Dhadak (2018) / Sairat (2016)

So, this review comes after I spent a Friday evening watching a much publicized and awaited film. 'Dhadak' is based on the Marathi film 'Sairat' (2016) that I was fortunate to have watched because of and with a dear friend of mine. As the story goes - it's a tale of ill fated love, of a boy from a humble background who falls for a girl from a wealthy and politically inclined family. The movie was impressive and beautifully done. The star caste, the story, the music, the cinematography were brilliant. A 5 in my books and a movie that is to be taken in on a big screen. I've watched the film twice and I've not been able to shake off the goose bumps that always run up and down my spine everytime my mind wanders towards it.

And now for 'Dhadak' ..  How many times has a movie with this storyline been done over and over (in different languages and across different time periods)? So you're definitely looking for something different, right? Then what's happening here! Oh My God, I wanted to scream. How could this have come out all wrong! An absolute disaster from the get-go. Could this be due to the much advertised fact that it's based on a brilliantly made film? 'Dhadak' was the launch pad for Jahnavi Kapoor but she just disappeared in this film. Her acting was expressionless, she came across as quite stiff to be honest, with no possibility of us, as an audience, to get with the  character that she plays. So you're left with this feeling of detachment towards Parthavi (her onscreen character). Is Jahnavi just a pretty face? Mmmm …. Ishaan Khattar was amazing on the other hand, bringing to the film light and life with his lovestruck an kohl lined eyes, his dancing and his boundless energy. The entire movie felt so limp and there wasn't that feeling of urgency, of the dread that hounds you every step of the way as it does in 'Sairat'.
Now I didn't hold much hope for the movie and my instincts weren't unfounded. So I'm glad I didn't spend the money going to the movies and coming home absolutely upset and vowing to myself that never again was I going to watch a film without reading the reviews first.
I've never been this critical of any movie on my blog, but this is one I had to write about. An absolute assault on the senses. Sorry! 

Maudie (2016)

As Maudie (Sally Hawkins) shuffles down the aisle of the little grocery shop and reaches out for the posted advertisement, she is determined to score not realizing how her life is about to change. Cursed with arthritis this little woman, all hunched over and with fingers that refuse to cooperate has not dimmed in her sunny disposition and her sense of humor. Having always lived with her family and suffocating under their constant concern, the advertised need for a housemaid is her very ticket to freedom. However her employer Everett (Ethan Hawke), a fish peddler by profession isn't easy to work for or live with bringing on new challenges. But it's only here that Maudie's able to dedicate herself to her one true passion, painting. With time this woman from Marshalltown, Iowa rises to fame with her paintings bringing her untold success; The fact that president Nixon himself is an ardent fan is proof enough. Maudie finds love and she finally sees her hovering family for what they really are. Once she unlocks the secret that has held her prisoner for most of her life she is able to come to terms with a loss that she's had to always live with.
Maudie's life is a testament of courage, love, forgiveness and of ultimately finding happiness.
This movie came to me as a breath of fresh air and deserves a 5 in my books and a resounding applause.
I loved the soundtrack that absolutely pulled at the heartstrings.

Anupama (1966)

When Mohan Sharma (Tarun Bose) and Aruna (Surekha Pandit) tie the knot, they instantly knew they had found their soulmates. It was a love so strong that blossomed into a deep and mutual respect, filling their lives with happiness. It couldn't get any better than when Mohan receives the news that they were to have a baby. Life seemed to be coming full circle. But given here and as the saying goes 'it seems too good to be true' - Aruna dies in childbirth, leaving behind a beautiful daughter, Uma and an embittered Mohan. And life was never the same. He is unable to bring himself to love, let alone look at his child, holding her responsible for taking away what he cherished most in life, his wife.

Uma (Sharmila Tagore) is brought up by her nanny and grows up to be a beauty. But with everything she has materialistically, she lacks emotionally. Time passed has not helped heal the wound and Uma has not been able to win over her father. She is introverted and shy and is constantly walking on eggshells around him. Things begin to look up for Uma after a chance encounter with Ashok (Dharmendra), a writer and poet. She finds her voice and an ear in someone who actually loves her for who she is.

But will she be able to find the courage to follow her heart? 

A few things I like about this movie is firstly, that it's black and white. The storyline isn't too elaborate but is still riveting and meaningful, delivering performances that are top notch. The music and songs are mesmerizing and once again its hats off to the director - Hrishikesh Mukherjee!

After all these years of its release, this film can still hold its own.

Parama (1984)

Parama is beautiful; draped in a white and red saree, this light-eyed beauty with gorgeous tresses dripping down to her waist, her feet laced with the Amber tones of alta is a sight to behold .. But she's thrown in a tizzy as Rahul hits the nail on the head aptly describing her as a little doll all dressed up, living in a beautifully decorated house, totally oblivious of the world on the outside. But hang on a second and lets back up ...

Parama (Rakee Gulzar) means the world to all those residing at the beautiful house on a tree-lined street in Calcutta. Married at an early age, the demure Parama is a devoted wife, mother, aunt, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law. But in playing these numerous roles Parama has lost a bit of herself and she isn't sure if she can exist out of this little circle, one that is now her emotional security blanket. Things change dramatically after her encounter with Rahul (Mukul Sharma) an expat photographer. He expresses a wish to photograph this pretty Bengali woman for a feature he is working on about 'The Indian Housewife'. In his presence Parama recites poetry she once enjoyed, talks of the plants she adored in her childhood, remembers the strains of the sitar she once loved to play - all of it now forgotten and pushed to the far recesses of her mind. However, while the naïve Parama treads dangerous waters into unchartered territory, enjoying stolen moments (albeit liberating ones), she doesn't realize the heavy price she'd have to pay.

Watch the deep and moving tale of a woman who is on the path of self-discovery. This is a story of courage and hope with Rakhee stealing the show. I've fallen so in love with this film that I couldn't help myself from watching it a few times already. 

On Lifes Journey ....

Happy New Year to all you dear readers. I started this year with a lot of trepidation, but delightfully thrown in was a bit of excitement. So, what is it you ask? A move, to a new city! 

Being an avid traveler and food lover, (I'll skip the term "foodie", it's so clichéd), this comes with a lot of expectancy in exploring the unknown. I've always possessed the need to understand what is beyond the realm of my immediate purview and then use it to grow and overcome what I see as self-imposed boundaries. So a new language, culture, food habits definitely falls under that category.

Another year has gone by and I have a question, do you make resolutions? I for one, don't, and I never have. But there were a few things that came to mind as the clock struck 12 and the new year awaited with open arms... 

My contemplations on a bygone year had given me a lot to think about. I am eternally  grateful for what's passed and expectant for what was to come. I had decided to live in the moment, savoring each precious second as it is more than what someone else could have wished for. It would be great to do something that would bring a smile to my face - like read a book, watch a movie, pot a plant, or even visit someone and if that's not possible then pick up the phone and call. 

So with my bags strapped and ready and with spring now heralding the new, I wish you all the very best! 

The Skeleton Twins (2014)

The 'Skeleton Twins' is a story about twins, Milo (Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristen Wigg). While Milo lives in LA, where he hoped to make it in the movies, Maggie stayed close to home. Living in Nyack, New York, Maggie has been married to Lance for about two years and they are trying to start a family. Having lost touch with each other the Fates finally intervene to bring the estranged siblings together. A suicidal Maggie is just about to pop a fistful of pills, when a phone call interrupts her. The call is from a hospital in LA informing her about Milo's suicide attempt. After a brief visit Maggie is able to convince Milo to head back to NY and live with her till he's stable.
After 10 long years the twins finally catch up with each other's lives .. a gay Milo admits to having failed to make it in the movies and is still single. Maggie admits to using birth control to avoid having a baby with Lance, while she sleeps around with the instructors for the numerous courses she is signed up for. What a mess!
But blood runs thicker than water and after putting aside their differences , the 'Skeleton Twins' are now stronger than ever.
The name conjured up images of a thriller of some sort. Surprise, surprise it turned out to be a great family movie. Now that's my kind of movie.

Paper Town (2015)

'Paper Town' got me thinking! So here I am, sharing my thoughts with you.
If I were not living where I do, having sessions with a shrink would be the norm. But where I come from, visits to one would be frowned upon. You would definitely be asked, 'something wrong with your head?' 😳 However, after a self-analysis I've come to a conclusion. The fact that I seem to love movies on journeys definitely says something. Am I searching for? or fleeing from? ... Mmm ... The truth! I feel I'm seeking answers to questions that are buried deep in my subconscious mind; all in an attempt to find my true and a better self. Wow! That's quite a mouthful, I tell ya! So let's see then - I've written about "About Schmidt", "The Darjeeling Limited", "Chef", "Up", "Eat Pray Love", "Little Miss Sunshine", "Jab We Met" ....
I know one thing - and it's way simpler, "I'm an explorer and totally dig finding new places". And that is so true! 😀

Anyway, over to the movie. Quentin has always been in love with his neighbor, Margo ever since the family moved in next door to his. While Quentin forsees his future as an oncologist, Margo isn't as sure of herself. She is an absolute mystery! Margo disappears on a whim leaving clues in her wake and appears when it suits her. But with graduation round the corner, one would think that Margo would think twice. So when she does the disappearing act, her parents aren't too bothered and know that she will make her way home when she's ready. However, Quentin is not as sure and he is soon seeking the clues that Margo has left behind. Quentin's search takes him to Algoe, Upstate New York. Algoe, is a small abandoned town with a population of only 1. What is Margo hoping to accomplish this time around?
The movie is Okay, at best! The term 'Paper Town' is intriguing and is what got me to the couch. And watch I did ... That's when I asked myself the questions I did! With 'a pinch of salt' this movie is digestible!