinking about Piya, Geeta went to sleep.

Geeta was a disciplined early riser. It didn’t really matter what time she went to bed, she would religiously be up by 6 in the morning. And the couple of early morning hours were very precious to Geeta. She called it her thinking time. With a sweet and strong cup of piping hot tea, Geeta was standing in her veranda, gazing at birds chirping, clouds moving, trees swaying and oh, I am late for work. Geeta was perennially late, fashionably though. She took a quick shower, skipped breakfast like every day and packed her handbag with the newspapers and books. Kohl lined eyes and a big long red bindi were indispensible part of Geeta’s personality, she looked every inch an Indian dusky beauty. Geeta rushed out of the building and called out for an auto to reach the station making sure she didn’t share the ride with anyone. On the way she gets about 5-6 calls which enquired what time she would be reaching office. Geeta cleverly dodged her excuses for being late and kept saying that she will be there soon. Geeta finally reached station and stood waiting for her train to arrive. She had a definite spot where she stood every day since she knew that is one way to ensure she rushes in the First class compartment first and grabs her window seat. She accomplished this feat every day! In Mumbai! She stood near a snacks stall and an elderly feeble woman approached her. Geeta was appalled at the sight of an elderly lady begging for a living. Instead of giving money, Geeta took the old woman to the stall and asked her to eat something. She paid the stall guy and made sure the old lady got a cup of tea and pack of biscuits. Geeta held back her tears and went back to her spot when the train was just about to arrive. The train arrived and whoosh, with one swift movement, Geeta was in the train. She sat comfortably in her favourite window seat with a smile of accomplishment and embarked the journey to work. Looking out of the window was a familial hobby. Geeta saw trees, huge buildings; slums, offices and people pass by when the trained speedily moved through Central Suburban Lines of Mumbai.

Geeta reached office and gave a warm smile to everyone. Her pearly sparkling smile with an unbeatable charm made people forget that she was almost an hour late for work. Everyone at work loved Geeta’s sense of humour and her dynamic personality. Always the leader of the pack, Geeta had a history of quarrelling crazy with her seniors and yet getting away by making her point clear and heard. Geeta worked dedicatedly without really caring about the number of hours she was actually supposed to put in. She over committed and over delivered. Adored by her colleagues and revered by the juniors, Geeta was a born star.

As the evening approached, Geeta was wondering if she could get home early and spend some time with Piya. She wanted to surprise Piya by playing her favourite game, The Fort game. This game was nothing but building a fort of curtains and putting all of Piya’s toys in one place and letting her play on her own. Maybe I can get home early today. Wonder what Piya must be doing. Geeta was sitting in her cabin looking at Piya's picture in her purse.

:)

Next Chapter 3: - The First Lie

Heroine:- Glossy mash up of Dirty Picture, Fashion and Page 3

If your are expecting an aesthetic movie dealing with the emotional baggage of a Bollywood film actress and a Diva, then stay home. This is not what you are actually getting. Heroine is a thorough commercial masala movie. Sadly, this movie goes into a loop of never ending ordeal of an actress. Just when you see some spark of depth in the movie, it goes back 15 minutes and you sit there thinking what the hell is going on.

Starting off as a typical dark-face-of-fame moment, the movie gives a lot to look forward to. But as the movie moves on, you get a feeling of déjà vu. The film is completely soaked in clichéd moments. The moments which you have seen and read hundreds of times. Till the first half of the film, there is no depth and novelty in the film. Once the second half of the film begins, there is some kind of innovations introduced. There are some very good moments where you can see the Bhandarkar brand of direction, but again towards the end, you are thoroughly disappointed with loose ends in the story and abrupt ending of the movie. This movie will be a commercial hit for sure, but to be honest, it is nothing like what we all are expecting it to be.

Casting is near perfect. Arjun Rampal and Randeep Hooda have managed to cleverly cut their sliver off the movie carved only for Kareena. Kudos to them. Rest of the supporting cast of Ranvir Shorey, Shahana Goswami, Lilitte Dubey and Helen which were kept under wraps, shine through in their little but important roles in the movie. Lucky mascots Atul Kulkarni and Manoj Joshi were missing from Bhandarkar's most awaited and expensive venture yet. Rest of the few casts were shuffled from his last few movies. Yawn. Technically the film is a treat to watch, with good music, cinematography and crisp editing. Although I personally wanted the movie to extend just 10 more minutes to tie up the loose ends and give some insight but it didn't. Disappointed again.

A special mention to Kareena Kapoor who has single handedly managed to pull off the movie with a good story and weak script. She has given her 200% in the movie proving yet again why she is the highest paid actress and a brand herself. Playing the role of Bipolar disorder affected, alcoholic actress Mahi Arora, who has failed in her relationships as well as her career is a real tough nut to crack. She is the only reason why you will sit through the entire film since her presence just doesn't let you budge from your seats. He styling is very chic and international. She looks every inch the vulnerable, troubled soul unaware of her own beauty and charm. There are moments where you hate her, there are moments where you love her. And there are just moments. Some moments which pierces right inside you. Watch her out in the scene where she haplessly says yes to social appearances like weddings just because she has nothing else to do. Watch this movie only for Kareena.

All hardcore Madhur Bhandarkar fans are going to term this movie as a thorough disappointment. It's hard to believe that is the same director has made cult films like Satta, Chandni Bar, Page 3, Corporate, Traffic Signal and Fashion. And now Heroine, a film that fails to evoke any emotion or even reaction from the audience. The film literally sinks to rock bottom if it wasn't for Kareena's memorable portrayal of the complicated grey character of Mahi Arora. If you have not seen Madhur Bhandarkar's earlier movies, this movie might be a little new for. But his fans are not really going to like it. Watch this film only for Kareena's efforts and her sheer ethereal presence in the movie.

2.5/5:- 2 for Kareena and 1/2 for a handful moments of depth. 

Barfi!-Happy tears :') tch tch :')

Barfi! is another masterpiece created by Anurag Basu. After his last film Kites failed to impress me enough, Barfi! is simply a treat to watch. Barfi! is a light hearted movie which is entertaining and endearing to the core.  It paints the lives of specially abled individuals with the hues of their hidden emotions bringing out a painting which simple leaves you in awe of the painter with few happy tears trickling down your cheeks.

The technical aspects of the movie score a perfect 10. Shot in the exotic locations of Darjeeling, the film has a very refreshing feel to it. The cinematography by Ravi Varman has captured the essence of Darjeeling and blended it into the film beautifully. The film in spite of having an otherwise artistic essence, it doesn’t really get monotonous thanks to the wonderful direction and cinematography. The music is again very subtle and not blaring on your face for no apparent reason, so is the background score. A cute track Picture Chaalu plays in the beginning of the movie. Rest of the songs are melodious and the song Phir le aaya dil is going to linger in your mind for a long time. The costumes are again very subtle and apt for the characters as well as the locales. Few portions of the film were shot in Kolkata, set in the rains and puchkas, they’ve played a pivotal role in the film. The editing somehow could have been a little better. That is the only complaint I have. About 15 minutes shorter, the film could’ve achieved the not-a-single-dull-moment feat successfully. However, there are no disappointing or ambiguous parts in the narration of the movie done by Ileana D'Cruz. Anurag Basu has finally moved away from his dark direction genre to a light hearted and funny one. It’s not fair to term it as a Romcom but yeah on a broader scale it definitely has its share of romantic and funny moments. The humour is again very clean and comes solely from the endearing antics of Ranbir Kapoor. Surprisingly, the story has a pinch of every genre in it, romance, comedy, suspense and also a bit of juvenile funny action.

The actors are truly the soul of the movie. Ranbir Kapoor has always pleasantly surprised his audience with his mature performances in movies like Wake Up Sid, Rocket Singh and of course my favorite film Rockstar. This film is no exception. In fact you can say that he has raised the bar for himself and also for other newbies around him. Watch out, the Kapoor kid is here to stay. He plays Barfi, a deaf and mute guy staying in Darjeeling. He is full of life and pranks. He has so much of positive energy around him which immediately lights up everyone’s lives. Everyone associated with Barfi loves him. Even the fat and mean cop Saurabh Shukla who is always out to nab Barfi due to his innocent robberies, has a tiny soft corner for him. Barfi falls in love with Ileana D’cruz (Shruti), who moves to Darjeeling with her family. Shruti is sensible and a simple girl who has been under constant influence of her family’s decisions more than hers. Ileana plays the perfect coy and sensitive Bengali girl. She has her moments of realizations leading her to show of strength. She fits perfectly in the role essayed for her. Short lived romance with Shruti and a heartbreak leads to Barfi getting depressed and landing up in undesirable circumstances where he reconciles with his childhood friend Priyanka Chopra (Jhilmil). Jhilmil is an autistic girl from a rich affluent family where Barfi’s father works as a driver. How the friendship turns to love with Barfi caught in the middle of emotional crises is when the story beautifully unfolds. Priyanka here has swept me off my feet. No actress in this time and age would have the guts to pull off a role like this, at least not her contemporaries. At her endearing best, she deserves a special recognition for this. Watch out how she manages to outshine Ranbir towards the end of the movie. You don’t really cry or feel sorry for this autistic girl in love with a deaf and mute guy, but you can’t escape the sheer innocence of their love at the same time. The magical aspect of this movie is that just when you are about to cry feeling appalled for the innocent Barfi and Jhilmil, they manage to light up a smile on your face in one way or the other. Minimal and brilliant dialogues yet again prove that Silence is Golden. The rest of the story will be under wraps because I want you and watch it. Like NAAOOWW J

All in all, Barfi! is an extremely heart warming film you must go and watch.

Rating:-4/5