Gullak: Heartwarming Sunshine Show Is India’s Finest!
Navigating The Life & Times Of Middle Class Mishra Family With Impeccable Wit & Humour! Watch The New Anecdotes Around Decluttering, Bribe, Parenting & Adulting – The Last Episode Is A Deeply Moving One!
Gullak’s Monologues, Quirky Dialogues, Strong Script, Excellent Performances, Impeccable Chemistry Of Cast, Solid Direction Continue To Keep It India’s Finest Show Of Recent Times. Gullak Season 4 Gets Better – Defying The Law Of Diminishing Returns!
Manthan: The Amul Story Of Influencing Change – India’s First Crowd Funded Movie
Manthan is a pathbreaking work showcasing the power of cinema to inspire change – The classic movie has been funded by 500,000 farmers of Gujarat, inspired by the Father of White Revolution Dr Kurien and directed by legendary Shyam Benegal.
An idealist Dr Rao (Girish Karnad) and his colleagues arrive in a typical Gujarat village to setup a milk cooperative society. The virtuous vet makes a statement from the first frame by refusing to board a overloaded horse cart and prefers a long walk. He is the change agent whose presence challenges the status quo and upsets the power equations. The upper caste milk trader has created a systematic well-oiled machinery to socio-economically exploit the poor villagers. The upper caste village headperson (Sarpanch) must ensure his power structure for winning the elections and has personal grudges against the other caste members. The less privileged members of the villages (Dalits) are sceptical of the new society and fear that this will be another upper-caste urban scheme. A volatile and outspoken villager Bhola leads the lower caste brigade. Dr Rao and his team tirelessly work to evangelise the vision and enrol the members to the benefit of the society which will also unleash a social change and overall empowerment in the village.
Dr Rao and his colleagues get entangled in the political and social issues in the village eventually leading to Dr Rao’s unceremonious and quiet exit. Bhola, the outspoken firebrand Dalit villager who starts patronising and supporting Dr Rao after initial mistrust, emerges as the real hero. He understands the intricacies of the hierarchical structures and local power games – he rallies the villagers and inspires them to march towards the promised change. He is voice of the bottom and harbinger of hope. The community finally learns to stand up on its own feet.
The beauty of Manthan is its multiple layers and the arc of all characters. All hues of caste, ethics, privilege and gender are explored and showcased by a dream cast of performers par excellence! Doing good is never an easy job nor is unleashing change! Excellent performances, compelling story, great screenplay, sensitive direction and simple tone make it a true classic. The haunting national award-winning song ‘Mero Gaam Katha Parey’ elevates the movie. It lightens up the screen and stays with you long after. Definitely heartening and happy moments for us as we celebrate its showcase at the 77th Cannes Film Festival
Manthan is a great work of cinema, and the Cannes Classic showcase gave us an opportunity to revisit the movie. But I could not agree with the narrative and certain aspects of the movie.
My biggest grouse against the movie is its total disregard for women – while it aims to create a caste less society and empower less privileged citizens, it ignores and belittles the biggest and most affected constituency of the society. Dr Rao does not stand up and support Bindu – a headstrong village woman who is a victim of her husband’s atrocities and was shattered after the death of her income generating cow. He lets her down when she needs the most help – he fails to help even through humanity and words, forget leveraging and showcasing cooperative’s power to help in distress. Idealism is in action and not words. In fact, the way he took the milk samples from her despite her refusal seemed an overstep and undermining the independence and authority of Bindu. She has feelings for Dr Rao and she ends ups a voiceless useless tool.
The way an idealist like Dr Rao treats his wife may succeed in showing him as a man with flaws but it is not consistent with overall image and persona. Maybe she has a different take on life, Dr Rao’s treatment to her highly objectionable.
Dr Rao punishes his colleague by sending him away for having a relationship with a village girl – but should he not have asked for the colleague’s perspective or the wishes of the village girl? Was he brash or did he see this incident just as an opportunity to establish trust or win the confidence of Dalit men in the village? Or he felt guilty of his feelings for Bindu and this was an abrupt reaction and expression of his inner conflicts?
Should Dr Rao have left without meeting villagers? What happens to Bindu?
Thanks to Dr Margie Parikh for her insightful views and thoughts as we analysed the movie post its digitally restored avatar screening! And I know our dissections will continue….
Manthan is indeed a thought-provoking complex movie!
Worth a watch! And definitely worth a lot of discussions!
MIT’s First International Visually Impaired Student
Indian President Abdul Kalam’s Hero
Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30
What a list of accolades! Srikanth Bolla’s is an inspirational figure with hordes of achievements that even fully abled can only dream of! Srikanth is a visionary who happens to be visually challenged.
I had the great honour of interviewing the legendary Srikanth Bolla in a fireside chat at Apexon. Anand Kabra, our Chief People and Transformation Officer, facilitated the event as part of Celebrating Apexon.
Srikanth shared his journey from a sightless newborn to an award-winning industrialist.Srikanth’s life is indeed extra ordinary – an ecstatic father names his son after legendary cricketer Srikanth but is shattered to see a sightless baby. He is about to be buried alive, but mother begs for his life and saves him. The bullying in school, the rise in a special school, fighting and winning the case against Indian education system for not allowing visually challenged students to study science, getting a place in Indian cricket team, rejection by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), selection by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), life in America, return to India, struggles for setting up his business and his entrepreneurial success. He was President Abdul Kalam’s hero and he invested in Srikanth’s startup.
Srikanth shared the journey of his life with all the ups and downs with an unprecedented level of candour and authenticity – he even revealed his mistakes and bad habits.
Apexon associates and their family were highly inspired by Srikanth and the non-stop flow of questions was a proof of his impact.
A few excerpts of Srikanth’s quotes:
I am sightless, not visionless. Sight is of the eyes, but the vision comes from the mind.
I can do anything.
The challenges, insults and bullying motivated me further to do well in life.
The fight is in my internal DNA. I will not accept things as they are – I will fight for the change. I am not afraid of anyone or anything.
I believe in equality and equal ability. I do not want reservation, nor I tick the ‘blind’ column in any form.
I aspire to be India’s first visually challenged president. India can be a first world country. And I have a vision for the new India.
Loneliness is the biggest poverty.
I am a workaholic and restless person, but I do appreciate and endorse the need for a healthy work life balance.
My company employees’ people with all different abilities. I believe compassion is what makes you rich.
My favourite movies are Mahanati, Dhoni, and Soorarai Pottru. I can watch my favourite movies even 100 times.
I would love to play myself in a movie.
Srikanth movie was made in 41 days, and everyone was very committed. The movie was made in 20% less than allocated budget. Sharad Kelkar charged only Rs 111 for the movie.
Tu Mil Gaya is my favorite song from Srikanth movie
I love non-vegetarian food.
Truly, it was an amazing and enchanting evening with Srikanth who indeed is a living example that everything is possible when one has a clear goal and is totally determined! If Sri can, so can we!
Srikanth: An Inspiring Eye-Opening Heart-Warming Movie
Srikanth – A Cinematic Triumph! A Must-Watch!
Srikanth is based on the extraordinary life of Srikanth Bolla – an inspirational figure with hordes of achievements that even fully abled can only dream of! Srikanth is a visionary who happens to be visually impaired.
Srikanth’s life is indeed extra ordinary and it provides director Tushar Hiranandani with a solid material – an ecstatic father names his son after legendary cricketer Srikanth but is shattered to see a sightless baby. He is about to be buried alive, but mother begs for his life and saves him. The bullying in school, the rise in a special school, fighting and winning the case against Indian education system for not allowing visually challenged students to study science, getting a place in Indian cricket team, rejection by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), selection by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), life in America, return to India, struggles for setting up his business and his entrepreneurial success – all captured beautifully.
The best part of the movie is that it is showcases Srikanth’s mistakes and follies – when he takes his success and well-wishers for granted – the movie thus not ending as a sugar coated sycophantic hagiographical movie.
Rajkumar Rao shines with his sincerity and authenticity. His dives into the mind and heart of Srikanth and gives a nuanced performance. His snapping of fingers, arrogance, emotional speech – he balances all emotions and there is not a single false note. He is confident – I am not trying to be a hero, I am the hero! Rajkumar takes his own craft to next level and this is indeed an award winning performance.
Sharad Kelkar is rock solid and makes a tremendous impact as a loyal friend and well-wisher of Srikanth. Lovely act. Jyothika impresses with her compassionate and understanding where she becomes Srikanth’s backbone. Their performances are a vital strength of the movie. Alaya has a small but charming role as Srikanth’s love interest. .
Strong script and nice story telling. Full marks to the director Tushar Hiranandani. Cinematic liberties are indeed taken to elevate certain events and drive home certain points but Srikanth does not get boring or preachy at anytime. No bechara – Only barabari!
The songs are beautifully composed and strengthen the story. Tu Mil Gaya and Jeena Sikha De are romantic beauties but the recomposed Papa Kehte Hai fits very aptly with the storyline.
Srikant is an inspirational, positive and spirit lifting movie that deserves to be watched with the full family!
Gentle and charming unveiling of patriarchal and socially blinding veils! A must watch!
Kiran Rao’s Laapata Ladies is an authentic, sincere and original story showcased in a very beautiful and warm manner. Like 12th Fail, this is a big-hearted story of small-town India.
The feel-good satire tells the tale of two brides who are swapped accidentally and how they find themselves while lost. As the story progresses, lot of societal issues are addressed but with humour and gentle treatment – never preachy! A warm hug is stronger than long conversations!
Women empowerment, role of education, patriarchy, female bonding, political games, outgrown customs and traditional woes – all are beautifully interwoven. But the movie is never boring!
The actors are outstanding. Phool and Jaya as the lost brides, the melancholic Deepak, the railway platform samaritans including Manju and the extended family – all are spot-on. The most impactful character is actor Ravi Kishan as the policeman who is scary, corrupt but finds his conscience – the most layered, balancing and impressive act.
The story and screenplay is top-notch. The writing and direction is so perfect that no dialogue or scene feels out of place. Phool hiding behind “Use Me” dustbin, Manju’s fraud theory and changing names of villages – all are subtle and smartly intelligent.
Even Manju’s frustration “Bhawra bana ke rakh diya hai sabko” is beautiful. Or this dialogue of Deepak: “Jevar chori doi dukh paana; chhota dukh chori, bada dukh thaana – wow!
Ram Sampath knows how to complement the simplicity with beautiful music.
Full marks to Kiran Rao! Watch this beautiful tale of positivity, emotional intelligence and hope that challenge the status quo!
Amar Singh Chamkila: Outstanding Diljit Dosanjh In A Triumphant Imtiaz Ali Musical
Amar Singh Chamkila Is An Amazing Electrifying Live Street Concert – Mastila, Rasila, Chamkila
Jis wajah se chamka woh, uss wajah se tapka woh’
Imtiaz Ali Mojo is back!
Amar Singh Chamkila is the biopic of the legendary and popular singer Chamkila, who rose to fame with his raunchy double entendre songs and was shot down at the age of 27 years in Mehsampur. Born as Dhani Ram Sandila, Chamkila is a Dalit Chamar who wins everyone’s heart with his music but faces threats from religious groups as well as militants. Popularly known as the ‘Elvis of Punjab’, he lives and dies for his art and beliefs.
Diljit Dosanjh is the perfect fit and he gives a stellar performance. He is sincere, authentic and he internalizes Amar Singh Chamkila to win our hearts. From flawless mannerisms to energetic songs to passionate emotions – he aces the Chamkila character. Being a singer, he brings life to the songs – all of which are performed live.
Parineeti Chopra and the ensemble cast provide a great support. A R Rahman’s music and Irshad Kamil’s lyrics provide the perfect magic to the movie – an important accomplishment as the movie is full of original Chamkila songs. While Ishq Mitaye, Vida Karo, Tu Kya Jane and Baaja are great, Naram Kaaljia is an absolute fun statement!
Imtiaz Ali creates a wonderful and nostalgically beautiful narrative. He is confident and it shows in the creative mix of flashbacks, real video footage, original pictures, graphic style animation and multiple story tellers. I loved the on screen dance of phrases and lyrics whenever Chamkila songs came to life – though it some created distraction. Imtiaz is in his top firm. ‘
One of the strong points of the movie is avoidance of airbrushing and whitewashing Chamkila’s story – His mistakes as well as pragmatic choices are showcased. Even the greed of the near and dear ones is not hidden. Yes, his first marriage was conveniently defocused.
Amar Singh Chamkila – A must watch Imtiaz Ali – Rahman earthy folk musical!
Bramayugam: Macabre Mammootty’s Masterclass In Marvellous Horror Folklore
After a terrific performance In Kaathal – The Core, Mammootty outdoes himself in a pure evil avatar in a black and white gem Bramayugam. His ghoulish laughter, terrifying presence, deep voice and authoritative mannerism are simply brilliant!
The 17th century film revolves around a dilapidated mansion in middle of a jungle. Kodumon Potty (Mammootty) is the owner of this mysterious eerie place and stays there with his servant. One day, an escaping slave Thevan lands up at the mansion for food and survival and Potty welcomes him. Thevan is happy initially but soon the secrets unfold and he is unable to escape.
The movie is a strong commentary on the class, social divide and the nature of power. Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Watch the movie for Mammootyy’s mind-blowing acting, technical finesse and excellent treatment. The black and white movie gives the chills!
And yes, Tumbadd still remains one of the best movies of all time!
Murder Mubarak: Social Satire Meets Ensemble Whodunnit
A murder of the gym trainer Leo at a posh Delhi club opens a can of worms. Everyone is a suspect where the dark secrets of Delhi High Society Club patrons are at stake. A charming outsider ACP Bhavani Singh investigates the case in Agastha Christie’s desi Poirot style.
The best part of the movie is the ensemble cast and loyalty to Anuja Chauhan’s brilliant writing and class satire.
Pankaj Tripathi is back in action and is effective – just another day for him at the office. Sanjay Kapoor is brilliant and continues his Merry Christmas form as a royal Rannvijay Singh – tipping 20 rupees but packing food to cover his dilapidated ruined status. Karisma Kapoor is equally magical as a former diva and B-grade movie star of C-grade movies. Vijay Varma and Dimple Kapadia are not given due justice and feel wasted – their arc should have been stronger. Sara Ali Khan tries up to keep things moving but she has a long way to go. A lot more characters like Tisca Chopra add colour to the proceedings though in a very fleeting manner.
The Delhi class divide is beautifully portrayed. “Poor people should die young!” announces Tisca Chopra or the fact that two trainers from Arunachal and Karnataka are called twins. Smart writing exists – ACP Bhavani says “It’s easy to be branded anti-national these days!”
The movie sticks to its genre and the secretive layers get unveiled gradually to keep us hooked. Though the movie could have done with sharper editing and crisper execution.
This is no ‘Knives Out’ nor Homi’s own ‘Being Cyrus!’
Watch it once for Pankaj Tripathi and Idiosyncrasies of Delhi Gentry!
Kaathal is a ground breaking and bold movie that makes a case for the acceptance of homosexuality in a traditional and conventional society.
A woman (Jyotika) seeks divorce from her husband (Mammooty) due to a loveless marriage, which resulted from his homosexual orientation. All of this happens against the backdrop of a local election, where the husband is the candidate.
Jyotika liberates herself as well as her husband by filing for divorce when Section 377 decriminalised homosexuality.
Mammooty gives a powerhouse performance with Jyotika – no over the top melodrama. Pure emotions and relationships at work – fragility, vulnerability, complexities shown in no frills manner. Very nice to see the strong friendship and bond between the couple despite filing for divorce – they do not become enemies or haters. Mammooty’s expressions and Jyotika’s silence touch us!
Great direction by Jeo Baby and a strong supporting music!
‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ Review: Shocking & Sensational Series Of Mayhem Murder!
Glam Gossip
Media Trial
Family Secrets
The Sheena Bora case, yes – Shenna Bora case, was one of the most sensational topics in the media. It was India’s Amber Heard – Johnny Depp moment or our own Kardashian coverage! There were more and more twists and turns as the case progressed – exactly the details that media loves! And the spicier story was even hotter because of the rich and famous media power couple – Peter Mukerjea was the former head of Star TV and Indrani was the INX Media Channel founder.
The movie ‘Dark Chocolate’ was based on the same case.
How it changed from Sheena Bora case to Indrani Mukerjea story is the magic of the times we live in!
‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth’ is a real true crime docuseries. A 25 year young bright and beautiful girl Sheena Bora is suddenly off circuit. Her fiancee’s tries to find her whereabouts and is not successful. He confronts his dad Peter Mukerjea and his step-mother Indrani Mukerjea, who claim that she has gone abroad for studies. He does not buy it. The interesting part is that Sheena is Indrani’s daughter – even her claims about Sheena’s father are very shocking!
Indrani has three marriages – none of which resulted in Sheena’s birth. Earlier, she had claimed that Sheena was her younger sister. After allegations of cover-up by Mumbai police, the case was handed over to CBI. As things stand today, all the four accused – Indrani, Peter, Sanjeev (2nd husband) and driver are on bail.
As you watch the series the list of questions are endless – why did she claim Sheena was her sister? Why did she hide that Sheena was missing? Why and how did she enroll her second husband in the alleged murder of Sheena and torture of her? Why did Peter kept silent? What was the role of Mumbai’s top cop Rakesh Maria?
Sheena’s body was found in Pen in Raigad district. It was just a conicidence that Indrani and her accomplices visited the same location for exploring farmhouse property. It was just a coincidence that DNA of the body proved that it was Sheena – defence disputed it.
Who knows the truth?
Was there a cover-up?
Why the expose happened?
Who knows the real truth?
Will Sheena Bora get justice?
Questions that remain unanswered!
The documentary tries to be as objective as possible and gives a well-rounded view of every perspective. The testimonies are complemented well with actual footage and events. Access to Indrani is a big plus and they fact check her claims as well. Her intervention when her lawyers speaks (Alleged) and how lawyer asks her to ‘Chill’ are important unedited footage. Indrani’s bold statements will produce a factory of Instagram reels. She is Sheela of Wild Wild Country!
Indrani Mukerjea!
Imperfect Mom!
Gold Digger!
Secret Past!
Social Climber!
Who knows her?
Let us not forget that the documentary also has its point of view and soft corners – which could influence our understanding and hence opinion of the actual incident. And that is the intent – the documentary allows the audience to be the judge, jury and executioner.
Let’s not forget the ethics and responsibilities in the whole episode.
