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The end of a brand of film-making!
Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Actually, for me, Anushka was the winner in the acting department. She’s just very good! And as a measure of my appreciation of how good she was, I will not justify my statement. Watch the film for her! Anushka is one of the very few ‘new’ actresses that have truly shone with their ability to emote ...an array of emotions convincingly. I preferred the SRK-Anushka track as compared to the SRK-Katrina track. Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh’s cameo was very effective and their characters proved to be the catalysts for the narrative arc. Anupam Kher was totally wasted. In terms of criticism, the film was almost three hours long and could do with a bit of chopping. In terms of writing, I found the retrograde amnesia bit unnecessary and that dragged the pace of the film late in the second half. Irrespective of that, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. As the end credits rolled and the audience started giving each other ‘confused’ expressions about what they had just seen, I just realised that I had seen the end of a brand of cinema. Kashyap has his ‘realistic’ cinema and Jha has socio-political dramas but there will no longer be discussions of life in its abstract sense – its tumultuous turns anymore. And that is just as good because the audience seems to no longer appreciate or desire it. They’d go to watch JTHJ for all the wrong reasons – for SRK, because its Yashji’s last film, because they want to be entertained, because of the hype etc etc. However, watch JTHJ as a mature introspection of the concept of ‘love’ and its impact on the lives of individuals. Watch it for the self-introspective brand of cinema that it represents, which we may not see for a long, long time. I’m sure many others will not see JTHJ for what it represents, or even if they did, they might not like their cinema like that. As I realised this, I shed a tear. I will cherish Yashji’s last endeavour, with all its writing and editing flaws, jab tak hai jaan! Read More

Reviewed Jab Tak Hai Jaan

The end of a brand of film-making!

Jab Tak Hai Jaan has not got mass appeal. In fact, as a Yash Chopra film, it is definitely one of his lesser commercial products. There is a subdued understated tone throughout the film that doesn’t shout at you, just caresses your feelings with an effervescent touch, like a forlorn lover. Let m...Read more

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Commented on suraaz's review

Airtel Review: Airtel in Delhi Circle
Airtel Mobile Operator

Very apt in pointing out the flaws in an overpriced service provider. The thoughts flow smoothly and the criticism is valid. Quite an objective review. Great job :) Love Virat

Commented on EarnesTaster's review

Bat(s)man misses sixer, slogs in vain
Batman The Dark Knight Rises Movie

ha ha.. had a chuckle or two there :) I agree with everything you've posited - the lacklustre and insiped writing, unrealised and somewhat predictable narrative arcs, Bane's plan of Gotham's ''reckoning'' and the lot. I guess the only difference is I thought that the film held up well despite t...hese flaws because of the performances, but you did not. Fair call that :) The Dark Knight was indeed something special. Now that I've seen Rises, I realise what a difference Ledger's Joker made. His true significance did not dawn on me until now. Also, TDK held up pretty well upon repeat viewings (if anything, it got better). Perhaps, even the most ardent Bat fan will watch Rises not more than twice. Bane is not a bad villain. He is just not the Joker. And that's part of the problem I guess. How do you get past the hurdle when a character becomes so iconic, with a performance to match that it defines the whole series? With these hurdles, I did not see Rises as a disappointment. A lot of things clicked for TDK. It is almost impossible to recreate that. But as a standalone film, I found it better than Begins. Overall, I liked Nolan's dark, gritty tone throughout the series. PS: Special mention to Hathaway. I did not expect such a good performance. Nice, cheeky review... Love ViratRead More

Commented on own review

The Dark Knight Rises to a satisfactory conclusion
Batman The Dark Knight Rises Movie

Good to see his role fleshed out after the success of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Morgan Freeman is reliable in his short and limited role as Lucius Fox. In conclusion, it’s no Dark Knight, but Batman gets a more than worthy chance to rise and get its worthy conclusion, despite the flaws. Dark K...night Rises rests on stellar performances by its main cast more than the writing. Definitely, it deserves to be seen. It may not be brilliant but the Batman arc gets a more than deserving and satisfactory end. Overall, I’d say Nolan did break the trilogy jinx. Rating: 4/5 Read More

Commented on own review

The Dark Knight Rises to a satisfactory conclusion
Batman The Dark Knight Rises Movie

Performances: Let’s discuss performances, because they truly hold this film together in lieu of a weaker script. I have never liked Christian Bale as Batman, especially since he uses his gruff voice when he voices Batman, or what I like to call the “emphysema voice” (due to the fact that it app...ears that he has developed emphysema of the lungs from his gruffy voice). However, this is truly Bale’s film. I stand up and applaud Bale for this performance. This is mainly because Bale gets to spend more time as a bruised and battered Bruce Wayne than as Batman. Many might be disappointed but I consider this an asset that Bale has more screen time as Bruce than Batman. It really brings to the fore his acting versatility. Michael Caine gives a moving and heart wrenching performance as Alfred in the first half. Watch out for the scene where he reminisces about Bruce’s future – brought tears to my eyes. Anne Hathaway is truly exceptional as Catwoman. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a fan of this version of her Catsuit. In spite of that, Hathaway shines, in the action sequences with her agility and in her femme fatale mannerisms, through her guile. I’m in awe of the rate at which she has progressed so well up the acting ranks. Marion Cotillard has a very interesting role as Miranda Tate and she plays it to the T. Joseph Gordon-Levitt gets extended screen time as a police officer John Blake and he holds up well. Look for his full name and a possible continuity of legacy. I’ve mentioned Tom Hardy’s Bane before, but apart from the dialogue clarity problem, there is no fault in the conviction and sincerity of his performance. Heath Ledger’s Joker was just indomitable. It would be unfair to compare Tom Hardy to Heath. This Bane has brain as well as brawn, unlike previous screen interpretations, thus staying truer to the comics. Gary Oldman shines as guilt-ridden Comissioner Gordon and gets to save the day on more than one occasion. CONTINUED...Read More

Reviewed Batman The Dark Knight Rises Movie

The Dark Knight Rises to a satisfactory conclusio

Dark Knight Rises Director: Christopher Nolan Writer/s: Christopher Nolan/Jonathan Nolan/David S. Goyer Music: Hans Zimmer Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman. Alright. It’s finally ...Read more

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Commented on own article

The commonality in the differences of Eastern/Western philosophy

@jmathur Mathur sahab, kya baat hai!! :) u got the crux of the matter. We try to exaggerate our differences and negate our similarities in the name of identity and uniqueness. Let's see how the coming generations mock our trivial nature! Love Virat

Commented on own article

The commonality in the differences of Eastern/Western philosophy

@JaveedAhmedM Jams, ha ha.. nice wordplay there.. u understood the essence - east/west why the difference? The rest is rudimentary. Thanks for the wishes... badi mushki se pahuche yahaan tak :P Love Virat

Commented on jmathur's article

A meeting with Virat

@jmathur Arre aapki mujhse zyaada nani ji se baatein ho rahi hain aajkal!! I see :P Main aapko call karta hoon meerut pahunch ke :) Yahaan main kal Teesri Manzil dekh raha tha. Shammi Kapoor waali.. Mazaa aa gaya :) Love Virat

Commented on GEETA1963's review

MY NTH VISIT TO THE THIRD FLOOR
Teesri Manzil

@GEETA1963 Geetaji, couldn't agree with you more!! I happened to see this on SAB tv, this past week in the Sunday Classics segment. Must say, the way you covered every aspect of the film, giving it a nice overall feel is magnificent. I couldn't do it. When I saw the film, I was so taken wit...h it, I don't think I even paid attention to half the things on screen. I was having a ball. My take is more a justification of how a civilised man can be rendered insane in the movie is good enough :) Brilliantly penned, and I agree wjoleheartedly, a murder-mystery doesn't necessarily lose its thrill after the 'identity' of the culprit is revealed. By the end of the film, I didn't really care much for that element. I was just enjoying the ride! Love ViratRead More

Commented on jmathur's article

A meeting with Virat

@jmathur Ab Suketu ji ka kya batayen.. Main bhi touch mein nahi hoon unse since some time. Number badal gaya hai ya uthaate nahi hain I don't know. Main koshish karta hoon to try and get in touch with him. Arre charger mera pada hai meerut mein. Main do din mein pahunch raha hoon meerut to ph...one charge kar loonga. Koi baat nahi Mathurji, main touch mein rahoonga, kahin bhaag nahi raha :) Love ViratRead More

Reviewed Teesri Manzil

The right ingredients of film making

I was fortunate enough to catch a screening of Teesri Manzil on the “Sunday Classics” section of SAB tv channel. It was a Sunday afternoon and I was tired of running around meeting people and giving diatribes to every Indian that I happened to come across on the street about the growing cynicism...Read more

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Commented on jmathur's article

A meeting with Virat

Mathurji @jmathur Kya baat hai janaab!! Aur photo bhi lajawaab hai :) Galti se mera chehra nikhar k aa gaya, nahi toh humaare aise bhaagya kahaan hi ki koi humein ’’handsome’’ kahe :P Main kahi raha tha ki aap hi likh daalo. Main toh jab tak ghar wapas nahi pahuchoonga Australia, tab ...tak likhne ki khujli nahi hogi. Yahaan bhaag daud se fursat mile tab toh kuch likhne ki sochen!! Aur mazaa toh khoob aaya mujhe :) Aur lagta aapko bhi aaya.. bas phir aur kuch maiyne nahi rakhta. Arre aap to station ki baat ko lekar itne aabhari ho gaye.. Isme koi badi baat nahi thi. Station drop karna to traditional custom hai.. aur phir badi badi haankne ka aur zyaada time mil gaya mujhe :P Haan yeh to hai Mathurji, MS pe bade conservative bane phirte ho, face to face mujhse bhi dus kadam aage ho!! :P Woh KD Pathak ki line thi na: jo dikhta hai woh hota nahi aur jo hota hai woh dikhta nahi :) Thanks for this and the wonderful memories :) Love ViratRead More

Commented on Cattie's article

CATTIE'S MS AWARDS - 2011

@cattie Thank you Cattie for doing the honours :) I thought I shouldn't be like Amir Khan and not turn up at an awards function, especially when I've won something :P On a more serious note, MS barely scathed through in 2011, but its reputation is in turmoil, let's see what 2012 brings. I'm her...e to see all the action! Love ViratRead More

Commented on own article

The commonality in the differences of Eastern/Western philosophy

CONTINUED... The theme of the “the mind as the forerunner” is reflected in Plato’s Phaedrus and is also outlined in the Katha-Upanisad 3, 7, Verses 3-9: Know the self as a rider in a chariot, And the body, as simply a chariot. Know the intellect as the charioteer, And the mind, as the rei...ns. Now one may find countless examples of similarities between Indian and European texts. My point is not to raid and bombard you with countless examples. My point is much more salient than that. We think that our differences make us unique. Rather, it is the apparent commonality in our ‘perceived’ differences that make us who we are. The East/West share a similar strain of thinking but we are adamant in our refusal and want to keep imaginary borders that divide us parochially, rather than uniting us in our understanding of what we share in common. Now I can say this – “this is typical of humanity: creating boundaries rather than crossing them”.Read More

Commented on own review

The return of the antihero
Don 2

@bpghll28 I've demarcated the review now so as to better guide the readers. The plot para is very small and I've only discussed the skeleton of the plot. But I guess thrillers could do with more of a trimming though I haven't really given any details away. thanks for the feedback. Will work on ...it. Thanks for liking the review :) Keep dropping by Love Virat Read More