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! 

About Schmidt (2002)

All through school and into our growing years, we are geared towards securing a sound future. As per the cycle of life school is followed by college, a job, marriage, kids ... But it doesn't end there now, does it? Then it's on to their education and when they fly the coop, you hope to take a breather. But the excitement is back. It's now their turn for marriage, grand kids ... Hopefully you've been there and done it all and you wisely chose your path. Because time is fragile and it skips by real quick. Before you know it, retirement will be upon you and time will slow down, enough for you to question your choices in life. Fingers crossed, you are happy with the ones you've made.
This is the story of Warren Schmidt's (Jack Nicholson) life. Warren showed great promise right from school and it followed him all through to college. He hoped to start a business of his own but with marriage and fatherhood came responsibility. So he chose to play it safe and worked as an Actuary for Woodmen of the World instead, a life insurance company. But like anyone else, Warren is now retired and boy, is it hard! He is getting himself aquainted with day-time television and through a commercial seeking sponsors for under-privileged children, Warren senses a new purpose. He finds himself a foster-father to Ndugu, a 6 year-old Tanzanian. However, Warren's life takes another twist when his wife passes on. After a period of moaning, Warren is on a mission. He embarks on a road trip from Nebraska to Colorado to visit his only daughter, Jeannie (Hope Davis) and hopefully convince her not to marry the water-bed salesman she is engaged to.
Take a journey with Warren in his RV as he sets out to find his purpose in life. Hilarious but deeply moving, this is Jack Nicholson at his best, I would say. 

Baby Driver (2017)

If scars could only speak and share their story of how they came to be, then Baby's would have a few to say. Young and innocent-looking, Miles (Ansel Elgort) a.k.a 'Baby', could pass off for just another college going, earphone donning student. But don't let looks fool you! Baby, though a man of few words, is a Maverick behind the wheel! He makes a living as a driver, but not just any driver mind you. He is the one to call if you want to make a clean and quick get-away. Baby isn't too happy doing what he does but for the debt that he can't wait to repay. And soon he has additional motivation to walk away when he finds love with Debora (Lily James), someone who shares his dream of taking off on the highway, with nothing but music for company. However, when you mix in tough circles the situation turns sticky and is a little like chewing gum, becoming hard to shake off.
The great musical with excellent soundtrack and some crazy driving sequences is the perfect cocktail in this action thriller. So if you are an adrenaline junkie, this movie is just for you.

Oh yeah! Move over Transporter, Baby Driver is in town. 

Something to listen to ...

Gharonda ~ "The Nest" (1977)

This story unfolds in Bombay, the land that draws people to it like a magnet. And our protagonists are this couple, Sudip (Amol Palekar ) and Chhaya (Zareena Wahab). Both come from middle-class families and make their acquaintance at the private firm where they work. After a brief courtship, Sudip and Chhaya hope to get married. However with Sudip living in a lodge with friends and Chhaya in a little tenement with two brothers and one of whom is married, the possibility seems distant. Her younger brother hopes to pursue his education in America someday, a wish that Chhaya aims to fulfil. Despite their responsibilities, their plans to settle down soon makes getting a home of their own a priority. Their dream seems a reality when Sudip hears of a friend who has booked an affordable flat which is still work-in-progress. In all hopes and throwing caution to the wind, the couple go to great lengths and gather the asking amount for a down payment. With stars in their eyes, they eagerly await the completion of their home. Unfortunately, Sudip gets the news that the owner has made off with the money, in the process crushing the hopes of many. With mounting frustration and during an argument Sudeep recommends Chhaya marries the aged but rich Mr. Modi, the owner of the firm they work in. Mr. Modi, a widower, has a sweet spot for Chhaya and she decides to take Sudip's advice and move on with her life. Can Bombay stand by it's reputation of being a place that fulfills dreams? Or could it be the opposite here!
A beautiful story of life as a middle-class citizen and it's struggles. The film is so rustic and real; and the songs ... great 👌! 

Butterflies are free (1972)

Gorgeous, vivacious and free-spirited Jill Tanner (Goldie Hawn) has just moved to San Francisco hoping to make it as an actress in the theatre. She is pleasantly surprised to see she has a good looking neighbor at her new apartment. So Jill invites herself over for coffee and makes her aquatintance. As Don Baker's (Edward Albert) story goes, he is a song writer and guitarist in search of prospects and is new to the city like Jill. He has lived a privileged and protected life thus far being the only son of authoress Florence Baker and hopes to make a place for himself in the world. He has one condition for his overly protective mother that she is not to pay her son a visit for a couple of months. Doesn't that seen odd? Well it is, but not once you are privy to the fact that Don is blind. This is an eye-opener for Jill who had never before encountered a blind person. She is charmed with how happy, independent and smart Don comes across despite all odds.
All is well till Florence drops in for a surprise visit to find both Don and Jill in their underwear. Soon Jill takes immense pleasure in shocking the condescending Florence and spills scandalous facts about herself, like for one how she was married and divorced after only 6 days at 19. Horrified and even more determined to lookout for her son's best interests, Florence is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Don would be safer back home with her. Will he ever be free to spread his wings like the butterflies he sings about? Let's hope so.
Goldie Hawn has delivered a witty performance. This fun movie is engaging and screams brilliant. A cast of three has brilliantly carried this film, leaving you delighted without a single bored moment. A new favorite.

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow 🌈 you gotta put up with the rain ⛈ ~ Dolly Parton

India is known for its monsoons and the pre-monsoons are a sight to behold. For most it could be intimidating, but if you take a step back and grab some seats, I can guarantee you the show is epic. It's one you wouldn't want to miss and this is Nature at it's very best. You'll just have to take my word for it.

So the summer has been surprisingly bearable, the temperature always hovering in the high 30 degree celcius (and that is bearable by Indian standards). I've been observing the varying angles of the sun's rays and you know earth is most assuredly spinning. Here we, the minions, are praying for a respite from the heat (Justin Beiber, who was performing in India last week, found it all too much and wrapped up ahead of schedule). As the time draws close for the seasons to change from the hot to the wet, nature must pass the baton. 

It's late in the evening and the clouds begin to roll in. At first it's a little inconspicuous, till you notice the strange orange hue to the sky. Then comes the strong winds, more like a dust storm that bathes everyone and everything in it's path. The trees are bent over and swaying, as though paying homage. All the while it's getting darker and I might add it' s a tad bit scary. As the sun sets, the sky is soon raven black, with no sign of the moon and not even a tiny bit of sparkle from the stars. But the darkness is soon broken by lightning streaking it's way across the dark canvas bringing along with it the rumble and tumble of thunder. The omnious growl which is distant at first is soon crashing and shaking the Earth in a ear splitting and teeth chattering symphony. The lighting is as bright as day and with the thunder together, it's mesmerizing. I would like to imagine, the Gods are in Vegas, rolling their dice and laughing at a private joke. And finally the rain drops fall, humongous drops, washing the earth. This sound and light show lasts for a good couple of hours. Then the lightning drops in it's intensity and the thunder begins to recede as both take a bow holding hands and make their backstage exit.

Just to reiterate, the show is free and worth every bone quaking moment. I'm actually holding my breath and praying, ''Oh God have mercy" and "Boy this is good!" But do I want an encore? 

The Hills and the rain - clicked on one of my holidays

Wild (2004)

For a change I have the video playing in the beginning. It's one of the sweetest songs in the film and I am playing a rendition of the one in the movie.

'Wild' and that is how one would describe Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon). When Cheryl loses her mother to cancer she is shoved down a deep spiral of naked depression. She rebelled and took drugs, had sex with numerous partners and when Cheryl finds out she is pregnant she makes the decision to abort her baby. And in this way a married Cheryl jeopardizes her marriage and she finds herself divorced. Knowing that things have gotten out of hand she must confront her issues to right the wrong. So an emotionally battered Cheryl takes on a massive challenge in a search for redemption, self-discovery​ and healing. She undertakes the project of hiking a daunting 1100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Mojave desert. For a tenderfoot that's a huge learning experience and the journey that took her 94 days was one of self-introspection, inner healing and forgiveness.
The movie is based on the life of Cheryl Strayed and it's a journey that opened up a beautiful life for her. She went on to get married and have children and find the road to happiness and self fulfilment. The hike Cheryl undertook was a means of catharsis for her. This movie is a huge hit with me and when I first watched it I cried buckets. I laud Cheryl who bravely embarked on a journey that would have deterred most. She succeeded in her search for the key that unlocked the shackles that had enslaved her, setting her free to live the life she was meant to live.

"Her Smile was like armor & everyday she went to war ..." - r.h. Sin

And this makes me smile and I hope you do too

Chet Baker Quartet - Polka Dots and Moonbeams

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (2017)

The weekend at the cinemas had a dismal selection of movies to choose from. So hubby decided to book tickets for, drum rolls please, Guardians of the Galaxy - Volume 2. A fair warning to the male population of my readers that you may not like my version of the movie. In fact, I can guarantee you that. So here is the movie as seen from my eyes ...

Let's begin with the good. The 3D and special effects are awesome and the soundtracks beautiful. However, for me, it ends right there .... ✋. That was a short list eh 😕. As you're catapulted through the galaxies, there is an interesting parade of golden colored people, blue men and a green woman, a 'triangle faced monkey' and what not. However, I found baby Groot (a walking, talking, dancing sapling) cute. Let me correct that, Super cute. In a room full of testosterone, I was so lost. Guys somehow get the weird stuff unlike us romance seekers. But in all fairness the movie did have romance, mixed in with humor and topped with a generous dollop of sci-fi. 😂
I couldn't help my yawning which began quietly at first to only get progressively noisy (you would think I was sleep deprived). But I was wide awake munching caramel popcorn after the interval... Was that a ploy on hubby's behalf? Guess I'll never know. Towards the end of the movie, in the midst of all the tear shedding, I was scratching my head trying to figure out if I was meant to shed a tear or two myself.
A pat on my back for pulling on my game face and 'kind' of being on my best behavior, since hubby was so into his film. It was a little too much when after the movie I was asked if I was going to write about it.
Say what again 🙇 ... Really now??!!!🙅
Anyways, that's that on that ... Ta da ... 

Stolen moments

As you must already know, I am not a fan of the proverbial Indian SUMMER!!!

I am never without my trusted and 'ugly' Tweety fan

😭 I decided a haircut was the need of the hour. I promptly arrived at my hairdressers and waited patiently to be called while flipping through a magazine. To many of us, our hairdresser is a confidant and friend, someone who will listen, mostly impassively, as you download .... And as I waited I couldn't help but eavesdrop on a telephone conversation. Oops 😮 ... But in my defense, it was a little loud, on the other side i.e. After the conversation was over I snuck a glance and knew straight away that this time around I had to don the 'listener hat' for a change.
So the problem here was the lack of any personal space. My friend here had to be home on time and account for every minute spent. Oh God how I felt! My empathy stemmed from the fact that I grew up in a matriachal household - I rebelled in my own way and this was creating unhappiness deep within me. I longed for the freedom my friends took for granted, like catching​ a movie at will, going out shopping​ or for a meal, visiting friends.... all of this without being made to feel guilty. It's just emotionally exhausting and overwhelming. And in a marriage, a relationship that defines your future, this is unacceptable. Bottom line - it's the product of a deep-rooted insecurity, of an emotionally handicapped person and to me this person is nothing short of a bully. There is an inhererent need to control and trying to live life through those of others. This in my book, my friends, is unhealthy!!!!

One needs to understand and respect the fact that we all need our personal space and the excuses for this sickness may be varied but it boils down to a personal issue, and again, excuses notwithstanding.
I liken this situation to a bird trapped in a gilded cage, fluttering and just waiting to spread it's wings and soar into the blue skies .. to freedom.

I feel for my poor Tweety bird

I hope this is not the reason for a marriage to bite the dust, a relationship so sacred! I hope not ....

Thank you for listening/reading 🙏

And women will be women ... 👼

It's a hot Sunday morning and the dead of summer. Sunday is one day in the week that I refuse to do anything and I was getting a pedi done. Hubby was off running some errands and he comes back with the Sunday newspaper. The following was our conversation, not verbatim though.

Hubby - I bought the newspaper today and there is something here you would like.

Me - Okay. I will take a look at it later

A little later -

Hubby - Did you see the paper

Me - No.

Hubby - Quit whatever it is your doing and take a look

Me - Oh alright!

After a little silence =

Me - It's nice. I like it.

Hubby - I knew you would

Me - But how many are there

Hubby - How many what?

Me - Diamonds!!! 💎  DUH ...😑

Hubby - What diamonds?

Me - the Forevermark ad, right? 💍

Hubby - (in complete panic) NO! NO! I was talking about the write up! Not the ad.

Me - Oh! 😫 Or like Homer Simpson would say, "Doh"!

I can assure you that in the ensuing silence😣 you could hear the crickets, probably imaginary, but (just FYI) I've given my imagination free rein.

Now a question for my readers - ladies let's be honest here. Tell me what really caught your eye?

Heaven is for real (2014)

And yes that is the name of the movie starring Greg Kinnear.
Easter was great, the blessed season that symbolizes hope - an essential human lifeline.
A year has flown by and I'm missing a loved one. I seek a sign just to know all is well. Anything! I've had them before and they've always calmed my restless spirit. So here I was looking for them again.
And then last Sunday happened to be Divine Mercy Sunday. The sermon talked about doubt and the infamous "Doubting Thomas". And that, my friends, is my middle name. My mind is riddled with doubts that creep in at the most inopportune time to only take residence refusing to leave. And once again my faith, like every other mortal, wavers. I tell myself "Woe me of weak faith", here is a glimpse of my love for Shakespeare. Anyway, imagine my surprise when I watched 'Heaven is for real'. Here were the messages subtly coming my way and it was up to me to read them. Do I believe in Signs? After this, I most definitely do.
Now a little about the movie -

Todd is a man who wears many hats! He is a pastor, voluntary fireman, handyman and coach who lives with his beautiful family in Imperial, Nebraska. A gifted preacher, he has drawn the masses and the parish has only grown. However, Todd's faith is put to the test when his 4 year old son, Colton, has to be rushed to the hospital for an emergency surgery. All prayers are answered and Colton is back home. But something has changed! Colton is talking of singing angels, rainbow colored horses, of seeing Jesus and even sitting on his lap. He talks of seeing his great-grandfather and even his late, unborn sister who he knew nothing about. The whole town is laughing at the family, the kids in school resort to bullying and there is a dip in the footfalls at the parish. It's now up to Todd to wholly believe and be convinced in what Colton has experienced to then be a convincing preacher.
Such an incredibly beautiful movie based on true events.
I feel blessed 😇 and continue to pray and hope that all is well on the other side.

As I journey on ... 🚗

And when the road goes on and on ...

We follow the red bus ...

And I do stop to forage for fresh, juicy cashew fruit

And take in the scenery

While breathing in some fresh mountain air

And after a good 9 hours on the road, cold beer, jackfruit chips and a classic on the telly. Bliss!

On the sands ... 👒

The setting sun as it bids adieu for the day. 

Something we all like to .... Playing in the sand ..😊

As the footprints are washed away by  moving waters, here is a poem that comes to mind ~

So until the next time ...