Top Gun and The Great Indian Kitchen #MondayMusings

 It has been 3 weeks since we returned from India, still, our brains are set in Vacation mode. Not our fault, when we are pampered so much by the family members :-)

We took one week of complete rest watching just movies and tidying up the home. Overcoming Jet lag also took around 5 days, so you can guess that one week has gone so quick.

So, this post is about a relaxing week that we had and 2 movies that I watched.

Top Gun

Have you watched Top Gun by Tom Cruise? It's an old movie of course, but fortunately, I managed to watch it along with my kids. 80's movies are much different than our current movies. We all loved it. The plot, actors, photography, and action scenes are very good.

Since Top Gun: Maverick (sequel to Top Gun) is released the same week, we all watched our first movie after covid in a theater. It's a great experience. The first half is a little slow like 80's movies but it slowly catches up in the second half. 

The combination of emotions and action is well depicted. Like everyone else, I also couldn't see much difference in Tom Cruise when compared to part 1. Part 1 spirit is maintained and emotions are carried from it.

It is not that easy to explain war strategies to the movie audience in an engaging way with emotions. Top Gun team has done well in that aspect. The background score is a big plus to the movie. 

Overall, a must-watch for anyone who loves action with emotions. 

The Great Indian Kitchen

This movie is on Netflix and you can catch it in Malayalam with English Subtitles if you haven't watched it yet.

What's the movie about?

There are only a few characters and the female protagonist is an educated lady who enjoys classical dance and teaching. It is her story of trying to be a submissive wife married to a person in a traditional Kerala family. Like any other bride, she tries to adapt to new customs and traditions but reaches a saturation point atlast. 

This is directed by Joe Baby and it is critically acclaimed for the way it is bang on patriarchy and the rules set for women in the majority of traditional families.

This movie talks about many subtle things about patriarchy that women can relate to. Cleaning the dirty dining table , washing the dishes, mopping the floor, cooking, and performing Pooja in the evening.. there is no end to the list of tasks that we see the protagonist performing.

The movie also touched on the traditions related to menstruation. The age-old practice of sleeping on the floor during periods, and not being allowed to touch anything, etc., The scene where the woman is scolded for trying to help her husband get up when he falls from the bike sparks our thoughts on why menstruation practices are considered more important than taking care of another person.

I also liked the way the movie ended. The man marries another woman and our heroine takes out her anger on her in-laws and starts her life as a dance teacher as she wanted to. It feels bad that the man marries another woman, but that's how society is and the movie didn't try to hide the truth for a good climax.

Overall, it's not an entertaining movie but a natural movie that Indian women can very well relate to. This movie tries its best to show the ignored unpaid work done by homemakers with a zooming lens.

If you are an Indian woman, then it's a must-watch. If you don't prefer natural movies with social issues, this is not for you.

Until next time,

 

Linking to #MondayMusings hosted by Corinne at everydaygyaan.com

Bharat Ane Nenu - [Movie Review] #SuperBloggerChallenge2018

This will be my last post for #SuperBloggerChallenge2018. It has been a wonderful journey with a lot of learning by participating and reading many good blogs in these 10 weeks. Thanks to Dr. Amrita, Dr.Bushra, and Utpal for organizing this. 

In this post, I am going to share my opinion on the latest Telugu Movie #BharatAneNenu. I am not a movie critic and also not someone who watches all movies. I am not a fan of Mahesh Babu but I consider him one of the handsome actors in Tollywood.

Bharat Ane Nenu movie is a political drama. You, of course, remember Rana's "Leader" and Arjun's "Oke Okkadu" movies while watching this, but the way this is filmed and the issues it raised are different than those 2 movies. 

Pros:

1. Mahesh Babu
He is the hero of the movie and you see him in almost every frame. His charisma is visible throughout the movie and it is a treat for Mahesh Babu's fans. He is getting younger day by day and has good style quotient in him. If you are a Mahesh Babu fan, don't even read this review, go to the theater and enjoy. You will be satisfied 100%.

2. Concept and Issues raised
The hero becomes the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh unexpectedly but uses his common sense and intelligence to solve the basic problems of the state. The movie raises good points about the development of villages, traffic problems, and self Governance. 


Cons:

1. More heroism dominating the story
Sometimes, it doesn't seem natural for hero fighting numerous villains and taking decisions on his own without fear. Of course, when we see other Telugu films, it doesn't look odd though. But, less heroism might have been good to connect to the character. Even though they show hero as a Super Man, he is a human too with follies. So, it won't connect with me much when a movie is far from the real world.

2. Music
The Background music and the title song are very good and enjoyable. 'Vanchindayya Sami' is good too. But all other songs fall flat. We might forget the other songs immediately after stepping out of the theater. 

3. Love sequences
When the concept is good, we don't need a romance angle much. If it is there, it shouldn't be incomplete and incomprehensible and it should blend with the story. But, this is not the case here. The love scenes look more like infatuation and there are no scenes to show their understanding or closeness in their relationship. There is not much shown about the heroine and it feels like a gap.

In my opinion, if taken well without more focus on commercial elements, the concept of the movie and acting are great. The characterization of Prakash Raj is superb as always. 

My Rating: 3.5/5

Did you watch the movie? Do you like it?
Do let me know in comments.

Until next time,

This article is written as part of SuperBloggingChallenge2018 conducted by Healthwealthbridge.com,Fashionablefoodz.com, and Allaboutthewoman.com and should not be repurposed, republished or used otherwise. SuperBloggerChallenge2018 is not responsible for any kind of infringement caused.

Fun and cool - Bhale Bhale Magadivoy - Telugu Movie

Bhale Bhale Magadivoy is a Telugu film directed by Maruthi, starring Nani and Lavanya as hero and heroines. If you have watched the trailer, you will know it's a comedy movie.

Plot:
Hero Lucky has a memory problem and he forgets everything quickly when diverted by something else. He is studying medicine and often forgets the way to reach hospital also if he is stopped by someone in the middle of the way. He loves Nandhana. Fortunately, things work well and he covers up cleverly before her without mentioning his problem. They both fell in love with each other. But, the truth has to be revealed some day. When it comes out, his lover sees him as a cheater for not mentioning about his problem before hand and telling many lies.

How he could prove that he really loved her is the remaining part of the story. At one point, Nani says - problem is with his brain and not with his heart.Cute little message by the end of the movie is - Love can be a strength to overcome some weaknesses in life.

What is great?

• Nani's performance and of course other actors performance too which is overshadowed by nani's :-)
• Comedy, which is not forced but situational
• Nice dialogues
• A good movie to watch with family
• Good combination of humour+romance+performance

My rating: 4/5

So, go and watch if you can!

PS: I am not good at reviewing movies. You can read a detailed review on this movie from my friend here (it's in Telugu).

My entry for today for #SeptemberChallenge hosted by Corinne.

Add your posts to the linky if you are joining the challenge. Visit this link for more details on September Challenge.

Until next time,

An InLinkz Link-up

Image courtesy: Google images

Evade Subramanyam [Telugu movie review] - An enchanting experience

This is the first Telugu movie that I am watching after a long gap. It might be 10 months ago or more when I watched a movie in theatre. 

Evade Subramanyam movie has a thought provoking message. Movie is fun throughout to watch and leaves you with a strong message at the end. I have become a fan of Nani from "Ashta chamma" itself and this is one of the reasons I felt it is worth watching :-)

*** Spoiler alert*** 

Plot is about how Nani, a to be partner of a big company who is always money minded from childhood turns out to be a new person with humanity and good moral values after an unexpected travel to Dhoodh kasi in Himalayas. Subramanyam(Nani) thinks, he has everything in his life and future is bright with awaiting promotion to be a partner of a company and marriage with boss's daughter and super model Ria. Life seems cool with everything he aspired for from childhood. Unexpectedly, his childhood best friend Rishi enters his life. Rishi loves to enjoy every minute of his life. He doesn't want to work for money and doesn't have any ambition to settle in his life. He is sensitive to people's problems and sufferings and always gives his helping hand. They meet a girl Anandi and become friends. Subramanyam maintains friendship with Anandi to get some important shares from her which help him in his business. When Subramanyam and Rishi couldn't save a child who met with an accident, Rishi takes it up to the heart that they could have saved a life if some one would have taken to doctor just 10 mins before. It kills Rishi to see the insensitivity of people on the road when some one meets with an accident. When he expresses his feelings, Subramnayam doesn't agree with him and he sends him out from his house after a fight. 

Rishi dies in an accident after this incident and story takes a new turn when Anandi decides to take Rishi's ashes to Dhudhkasi as Rishi always dreamed of going there with Subramanyam. She somehow convinces Subramanyam to accompany her, considering the trip as Rishi's last wish. Subramanyam realizes the value of humanity, the beauty of nature, happiness in living for others or happiness in giving etc., It was like a caterpillar changing to a butterfly and flying freely. He realizes that, having one person loving you is the most fortunate thing and helping others gives a wonderful feeling than earning millions. 

Veteran actor Krishnam raju played an important role and it is definitely a plus for the movie. The beauty of Himalayas mesmerise us in the second half. Though movie seems to be dragging at some places, it won't make you bored. There are few drawbacks too. We cannot understand how a couple can go for such an adventurous and dangerous trip without much planning - like food, clothing, money etc., Trekking in Himalayas is not easy for a normal person without being trained to bear such dangerous weather conditions. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Loved the movie for Nani's acting, story, direction, photography and last but not the least, the virtual tour of Himalayas :-)

Until next time,

Q for Queen (Hindi movie) #AtoZChallenge

What else it can be? We know that Kangana Raunat dominates in the movie whatever role she plays.. If movie's focus is only on our Rani (Kanagana), our queen, it is really impressive. 

Rani(Queen) is a middle class girl, dreaming to marry the person she loved for a few years. His fiancee, who is working now in London, feels there is status mismatch between them or feels like Rani couldn't change, even though he worked in different countries and changed to modern thinking. Whatever may be the reason, he clearly tells Rani that this alliance cannot happen just before their marriage day. This comes like a blow on her life, of course, same thing happens for any Indian bride. She is devastated, spends some time alone crying and later decides to go to her dream honeymoon to Paris all alone. 

Rani, as an Indian girl who always obeyed their parent's words and fiancee's / took their opinion always on any important decisions, tastes the freedom in foreign land for the first time. Once, she mentions to her friend Vijaya Lakshmi, that girls are not allowed to drink, dance with freedom in India. Even to work, they have to take opinion of their Father/ Fiancee/ husband. She roams to Amsterdam, stays there with 3 male roommates from other countries, who later become her best friends of life. Even though her fiancee comes again proposing her, she rejects him and at the end of the movie, she is relieved and clear on her choices. 

The old remixed club song, "Hangamma hogaya" is too good that you will be singing it at least for few days.. Pace of the movie is very slow, which is very big minus point i see. Other than that, movie is believable and cool. Dialogues are nice. Characterizations are perfect.

So, take time to watch it.. i feel, it might be worth your money, especially for Indian women.

Until next time,

This is my entry for AtoZ blogging challenge 2014
Image courtesy: www.boxoffice18.com

Table 21

                              Ragging is not a joke, it is a CRIME

This is the message from the movie 'Table 21',loud and clear. Don't know how many watched this movie, but some sites have written that this movie is critically acclaimed and worth watching after 'Special 26' of Akshay kumar.
Even though i don't feel Table 21 is a great movie, i liked the message. 

Spoiler alert.. please don't read ahead if you are planning to watch the movie :)

Movie is about a couple going to Fiji on a holiday package from a lottery win/ some prize. They participate in an online live game show, which comes to their life/ death question. Game has only 2 rules - All questions to be answered with 'Yes' or 'No' and those who lie will die. Prize money is 21 fiji dollars. After each question the couple is assigned a task related to the question. They have to complete 8 such questions and tasks to get the prize money. 

So far, movie seems interesting, even though it is very slow paced, we will be thinking of the objective or motive of the game till the last question. We will be thinking, what Paresh Rawal wants actually from the game. At-last, from last question and task, the couple will remember their college times, how they ragged their junior mercilessly which made him mentally retarded. By the way, Paresh rawal is the father of that victim(junior).

Iam fortunate, as i never faced ragging in our college and there were strict rules to avoid ragging. Ragging is more prevalent in hostels than colleges. Asking names, assigning silly tasks, making fun looks good in ragging. But, if it goes beyond some point, where   physical/ sexual / verbal abuse takes place, it is not at all good. Ragging affects in many ways - death, suicide, injury, mental health etc., When some student goes to his dream college by working hard in entrance exams or paying huge sums as fee, he doesnt want to leave the college or stop going in fear of ragging. But, when it becomes too much to handle, tension arises and it effects him badly.

By the way, this movie title is based on 'Article 21' which is Right to Live. The game played in the movie snatches that right from them. Hope this movie makes some impact on this generation students to avoid ragging.

Until next time,

English Vinglish – A simple, and good movie

English Vinglish is a simple movie, but screenplay, direction and good performances made it  a good movie.

Plot is about a typical Indian house wife (Shashi) who doesn't know English. She is a dutiful wife, a good mother, but everyone in the family takes her for granted. She is worried when her own family members make fun of her and hurt her without understanding. This being the starting point, story takes a different turn when the protagonist Shashi (Sri devi) has to go to USA alone without her family, to attend the wedding of her sister’s daughter. Shashi joins English classes in New York and rest of the story is about how she learns English and how her confidence improves after that.

Amitha Bachan is a surprise bonus! His character is only for a few minutes, but is good. Other characters in the movie like - people with whom Shashi attends classes, her sister’s daughter (Priya Anand) etc., are good. Sri devi does look older and lost her charishma, but she excelled in the role as expected. There are some sarcastic and good dialogues in the movie like

 If a man cooks, it’s an art and when a woman cooks it’s her duty 

Mujhe pyar ki jarrorath nahin, jaroorath hai thodi ijjath ki

Family is the only place where you get love and respect

Shashi’s character is an example of many Indian women who keep their ambitions and interests aside giving family a priority. We may remember our mother or sister while watching the movie, whom we take for granted in our daily lives. When they cook good for us or help us in taking good decisions, we might have missed appreciating them or we might have hurt their feelings un-knowingly. It may make you think about them at least for sometime. 

A simple speech that Shashi gives about marriage and family at the end of the movie is very well written. The way she makes her husband and children realize her importance without hurting them is good.

Moral of the movie is -

 ‘ If you love yourselves, your life with problems also looks good.’

So, start loving yourselves :)

Last, but not the least, my rating for the movie is 4/5.

Until next time,

Image courtesy: Google images