Sydney Diaries - Prologue

I posted a status on Facebook some days back. It was about the last few months that I am having. Months which have introduced me to lot of 'New' things including people, relations, places and more importantly attitude towards life.
It began with one of closest my friend Himanshi's wedding in May. Felt like... Whoa! All equations, priorities, attitudes change like some unexpected magic. What a life changing situation it is! Of course she is not first of my dearest friends who got married. But yep... She is the only girl-friend among them. When my guy-friends got married I didn't feel the change. May be because we are guys. But her marriage was different experience not only because it had blend of north Indian & Pahadi culture of Himachal but the feeling I had. It was never felt before kinda thing. I felt like we have grown old... holy shit!
Then came the most irritating thing. Waiting for things to fall in place... professionally. Time is running like Usain Bolt. And things are moving like upward shift of Himalayan range. And then I remembered two things. When I told my friend Bhavin that I am planning to start my own business, he instantly replied 'You better have loads of patience.' And second thing was what Pu La Deshpande said. He wrote in his play Varyavarchi Varaat, 'Living this life would have been very unexciting and dull if things would have happened as and when they should'. This phase is still on. Just that it is no more new to me.
Then came first Europe tour with family and most importantly first group tour of our life. Frankly it was a tick mark thing. I have always believed that the tours of Kesari, SOTC, Kuoni, Star tours etc are like unlimited thaali. Too many things on a plate which give no pleasure enjoying none of it completely. But during the same trip I got confirmation that I got a travel grant for attending conference in Sydney, Australia. Bang on! Backpacking for work... what a killer combo! Muaaah...
Of course visit to Sydney is definitely part of those 'New' things that I have been experiencing. But latest is this. It's not even been 48 hrs since I started from Delhi. And now here I'm writing this blog from my conference place nr Sydney. Don't know how could I word all these wandering thoughts. Why didn't it happen anytime before? Why now?
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May be because I am out of my comfort zone and with only myself in the different corner of the world? May be because I had a long flight with no one to talk to but myself. Giving me time to interact with myself.

Why Haider must be appreciated.

Why Haider must be appreciated.

Before I went into theater I had encountered too many posts (senseless and baseless) like #BoycottHaider stating that film shows Indian Army in grey shade. I was confident that this alleged rubbish will defer with reality.

It was just because of Vishal Bhardwaj - one of the best who make films and not movies. Of course his association with Gulzar saab was additional factor.

I am glad that my confidence did not turn into over-confidence. Let's keep my gut feeling aside for a while and discuss the film on its merit.

If anyone (I don't see anybody in India other than VB to have that level) had to adapt Shakespeare's Hamlet it wouldn't have set anywhere else but Kashmir.

The soul of this classic play lies in Hamlet's state of dilemma. He is prone to influence and it makes him unable to come to conclusion about what is the truth? Should he believe the ghost who told him that his uncle and mother planned to murder his father? Or not? Play is about his inability to conclude what is truth.

If take this setup to Kashmir, Kashmiris are Hamlet. Their identity is his father. Separatists are ghosts. And Indian govt is his uncle and mother. Since decades Kashmiris on one hand getting brainstormed from separatists. Separatists have been (successfully?) influencing Kashmiris to stand up against Indian govt. by reiterating that Kashmiris are not Indians. On the other hand people of Kashmir have been part of Indian setup. Watching Indian army men around 24x7 how can one not think of being in India? And this has led to a similar dilemma. An identity crisis. As a person born and brought in Kashmir, who am I? Kashmiri? Pakistani? Or Indian?

To people who think Haider is anti-India or its army and it is pro-separatists,

Film fails to match what you think. It just shows you the reality of Kashmir set in '95. Yes, it is true that Indian army did kill innocent in order to curb separatists' activities. Collateral damage! Of course film doesn't explicitly show you the real reason behind killing of innocent. But from filmmaker's point (even I think) it is needless when the protagonist is about to get influenced by separatists. Otherwise it would have been a 'movie' and not a 'film' just to take care of your sentiments.

Also the film is not about separatists or Indian army. It is a story of dysfunctional family set in Kashmir.

I think the above justification is good enough to understand why VB's third adaptation of Shakespeare's plays is rated above previous two Maqbool and Omkara.

Haider is a drug. Lat lag gayi to khel khatam!

Film does have shortcomings. Some parts like Haider's mono act at road junction comes from nowhere without any build up nor it leads us somewhere. But that scene is one of the best acted scenes this year. Shahid Kapoor has truly given his best performance till date. Best director can always take best out of you. Irrfan's Ruhdaar is as ghostly as it can get. KK Menon as usual, clinical. And do I really need to praise Tabu? This is the performance of the year from Tabu. Without a doubt she and shahid deserve awards this year. Rest of the cast does not hamper film in any way.

Music... Again amazing... VB! Lyrics... Gulzar saab! I think 'Gulzar saab' should made into an adjective. 

And last but not the least... The Kashmir! Only a director like VB can make Kashmir deliver the best performance it has given till date.

Dear Vishal Bhardwaj

I'm glad you made such an engrossing drama thriller. I'm also happy for the 'kind' of criticism it has received. It just shows to what level our society thinks (especially without watching the film).

I won't be disappointed if your film fails to do well on box office. Because it is better to have fewer viewers than viewers who bring their 5-6 year old kids with a pop-corn tub and mobile phone in theater to watch Haider, talk on phone during the screening, laugh at pronunciations of Kashmiris (which actually gives the film its authenticity) and clap at bullets start firing. Basically bunch of idiots who do not have IQ to watch the 'film'. Forget about understanding and appreciation.

Keep making such films. And give some food for our thought.

Yours Faithfully

After a long time...

I have nothing to hide from you all.
My previous post on this blog is almost 2 yrs old. I think that is enough time to make me feel guilty that I haven't written anything on this blog. I did write few noted on my fb notes. (that's because it feels good when people see, like, comment, praise, discuss over these notes. Also people now don't visit/read blogs often) But nothing here.
So here I am. Once again. And don't know how long I'm gonna continue. (Commitment makes it even more difficult to deliver)
I'm writing this after watching Yellow.

What's yellow? Color?
No. Its a movie. Check its review in my next post.

मोबाईल, कॉमिक्स आणि पत्रकारिता

आज मोबाईल इंटरनेटच्या प्रगत तंत्रज्ञानामुळे कोणालाही बातम्या, माहिती यासाठी वर्तमानपत्र किंवा दूरदर्शन यावर अवलंबून राहण्याची गरज नाही. ‘ट्विटर’सारख्या माध्यमातून जगाच्या कोणत्याही कोपऱ्यात घडणारी घटना आपल्यापासून निव्वळ काही सेकंद दूर आहे. दोन वर्षांपूर्वी अमेरिकेत वाशिंग्टन डी.सी. जवळ झालेल्या भूकंपाची बातमी न्यूयॉर्कवासीयांना प्रत्यक्ष भूकंपाचे धक्के जाणवण्या आधीच मिळाली होती, ती ‘ट्विटर’मुळेच. अशा प्रकारे सोशल मीडियामार्फत माहिती वा बातमी देणाऱ्या प्रत्येक व्यक्तीला ‘सार्वजनिक पत्रकार’ किंवा ‘सिटीझन जर्नलीस्ट’ म्हणता येईल. सोशल मीडियावर पोस्ट केल्या जाणाऱ्या प्रत्येक मजकुराला पोस्ट करणाऱ्या व्यक्तीचा असा विशेष दृष्टीकोन असतो. आणि त्यामुळेच असा सगळा मजकूर अधिकाधिक लोकतांत्रिक असतो.

गेली काही वर्षं जगभर सुरु असलेल्या ‘वर्ल्ड कॉमिक्स’च्या चळवळीने भारतासह इतर अनेक देशांमधील खेडोपाडीच्या लोकांना कॉमिक्सचे एक मध्यम उपलब्ध करून दिले. या उपाक्रमात एक ए४ कागद आणि एक पेन्सिल एवढ्याच वस्तूंची गरज असते. कॉमिक्स स्ट्रीप प्रमाणेच इथे कागदावर ४ समान चौकोनांमध्ये चित्र काढून आपली कथा मांडायची असते. इथे महत्व त्या चार चित्रांमधील कलेपेक्षा कथेला अधिक असते. सामान्य लोकांनी काढलेली ही चार चित्रांची कॉमिक्स गावामध्ये भित्तिपत्रकाच्या रुपात लावली जातात. या चळवळीमुळे कॉमिक्स पत्रकारितेच्या माध्यमातून लोकांना त्यांच्या दैनंदिन जीवनाशी निगडीत असलेल्या प्रश्नांना मांडण्याचा मार्ग सापडला.

अशा प्रकारे भित्तीपत्रकाच्या स्वरुपात ही कॉमिक्स एका मर्यादेपलीकडे मोठ्या जनसमुदायापर्यंत पोचवणे शक्य नाही. अशा वेळी मोबाईल सारख्या प्रगत आणि प्रचलित माध्यमाची जोड कॉमिक्स पत्रकारितेला मिळाली तर अशी कॉमिक्स कमी वेळात आणि कमी खर्चात असंख्य लोकांपर्यंत पोचवणे शक्य होईल. आज बहुतांश सगळ्या स्मार्ट-फोन्सवरून ‘व्हाईन’, ‘सिनेमाग्राम’सारखी अॅप्लीकेशन्स वापरून आपण ६ सेकंदाचे व्हिडीओज पटकन अपलोड करू शकतो. अशी अॅप्स वापरून कॉमिक्स स्ट्रीप्सचे त्यातील संवादांसह छायाचित्रण करता येऊ शकते. असे छोटे छोटे व्हिडीओज अपलोड केल्यास आपल्या कथा, आपले प्रश्न अगदी चुटकीसरशी लोकांपर्यंत पोचवता येतील.

अतिशय अल्प आर्थिक गरज असलेल्या कॉमिक्स पत्रकारितेमुळे बहुसंख्य लोक स्वतःचे प्रश्न स्वतः मांडू शकतील. आणि स्मार्ट-फोन्सच्या वाढत्या वापरामुळे बहुसंख्य लोकांपर्यंत ते प्रश्न पोचतील.  अशा प्रकारे या दोन माध्यमांचे अभिसरण येणाऱ्या काळात पत्रकारितेसाठी नक्कीच लाभदायी ठरेल. त्यातूनच लोकांचे प्रश्न सुटायला आणि धोरणांमध्ये बदल होण्याच्या प्रक्रियेला गती मिळेल.

Written for Sakaal newspaper daily(14.04.2013) LINK: मोबाईल, कॉमिक्स आणि पत्रकारिता

Week two - Films 8

Thursday, the 19th April - The second week of my resolution began with a Steven Spielberg directed film 'MUNICH'.

This film is about Israeli governments' secret plans of revenging the executors of  Munich Summer Olympics 1972 massacre. A group of 5 non-contracted  people are deployed to kill members of Black September group who planned the Munich attacks. Eric Bana plays Avner who leads the group of 5 which also include Steve played by Daniel Craig. The Israeli government takes revenge of assassination of 11 Israeli athletes who died in Olympic attacks.

The film is very intense. But it fails to give something different apart from its true story. Being a Spielberg film, Munich turns out to be predictable. Eric Bana delivers a promising performance but does not help lifting the film up. Even the reasons for Munich Olympic attack is not explained clearly, hence the whole purpose of the film gets diluted.

Although, this is not as great as Steven Spielberg's other films like E.T. or The Terminal, Munich is a film which you won't mind watching once.

Friday, the 20th April - The two Japanese islands Iwo and Jima played a key role during American attack on Japan during WWII. This film is about the courageous fight the Japanese soldiers gave to supremacy of American attack in order to protect these islands and prevent Americans from reaching their mainland. Director Clint Eastwood’s ‘Letters from Iwo Jima’ is a tribute to those soldiers. Eastwood has used the letters sent by Japanese soldiers to their dear ones from the battlefield, which carries forward the narrative of the film. It is one of finest war film in which wars appear like they were. Very unnerving!

Film focuses on many small things which convey big messages. Japanese men irrespective of their choice were forced to join army in order to fight and save their country. The double game American diplomats played with Japanese. As Japanese soldiers at Iwo Jima had no hopes for any help from mainland some of them chose to surrender only after surviving the worthless efforts. The most courageous was the General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, based on his letters this film was made.

Ken Watanabe who played General Tadamichi Kuribayashi and Kazunari Ninomiya who played Saigo a young newlywed bakery man sent to war are the heart of this film. Both have given splendid performances. The war sequences of film are astounding. Eastwood has made them real, especially the one where fleet of American battleships hits the Japanese shores. One can imagine the strength of US defence had back then in WWII.

Overall it is a good film where you need to be alert to read subtitles as it is in Japanese which makes it even real!

Saturday, the 21st April -  BEST PICTURE award winner film NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN at 2008 Academy Awards, is about three people whose lives crisscross. One of them is sheriff of a county, where a person finds a cash-bag with no takers who is followed by a contract killer to get that bag to its owner. Then begins the cat-mouse chase which ends in death for other two except sheriff.

Director duo Coen brothers - Joel Coen and Ethan Coen have once again given a runaway thriller. Javier Bardem who played the role of contract killer is fantastic to portray merciless killer. His always smiling face and calm composer during killing others is spellbinding. He is the hero of this film. Tommy Lee Jones as sheriff and Josh Brolin as money-taker have done their roles very well.

Coen Brothers have worked out a superb story where circumstances, conscience and fates of all three get entangled. No doubt they won Best Director award at Oscars.

But, to be frank, I did not find this film as great as Oscar winner. But, it is true that Oscars have been under fire for last few years because of their shocking results. One reason could be that, I watched it on laptop. But for sure, this film is enthralling to watch and worth for Javier who won his Best Supporting Actor Award at Oscars.

Sunday, the 22nd April - MASALA is the first Marathi film I watched in my resolution. It comes from a camp of Umesh and Girish Kulkarni who recently won National Awards.

It’s a story of a couple who is trying to solidify their position in a business. But due to debt from customers, they find it difficult to return money to their suppliers. When it reaches a point, they move from that place to other. And the cycle goes on till he decides to start making chakna (snacks used with drinks) with his brother-in-law.  In the end, he finds his line of making Masala and then becomes a businessman.

Despite having an interesting storyline, director Sandesh Kulkarni could not manage to keep the momentum. Till the very last half hr, no incidents occur in film which can create a good drama and give direction to the story. Few are there, but they are not that effective, mainly because of their scattered positioning. Film flows with the story, but cannot take audience with it. There are moments which create some emotion in audience, but they are very few. The similarity gauged between a scientist’s experiments and business is noteworthy. Also, film underlines the fact that any business runs on trust. The best scene which ‘touches’ audience is the one where the neighbour of protagonist finds the kick in the masala which is used to make chakna while drinking (snacks with drinks).

All actors including Girish Kulkarni, Hrishikesh Joshi and Amrita Subhash have done justice to their work.

Film appears very loose which does not make it exciting to watch. After watching it, we cannot say whether it is a good film or bad. Because, there is nothing to declare it bad and hardly anything extraordinary to say it a good film.

When you mix a Rocket Singh, Guru and Bunty aur Babli in proportion with a tinge of Valu, what you get is a MASALA. But, this Masala could have been a lot tastier.

Monday, the 23rd April - Critically acclaimed film (1959) HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR (Hiroshima, My Love) is a passionate love story of a Japanese guy and a French girl. Having a background of attack on Hiroshima, the film narrates their brief relationship. Both of them argue over each other’s memories.

Back then, it created a new type of non-linear narration with constant use of small flashbacks. Director Alain Resnais has done amazing job to compare both these character with each other’s hometowns and taking a similarity. She has lost her love who was a German soldier in her native place. Here, her situation is compared with the situation of Hiroshima after the bombing.

In the beginning this new style of narrative creates some confusion. A question arises in mind about what is going on. But as film moves on, we can easily connect with it.

This film got deserved a great applaud which triggered the Nouvelle Vague (French New Wave). And yes, watching a black-n-white film has some peculiar factor which holds audience’s attention.

Tuesday, the 24th April - So far this year, VICKY DONOR has film came out as one finest films which is true to its heart and allows audiences to be true to their feelings as well. It’s a story of a sperm donor played by Ayushmann Khurrana of MTV. It definitely a good watch film and hence I should not speak about its story. The title may create a doubt about the film and how it gonna be, but I assure you, it is a clean film which you can watch with families.

Director Shoojit Sircar has done a fantastic job to take this subject to audiences with an ease as audience can take it with same ease. The portrayal of Punjabi family and Bengali family is one of most enjoyable part of this film. Newbie Yami Gautam appears refreshing on screen but needs to work out acting. Also, it is indeed fun to watch Annu Kapoor as Dr. Chaddha who ruled the first half of the film.

But the show is stolen away by Ayushmaan. This being his first film, he is excellent because of the transformation he played from a brat to a matured husband. In addition to it, a song ‘Paani Da Rang’ written and sung by Ayushmaan underlines the talent this young actor has. He will make you laugh out loud and hold your breath as well.

Frankly, I did not expect Vicky Donor to be such a wonderful film. I expect John Abraham to produce similar magnificent films. For me this is the best film so far of 2012.

Wednesday, the 25th April - MILK is a film based on life of Harvey Milk who was America’s first gay man got elected to public office when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Milk fought for gay rights in San Fransisco for 8 years since 1970 till his death. The film captures the era of US’s most controversial elections which was led by a law for equal rights for homosexuals in US. After successful efforts, it was unfortunate that Harvey Milk was assassinated by Dan White, his colleague in Board of Supervisors.

 Sean Penn delivers yet another stand out performance just as he did in my favourite ‘I AM SAM’. The ease with which he has played the character is really noteworthy. He makes you believe that homosexuals are human beings who think, behave, work, just like any other heterosexual. Also, other members of cast have done good job which also includes James Franco of 127 HOURS.

Being a real life biopic, director Gus Van Sant has used some of the original footage of TV news in the film which makes it even realistic. I think, showing the bonding between homosexuals purely based on emotional terms was the challenge and director along with his cast have done it very well.

It would be really appreciable to see Indian film makers handling the seriousness of such subject rather making spoofs out of it.

Attempts to put Milk's life to film followed a 1984 Oscar-winning documentary of his life and the aftermath of his assassination, titled The Times of Harvey Milk, which was oosely based upon Randy Shilts's biography, The Mayor of Castro Street.

Thursday, the 26th April - WE BOUGHT A ZOO

Benjamin Mee, a father of two, is adventure loving person. Difficult times after wife’s demise force Benjamin to look for a change, for himself and his son and daughter. While finding a home, he comes across a home on a zoo land. In their first visit, he sees his daughter very happy after losing her mom. He decides to buy that place and that agreement includes opening a zoo as well. And then, he gets his team with a zookeeper to open it successfully.

Director Cameron Crowe has given a fun film which a family can watch together with enough drama, emotions, comedy and lots of lovable animals.

Matt Damon playing Benjamin has done a wonderful job in a role of a father. It was refreshing to see him playing such a soft role compared to his other action films. He looks convincing, especially when he finds difficult to interact with his adolescent son. All other cast members including Scarlett Johansson have done fine work. But the real heart is Benjamin daughter Rosie played by Maggie Elizabeth Jones who is sweet, cute and adorable.

WE BOUGHT A ZOO is definitely a good film with a good heart in place.

This is how my second week of the resolution went, indeed tough. Actually, I watch 3 films on single day to catch up with the date. Thankfully, it went well. It followed by 3 day visit to Ratnagiri. And due to no internet there, I could not post my this blog post on Friday. Sorry for the delay.

Tomorrow, it will be a holiday, 1st May. I hope I shall manage at least two films!

Week one - it is not that easy!

So... this is the first post from me about my experience of watching films. For those who don't know, I havem made a resolution to watch daily one film in my vacation. This is the first week of it and I have watched 8 films from last Thursday.

Overall experience has been great but certainly not as easy as I thought. Taking out at least 2 hrs to view a film is quite a difficult job, especially when you are working on some proffessional assignments. But, still its a fun. As of now I have watched a film daily. Real fun will begin when I missed a day or two. शुभ बोल नाऱ्या...!

Thursday, the 12th April - The film released on previous Friday, for which I awaited for almost two weeks - The TITANIC. For some college work I followed Titanic's screenplay written by its director James Cameron. And I found that the film is shot as it was written in screenplay - without a single change. It was amazing. I was overwhelmed by two things. 

Firstly, the director's vision to replicate his thoughts on paper followed by on screen. And other, the perfection of the production team to fulfill all the necessities asked by director to create such a master piece.

When Titanic released last time in 1999, I was just 10 years old. Obviously, then I was not enough mature to understand the emotion that film evokes. I can't recollect any thrill I experienced watching that big thing getting sunk. Eventually, that experience did not go beyond Kate Winslet.

This time I managed to feel that emotion and the grandeur it possesses. Viewing it on BIG screen is a wonderful experience. I felt that watching this film on TV or laptops is real crime, an injustice to the film. Titanic in 3D gives you a sense of place, especially in those scenes where ship sinks vertically. They have turned out excellent. But apart from that, 3D does not give any great viewing pleasure which is expected from a 3D movie.

To be frank, the end of Jack-Rose's love story was not as disheartening as that of the big-beauty Titanic. It is unimaginable what those 1500 folks must have gone through, especially Captain Edward Smith and Titanic's architect Mr. Thomas Andrews to see Titanic going down. अशी TITANIC कधी न होणे!

          Thanks to James Cameron and film's producer who thought re-releasing this film. Otherwise, I would have missed the magic of Titanic. Kudos to everyone on Titanic and the film!

Friday, the 13th April - The second film in this journey was LONDON PARIS NEWYORK. This film is about a girl, a guy and their three meetings in three cities. First they meet accidentally in London and then in Paris almost after 2 years. Meanwhile, they have not contacted each other. Then, once again they meet in NY after a gap of few years. It is only the third time they are meeting.

The way this film is narrated makes it convincing. It is interesting to see their relationship taking a different turn every time they meet, mainly because of things that have happened between their two meetings. It is enjoyable to watch character's blooming romance which is constrained in their less than 24 hr togetherness. They come together to go away. This makes LPNY different from other love stories. The reasons for which they meet and separate are justified.

          But, director has been driven by 'Happies Endings'. It would have been more appealing and justified, to end the film in characters' separating once again. It would have touched heart with more intensity.

          Hence, apart from its filmy end LPNY comes as a refreshingly watchable film.

Saturday, the 14th April - I did not expect a blank day in my resolution calendar so early. Now, I have adjust couple of films on next weekend. Best of luck to me!

         

Sunday, the 15th April - Early morning show of recent release 'BATTLESHIP' was definitely not a waste of money and sleep as well. It is a sci-fi film from hollywood with lot of action and loads of VFX.

          In a way, there is nothing new in it. Cliched story of some aliens coming to our planet and some hero coming strong against them to save the earth is very predictable. In fact, the reason why aliens come here remains unclear till the end. Also, film begins with a sequence titled location as Himalayas. But, it turns out to be Hawaii very next moment. How? No answer.

          At least there are some strategies devised to fight against aliens making this film exciting to watch. And watching naval war on big screen is the forte of this film. Technically it is a sound along with good performances of lead actors.

          You can see three films in this single film. Largely inspired by Transformers, this film takes you to Arnold's Predator and Titanic as well. It’s like three spices mixed together to make garam masala.

Monday, 16th April - It is another film for which I was awaiting since I saw its first trailer. Being read, heard about American sensation Marilyn Manroe, I was curious to watch  MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. The film is not about Marilyn but about a boy Colin Clark who worked as third assistant director on her first British film.

          Few peculiar things this film conveys. It tells us how European Theatre was apprehensive about the film and its making. Also, it underlines the difference in styles of film making in Britain and Hollywood. The film in this film is about efforts by a great theatre actor to become a star and a starlet to become a great actress. Obviously, it shows how people all over the world went gaga over Manroe, her unusual behaviour and loneliness she felt at the top.

          I have not watched Marilyn’s films. That could be the reason, I found Michelle Williams as Marilyn very convincing. Even Colin Clark played by Eddie Redmayne is very good to portray the excitement he must have felt to work with Marilyn Manroe on his first film. His eyes conveyed that feeling at ease. From me definitely it is a green signal to watch this film.

Tuesday, the 17th April - PYARKA PUNCHNAMA was one of last year’s highly recommended film from my friends and yes, many of them were in relationship.

PKP is about three guys and how their relationships go wrong. The portrayal of three females is a bit overdone but not unreal. It is fun to watch the way three friends dance to tunes of their female partners and in the end learn a lesson! The song – Ban Gaya Kutta – is real fun and suits the film aptly.

          Indeed, it is a film everyone would enjoy. Those who have tasted the flavour of being in relationship can relate to it while others can relieve.

Wednesday, the 18th April - The world is a machine of which we all are small parts, without which this world cannot function. Every machine, every gear and even every person has a purpose.

          Director Martin Scorsese’s Hugo is a film about a boy and his ‘not working’ automaton which can write. It is the only thing he had of his father who got it from a museum. It is also about early film maker George Melies and his innovations and imagination which he filmed and got applauded for. These two narratives are connected to each other because the masterkey to run the automaton is with a friend of Hugo who is granddaughter of Melies. It tells a story about Hugo who is working hard to run that machine. It tells a story about Melies who is running away from his past. Eventually, boy runs that automaton which was created and later given away by Melies just like his passion for films.

          Parallel narratives of stationmaster and bookstall uncle do not add any major element to the film. Although they are interesting, their absence could have been appropriate. Hugo is a wonderfully shot film which is simple, unlike Scorsese’s other films. The 80 year old director has successfully told the relation between a machine and human being with a great ease. All actors have performed good including the young boy, his friend and director’s favourite Sir Ben Kingsley. 

          Hugo was in the race at Academy Awards for Best Film this year, which got Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best VFX awards.

67 days of vacations and at least 67 films!!!

Few days back, my vacations started with a bang only because of better hopes in exam results. :) I think it would be my last vacation of my college days. Being a student of Electronic media and passionate about films, I thought making this vacation memorable. For that, I have made a resolution to view at least one film every day. Some of them would be on big screen and some on laptop screen as well.


So 67 days of vacations and at least 67 films!!!


Of course due to my work and some other reason, I can't watch a film everyday. So for those missed days I will have to work really hard... may be 2 or 3 films a day! Films can belong to any genre, any cinema, any language, any country. Some may be critically acclaimed, some may be pure entertainers even some may be just because I wanted to see them. 


My vacations have started on 12th April and today is 16th. Meanwhile, I have watched 4 films. So the resolution has begun on a positive note. 5 days and 4 films with 1 film in negative account. I expect me to cover that up soon.


On each Friday, I will release my experience about the films I viewed. Wish me luck and a great strength to sail through this ocean of films. I wish it would be one of the most memorable and unique experience.


See you on Friday!!! It will be the SHOWTIME!