Opening January 22: Veer

One new Hindi movie opens in Chicago area theaters this weekend. Veer is a historical epic about a fictional Pindari warrior fighting India’s British occupiers in 1825. Salman Khan, who co-wrote the screenplay, stars as the title character.

Veer opens on Friday, January 22, 2010 at Big Cinemas Golf Glen 5 in Niles, AMC South Barrington 30 in South Barrington and AMC Cantera 30 in Warrenville. It has a listed runtime of 2 hrs. 40 min.

After earning just $117,917 during its first weekend in U.S. theaters, Chance Pe Dance carries over for a second week at the South Barrington 30. Meanwhile, 3 Idiots, which has earned over $6 million in the U.S. so far, sticks around for a fifth week at the South Barrington 30, Cantera 30 and AMC Loews Pipers Alley 4 in Chicago.

Telugu films Adurs and Namo Venkatesa will show at the Golf Glen 5 and Sathyam Cinemas in Downers Grove. The Golf Glen 5 is also running the Tamil movie Aayirathil Oruvan.

[Via http://accessbollywood.wordpress.com]

Chance Pe Dance (2010)

Cast : Genelia D’Souza and Shahid Kapoor

Director : Ken Ghosh

Running Time : 2 Hours (yet, it felt like I was in the theatre since last friday)

Rating : 1 out of 4

Release Date : January 15th 2009

When I saw the title (and the promos), it got me thinking. What is this movie all about? Is it some kind of a reality dance show inspired movie with rock-hard abs for the screaming female fans of Shahid Kapoor? Well, it actually is, but as you might have surmised from the picture above, the movie is not just about dancing. It is a whole lot more than that.

The movie opens with some kind of song. Even in my brief hobby as a movie reviewer, I know that is never a good sign. Quickly, the credits role and we enter the studio apartment of Sameer (Shahid Kapoor). We have a rather funny montage of his daily life, showing us, the blessed viewers that he is a struggling actor. He auditions and auditions and further auditions. Everywhere, he goes, luck is just not with him. Pretty much every time, every where he gets lucky, but some other dude with ‘influence’ gets through.

Then, the heroine enters and does something. Then the hero joins a school, and does something. Then the hero’s best friend betrays him, and that does something to the hero. Then something happens in his hometown, and his dad is in trouble, and that does something. Then, his director (the one inside the movie) gives up on him, and that does something. Then, there is this reality show, and that does something. Then he remembers his mother (rest her soul), and that does something. To sum up, I haven’t got a clue what is happening to who and why and when. All of my six senses were completely befuddled with all kind of scenes which are being added, as if, for the sake of it. I have nothing against padding, but I do have a problem, when they are not cool or awesome.

Yet, the movie does have some funny moments. Also, Shahid Kapoor can dance pretty well. For these two things, I am giving this movie the single star rating. Well, I know for sure that you should not be watching this movie. Neither should be any of your friends, even if they belong to the female gender, who went screaming every time Shahid showed up on the screen. Tell her she can scream, while watching the same movie, on DVD.

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Rang De Basanti...

You have to be the change you want to see in this world, right?  I’ve been waiting to see this movie for a LONG time.  All the actors/actresses in the movie were very good…my two favorites were Atul Kulkarni and Aamir Khan.  It’s been a while since I’ve seen an Aamir movie, and this reminded me why I’ve liked him so much.  The story is about a British documentary filmmaker who comes to India to make a movie about all the revolutionaries her grandfather wrote about while working as  British officer.   At first the 5 guys chosen to play the revolutionaries can’t relate to their characters because they’ve never felt so deeply about something that they could give up their lives.  Circumstances change this as the movie develops.  There is so much corruption in the Indian government, police force, and politics.  This movie tries to test your emotions about all of them.  I’ll tell you one thing…I was angry after I finished this movie.   Every now and then you hear a song that really touches a cord…Luka Chuppi kind of rips your heart open.  I’m not sure if it’s the lyrics, the scene in the movie, or a mix of both…but WOW.  AR Rahman does it again with soft beats that echo loudly.  Translated lyrics:   “ What do I tell you about the place I am, mother?/There is an open sky here for me to fly/Like your stories it is innocent and beautiful / Don’t worry, my kite is flying, mother / Nobody can steal my string or cut it in the middle.”

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Bollywood, Bonding and Balti Chicken

I did it! One week of cooking Indian. By weeks end, I felt like I could maneuver in the kitchen with my cache of Indian spices (15 and counting!). Not only did I learn to cook 5 classic Indian dishes, I was able to learn about Indian culture and music with some of my online research. I am convinced that this week has done a few things for me. Like a real vacation, this virtual and real food trip to India has been the backdrop for some rich bonding.

For my last couple of meals, there were at least 7 others who offered their hands for the varioustasks at in the kitchen: flatbread making (kneading and rolling), sweet sticky dessert cooking, pot stirring, spice adding  (no less than 5 plus spices to add at any given moment), table setting, music searching (Indian groups and artists, of course!), prayer offerings (always including the people of India), and finally, eatin’ – what a treat!

There has been a lot of activity in my home and kitchen – some expected and some unexpected, but in both instances, the past week’s excursion into Indian food and culture has been exciting and pleasurable. Who would have known that India would become such a popular conversation among family and friends? Who could have foreseen how my culinary experiment would serve to help my family bond around shared food and learning? Who would have thought that family meals, music, and even entertainment would all take a turn towards Asia with a new historical curiosity and contemporary interest?

My personal favorites this week included the Curried Cauliflower Soup, Bhajias, and the last meal: Balti Chicken. Balti describes a way of cooking. There once was a place called Baltisan located in today’s Pakistan. Some food theorists argue that the Balti style of cooking originated in Kashmir (the top most position in the map of India) and was perfected in the British city, Birmingham, England.  Though there is some debate about origins, no one can argue over the popularity of this type of cooking. Reading about the Balti style of cooking, I couldn’t help but compare it to “crock pot” cooking – just about anything and everything can go into the pot, but with Balti, the difference is in the type of container or pot that is used!

Balti essentially means “a bucket”  in Punjabi, and the food is cooked and served in a two handled wok.  The combination of spices and aromatics contribute to a nice smooth, delicate taste ! YUMMY sums it up better. It was easy to prepare and easier to eat. Like a stew, you can scoop up whatever is in the wok with the chipatis!

I am becoming convinced that you cannot have a fantastic Indian meal without also taking some enlightening and educational trips into India in other ways. India nightlife and entertainment for our evenings included several Bollywood Hollywood films (downloaded instantly-thanks to NETFLIX!). My daughters and I particularly liked the the predictable musical romances: boy-meets-girl-and-both-fall-in-love-by-singing-to-each-other. There are many others we still hope to watch. The family has already decided that one Saturday soon, we will devote a chunk of time to the watching (again for most of us) the movie about Mahatma Gandhi.

The Bollywood Hollywood Film Industry is located in Mumbai ( formerly called Bombay). Mumbai is the most populated city in India with some 17 million people. Mumbai offers tourist goers attractions like outdoor bazaars, the Gandhi Museum, and of course the beautiful Arabian sea.

Still lots left to do in India. Cooking and culture takes lots of work.

Here is a preview of the next menu: CURRY! PRACTICE is needed!

Cod in Tomato Sauce, Golden Raisin and Cashew Pilau, Tomato and Onion Salad

Spicy Tomato and Potato Curry, Chipatis

Aromatic Chicken Curry, Bombay Potatoes

Vegetable Korma, Rice, Poppadums

Citrus Beef Curry, Basmati Rice

If there is one  reward for the week (I had many, but this one was nice) , it was the hug I got from my youngest daughter, thanking me for making it a great week. ahhh-bonding, what more could I ask for. Phir Milenge-See you later!

[Via http://aroundtheworldin365.wordpress.com]

MEET: The new girl in Shahid Kapoor's life

Shahid Kapoor seems to be on a roll. No doubt he is one of the most eligible bachelors in the tinsel town, girls seems to be just falling on him wherever he goes. Not that I’ve a problem,  the more the better. Now lemme enlightened you about the new girl in Shahid’s life, after Vidya and Priyanka.

Patience, my dahlings! Here it goes…

The other day my hair stylist friend who was present at the recently held Apsara Awards was on her way to her seat, of course in the VIP section, when her eyes caught Deepika in action. The pretty girl, clad in a dazzling sari was tip-toeing towards Shahid Kapoor who seemed little taken aback a didn’t know how to react. Well, it happens at times, boy! So, Deepika dahling found a place just next to our loverboy, after chitchatting with a few other industry friends.

It was then someone told her that Ahmed Khan, the choreographer-turned-director (FOOL & FINAL), is apparently planning his second directorial. And no points for guessing, it would not only star his buddy Shahid, but Deepika as well. Buzz is that Ahmed had thought of casting Katrina before, but finally zeroed in on Deepika.

Now that Ranbir is busy with Katrina (Shooting for Rajniti and Imtiaz Ali’s Rock Star) Deepika can have her share of fun too. Wink wink

[Via http://reelstories.wordpress.com]

10 Minutes with Sharman Joshi

Calm and composed amidst a frenzy of fans during his appearance at Little World Mall, Sharman Joshi is far from the silly comic he comes across as in most of his films. Sitting in an office filled with journalists, fans, managers and cameramen, he sits quietly eating his sandwich and observing the people around him. The star’s magnetic pull is enhanced by his down-to-earth nature. He tells us more about the Bollywood block-buster 3 idiots, himself and the Bollywood industry.

1. How do you feel about the success of 3 Idiots?

I am quite elated, heartened, humbled; all these emotions at once. It is wonderful when you work so hard and that is appreciated and acknowledged by everyone.

2. Do you relate to Raju Rastogi’s character?

Certain parts of his character. I relate to Raju in the present. Raju in the present is more like me: I have always known what I wanted to do; I have always gone after it despite any sort of pressures, which I took with a pinch of salt. But, I don’t relate to Raju in his college years.

3. Have you ever been ‘ragged’ or ‘bullied’?

Fortunately not. I can imagine it being a very traumatic experience. The colleges I’ve studied at here in Mumbai were day colleges, not hostels. Hostels are notorious for ragging.  I was fortunately spared the treatment.

4. 3 Idiots is now a scapegoat for student suicides and ragging. What do you think about that?

It is rather unfortunate. The film takes a stance against suicide and ragging, for that matter. I don’t know how this is being interpreted as inspiring people towards such traumatic acts.

5. Do you have the typical traits of a Taurus?

I don’t know. I haven’t looked into it too much. But, largely and generally, I’ve heard that a Taurus is meant to be opinionated. I am opinionated, but I would like to believe that I am also flexible to other points of views. If I am convinced and if the other point of view is valid, I will readily agree.

6. What’s your pet peeve?

I’m not sure. I find it really annoying when I am asked for anecdotes or stories of things that happened on the sets of a film. It is annoying because I can’t remember. I think I have memory issues: such anecdotes don’t instantly come to my mind.  For example, many interesting and funny things happened on the sets of 3 idiots, but I can’t remember them and tell you.

7. If you were taken to a deserted island and were told you could only take one thing with you, what would you bring?

I would bring a cell phone. But, in case there is no network, I would bring a chopper so that I can just fly back out of there.

8. Who’s your idol and inspiration?

I don’t have a particular idol or inspiration and that’s a conscious decision. There’s a fine line between being inspired by someone and imitating them, and I don’t want to end up imitating or mimicking someone. Instead, I get inspired by every person from all possible walks of life. If someone performs a basic gesture that is kind, compassionate and warm, I get inspired. Like, a man opening the door for a woman, or a woman smiling. These things are inspiring and I take note.

Raju’s character was played by my instinct. I just imagined myself in his situation. In the suicide scene, I imagined how traumatic the situation would have been for him: the pressure of not doing well, not wanting to give up his friend’s name and on top of that, the pressure of his parents. If he’s rusticated, I thought of what his parents would feel. I relied on my instinct and approached the character in this simplistic manner.

9. There’s an increasing trend for Bollywood films and stars to become politicized. Film stars are becoming politicians; films are focused on contentious issues and are blamed for certain things. Do you think this trend should continue?

Films are a director’s or a writer’s medium. If a director is inspired and has a story to tell by a particular incident, be it political or anything else, I think it’s wonderful for them to express it. It’s a democracy we’re living in; every creative person should be given a free hand. If the maker has a story to tell, he should do so as long as there is no malice. The bottom line is that the film should be entertaining because we are, after all, in the entertainment business.

10. Do you think chivalry is dead?

Not at all. Chivalry is not dead; it’s very much alive and kicking. I’m quite a romantic at heart and I like indulging my woman.

[Via http://kale1doscope.wordpress.com]

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