Faridoon Shahryar's Blog


Sunday, May 30, 2010

Puddles Of Silence

In the puddles of silence
Lets toss a few pebbles
And create some noise;
Listen to the unheard,
Relish nothingness,
Celebrate...
An imagined victory.

Hear the tree leaves
Crack up in laughter,
Mountain lanes
Gurgling in Mystery;
Own the lake of life
As if it was always yours.

Lamp posts,
A picture of
Winking innocence;
Darkness brightens up
The air of creativity.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

No Aishwarya-SRK Film On The Cards

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM YASH RAJ FILMS

This refers to the article, “Is an SRK-Ash starrer on the cards?” which appeared in a publication today about YRF “trying to convince actors Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to reunite for a movie”. Despite our categorical denial of this baseless rumour, the tabloid continued to publish this with an ambiguous quote from a person at YRF. Our SMS in response to their query read, “Totally baseless not true”, which was completely unambiguous. The least that should have been done was to have quoted us correctly and preferably not have carried this concocted story at all.

For now, we would like to clarify that no such project is being planned which has the two of them paired together. Also, our next set of scripts are still under finalisation and as and when the cast for each of them is locked, we will be more than happy to make the announcements. Till then, it would be great if you could please check with us before quoting any unconfirmed sources.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Disgusting: How Barbara Mori Was Conned?

There's this front page story in today's Bombay Times 'I'm disappointed'...Barbara Mori returns home after flying high in India

Now, Barbara has not said a SINGLE time that she is 'disappointed' in the story that follows. Obviously the writer (well known for con games) has manufactured a story according to his convenience. Mori has tweeted today morning that she will be in India for a few more days but the BT story portrays as if she is fleeing India because of the so called 'negative' response to her film 'Kites'. This is what Barbara tweeted about this Bombay Times 'Isshtory':

@Delamori This bombay times lies!! Unbelievable! Why they doing this?.i just want u to know that i can't be more happy in my life rigth now because of kites and how the people loved the film!

The manner in which the writer hammers his point of view and rubbishes Mori is disgusting to say the least. The writer (infamous for allegedly seeking sexual favours from a famous male singer in Bollywood) who is known to patronise a certain set of Bollywood fraternity and demonise others, as per convenience, has shamefully discarded the Indian term 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The guest is God). Barbara is a guest of the country. She doesn't deserve to be hounded like this. I have interacted with Barbara and she is a genuinely nice person without any airs about her whatsoever. I asked a few tough questions with Barbara but she handled them very maturely and in an easy going manner. It's obvious once you read this article that this guy deliberately provoked her for no rhyme or reason. He insinuates why Roshans couldn't arrange for her trip to Taj Mahal which Mori wanted to see. Did the Roshans not 'buy' the editorial space that this paper is well known for to get such unsubstantiated junk written about them?

Also, anyone aspiring to be in media, always remember, never misquote the celebrity whom you've interviewed. It's cheating. And should be condemned in the strongest words.

A Smile Without A Price Tag

A poem on the Air India Express Plane Crash on May 22nd 2010

A tired bird
Gives up the sky
An ocean of tears
Gulps the pain
An unseen dream
Withered in vain
A silent scream
Unheard and tamed
The voice within
A world of its own
Beauty of life
Manifests in tragedy
Transience is everywhere
God is watching the game
A trickle of kindness
Smiles without a price tag;
Before the blame
Invent a prayer.

The bird is still flying
Somethings never end.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Kites: A Rare Blend Of 'Commercial' And 'Artisitic'

When the 'moments' Lived while watching a film lingers on with you much later after the curtains are drawn, you know it was a good film. As 'Kites In The Sky' reverberated in my mind on the drive back home, I was transported to a world of make belief that is worth a treasure. That's the power of cinema. And it doesn't happen too often. 'Kites' is a rare film that blends 'commercial' and the 'artistic' with a consummate ease. It satiates your hunger for entertainment as well as stimulates the cerebral instincts.

The 'Ek Duje Ke Liye' remixed-salsa context love story is decorated by a subtle undercurrent of human frailty and a wonderful romance defying the cultural and language barrier. Director Anurag Basu makes a statement when he fuses hardcore commercial formula with quality art. On the one hand there's the mesmerising courtship of Roshan and Barbara, the humour-of-misunderstanding, the salubrious locales while on the other hand, there's a scene where gun is firing indiscriminately but instead of the roar of the bullets, you get to hear a chilling background music score underlining the passionate vengeance. Now, that's Art!

The film moves back-n-forth in time and engages attention till the end. The element of Mystery maintains the curiosity levels throughout. While the first half is a build up to the love-against-all-odds, it's the second half that makes one all attentive and receptive to what-will-happen next. The chemistry between Hrithik and Barbara is magnetic. They are 'generous' when it comes to ample display of physical intimacy. Mori is sure of her voluptuous body and doesn't look uncomfortable lip-locking or merging into an enrapturing embrace with Hrithik. Their romance is unpretentious and in a way is a logical culmination of their individual situations. The manner in which this love gently becomes stronger-n-stronger is where the director triumphs and makes this love story different from the rest.

Another area where 'Kites' is a milestone film is the heightened technical finesse that the film displays in all the technical departments. Director of Photography Ayananka Bose has done a splendid job of capturing various locales like Las Vegas and Mexico in their uninhibited, raw texture. Baylon Fonseca's sound design is world class. The stunts are spectacular and a big reason in itself to watch the film and whet the adrenaline rush. Editing is crisp, simple, yet stylish. Background score by Salim-Sulaiman matches the best in the world. Some of the softer strains in the background literally tickles-n-caresses your heart longingly.

Amongst the actors, Hrithik Roshan has excelled himself. There are some scenes (specially towards the climax) when his look, the body language, the anxiety makes you feel as if you are watching God in action. The level of hard work that he has put in is simply marvelous. He deserves to be celebrated across the world. For he has the looks as well as the humungous talent to challenge the best in the business. Watch him mischievously teach Hindi expletive to his Mexican lover, con a girl into falling in love with him, transform into a loverboy pining desperately for the comforts of the arms of the most unlikely woman, turn a fugitive and then take to the gun. There are many shades to this one role and you find Roshan triumphing in all of them.

Barbara Mori is a fantastic actress and more importantly her vivacious personality is adored by the camera. You don't understand a word of what she says in Spanish but her body language and facial mannerisms says it all. She gives you several funny moments in the film especially when she tries to rob a bank or while accusing Hrithik of seducing her into trouble.

Nicholas Brown who plays the bad guy in the film is an important cog in the wheel. His manic obsessive personality, coupled with a raging vulnerable jealousy is extremely appealing. In fact, it's because of the demeaning manner that he treats Mori in the film that enrages Roshan into getting protective about her and changing the course of their lives.

Kangana Ranaut is wasted. One wonders why the hell did she say yes to such a silly role. There's very little for her to do. It's a role that any small time upcoming actress could have done. Definitely doesn't do justice to the National Award that she won recently. I wonder if Ranaut would ever promote the film even post its release.

Rajesh Roshan's music is melodious and way better than his last two films 'Krrish' and 'Krazzy 4'. Amongst the songs, 'Kites in the sky' is one song that will remain alive for many years to come. Hrithik has sung it beautifully and its wonderful to listen to this sweet simple melody crafted with such honest passion. 'Fire' is an energetic number where Roshan displays his super dancing prowess. 'Tum bhi ho wahi' and 'Zindagi do pal ki' are tender melodies that will stand the test of time.

Basu's imagination shows a remarkable leap as the transformation from the frivolous to the spiritual is done gradually over a period of time without being forced. Anurag is also one of the writers of the film along with Akash Khurana and Robin Bhatt. And their writing has a mark of layered maturity. Now, since the language of the film is a combo of Hindi, English and Spanish, the dialogues keep shifting gears. It's the tautness of the narrative, the fluidity in the screenplay that keeps taking you forward.

It's a wonderful feeling when a film lives up to the hype. Kites does. And exceeds expectations. Don't miss it!

Star Rating: ****

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

'Love U...Mr Kalakaar!'

He is Sahil..a cartoonist..an artist who derives his inspiration from emotions that come from the sky, from the earth, a scrap of paper, a passing shape, a spider’s web…She is Ritu, a management trainee, whose world revolves around debits, credits, turnovers, profits , deadlines..

She falls in love with Sahil. Will she help him “sketch” the new rules of business? An artist’s simplicity amidst the dynamic corporate world…!

Featuring Tusshar Kapoor and Amrita Rao, Love U…Mr. Kalakaar! is directed by debutant S. Manasvi who has also penned the story, screenplay and dialogue. The movie is produced by Kamal Kumar Barjatya, Rajkumar Barjatya and Ajit Kumar Barjatya; Associate Producers Sooraj R. Barjatya and Rajjat A. Barjatya; Music by Sandesh Shandilya; Lyrics by Manoj Muntashir; Cinematography by Saurabh Vishwkarma; Editing by Navnita Sen; Sound Designer Jitendra Chaudhary; Art Director Sanjay Dhabade ; Choreography by Neerav Bavlecha; Thrills by Kaushal-Moses; Costumes Designed by Nishka Lulla .

The film will go on floors in early July 2010. The film will be released all over, through ‘Rajshri’.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Rajesh Roshan: An Unsung Legend

There are films that you wait for. And then when they live upto your expectations, the impressions left by the film linger on with you for a long time. 'Kites' is one film I've been waiting to watch for a long time. Hope it lingers on with me when I am done with watching it. But here I won't talk about the film but one of its unsung heroes. The film's music composer Rajesh Roshan who has yet again delivered a melodious score that keeps growing on you as the days pass by.

Rajesh Roshan will always be very special in my life as he's the man who gave my favourite song 'Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye' from 'Jurm' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_mtmnptlTA). Yes the song is inspired by the English number '500 Miles' by The Brothers Four (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLeyCX3Em-c&feature=related). But I genuinely believe that the ornamentation in music arrangements done by Roshan makes the Hindi version a romantic delight. 'Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye' is the only song I know by heart and can sing in full without forgetting a single line even if you wake me up in the middle of the night.

Rajesh Roshan has given us fantastic melodies over a career spanning four decades. He may not be the most flambouyant music composers but he has definitely updated with time. What he has done with 'Kites In The Sky' is incredible. When composers are doing all sorts of gimmicks to attract attention, Roshan conceives a soft, soothing number that plucks the guitar of your heart and caresses the romanticism within. The music arrangements have an old world charm and will be one of the songs that will linger on for many years to come. Most of the songs in 'Kites' are carefully manicured melodies (unlike 'Krrish' which had an average music score).

The music score of 'Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai' became very special because of the outstanding stuff that Roshan extracted from Lucky Ali. 'Na Tum Jaano Na Hum' and 'Ek Pal Ka Jeena' can set your heart on 'fire' anyday.

One of the most beautiful western songs ever created in Bollywood is 'My Heart Is Beating' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QLLOLsqzhQ). Sung by Preeti Sagar, this Rajesh Roshan number is hummed-n-sung till today. 'Choo Kar Mere Mann Ko' from 'Yaarana' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5-eJPTimXE&feature=related) is an ode that every lover must have sung for his/her beloved. The simplicity of the music arrangements, the beats, the sitar section and meaningful lyrics. It will never die.

Now, I will wrap up by talking about three of my personal favourite Rajesh Roshan songs. 'Ghar Se Nikalte Hi' from 'Papa Kehte Hain' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1lR5JBU9sc) is a tastefully written song by Javed Akhtar that celebrates the lover-just-around-the-corner. Udit Narayan's honey soaked voice and once again the simplicity in the song makes it a treat.

'Aaina Mujhse Meri Pehli Si Surat' from 'Daddy' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Auk9mqmZtPQ) is a timeless song that is elevated by Anupam Kher's performance, classy lyrics and from-the-heart singing of Talat Aziz. Roshan excels by blending ghazal feel of the song with Western and Indian orchestration.

'Sheeshe Se Bani Ek Ladki' from 'Dastak' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFUaiBW18V4) is marvelously written by Javed Akhtar, fantastically sung by Kumar Sanu (Why is he not singing any more?) and the whole construction of the song in terms of music instruments and arrangements blows you with its simplicity. I am sure Sushmita Sen still treasures this song as it was her first film.

Rajesh Roshan in my opinion is an unsung hero who has tirelessly re-invented himself. He is a legend in his own right who has gifted music that will last for a long time. Hats off!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Which Actress Will Be On Top In 2010?

The Race for the top slot amongst actresses is heating up especially in the year 2010 as all top actresses are having some very interesting projects which are both commercially and critically viable.

Priyanka Chopra may have stumbled with Pyaar Impossible but she is having the hugely anticipated Vishal Bharadwaj film Saat Khoon Maaf, then there’s Siddharth Anand's Anjaana Anjaani with Ranbir Kapoor followed by Kites director Anurag Basu’s Silence starring Ranbir once again.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is back with a bang. Mani Ratnam’s Raavan looks very impressive. Then there’s Shankar’s Robot opposite Rajnikanth, Vipul Shah’s Action Replayy with Akshay Kumar and the biggie Guzaarish where she is paired with Hrithik while Sanjay Leela Bhansali directs her again after Devdas.

Kareena Kapoor is hugely in demand. Much delayed Milenge Milenge will rekindle Jab We Met chemistry with old flame Shahid, Golmaal 3 with Rohit Shetty is a hot project, Ra.1 with the king himself Shahrukh Khan, Stepmom Remake with Kajol is a Dharma Production that’s keenly anticipated, Agent Vinod is all set to start shortly where she is paired with Saif while hopefully Madhur Bhandarkar’s film will be green-lighted soon as well.

Katrina Kaif is making waves for her de-glam role in Raajneeti where her chemistry with Ranbir will be closely watched. Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara will have her doing her first film with Hrithik and then Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan is said to be a Christmas dhamaaka.

My Name Is Khan has given a solid start to Kajol this year. She also has Stepmom Remake that will surely create waves. Apart from these big stars there’s Deepika Padukone who started the year on a false note with Karthik Calling Karthik, redeemed somewhat by Housefull but she has Lafangey Parindey with Neil Nitin Mukesh directed by Pradip Sarkar and Break Ke Baad opposite Imran Khan so there’s still hope for her.

So amongst these actresses whom do you think has a good chance of emerging on top? Do let me know your choices……

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Carefree Ways Of A Fish In A Bowl

A fish in a bowl
Happy to nibble
On tidbits of attention
Gracefully swaying
To the music within.

Waters of change
Are welcomed silently
Any eye contact
Carries a moistened appeal
Contended in its
Brief hemisphere
The little one's world
Is a charming fantasy.

I can't swim to save my life
Hey sweet angel
I envy you for that...
And for your carefree ways.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Why Writing Makes Or Breaks A Film?

At the Mahurat Of 'Golmaal 3' recently, director Rohit Shetty said that if writers Salim-Javed (Sholay, Kaala Paththar, Deewar, Zanjeer and many more hits) had followed copyright laws, they would have been raking up crores today. Well, Salim-Javed were the highest paid writers during their time, decided the actors who'd be part of their movies (it's a universal fact that they are one of the biggest reason behind the success of Amitabh Bachchan) and enjoyed all the perks that were enjoyed by the biggest of stars.

Salim-Javed are an isolated case. Fact is that writers are an underpaid lot, are treated shabbily and many a times their credits are siphoned off as well. Except for maybe Abhijat Joshi who was compensated handsomely for '3 Idiots' for writing the script-screenplay, the fate of the writers is in shambles. Anyway, that is something that the writer's association has to look into.

I love commercial potboilers. I love being a hungry spectator waiting to gobble up entertainment. For me it is paramount that the screenplay writing, the dialogues and the timing of the actors while delivering those dialogues has to be spot on. 'All The Best' worked for me primarily because of Sajid-Farhad's witty writing that was consistently funny and obviously the film didn't take itself too seriously and didn't take the stupid sentimental path. One can't say the same about 'Golmaal Returns' (written by the same writers) that relied more on physical comedy and insipid gags more than funny one liners.

A film like '3 Idiots' works because its dialogues are very funny and executed to perfection by the actors. And it's a Big reason for the repeat value of the film. The 'Balaatkaar' sequence, coinage of words like 'Virus' are a few examples that were lapped up by masses in a big way. Niranjan Iyengar and Shibani Bhatija churned out some memorable moments and wonderful lines in 'My Name Is Khan'. The humour, the pathos, the poignance...its all there. Obviously dialogues and the way they've been woven in the screenplay is a mercurial tool in the hands of a director while he carves out a good, watchable film that can withstand the test of time.

Each time I watch 'Jab We Met', the dialogues tickle me...'Akeli ladki ek khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai jise koi bhi chra sakta hai' or the Decent Hotel interaction between Shahid and the receptionist. There are many such gems. And when you come across 'Ab tumhe ek hi lady bacha sakti hai aur woh hai lady in blue' from the classic blunder 'Blue' one literally cringes.

Writing of a film makes or break it. There are a few filmmakers who lay a lot of importance on what they do with the writers while a few others rely more on lifting scenes from Hollywood films and hyping it up. Both end up giving the expected results. As your means, so your results...