Book Review - Pathway to my Being

 This book is written in a memoir format, and is indeed a collection of snippets from the life of my friend and classmate Sankaran. It touches on his early life in school, REC Trichy, then his years in industry before he got into IIM Bangalore (where we met), and beyond. Also about his marriage and the life after.

Many interesting tidbits are strewn across chapters, and make for interesting reading. For example, Victoria's Secret had a plant near Chennai and Sankaran was working for them. It's not a secret anymore, though..

His experience in sales and advice on how to sell using different techniques may be useful to those starting out in this line.

His Golfing days and Carrom days are well captured, and inspiring. Most inspiring is the part about his encounter with Parkinson's disease a few years ago, and how he has battled it with help from his wife and daughter. 

Very readable.

Play Review- 38 Krushna Villa

 This is a very good Marathi play with two good actors, one of whom is also the writer. Shweta Pendse. Girish Oak is the other.

It starts with a premise that he is the accused in a fairly serious intellectual theft, and tries to wriggle out of the accusation by all possible means.. including laughing off the allegation.

The play suddenly takes an unexpected twist around the halfway point, and ends up being a completely different, engaging story. Can't let out spoilers, but it's well worth a watch, particularly if you are in the creative business like poetry, books, paintings, music. You might appreciate it just a bit more.

Well-directed, just about 2 hours in two acts.

The Greatest Show on Earth- Review of the Play

 A brilliant satire on many subjects- advertising, TV channels, politics, and a lot more.. Vikram Kapadia and team excels at the concept, and execution.

Saw it yesterday in Pune. Enjoyed every moment. Good choreography, acting by all the actors, and sets, sound and lighting. A must-watch, if you get a chance.

Sangeet Manapmaan - Film Review

 A classic being remade into a film. A new trend in Marathi films. Commendable attempt, good to view on the big screen. Though it reminded me of Bahubali, with a fighter leading lady - without over-the-top special effects. 

Subodh Bhave does a good job as the outsider who wins the heart of the Army commander and later, his daughter. Vaidehi Parshurami, as the daughter Bhamini, is equally good. (Balgandharva played her, in the original play, 100 years ago). Sumeet Raghavan as the kaba mein haddi, is competent. Others too.

Music is very good, and a strong point- though it stretches the length of the film. Worth watching is my view.

Jilabi- Marathi film review

Swapnil Joshi and the rest of the cast - Prasad Oak, Parna Pethe .. nails it, in this suspense film, with a super cop and a villain who is tough to figure out. Enjoyed every moment. Has a taut screenplay, with action as its watchword. 

A cop is tasked with solving a murder in a business family, and what he unravels is much more than he bargained for.

Rarely do Indian films do well in this genre. Also, no frills such as songs, so the story is king. A good decision, like in Ittefaq, many years ago.

The twists in the story keep you hooked. A good thing in themes of this type, with intrigue. Jilabi (jalebi) is an apt name too.

Nothing Like Lear- Review of the Play

 Rajat Kapoor has directed Vinay Pathak in this solo act, which was staged at Pune recently. I caught it, and was pleasantly surprised to see the Director greeting us at the exit. Shook hands, and told him it was very good. You may recognise the names as actors from Bheja Fry, a few years ago.

This was delightful, and covered a lot of ground. Interactive, with a few jokes directed at the interactive audience as well. Pathos, comedy, tragedy, and great solo acting, in a clown's costume. Reminded me of Mera Naam Joker. 

Holding people for more than 90 minutes itself is huge, in my view. I have seen Naseeruddin Shah and Arundhati Nag do it, so it's not impossible, but it's tough.

The accent he used is typical Bambaiya, with a touch of the Bandra crowd, which the Mumbai crowd will identify with. But a must-watch for theatre lovers.

Kalki - Film Review

 A Big B- I mean, a big bore.

What a waste of talent. A bad script can spoil anything, and this film is a living example. Prabhas, who was so good in Bahubali, looks forced into amateurish gimmicks that don't work. You are left wondering what's happening, why and when it will end. That hope is dashed, because it goes on for 3 hours, almost a night without end.

Why would anyone want to live in The Complex? It's inexplicable, and outright laughable. The Supreme - whatever that means- what is he trying to achieve? You don't empathise with any character, perhaps with the couple who lay down their lives trying to protect Deepika. At least the woman does. They are the only ones who show some normal human qualities. The others are too jaded, or artificial, or both. Going through the motions, mostly, and for too long. The sets are colourless, and depressing too. If the future is so bad, I would be happy not to be a part of it.

Outright silly most of the time, the film appears like a video game some kid is playing on a big screen instead of his console/mobile.

Give it a miss if you don't want a massive headache. Well, carry a couple of aspirins if you decide to ignore my advice!

Film Review- Hindustani 2

 I saw a movie in a theatre after a while. It was not bad, but I was left with a feeling it could have been better.

It's about a vigilante who plays cat and mouse with the CBI, and outwits the son of an officer who had earlier failed to catch him. There is obviously a lot of action -some of it unbelievable- and chases across Indian states/towns.

The gripping part of the story is actually what the protagonists (a group of youngsters) discover within their own families- a story of corruption of some kind, at the urging of the main character-the vigilante.

Somewhat predictable in the storyline after the first couple of instances, it may have helped if fewer instances had been covered in some detail rather than so many. Also, the length of the movie could have been shorter by at least 15 minutes, as I always say about a lot of Indian films.

The first in the series was better, in my view. This is not bad, if you like Kamal Haasan. I actually prefer Rajnikanth in roles where there's a lot of action. He is somehow, more believable as an avenger!

Oppenheimer - A Review of the Film

 Nice film. The pluses-

Serious plot about an important invention. 

Good acting, except the guy who played Einstein. Didn't like him, or his hairstyle.

Scenes which were underplayed. The Bomb blast, and a few others.

The persecution of communist suspects! Realistically depicted.

Some great names like Niels Bohr, and a few other greats are seen personified- knew them only from text books before this.

The Minuses-

The length seemed like eternity. Easily reducible by at least 20 minutes without losing anything.

Overdramatic scenes with lots of background music. Felt like a pub for youngsters.. my favourite ones are quiet!

The scientific community is beholden to politicians, is the message I got. Even in the US. Or Germany, or Russia.

Review of Jan-April 2023

 This is a four-monthly review of 2023- the first four months. There was action, reunions, plans made and some fructified. 

Prestige University -my new workplace- saw construction gathering pace, towards start of a new batch of MBA and Integrated Programs. Our new registrar joined, and another couple of team members too, in the non-teaching side. We also had an outing to Jalgaon, where we strategised for the Prestige group-includes the older institutions, and industry - soya bean related. The resort at Jain Agro was a great place, with a Gandhi exhibit, and lots of Mango plantations.

Went to IIM Kozhikode  as a Chief Guest of the Calicut Management Association annual convention. It was a great trip, and I got to meet many new people from different fields. And visit the beautiful campus too, where I taught earlier from 2003-2005.

Also was invited for a keynote speech at NIFT Gandhinagar, and met a few of their students doing Masters too. Made friends with a couple (Mehak, Dhanali, Sneha), who are as bright as any I have encountered anywhere else. Met Manjari Mundanad, my old friend and Ph.D. student at Nirma, now a prof. at Adani. Know her from IMT Nagpur days.

More recently, made a trip to Bangalore for Good Friday, and met Shatakshi, Savitha and Muthu. Had some Burmese food thanks to Savitha, for the first time.. it was awesome. Also met Meghana Khadilkar in Pune for the first ever time.. yet to meet her daughters and hubby. Soon, maybe.

Shafique Gajdhar (ex-IMT N) visited and met up. Also met a few Ph.D. students from IIM Indore, now friends of mine, a couple of times. None of the new ones were from Marketing area, funnily! Also saw a play starring a couple of them in February- called Knives Out! 

Book Review- Police In Blunderland

 This is a brand new book from a retired cop. And he spins quite a tale- actually, there's a sting in every tale. The book comes from his varied experiences of policing, and a few home truths about life in the bylanes of India. Literally, because that's where cops spend much of their life, unless they are in an A.C. office - that's usually a luxury, at least in the first few years of service. This cop is also an MBA from IIMB, and is doing a Ph.D. in Management from IIT Delhi. So, unusual credentials and perspectives in many ways.

Obviously, I can't disclose the plots, since there is intrigue, drama, suspense, reality and lots more. You would have to devour it yourself to be able to enjoy the multidimensional look at the life of a policeman, warts, blunders and all, from the inside! Suffice it to say that it covers a wide range of subjects, from Durga Puja crowd-management in Kolkata to the Purulia Arms drop case, and lots more!

Definitely readable, even if you have read a few of the chapters in the form of blogs. It's rare that you get glimpses up and close into how tough being a tough policeman is! 

Kantara - Film Review

 An awesome movie, and a must-see, if you haven't watched it. Saw it (with Hindi dubbing), in Indore.

It is rare for a Hindi film-goer to come across such a film. So rooted in local culture and mythology. Yes, this is also larger than life in parts, where the supernatural element enters the plot. But utterly believable traditions of rural life in India.

The plot never slackens, and the mother's character is really delightful-what a contrast from the Nirupa Roy-style mom of Hindi movies! The hero, his cronies and the villain are well-played. The forest officer character is also portrayed really well. Since I don't know the actors, can't name them.

It's a brilliant screenplay, edited to perfection. No major songs except in the background. The Wow sound that emanates from the Daivi -possessed form, is a great value-add, and makes that character/form memorable, apart from the make-up.

Difficult to describe, but it's an experience you don't want to miss. Rishabh Shetty, hats off!

Gangubai Kathiawadi- Film Review

 I was not impressed. The narration drags, in spite of a potentially interesting tale. Some good editing may have been able to spruce it up, maybe.

The story itself has a great conceptual base. That of prostitutes being treated as outcastes, in spite of them satisfying a demand created by the rest of society. If there is no demand, a product does not sell. That part of the logic is flawless. Also, it's not called the oldest profession for nothing. Maybe those who cannot get a partner for some reason can visit a prostitute to satisfy their urge. 

The sequences towards the end when a sympathetic journalist visits and tries to bring the issue into limelight are quite interesting, and lift the movie up from being a complete drag. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's obsession with using a single set for most of the film also is a reason for the repetitive visual feel. 

All in all, a 2.5 on 5. View it if you are a fan of Alia Bhat.

Before The Coffee Gets Cold- Book Review

 A very interesting book of four short stories involving time travel. The author is Japanese. There are some tough rules that the time travellers must know and follow, while travelling back or forward. Does it still make sense to go for it, is the central theme.

Very emotional, it covers a wide range, from a Mother who is likely to lose her life while giving birth and wants to know what happened, to a story of two lovers, who may or may not re-unite after a break of three years away from one another.

Two other stories are equally interesting, about relationships-a husnabd who's getting Alzheimer's, and a girl who is estranged from her sister. Touching, and handled in a very empathetic manner towards all the characters. It's a surprising mix of high technology and basic humanity. A good blend.

Reminded me of a Marathi play about time travel- Amar Photo Studio- that I saw a couple of years ago at Pune. That was good too.

Review of 83- The Film

 Kapil's Devils, as the team came to be known, was not given even an outside chance of reaching anywhere in the Prudential Cup of Cricket. The world cup was considered a West Indian monopoly. Their fearsome pace attack subjugated all other teams then, and made the batsmen's job easy, though they had good batsmen in Richards, Lloyd, Greenidge, Dujon, etc. 

Mostly, it was self-belief after the first two games were won, exemplary leadership by Kapil, and great teamwork with all the members chipping in when it mattered, that got India this cup. It was so unexpected that an English journalist had to literally eat his words!

The film is superb, and recaptures the legendary march to victory over the West Indies, England and Zimbabwe - probably the most important to enable India to get to the semi-final. Ranveer and Pankaj Tripathi are the pick of the cast, but others are very good, and most looked like their counterparts. A good touch to get Mohinder to play Lala Amarnath, his father. Endearing moments with almost all the players captured so well. Man Singh's Hyderabadi was a great top-up to a great movie. Just watch it!

Film Review- Thappad

It's a resounding slap to the patriarchy, and shows that men are not the only ones who propagate it. It's also the women who train their sons to perpetuate it, and their daughters to accept it and move on.

Very hard-hitting, but very understated. It's unusual to see a Hindi film without over-the-top acting, unnecessary frills or masala elements, and yet remain gripping in every scene. The discussion of the issue on hand is a moment of realisation that the heroine has, and her only supporters (apart from the lawyer who is supposed to as part of her job) seem to be her father, and her neighbour (Dia Mirza after long).

In the face of almost everyone trying to ask her to compromise, she does not. And in the process, inspires other women (including her lawyer) to introspect about patriarchy in their own lives, and do something about it. Taapsee Pannu rocks. I liked one particular dialogue of hers, when she says that as a young student, she had dreamt of only two things in life- respect and happiness, and even today, desires the same two things. The supporting cast is excellent, to the last man/woman/girl.

Inspiring, a must-watch, and even if it succeeds in changing a few lives because of watching it, completely worthwhile.

Love Aaj Kal -2 Long

The movie has lessons- for the film maker and the lead characters.

1. If you make a long movie (defined as anything over 2 hours today), please watch Sholay before you make it. Learn the tricks. Even Amar Akbar Anthony will do, but Sholay is better.

2. If all that the hero and heroine are going to do is vacillate, show them playing "Will she, will she not?" or its equivalent, "Will he, will he not?" More entertaining, any day.

3. Make sure the lead characters enrol for an MBA and learn decision-making skills. If not an MBA, at least a short term training program- an MDP.

4. There is a reason why Randeep Hooda does not get meaty roles. Respect that.

5. Don't copy tunes from Nagin starring Vyjayanthimala. (This is for Preetam)

Verdict? Go watch Life in a Metro. It also had music by Preetam. Much better music, and a better story too.

Jawani Janeman- Film Review

This is an average film that mostly relies on cliches in a new setting (London), with one major twist in the tale that comes pretty early. There are a few scenes which seem quite unnecessary or repetitive, but Alaya Furniturewala, the charming debutant actress who springs the surprise, carries the film on her shoulders. Without her, it might have been a tough watch.

There is some situational comedy, but most of it looks contrived. It is not helped by Saif 's act, which also looks forced most of the time. The doctor played by Kiku Sharda was funny.

On the whole, it's watchable, but no great shakes. Tabu comes pretty late in the film, so if you are expecting to see her for any length of time, you will be disappointed. A pity!

I liked Saif's film Chef better than this one.

Darbar- A Review of the Rajnikant Film

Rajni does it again. This man is amazing on screen, no matter what the story of the film is- It could be sci-fi, as in Robot, or a simple cop and robber story, he dominates everything in sight with sheer presence!

And so it is with his latest, Darbar. The story is almost incidental to showcasing the man. It's not a bad story, but the editing and fast-paced movement keeps you engaged for most part. The daughter and his sidekick are the only others who have a substantial role, not even his love interest. The songs and lyrics are a weak point, but luckily don't take away too much from the main plot. Dialogues are good.

Sunil Shetty does not have a lot to do, and does it competently. Watch it if you are a Rajni fan. If not, it's up to you.As a student of film acting, just to learn what an actor can achieve, it's a lesson. He makes it look so easy..it's not, at his age, I am quite sure.

Mardaani 2- a Review

Not many films are made involving serious crime detection. This one is an exception, and also because it has a female protagonist at the helm of affairs. What starts out as a rape case turns out to have many twists, including a 'supari' (hired) assassin, who is inured to crime, and thinks nothing of either killing, or raping, and is extremely creative, and daring.

His identity is revealed at the beginning, so it's the cat and mouse game between him and the female cop that sustains interest. Alfred Hitchcock used this approach successfully in his films- focus on the how he got caught rather than on Who did it.

It works, because the film is gripping. I had only one small problem. The protagonist relied too much on her hunches, and did not give enough thought to where the killer could be found when some signs pointed towards her immediate surroundings. No mention of any fingerprints, surprisingly, when they may have helped solve the crime much earlier.

The acting is good, on both sides. The direction by Gopi Puthran, even better.