India and #Metoo

Rahul Mate on #Metoo

2018 has been a #Metoo year. It is a first time ever when women came forward and talked about their harassment.  #metoo started with Alok Nath and then it took many music directors, directors and the famous M J Akbar in its reign.  

I stand with all women; no woman can lie on this counter. It once again ripped apart the Indian male chauvinistic attitude towards women. Lately Sabrimala judgment put all male counterparts worrying, every male started thinking. if the women enter then?  I personally feel women should do all the jobs what men do. They should be allowed to be a Priest in temple and should become pontiff. Women are more hardworking and intelligent but in India they do not get the share they deserve.

This #Metoo has given the much needed push to Indian society and caste system. This #Metoo has made other women think about their rights and life. I feel we as mass communication experts should work on this. It is time to teach Indian male how to behave and how to respect the women. The television avatar of women should break the image of Bahu, Saans, Beti or Patni. Women should be portrayed in such a way where the rest will find inspiration from them.  Girls should and must reign the media industry. It will help them to put their problems across. This way the mindset of Indian society will change.

Creative Writing

https://rm24fps.wordpress.com/2018/09/21/creative-writing/

LONG LIVE VIKTORIA MARINOVA !

LONG LIVE VIKTORIA MARINOVA !

Today when news flashed the leading investigative journalist Viktoria Marinova, worked for broadcaster TVN. It is a small time broadcasting company. I see the courage at the age of 30, who had the iron heart to enter into investigative journalism. Latey Marinova anchored the program "Detector" on TVN, where she interviewed two journalists who were investigating alleged corruption involving European Union funds. She is left with young daughter.

The courageous journalist is yet another example of devout journo who fought for right over wrong. Viktoria Marinova stood tall into her shoes and blew whistle, she wield her pen. Corruption is an epidemic which spreading across the globe.

It is alarming to know, since last year Three journalists have been killed in the EU.

Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bombing in October in Malta. Her widely-read blog accused top politicians of corruption.

Jan Kuciak was murdered in Slovakia in February. Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova were shot dead in February in what was the first targeted killing of a reporter in the country's history. His murder changed the ruling government

When I teach journalism, many students who come and ask me, what we will get into return?  I will tell you, it is the gratitude of millions you get in return. It is one of the most responsible careers. Every one works in the world for only money. In due course it becomes a routine. A journalist kicks the dusk, starts the day before everyone else and hit the office every day with a new zeal. It is the passion to do something for society, there are millions who are marginalized, and there are millions who are displaced out of development. The pivotal issues of environment, epidemics, poverty, job generation, crime and the most important the life is chosen by journalist.

It is only a journalist who writes on books, music, drama, cinema, art, business, sports and entertainment. It is a journalist who enlightens the world with all the reality around. It is a journalist who works as a guardian to millions and offer hopes to many. If being good is crime, if being honest is yield death. Then tell me what you to be? Writing and singing gave Bob Dylan a Nobel. A journalist is the person who life on their own terms. It is not the money that matters what matters is what you do to earn it. Which other profession offers a charm, courage, freedom and might?  

I have seen generations who has lived with pen and lived with dignity. It is not difficult to earn as the latest report says, there are only 0.03% teacher who are proficient to teach how to wield a pen. There are millions of jobs into AI development and automation drive of industry 4.0 for journalists. There are jobs but there are takers. As we heading towards information society the boundaries of countries are getting dissolve.

The dream of Che Guevara and Viktoria Marinova will soon be true as whole world will be united over journalism.  

Gulabjam Film Review

गुलाबजाम 

 एक मराठी पिक्चर खूप चर्चा ऐकली होती.  जेव्हा स्वतः बघितला तेव्हा मात्र माझे मन बदलले. आपण हिंदी चित्रपट त्यांचा प्रभाव वगैरे बोलत असतो. आज मला ते संपूर्ण पाहायला मिळाले. या चित्रपटाच्या पटकथे विषयी मला काही मूलभूत प्रश्न आहेत. आज जेव्हा आपण ऐकतो कि गुलाबजाम म्हणजे तोंडात पाणी पाणी करतो. मला काळात नाही कि आपण  चित्रपट बघायला गेलात कि हलवायाच्या दुकानात. एक माध्यम  वयीन अ-विवाहित महिला कि जी एकटीच राहते आणी काही जेवणाचे डबे पुरवायचे काम करते.  तिची कीर्ती इंग्लंड स्थित तरुणाला कशी कळते? तिचे जवळचे आणि लांबचे नातेवाईक  तिला अशी एकटी सोडून का देतात? तिला स्वतःहोऊन कधी लग्न करावे, समाजात मिसळावे असे का वाटत नाही? आदित्य एक पात्र जे तिच्या कडे गुलाबजाम शिकायला येते, त्याचे आई वडील कुठे आहेत? त्याची फॅमिली कुठे आहे? हे दोन असे सामाजिक घटक कि जे मुळातच कोणत्याही प्रकारे समाजात मिसळत नाहीत. तिसरे पात्र येते ते राधा च्या शाळेतले, तिचा वर्ग मित्र. त्याला ती आवडते, तिथेच डिरेक्टर चा तोल सुटतो आणि डायरेक्टर शेवटी दोघांना एकत्र सिनेमाला जातं दाखवतो.

हा चित्रपट बघताना मला सारखे जाणवत राहिले कि हा चित्रपट मन्हजे डायरेक्टर च्या नजरेतून दाखवलेला खेळ.

गमतीदार गोष्ट मन्हजे चित्रपटाच्या शेवटी ए दिल हैं मुश्किल चे पोस्टर दिसते. काय संबद्ध हे माझ्या कल्पनेच्या पलीकडचे. कॅमेरा चे काम अतिशय विस्कळीत, मला समजत नाही कि जेव्हा तुम्हाला चेहर्या वरील भाव दाखवायचे असतील तेव्हा निदान कॅमेरा पात्र समोर ठेवा. तो साईड प्रोफाइल मध्ये आहे. राधा आणि आदित्य यांचा अभिनयाला मर्यादा आहेत, मला हे समजले नाही कि सारखे त्यांचे क्लोज उप का? आदित्य चे सारखे का?

चित्रपटाच्या सुरवातीला एक १९१० मध्ये रशियन डायरेक्टर एइजेस्टीने वापरलेले  मोंताज वापरलेले आहेत. मला हे काळात नाही की समाज बदलला, तंत्रज्ञानाची  झाली. फ्रेंच नु  वेव्ह, जर्मन एक्सप्रेसनिज्म, ब्रिटिश सिनेमा, युरोपिअन सिनेमा आणि बरेच काही झाले. जुने तंत्रज्ञान वापरून काय साध्य न होते? मला संपूर्ण चित्रपट हा मुख्यत्वे करून इनडोअर आहे. हा टीव्ही वरचा वाटतो.

एक सिनेमा चा अभ्यासक असल्या मुळे मला पडलेले हे प्रश्न मी  तुमच्या  समोर ठेवत आहे

Indian soil rules

Indian words - 2017

Indian Origin words reign - 2017 OED

English in India is as old as 400 years. It offered a lot to Indian society. English is Indian’s official language. It was earlier practiced by merchants, missionaries, colonial administration and then attained official status in India. English today used as lingua franca in one of the world’s most linguistically diverse nations.

The practicing English Linguistics and Oxford English Dictionary works relentlessly for its development. This year OED has added seventy words from India.  They added new 900 entries in OED this year.

As 70 is a big number it is interesting to take a look at the scenario. India always practiced join family system and India is known for its hospitality, we easily find words like ‘Abba’ and ’Anna’ in daily life. This time they are added in OED they mean dad and big brother respectively.  The much diverse Indian cuisine is praised as gastronomical delights, some of the recipes like ‘gulab jamun’ ,‘vada’, Mirch Masala, Mirch, Dal are part of Indian daily diet. The OED has added them as regular words. It will give a relief to many Indians who are settled abroad and it will offer a goose bumps to Indian nationals as English is coming more close to their life.

The latest addition of OED team accepted many terms from Indian origin languages like Telugu, Urdu, Tamil, Hindi and Gujarati. It is much praiseworthy to see how English language is flourishing across globe and how English as a language is getting enriched from different languages.

A - Abba, Anna, Achha

B- Bapu, Bachcha, Bada Din, Badmash, Bhelpuri, Bhindi, Bhavan

C- Chup, Churidar, Chutney, Chacha, Chakka Jam, Chamcha, Chaudhuri, Chhi- Chhi, Chana Dal, Chana

D- Dadagiri, Desh, Devi, Dhaba, Diya, Didi, Dum

F- Funda

G- Ganja, Ghee, Gosht, Gulab Jamun. Gully

H – Haat

 J- Jai, Jhuggi, Ji, Jugaad

K – Keema, Kund

M – Maha, Mata, Masala, Mirch Masala, Mirch

N- Nagar, Nai, Namkeen, Natak, Nivas

P- Papad, Pukka, Puri

Q – Qila

S- Sevak, Sevika, Surya Namaskar

T – Timepass

V – Vada

Y – Yaar

I take this platform to express my gratitude towards language study. English is born out of the languages like Greek, Latin, French, Italian and some tribal languages of 15^th century.  The first lexicographer Samuel Johnson said, “Language is the dress of thought.”

          I remember when I was studying Prof. Umberto Eco, he once mentioned, “Translation is the art of failure.” This statement of him changed my life and I went on learning the nuances of language, culture, history, psychology and sociology. The attempt of OED is the same.

           Last year British linguist David Crystal gave on BBC interview on English and its development as a language. He said, “Language has no independent existence apart from the people who use it. It is not an end in itself; it is a means to an end of understanding who you are and what society is like.

In this same interview when asked about the different words added in English language and the ever changing English grammar rules. He answered firmly, “Languages like English, Spanish, and Chinese are healthy languages. They exist in spoken, written, and signed forms, and they're used by hundreds of millions of people all over the world. But most of the 6,000 or so of the world's languages aren't in such a healthy state.”

I became more serious on this comment. True, a language lives and when somebody use it. If the language is practiced at more places then it becomes the duty of language to adopt the culture as language reflects culture, sociology, economy, psychology and emotions. I wonder, how seriously OED is thinking about language.

Ivanka Trump offers the word of the year

Ivanka Trump offers the word of the year

Dictionary.com is a web portal dedicated to English language. Every day they come up with a word of the day. This website closely work with the development of English language and current developments in writing in press, periodicals, books and other material.

Yesterday they have declared 'complicit' as its word of the year.

Complicit – The particular word is used by Ivanka Trump for the fragrance she launched. Scarlett Johansson in a glittery gold dress launched it. The other developments like, Russian election influence, the ever-widening sexual harassment scandal, mass shootings and the opioid epidemic increased the use of the word "complicit”. Dictionary.com then chosen it the word of the year for 2017.

Lexicographer Jane Solomon told revels the meaning, "This year a conversation that keeps on surfacing is what exactly it means to be complicit," she further added, “Complicit has sprung up in conversations about those who speak out against powerful figures in institutions, and those who stay silent."

March 12. "Saturday Night Live" launched the sketch starring Scarlett Johansson as Ivanka Trump in a glittery gold dress peddling a fragrance called "Complicit" as it reveals "She's beautiful, she's powerful, she's complicit."

I remember a quote of David Crystal, “A feature of English that makes it different compared with all other languages is its global spread” I remember he used it in the preface of his book, ‘‘Stories of English’ David Crystal. He goes further and explains how English is spread across the globe and how it’s form, syntax is different from each other. Sir David Crystal is lexicographer of Cambridge encyclopedia and is the only senior most authority alive today.

I wonder if other languages also practice the same thing, they will get enriched and will remain in use for more years. Else the touch screen reality and ever changing diction will make any established language irrelevant within 10 years.

Surprisingly on April 5, Ivanka, Solomon said. It was the day after she appeared on "CBS This Morning" and told Gayle King, among other things: "I don't know what it means to be complicit."

The other development on Oct. 24, Arizona Republican Jeff Flake harshly criticizing President Donald Trump and urging other members of the party not to stand silently with the president. He used 'complicit' word as follow.

"I have children and grandchildren to answer to, and so, Mr. President, I will not be complicit," Flake said.

I soon will be writing on the words which have become absolute in 2017. As this year has been a year of heavy political turmoil and political upheaval like never before. This year also is the year when many writers surfaced their talent in writing in revival style. The movies, music, dance, drama, public relations, advertising and political arena went on revivalism raga.

As fashion changes every season and so do the language. Let us get updated with in vogue new terminologies.

How Much Do You Love Me

How Much Do You Love Me

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. Aristotle
I live by this definition but the bard of Avon has enlighten me with so many definitions of love.

I will be happy to share a couple of them.

‘To be wise and love, Exceeds man’s might’ (Troilus & Cressida – Act 3, Scene 2)

Troilus and Cressida is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, It was described by Frederick S. Boas as one of Shakespeare's problem plays. The play ends on a very bleak note with the death of the noble Trojan Hector and destruction of the love between Troilus and Cressida. This work   has in recent years "stimulated exceptionally lively critical debate".  The tone of this play lurches wildly between bawdy comedy and tragic gloom, and readers and theatre-goers have frequently found it difficult to understand how one is meant to respond to the characters.

I remember another line form Hamlet,

‘Love is begun by time, and time qualifies the spark and fire of it’ (Hamlet – Act 4, Scene 7)

Bertrand Blier the French director who is known for portraying the war between the sexes and he is eccentrically old-fashioned. He treat women characters as amusingly as they are insoluble mysteries and it is only an incidental relationship to the rest of humanity, that is, men. His 70s film Les Valseuses, was critic’s favorite for the same reason.

 I became curious when he wrote and directed the film wrote How Much Do You Love Me? for Monica Bellucci, he first saw her in Gaspar .Director Blier casts Bellucci as a whore in How Much Do You Love Me?, He scripted this role to  adore her, rather than demean her. Whenever a man tells Bellucci's Daniela that he loves her, she just smiles soothingly and says that's only natural. All men do.

"How Much Do You Love Me?" is a movie about an office worker who uses a lottery windfall to entice a prostitute into domestic bliss. Blier's take on beauty vs. shleppiness, mercenary seduction vs. true romance, and cash as a motivating factor in sexual desire is thoroughly enjoyable, if slightly protracted.

I remember her lines from an interview taken after the latest film On the Milky Road, she at rocking 50 starred in Bond film and now in ‘On the Milky Road’. This film took 4 years in making. She is known as total Italic curve in the world of World Cinema.

Monica Bellucci interview: 'Love and sexuality is a matter of energy not age'

When she is asked about her claim to be a feminist? She expressed, “Firstly, what does the word feminist actually mean? Often behind a badly behaved man is a mother who badly educated her son.”

I am stunned by this euphemism, as her character in the film "How Much Do You Love Me?," raises the same question.  I find that this film focuses on ‘Don Juanism’ as psychological complex. Where Bellucci's Daniela plays a liberal role of a whore who try to explore the definition of love from other character. Bellucci's Daniela character remains rock steady to male characters who are under the spell of ‘Don Juanism’ and ‘Othello complex’. It is a film which help you find the difference between attraction, love, greed, desire, responsibility and one’s own self.

Bertrand Blier is we find distinctive director known for his black humor and robust satirizing of sexual anxieties. His movies are nailed under art-movie and not mainstream. He always depicted absurd, cruel obsession in a fundamentally realist visual style. Bertrand Blier’s style of film making is reminiscent of Luis Buñuel; one might also compare him with the likes of Pedro Almodóvar, Paul Bartel, John Waters, Paul Morrissey and Geoff Andrew.

BOLLYWOOD TRENDS IN 2017

BOLLYWOOD TRENDS IN 2017

This year Bollywood has released several movies on box office with a personal story. It is interesting to take a look at them and find out the latest trend going in Bollywood. The year 2017 is known for the year of Post Demonetization pangs, Confusion over GST and the sad demise of Om Puri, Shashi Kapoor and Reema Lagu. As we grow with experience and knowledge it is worth taking a holistic view at Bollywood films as it makes the fortunes of many.

This year Bollywood had given many films with new themes which were untapped so far. Lets take a look at film one by one.

Newton   - A government clerk on election duty in the conflict ridden jungle of Central India tries his best to conduct free and fair voting despite the apathy of security forces and the looming fear of guerrilla attacks by communist rebels. This film was a creative attempt by Director Amit Masurkar.  Main role is played by Rajkummar Rao leaves a lasting impression on audience. This film is a tale of a honest and hardworking government servant. We can call it a story of a common man.

According to ND TV , Newton Box Office Collection was Rs. 17.59 Crore, it was not a big hit on box office but it was a success. Newton is India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards.   In an exclusive interview to Firstpost, Rajkummar Rao had said that his latest film, Amit V Masurkar's black comedy Newton is redolent of "apne desh ki mitti ki khushbu". What he was alluding to was that the film not only addresses the issues of the lower strata of society, it also demonstrates how crucial it is.

Hindi Medium - A couple from Chandni Chowk aspires to give their daughter the best education and thus be a part of and accepted by the elite of Delhi.  The veteran Director Saket Chaudhary has made this film which stars Irrfan Khan, Neha Dhupia, Saba Qamar, Deepak Dobriyal. It is worth noting the typical attitude of school towards students and the attempt of parents to supersede it.ROHIT BHATNAGAR from THE ASIAN AGE writes, Hindi Medium movie review: It is not a film, it's an experience! Hindi Medium movie review: Irrfan Khan delivers a fine performance in this film which puts the difference between Bharat and India in sharp focus. Pakistani actor Saba Qamar gets some moments too. Indian Express writes, “Hindi Medium’ box-office collection: Irrfan Khan's film inches towards 60-crore mark”

Sachin (2017 Documentary) - It is a bio-pic on Sachin, who is the most celebrated sportsperson in his country.  Director James Erskine made it with sports persons like Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Mayur More, Mayuresh Pem. This film did not well on Box office. The Guardian gave a headline “Sachin: A Billion Dreams review – love letter to cricket's sultan of swing”. This docu-drama  released on 26 May, 2017 completes three weeks at the box office.

The Ghazi Attack (2017) - Director: Sankalp Reddy Who came up with a proved formula of a war film. A Pakistani submarine, Ghazi plans to secretly attack Vizag port. It’s a 116 minute drama film.Critics read it as a ,”underwater thriller is worth a watch for sure. It leaves you in awe of the soldiers, who lay their lives for their country.”  Times of India catagorially mentioned in their review, ‘ The Ghazi Attack has a riveting story and good performances from Rana Daggubati, Atul Kulkarni, Kay Kay Menon. It lacks perfection in terms of its visual appeal.’ This February release did performed average on box office.   

Secret Superstar (2017)  -A 14 year-old from Vadodara who dreams of being a singer one day. It is the dream project of Director Advait Chandan, film Stars: Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij, Raj Arjun, Tirth Sharma.   

Very interesting and different story of a young Muslim girl, aspires to become a singer but faces restrictions from her conservative father. She happens to cross paths with a musician, which unfolds into an exciting journey. It is a October release and had a 15cr budget film. It became the 10th-highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2017

Trapped (2017)  A man gets stuck in an empty high rise without food, water or electricity. (105 mins.)Director: Vikramaditya Motwane Stars: Rajkummar Rao, Geetanjali Thapa, Shiladitya Sen, Rahul Patel. It is a daily life situation when one is trapped in his own apartment and fights for his survival. This films shows the loneliness of life. It truly portrays the empty landscape of city. It is a novel attempt by director.

Mom (2017)  A tale of how far a mother will go for the sake of her children. (146 mins.) Director: Ravi Udyawar Stars: Sridevi, Akshaye Khanna, Adnan Siddiqui, Sajal Ali. It is a thriller film directed by Ravi Udyawar.   Sridevi a biology teacher’s family life in Delhi is shattered when her daughter, Arya (Sajal Ali) is physically assaulted by Jagan (Abhimanyu Singh) and gang. It is a story of mother who fights for revenge.

Jolly LLB 2 (2017)  Jolly who is a clumsy lawyer who represents the most critical court case of his career. Director: Subhash Kapoor Stars: Akshay Kumar, Huma Qureshi, Saurabh Shukla, Annu Kapoor 'Jolly LLB 2' has witnessed a good run at the box-office . The film collected around Rs 8.25 crore in its third week taking the total to Rs 105 crore since its release on February 10 ahead of the Valentine's Day week, as reported by Boxofficeindia.com. This film portrays the judicial system in most unbiased way. This film offers a ray of hope to many.

Running Shaadi (2017) - Two friends, Ram Bharose and tech genius Cyberjeet, create a website that helps lovers to elope. The site is an instant hit; young couples line up for the opportunity to escape strict families and run away with the ones they love. Director: Amit Roy Stars: Arsh Bajwa, Tapsee Pannu, Richa Meena, Amit Sadh. This is yet another run of the mill film where the story and plot has nothing much to offer or entice us with screen.

Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017)  In this remake of Kalyana Samayal Saadham, a couple fall in love but then the groom discovers that he suffers from erectile dysfunction. Director: R.S. Prasanna Stars: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar, Brijendra Kala, Seema Bhargava. RS Prasanna and his typical style where he refuses to give space to the side characters; the film has a valuable message against superstitions and old beliefs.  It  to tickles one's funny bone for a good 105 minutes.

Raees (2017)  A bootlegger sets out to improve his community as a promising leader but falls in a political trap. Director: Rahul Dholakia  Raees is not a biopic, but it is based generously on the life, rise and death of Abdul Lateef up to a point. You can read Shah Rukh Khan as the Indian Pablo Escobar. It is one of the most successful film which stars SRK Sunny Leoni iteam song and much more crime drama.

Kaabil (2017)  A blind man seeks revenge against a corrupt politician and his brother after his wife is raped and killed.  Director: Sanjay Gupta Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Yami Gautam, Ronit Roy, Rohit Roy It is one of the most interesting Bollywood thriller drama film. I find no reason why this film didn’t work.

Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016).  Film sets in the crowded by-lanes of small town India, Lipstick Under My Burkha chronicles the secret lives of four women in search of a little freedom. Director: Alankrita Shrivastava Stars: Aahana Kumra, Ratna Pathak Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, Plabita Borthakur. Lipstick Under My Burkha Story narrates four ordinary women, inflicted by silly societal norms, have to steal, lie, cheat and hide in order to lead the lives that they rightfully deserve. ​It had no great future on box office but this film has certainly made a new beginning for Bollywood films on women. I am happy to see the change happening in Bollywood films.

Indu Sarkar (2017)  Indu Sarkar is set during the emergency period between 1975 to 1977 declared by Prime Minister Indra Gandhi.  Director: Madhur Bhandarkar Stars: Kirti Kulhari, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Rashmi Jha It has a confused narrative and melodrama that dethrones the attempt to champion the cause of democracy. It would have been a great film if it could focus on more issues then people.

Naam Shabana (2017)  This Spin-off from Baby (2015) provides the back-story of intelligence agent Shabana, and chronicles how she becomes a spy. Director: Shivam Nair Stars: Tapsee Pannu, Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpayee, Taher Shabbir. Director acknowledges a woman’s ability to unmake a man. It is a woman-centric roles is definitely growing. Naam Shabana, a prequel to the 2015 film Baby of Neeraj Pandey this time joins hands with director Shivam Nair and breaks through the ordeal of sexism and prejudice that women often get subjected to. The Hindu - ‘Naam Shabana’ might be about a woman spy fighting her way past many villains but the film rests on and reflects a male world-view.

Haraamkhor (2017)  it is an old film releaed in 2017, An unlikely love triangle unfolds when married professor, Shyam, has an illicit affair with his student, Sandhya, who in turn is trying to be wooed by her classmate Kamal. Haraamkhor is a prohibited love story witnessed by two adolescents. Director: Shlok Sharma Stars: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shweta Tripathi, Trimala Adhikari, Irfan Khan

Simran (2017)  A socially criticized girl who is financially cornered, becomes an outlaw to dodge the situation. (124 mins.) Director: Hansal Mehta Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Sohum Shah, Esha Tewari, Jason Louder The role of Kangana is much similar to her roles offered in other films.

Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017)  Badrinath Bansal from Jhansi and Vaidehi Trivedi from Kota belong to small towns but have diametrically opposite opinions on everything. This leads to a clash of ideologies, despite both of them recognizing the goodness in each other.   Director: Shashank Khaitan Stars: Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sahil Vaid, Swanand Kirkire. The film portrayed the traditional north atmosphere, love and affection towards parents. The growth within a charcter of Badri  Varun Dhavan  has successfully portrayed the socio-psychological change in male chauvinistic to humanistic character in this film. The role scripted for Alia Bhatt has also given her a space to showcase her role as a daughter, girlfriend and most importantly the independent women in male basin. The chaste dialogues of the film and songs made this film a great hit. The success of this film showcases the changing trends in India.

Baadshaho (2017) An Indian queen asks her bodyguard to steal back gold taken from her by the Indian government during The Emergency period in 1975. Director: Milan Luthria Stars: Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'Cruz, Emraan Hashmi, Esha Gupta. The veteran director of Bollywood had made this film. What we see is the period of post independence and emergency. The different characters showcase the post independence India and the uncertainty of faith, life and love.

Phillauri (2017) - A man must marry a tree to ward off threats to his love-life, but the tree turns out to have more spirit than the man bargained for. Director: Anshai Lal Stars: Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma, It is a good attempt to narrate a love story. It is did not do well on box office but it made a ground for experimental films.

Rangoon (2017) -  A love triangle forms against the backdrop of the Second World War. Director: Vishal Bhardwaj Stars: Shahid Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Saif Ali Khan, Richard McCabe. It is one of the big budget and successful film of the year. It showcases the Indian freedom struggle with Subhash Chandra Bose Mukti Sena.

Meri Pyaari Bindu (2017)  A successful writer Abhimanyu Roy, stuck with writers block, returns to his roots to write an old-fashioned love story. Director: Akshay Roy Stars: Ayushmann Khurrana, Parineeti Chopra, Prakash Belawadi, Kharaj Mukherjee. We can call it a period love story. It had a very bad box office fortune. The story and plot deals with the ordinary life situations, the audience has started apprecieating the real life characters and situations then the reel life much hyped stars.

Begum Jaan (2017) The story of eleven prostitutes who refuse to part ways with their brothel and each other during the partition between India and Pakistan. Director: Srijit Mukherji Stars: Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Pallavi Sharda. The film sets in the period of partition days. The common fate of 11 prostitutes and the lost glory of undivided India is portrayed in the film.

Commando 2 (2017)  - A man uses his combat skills to eradicate black money, which has been siphoned to banks abroad. Director: Deven Bhojani Stars: Vidyut Jammwal, Adah Sharma, Esha Gupta, Freddy Daruwala It is a typical action film of Bollywood with a Vidyut Jammwal. The no logic and no action film did do not well on box office.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha movie is film talks about the bad hygine habbits of Indian villages. The bride leaves the groom for not having toilet in house. The groom not only builds a toilet but also promotes the good habit of building a toilet in side house.

Jab Harry Met Sejal stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, Aru Krishansh Verma, Chandan Roy Sanyal Director:  Imtiaz Ali has brought the same old wine in new bottle, if we track his old films like Socha Na Tha, Jab We Met, Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha, it is a new film with an old story.  It is a time to fling and not love. Film liberally talks on love and emotions without any link or depth of reality.

Mubarakan -   Director: Anees Bazmee A senceless comedy of the era of 90s comedy films with a characters who wear colourful clothes and has no reason worry. They smile smile and smile for no reason. It is much rotten concept of 90s. It is been releated with a big budget and technology but it is failed on box office.

Jagga Jasoos  Director: Anurag Basu Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Sayani Gupta, Saswata Chatterjee, Sayani Gupta, Saurabh Shukla, Saravjeet Tewari. It is a funny and comedy film which is more like a musical but did not do well on boxoffice.It is a film which we can compare with Barfi which was more of a tourism film, which made to be a  psychological thriller but turned into comedy.

 G Kutta Se Director: Rahul Dahiya Cast: Rajveer Singh, Neha Chauhan, Nitin Pandit, Rashmi Somvanshi, Vibha Tyagi a Haryanvi film deals with the grass root isses affecting law and women.

Daddy movie review Arjun Rampal, it seems, had a creative itch to play a real-life don who is still living — an exciting and daunting task for the best of thespians. Director: Ashim Ahluwalia Cast: Arjun Gawli, Aishwarya Rajesh, Nishikant Kamat, Anand Ingale, Rajesh Shringarpure
Daddy is a real life Mumbai gangsar’s real life based film. It is a period drama.

Fukrey Returns  Director: Mrighdeep Singh Lamba  Cast: Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma, Richa Chaddha, Rajiv Gupta, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Manjot Singh, Priya Anand, Vishakha Singh.It is a Delhi youth story of love crime and struggle of life.

Tumhari Sulu  Director: Suresh Triveni  Cast: Vidya Balan, Manav Kaul, Neha Dhupia, Vijay Maurya, Abhishek Sharma This film talks about the life of a middle class married women. The otherwise near life story decorated with songs and plot makes a stage for new Bollywood films and a challenge to scriptwriters.

Ajji  Director: Devanish Makhija Cast: Shushma Deshpande, Smita Tambe, Sharvani Suryavanshi, Sadiya Siddiqui, Abhishek Banerjee, Shreyas Pandit, Vikas Kumar. It is a fight of an old women against injustice, this film is adopted from a Marathi short film. This is a positive example for Bollywood which adopts the shortfilms to feature films.  

S Durga  film  shows a face of India that’s neither susheel, nor sundar, nor sanskari.

Director: Sanal Kumar Sasidharan  Cast: Rajshri Deshpande, Kannan Nayar, Sujeesh KS, Baiju Netto, Arun Sol, Vedh, Bilas Nair, Nistar Ahamed, Sujith Koyikkal, Vishnu Jith It is directors  third film, was shot in one night without a screenplay or a written story.  This film is honoured and celebrated at international festivals more than any other Indian film

Here’s a list of international awards S Durga has won till now:

1.       Hivos Tiger Award for best feature film at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam, Netherlands  

2.       Golden Apricot for best feature film in Yerevan, Armenia

3.       Best international feature in Guanajuato, Mexico

4.       Best feature film in the Geneva International Film Festival

5.       Asia Pacific Screen Awards nomination for best director

6.       Young jury award for best film in Pesaro International Film Festival, Italy

7.       Special jury award for music & direction in Cinemajove, Valencia, Spain

8.       Jury award for best cinematography, Zerkalo, Tarkovsky Film Festival, Russia

9.       Special jury mention at MAMI (Mumbai Film Festival)

Ittefaq Director: Abhay Chopra  Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha
It is a typical Whodunnits film. It will be a good example for me to explain the students of film scriptwriting but it is not sufficient for large screen.

Qarib Qarib Singlle  Director: Tanuja Chandra  Cast: Irrfan Khan, Parvathy . This film talks about love and relationships. Director and writer Tanuja Chandra takes on two 35-plus adults and walks them through the A, B, C of life, love, and love for life. This film makes think about life, choices we make, love and romance.

Tubelight Director: Kabir Khan Salman Khan  Cast: Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Om Puri, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Yashpal Sharma, Zhu Zhu, Matin Rey Tangu, Brijendra Kala. This is a film where Salman khan has played dense and dumb by wearing hand-knitted sweaters over shirts buttoned to the hilt. Audience somehow has not digested him in this film. This film deals with humanity and love.

Sarkar 3 Director: Ram Gopal Varma  Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Amit Sadh, Jackie Shroff, Manoj Bajpayee, Ronit Roy, Yami Gautam, Rohini Hattangari. The director takes audience on ride.  this 3rd film in triology which was earlier compared with Godfather trilogy is failed miserably on box-office.Director need to rethink on setting and changing times and climes. Godfather triology need to studied deeply to make the trilogy of Sarkar 3.

Baahubali 2  - Director: S.S. Rajamouli Cast:  Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj, Nassar
 A typical south Indian film with big budget and amusement is much appreciated by children across India.

Dangal - Director: Nitesh Tiwari Cast: Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim, Suhani Bhatnagar, Aparshakti Khurana, Ritwik Sahore Dangal, a feminist tale in a familial, patriarchal setting, sticks to the real story to the extent possible for an interesting screenplay. This film is based upon real life Indian player’s life. This film has made business in India and across globe. 

Moh Maya Money  Director: Munish Bhardwaj Cast: Ranvir Shorey, Neha Dhupia, Vidushi Mehra. It is a great film which deals with midlife crisis. It subtly deals with the egos and aspirations of individuals with they are married. It is most underrated film but it made mark on global canvas about the talent of Indian film makers.

Dear Zindagi  Director: Gauri Shinde Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan, Ali Zafar, Kunal Kapoor, Ira Dubey, Yashaswini Dayama, Rohit Saraf, Angad Bedi, Aditya Roy Kapoor. This film is deals with the real life of a character which has resemblance with the director of the film. The other wise funny film teaches us a lesson of life.

The various film which released in 2017 has made certain benchmarks for Bollywood films. The year 2017 was full of political, technological, financial and psychological upheavals. The year started with demonetization, then comes the GST and its regulation problems, cash crunch, Liquor Ban, Tax Reforms, Digital Economy and its aftereffects.

Bollywood showcased more films based on real life character. We can call these films as docu-drama but they had typical Bollywood tint. This year audience preferred the films based on reality, subject and the handling of characters. The Big budget films did not do well. The small budget films made their fortune. We can certainly call this year as a nostalgic year, as we have 3 films directly talks on partition and other 3 films talks on patriotism. This year we had films which focused more on every day character portrayed on screen than the typical Bollywood films which showcase filmy hero and filmy heroine. A thread of secularism I find in Bollywood 2017 film as compared to earlier.   I am sure you must have watched some of the films and will surely watch rest of them soon.

2017 Indian Web Series

2017 Indian Web Series

While the exodus of the Indian audience away from their idiot boxes may well be underway, web series are slowly and steadily replacing television soap operas for the aam janta. But do we really step away from the mainstream? Do we give offbeat web series a chance after all?

The shows like Permanent Roommates, Tripling and Baked have laid a highway for Indian webseries.  The WOF is most popular tool to hookup any offbeat web series. The digital plat form of promotion worked the wonders. I have analyzed and put some Indian Web Series for you.

The Aam Aadmi Family – (The Timeliners )-The Aam Aadmi Family is one of the most well acted and offbeat web series, and is definitely a must watch. As the name resembles with on political party it has something interesting to watch.

Metaphorically they have put Indian family system with its badgage on screen. We find a gossip-loving grandmother, a hardworking father, a sanskaari mom, and two grown up kids who are dealing with their middle-classness in the best way possible.

UNTag -It is a show with social message, one that attempts to lose the tags that people attach to others, unsuspectingly reducing them to nothing but a tag that has been assigned to them, when people are so much more, in their own unique way. The story of “a badass boss and a bunch of advertising agency professionals”, UNTag is a must watch from Voot.

Official Chukyagiri- The story of Spandan is about a small town boy who arrived in the city of dreams, Mumbai with a dream of his own. Now an intern, Official Chukyagiri it offers us the part of Spandan’s corporate experiences at his new office. As many youngsters migrate to city from villages this serial is much dear to them. This serial is made by Arre, Official Chukyagiri shows us Spandan’s view of the corporate world through the eyes of an intern.

Daaru Pe Charcha - It is one of the popular show, you do not need to be a druncker or tetotler it is a lighthearted comedy on day today life.  

Tanhaiyan - It comes on HotStar. This show is romantic and it has it’s warmth. The show holds an 8.8 rating on IMDB, indicating highly positive viewer feedback, meaning one should definitely give this show a shot if the genre is your thing.

Alisha - It is a crime investigative series set in the backdrop of the fashion industry. The series traces the journey of a 24-year-old fashion blogger turned investigator Alisha. It is rated 7.8 on IMDB, you can find their comments on YouTube videos.

Chinese Bhasad - It is a highly imaginary serial, just imagine bringing home your boyfriend/girlfriend, and expressing your plans to marry that person. Scary right? it’s comedy chaos and hilarious stereotype satire. Look, as Chiniese goods have already taken the Indian market, let me tell you they are selling their goods across world. There is no point in becoming politically bias. It is an interesting watch.

Man’s World - From the youth arm of Yash Raj Films, Man’s World is a story about a hypothetical scenario, wherein the lead character thinks men are treated unfairly, and wishes for the roles of men and women to interchange, and well, find out what happens when this wish is granted.

The study of an Indian research agency proves, “Youngsters today, especially the affluent metro youth often splurge on anything they take a fancy to. And, cashing in on this behavioral pattern are brands which are focused upon grabbing their attention.”

The main target audience is affluent metro youth and slowly the rest will fall in line. Youth today want to cling with some accessories or brand what they see on screen. They find their idols on mobile screen more easily than on TV. The near real experiences and neo-indi genre are attracting them to entice with mobile screen. The advertisers are saving on their margins and spending on Web Series as they are the true profit makers.

The toughest challenge for a writer is to unlearn the stuff learned on school or college. The classics, comics are of no use. As a writer one need to observe the reality from within. One need to roam and talk to people and understand the problems. The producers are ready with money. The established business houses are interested in these kinds of serials as they see future of their investment beyond advertising, what they get is branding and they get partners to share the expenses of production.

The routine TV serial is shot in studio with 15k budget for daily soap and what producer get is 6 lacks per episode. The web series business is bigger as one Web Series episode is shot for 20Lacks and what they earn is 2 Cr. The business is big and yet to be rooted in soil. I personally feel, it is the best bet today to launch a Web Series, are you with me?

PIFF 2018

PIFF 2018

PIFF has opened its screens for world cinema in Pune. The film lovers are thrilled to watch the film from across the globe. This year PIFF was focusing on film which talks about human lives. The director of PIFF, Dr. Patel said in an exclusive interview; “As the socio-political situation around the world changes, cinema changes. And you have to improve your sensibilities and change your attitude and the way you look at the world.”

The government aided PIFF has now established its wings with seminars and stalls catered for educational institutes and other like film organizations. The visitors get a holistic view of film industry. The growing love for visual communication oozes out of mobile apps, outdoor ads, web-series and main stream cinema. I remember an essay written by Martin Scorsese in Language of Cinema, focus on the point, where how we as audience grow with the visual language. Our changing life style and challenges reflect in cinema and so do in technology. The ever growing speed of life, technology and pressure reflects in our expression and captured in film.

This year when many countries have faced the problem of terrorism, violence, political upheavals and technology, some where our personal and private life is hampered. People have become more conscious about how and what they eat, live, work and breathe. The films focus on same themes.

I as a Professor Mass Communication welcome it as a positive change. The challenge of mankind is an opportunity for Mass Communication professionals to solve.  Cinema is growing with every exposure. It has acquired new technology, mode and philosophy. Now it is moving towards establishing a common language. It is a thread of human emotions, which runs as a vital organ among us.   

Dolores O’Riordan Trope to Alternate Rock

Cranberries music is trope to Alternate Rock

Dolores O'Riordan the lead singer of Irish band Cranberries bid adieu yesterday. She became famous for her song, ‘Zombie’ to this generation. This year when I had my retro music session in class, some of the class students started crooning her song zombie; there I realized the mojo of her voice. The Cranberries became internationally famous in '90s with hits like 'Zombie' and 'Linger' they fused alternative rock edge with Celtic-infused pop tunefulness.

O'Riordan and the band "had an immense influence on rock and pop music in Ireland and internationally. The band released three   studio albums before splitting up in 2003. O'Riordan released a solo album, 'Are You Listening,' in 2007, and ‘No Baggage,' in 2009.  In 2012 they reunited released their new album ‘ Roses’.  Lately they released the acoustic album 'Something Else' in 2017. Their Europe tour was due in 2018.

In songwriting magazine UK she reveals the history behind the band, “We had a piano at home in my parents’ house, so I had been writing songs since I was 12 years old. But I wanted a band with bass, guitar and drums. There was a girl in my flat who was going out with a guy who used to sing with The Cranberries and at the time they were called The Cranberry Sauce. She told me they were looking for a singer and that maybe I should go and meet them. On Sundays they used to rehearse at the local studio, so I went there and met Mike, Ferg and Noel. I remember there were a lot of guys there, probably about 10 of them in the room, just hanging out, and they were about 16, 17 or 18 years old. I was 18 and went in with my Yamaha keyboard under my arm, sang a few songs for them and then they played a few songs for me. I remember thinking they had potential and one of the things they played was Linger – I really liked that one and took home a cassette recording of Noel playing the four chords. Then that week I was busy working on it in my bedroom, trying to work out my parts and what I was going to sing. You know when you’re a teenager, you’re dating and you get a broken heart and it’s just so fatal? Well, Linger came around that ‘fatal love’ kind of stage in my life, when it was all drama.”

One point she notes and I find it important as a special mention about how and when she write? She use phone to put down an idea, while walking up the road, humming into phone. I admire how aptly she records the emotions. This many give us a suggestion on how to use technology at maximum.

The Irish President Michael D. Higgins expressed "To all those who follow and support Irish music, Irish musicians and the performing arts, her death will be a big loss."

Today when I have witnessed the last quarter of last century and the development of first quarter of this century, I feel she was the messenger of time. She passed the legacy of human emotions from last century to this century. The music lovers like me will always put a high note for her.

Dolores O’Riordan will be a trope to alternate rock. Let’s jam!

WILLIAM SAFIRE LEND ME YOUR EARS

WILLIAM SAFIRE LEND ME YOUR EARS

                      Today in the world of competition every parent wants their child to excel in every endeavor. The parent who train their child for UPSC exams or look for better pasture they teach the oratory skills to their children.

               The school syllabus falls short to shape the skills of students. The daily colloquial hampers the language of child.  The style of thinking, focusing and composting letters, speeches and reports remain undeveloped. The mushrooming classes which has shiny ads with no depth advertise, ‘Advance English’. Kindly understand – the word advance is used as a financial term used in accounts for the amount given prior purchase. The final payment is made again delivery. The ‘Advance English’ term is not only mistake nay suicidal.

                 I can suggest the instant classic ‘Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History’. It published a decade ago and now added seventeen new speeches, it contains more than two hundred outstanding moments of oratory. This third edition is selected, arranged, and introduced by William Safire, who honed his skills as a presidential speechwriter. He is considered to be America's most influential political columnist and most elegant explicate of our language. This book Covers speeches from Demosthenes to George W. Bush. The latest edition includes the words of Cromwell to the "Rump Parliament," Orson Welles eulogizing Darryl F. Zanuck, General George Patton exhorting his troops before D-Day, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg speaking on Bush v. Gore. A new section reveals speeches which were never delivered. You will find what Kennedy was scheduled to say in Dallas. Safire also wrote for Nixon if the first moon landing met with disaster and what Clinton originally planned to say after his grand jury testimony but swapped for a much fiercer speech.

           This is my Favorite Speech Compendium!  William Safire, the man who penned “nattering nabobs of negativism.” The writer has penned many books on English language. These books will be helpful for many copywriter, writer and columnists across globe.  The students of UPSC and prospective students of private services who hone their skills for higher administrative duties will find a trove of composition.

Mr. Rahul Mate