In last two months, I have watched more than ten movies. Does than make one movie buff? If it does, then a small revelation: I think I was lying when I said in the last blog that I am not a movie buff.
Three Hindi movies: Bachna Ae Haseeno and Rock On. I must confess that I have never watched a movie worse than BAH. We thought it would be a good stress-buster, after a long day. But, sadly, I could not reach even 'time-pass' category. Thank God, we reached a little late to theater. The jokes in the movie hardly made us laugh. Absolute boring. '1920' a horror movie was 'comparatively' better, which I watched later.
Our dissatisfaction led us to a new business of 'movie-hunting' for next few weeks.
A week later, "The Quest" reached its destination, with "Rock On" in theaters. I must say after BAH's complete disappointment, 'Rock On' was complete 'Paisa Vasool.' Unlike Bipasha's latka-jhatka, in BAH 'Rock On' had no 'masaledar' songs or scenes. And yet, it appealed more. Perhaps, because it has a simple story-line, less artificiality and great application. Music is just superb. It was a job well-executed. So thumbs up to these guys.
And now, some movies from Hollywood section. Two Chinese movies: Fearless and The Forbidded Kingdom. Both has Jet Li as the lead actor, and in the later Jackie Chan is an added attraction. Both movies are ok. 'Fearless' speaks much about the use and misuse of Kung Fu, and so a moral lesson as well. 'The Forbidden Kingdom' has jaadui fights and mysterious story-line. So, 'Fearless' is a better option.
Two other movies from Hollywood section are: The Bank Job and The Dark Knight. The former is based on true story and is quite interesting. The Dark Knight is a successful effort to resurrect Batman. Mind-blowing stunts and character steal the show. Hats off again.
Conclusion?- May be I should start another blog about my tryst with movies. Just a thought.
Sunday 26 October, 2008
Wednesday 18 June, 2008
Namastey London
I am not a movie buff, nor do I indulge in writing movie reviews. In fact, this is the first time, I am pushed to do it.
The movie is Namastey London. I had the opportunity to watch it almost five times, but I could not complete it even once. But this time I did use the opportunity. Apart from beautiful London and Katrina Kaif, movie offers nothing interesting. But what really disturbed me was the subject of the movie. The director of the movie did try to touch an important subject of our desi bretheren brought up abroad. I thought the director's portrayal of the desis living abroad and the westerners itself was very much biased. I am not sure if he studied the subject well before coming to his conclusions.
It is yet another movie that tries to picture Indian culture as the all good-good and the most 'sanskari' culture in the world. Ironically, it is so fragile that it has fallen prey to the demon of western culture. And Akshay Kumar arrives as the savior of this pitiable, dying culture. He proves that ours is a superior culture. The worst part is that to prove his thesis he has to take support of the "immoral and consumerist" West. He has to prove that the West, its culture and its people are inferior to us. I wonder if we need to demonise other to prove our worth.
I am an Indian. I love my country, I love my culture. I have confidence in the strength of my culture; and do not feel the need to demonise the West to show me the worth of it.
The movie is Namastey London. I had the opportunity to watch it almost five times, but I could not complete it even once. But this time I did use the opportunity. Apart from beautiful London and Katrina Kaif, movie offers nothing interesting. But what really disturbed me was the subject of the movie. The director of the movie did try to touch an important subject of our desi bretheren brought up abroad. I thought the director's portrayal of the desis living abroad and the westerners itself was very much biased. I am not sure if he studied the subject well before coming to his conclusions.
It is yet another movie that tries to picture Indian culture as the all good-good and the most 'sanskari' culture in the world. Ironically, it is so fragile that it has fallen prey to the demon of western culture. And Akshay Kumar arrives as the savior of this pitiable, dying culture. He proves that ours is a superior culture. The worst part is that to prove his thesis he has to take support of the "immoral and consumerist" West. He has to prove that the West, its culture and its people are inferior to us. I wonder if we need to demonise other to prove our worth.
I am an Indian. I love my country, I love my culture. I have confidence in the strength of my culture; and do not feel the need to demonise the West to show me the worth of it.
Tuesday 17 June, 2008
Gosh... What a day!
I don't deny that I am lazy. Laziness does not hinder me when I initiate a thing, but it gradually creeps in. And then slowly it becomes a matter of 'mood.' My blog is the proof of it, where I wrote almost 125 days back. But I had to write today, or rather I was pushed to.
My day began with that usual difficulty to come out of bed. Eventually I did come out, reminding myself of an excitement to visit my hometown. Though the visit was for office-work, I wanted to take out couple of days to spend with my family.
I settled my pending account in the office as early as possible and felt quite relieved. Around 12, I left for the railway station. I found no trace of train on the station and began to wonder as to what could have happened. I went to the inquiry-window to find out whereabouts of the train. I was shocked to hear that the train was canceled. I became numb and did not know what to do. In response to my further inquiry, I was informed that all the trains going to Ahmedabad were canceled. Dejected, I decided to return to office (my home at the moment). I got an auto there, and sitting inside, started skimming what my next step should be. The auto had moved barely five feet, when the driver realized that one of the wheels of the auto was punctured. Still confused, he helped me find another auto. Finally, I settled there and took a sigh of relief. We had moved another two kilometers, and the clutch-wire of the auto broke. The auto-driver asked my ten minutes to repair it. Feeling pity for having a 'manhoos' passenger in his auto, I reluctantly told him to take 15 minutes if needed. He completed his work, and finally we reached back home after an hour.
I went to the office, and started looking at the other options to reach home as early as possible. But all my efforts were futile, since this time the internet gave up. The speed of internet was much the same as my own frequency in writing blogs. I washed my hands off and decided to spend time listening to music the rest of the evening. I was glad that the day was finally about to be over. There was still one surprise pending. This time, it was one of my old kurta that I tore while trying to change. But then, thankfully, the day ended.
One thing I enjoyed in the midst of all these misfortunes: it was the joy that I found in laughing at myself, at the thought that a day can be so bad.
My day began with that usual difficulty to come out of bed. Eventually I did come out, reminding myself of an excitement to visit my hometown. Though the visit was for office-work, I wanted to take out couple of days to spend with my family.
I settled my pending account in the office as early as possible and felt quite relieved. Around 12, I left for the railway station. I found no trace of train on the station and began to wonder as to what could have happened. I went to the inquiry-window to find out whereabouts of the train. I was shocked to hear that the train was canceled. I became numb and did not know what to do. In response to my further inquiry, I was informed that all the trains going to Ahmedabad were canceled. Dejected, I decided to return to office (my home at the moment). I got an auto there, and sitting inside, started skimming what my next step should be. The auto had moved barely five feet, when the driver realized that one of the wheels of the auto was punctured. Still confused, he helped me find another auto. Finally, I settled there and took a sigh of relief. We had moved another two kilometers, and the clutch-wire of the auto broke. The auto-driver asked my ten minutes to repair it. Feeling pity for having a 'manhoos' passenger in his auto, I reluctantly told him to take 15 minutes if needed. He completed his work, and finally we reached back home after an hour.
I went to the office, and started looking at the other options to reach home as early as possible. But all my efforts were futile, since this time the internet gave up. The speed of internet was much the same as my own frequency in writing blogs. I washed my hands off and decided to spend time listening to music the rest of the evening. I was glad that the day was finally about to be over. There was still one surprise pending. This time, it was one of my old kurta that I tore while trying to change. But then, thankfully, the day ended.
One thing I enjoyed in the midst of all these misfortunes: it was the joy that I found in laughing at myself, at the thought that a day can be so bad.
Wednesday 13 February, 2008
Housholder held the house together!
February was a special month for us. It was a time to look back and question 'so what' or 'how' of all that we had learned throughout our time at SAIACS. An experience at Indiranagar Methodist Church on 23rd was enough to gauge our capabilities in explaining before others what we knew. Puppets of our teacher, Dr. David Housholder, lovingly known as 'Doc', were quite refreshing. Cindy, whom I found fun-loving and jolly (quite like me), and her mother were also blessing in their own capacities.
Yet the best day in the module was 13th. No, not because its the day before the Valentine's Day. It was special because after studying together for more than twenty months, all of us unfolded something new about ourselves that the others never knew.
As a part of our education, our teacher, a truly grand-fatherly figure, Doc asked us to share our unforgettable experiences and influential personalities in our educational career. However, gradually the discussion, for the sake of good I think, turned towards sharing of our testimonies. One after another each spoke about how life had treated them and how God had called them in His vineyard. Each story was unique and special. Particularly impressive were Jayaraj and Jisha (forgive me for my subjective perspective). Not because others had nothing important to say, but probably because I had quite a few things to identify with both of them. I am aware that others have many exciting areas of their life, which they could not open up due to the constrains of time.
This was special occassion because, we, as a class had not been able to spent much time together, at least for last six months, due to our thesis writing work. We had hardly any time to find out how the other one was doing. But now was the time to pour out all that we had in our hearts eagerly waiting to be gushed out once provided the opportunity. It was Doc who with his caring attitude and patient listening opened the doors of our hearts and provided us with long-awaited opportunity. And the stories came flowing.
We realized that Dr. Housholder had not only held our house together, he had made it much stronger than before. Hats off to Doc.
Yet the best day in the module was 13th. No, not because its the day before the Valentine's Day. It was special because after studying together for more than twenty months, all of us unfolded something new about ourselves that the others never knew.
As a part of our education, our teacher, a truly grand-fatherly figure, Doc asked us to share our unforgettable experiences and influential personalities in our educational career. However, gradually the discussion, for the sake of good I think, turned towards sharing of our testimonies. One after another each spoke about how life had treated them and how God had called them in His vineyard. Each story was unique and special. Particularly impressive were Jayaraj and Jisha (forgive me for my subjective perspective). Not because others had nothing important to say, but probably because I had quite a few things to identify with both of them. I am aware that others have many exciting areas of their life, which they could not open up due to the constrains of time.
This was special occassion because, we, as a class had not been able to spent much time together, at least for last six months, due to our thesis writing work. We had hardly any time to find out how the other one was doing. But now was the time to pour out all that we had in our hearts eagerly waiting to be gushed out once provided the opportunity. It was Doc who with his caring attitude and patient listening opened the doors of our hearts and provided us with long-awaited opportunity. And the stories came flowing.
We realized that Dr. Housholder had not only held our house together, he had made it much stronger than before. Hats off to Doc.
Millers' 46
February 11 was a memorable day for us - M.Th. second year students of Theology department. We went out for dinner, along with Nigel, our department co-ordinator, his wife Selena, sweet and tiny daughter Muskaan, and also this module's visiting faculties Dr. David and Linda Householder. Thomas was appointed as an organizer of the trip. He and Nigel worked together to finally select Miller's 46 as the venue.
We left from SAIACS at 6:30, and reached the venue by 7:30. As usual, some of us were hungry enough to swallow two plates of rice with the ever-tasty sambhar of SAIACS. The thought of dining outside had intensified the hunger. We had talked about our excitement before leaving from SAIACS, least aware of the unique and memorable experience that was waiting for us.
The uniqueness of experience began as soon as we received the menu. Few names made sense to us. These were: chicken, beef, fish, prones or pork; and the spices like pepper and garlic. But these names did not stand alone, they had adjectives, which made them something mysterious. We kept looking, sometimes at the menu and other times at one another, waiting for someone to order first, so it would make it easier for the other to say, "oh, the same for me too." The Householder and the Kumars were done. Jisha, Villo and Thomas too had their preferences. Jayaraj, I, Elayaraj and Zulu were the most confused ones. I and Jayaraj discreetly reached a conclusion that Jayaraj would opt for prawns and I would ask for chicken, and then we can share with each other. We could feel a proud smile on our faces because of making the wisest choice.
Soon, the servers came with what we had demanded. They pronounce the name of each items to place them in a right place. This was another test, because we had to work hard to remember what we had asked for. Soon came a plate, which seemed like made of china and frying pan attached to it. The smoke was stil coming out of the plate. When the server pronounce the name, I realized it was for me. I was scared to see the unique characteristics of my plate. Thankfully, Jayaraj soon joined me. His was the worse case, because he was given prawns with noodles, something he does not like. We looked at one another and smiled. There was yet another man who looked worried - Zulu.
I soon found out that I had something familiar, chicken and rice in the plate. I soon became a happy man. It was even more amusing to see Zulu and Jayaraj struggling. I gave them a devilish smile. Chicken in my plate was tasty and I soon finished it, without remembering the treaty I and Jeyaraj had made. Zulu was struggling and asked for help to finish his food. Thomas, I, and Jayaraj who had by now completed his task willingly lended help to Zulu. Finally we all were done.
We came back to SAIACS, not grumbling but laughing at ourselves. What else could we do! Some of us gathered that night and concluded that it was good to have such an experience once in a while. But yes, only once in a while.
We left from SAIACS at 6:30, and reached the venue by 7:30. As usual, some of us were hungry enough to swallow two plates of rice with the ever-tasty sambhar of SAIACS. The thought of dining outside had intensified the hunger. We had talked about our excitement before leaving from SAIACS, least aware of the unique and memorable experience that was waiting for us.
The uniqueness of experience began as soon as we received the menu. Few names made sense to us. These were: chicken, beef, fish, prones or pork; and the spices like pepper and garlic. But these names did not stand alone, they had adjectives, which made them something mysterious. We kept looking, sometimes at the menu and other times at one another, waiting for someone to order first, so it would make it easier for the other to say, "oh, the same for me too." The Householder and the Kumars were done. Jisha, Villo and Thomas too had their preferences. Jayaraj, I, Elayaraj and Zulu were the most confused ones. I and Jayaraj discreetly reached a conclusion that Jayaraj would opt for prawns and I would ask for chicken, and then we can share with each other. We could feel a proud smile on our faces because of making the wisest choice.
Soon, the servers came with what we had demanded. They pronounce the name of each items to place them in a right place. This was another test, because we had to work hard to remember what we had asked for. Soon came a plate, which seemed like made of china and frying pan attached to it. The smoke was stil coming out of the plate. When the server pronounce the name, I realized it was for me. I was scared to see the unique characteristics of my plate. Thankfully, Jayaraj soon joined me. His was the worse case, because he was given prawns with noodles, something he does not like. We looked at one another and smiled. There was yet another man who looked worried - Zulu.
I soon found out that I had something familiar, chicken and rice in the plate. I soon became a happy man. It was even more amusing to see Zulu and Jayaraj struggling. I gave them a devilish smile. Chicken in my plate was tasty and I soon finished it, without remembering the treaty I and Jeyaraj had made. Zulu was struggling and asked for help to finish his food. Thomas, I, and Jayaraj who had by now completed his task willingly lended help to Zulu. Finally we all were done.
We came back to SAIACS, not grumbling but laughing at ourselves. What else could we do! Some of us gathered that night and concluded that it was good to have such an experience once in a while. But yes, only once in a while.
Thursday 7 February, 2008
Malgudi Days
I am addicted to this habit of beginning a thing with a bang, and then not being able to give time to it, or wanting to get rid of it as early as possible. But this should not hamper my comeback, so let me decide to be more punctual in blogging this time. To begin with a book that I am reading these days, (actually for a long time, but have not been able to complete - one more proof of my laziness) - Swami and Friends by R K Narayan. I found this particular portion of the book quite amusing.
Let me tell the context first (as an obedient student of Hermeneutics). Swami and few of his classmates did not attend the school for a day. The next day, they are asked to explain the reasons for their absence. And so we have a reply from one of the students:
"The fifth [student] said that his grandmother died suddenly just as he was starting for the school. The Head Master asked him if he could bring a letter from his father. No. He had no father. Then, who was his guardian? His grandmother. But the grandmother was dead, was she not? No. It was another grandmother. The Head master asked how many grandmothers a person could have. No answer. Could he bring a letter from his neighbours? No. he could not. None of his neighbours could read or write, because he lived in the more illiterate parts of Ellaman Street. Then the Head master offered to send a teacher to this illiterate locality to ascertain from the boy's neighbours if the deaht of the grandmother was a fact. A pause, some perspiration, and then the answer thatthe neighbours could not possibly know anything about it, since the grandmother died in the village. The Head Master hit him on the knuckles with his cane..." (p.104).
Remember your school-days?
Let me tell the context first (as an obedient student of Hermeneutics). Swami and few of his classmates did not attend the school for a day. The next day, they are asked to explain the reasons for their absence. And so we have a reply from one of the students:
"The fifth [student] said that his grandmother died suddenly just as he was starting for the school. The Head Master asked him if he could bring a letter from his father. No. He had no father. Then, who was his guardian? His grandmother. But the grandmother was dead, was she not? No. It was another grandmother. The Head master asked how many grandmothers a person could have. No answer. Could he bring a letter from his neighbours? No. he could not. None of his neighbours could read or write, because he lived in the more illiterate parts of Ellaman Street. Then the Head master offered to send a teacher to this illiterate locality to ascertain from the boy's neighbours if the deaht of the grandmother was a fact. A pause, some perspiration, and then the answer thatthe neighbours could not possibly know anything about it, since the grandmother died in the village. The Head Master hit him on the knuckles with his cane..." (p.104).
Remember your school-days?
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