tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post3644009089019583426..comments2024-03-18T23:23:28.279+01:00Comments on Old is Gold: The bad and the beautiful – catching up with 2007 filmsBollyviewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-8753086587232923962009-12-22T06:12:47.346+01:002009-12-22T06:12:47.346+01:00You saw S-e-I in the theatre?! God heavens - that ...You saw S-e-I in the theatre?! God heavens - that must have been difficult! I watched it on DVD and that was bad enough. All I knew about it before watching was that it was something along the lines of <i>Love Actually</i> - a film that I love to bits. So I was disappointed at the execution of the plot. <br /><br />Do try to watch the other two films too, especially <i>Johnny Gaddar</i>. Its a pretty interesting thriller.Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-57290702669566970262009-12-18T02:55:59.724+01:002009-12-18T02:55:59.724+01:00I liked parts of SEI too - the vidya balan/ John s...I liked parts of SEI too - the vidya balan/ John story and the Govinda/Shannon story. By jove it was indeed a long movie esp when I saw it on the big screen! I remember my 10 yr old niece saying "this movie is so loooong" and then in the last 10 mins "wait lets see how all this finally ends together". BTW, we didn't know anything about the theme of SEI when we went to see it on the big screen ie suitable for a kid or not.<br /><br />I am not a Govinda fan at all and in fact have avoided all his movies. Surprisingly, I liked his role and acting in this movie. I found the Priyanka/Salman bits annoying. <br /><br />I haven't seen the other movies u have reviewed here.Filmbuffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-30715436177900134362009-06-21T11:05:42.541+02:002009-06-21T11:05:42.541+02:00Since you are Nandita's Das, have you seen her...<i>Since you are Nandita's Das, have you seen her Before The Rains, yet?</i><br /><br />It's at the top of my rental queue, but its demand is "high". Shuchi told me Firaaq is doing the festival round here next month, but not coming within 300km of my hometown. She also said it's out on DVD in India next month, so I'm thinking of bugging family there to get it for me.mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042500344000182850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-61236200369201083052009-06-21T07:41:45.150+02:002009-06-21T07:41:45.150+02:00O thats so cool. Bet you can learn more about the ...O thats so cool. Bet you can learn more about the film from her, too!<br /><br />Since you are Nandita's Das, have you seen her <i>Before The Rains</i>, yet?Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-85082207550873298322009-06-20T02:11:27.264+02:002009-06-20T02:11:27.264+02:00By the way, I did manage to get my hands on Firaaq...<i>By the way, I did manage to get my hands on Firaaq and Nandita Das can sure as hell make good movies. You should definitely watch it.</i><br /><br />Thanks, I intend to. As I am fond of saying, मैं नन्दिता का दास बनना चहता हूँ and I have more than helf her movies. Her creative collaborator on Firaaq, Shuchi Kothari actually lives here in Aotearoa and she helped me get hold of a 10-min short film Nandita shot here, so hopefully she can help me source <i>Firaaq</i> too.mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042500344000182850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-15654192987890990312009-06-19T08:39:33.243+02:002009-06-19T08:39:33.243+02:00More violence and a lot of graphically gory scenes...More violence and a lot of graphically gory scenes, seem to be the trend in filmi reality nowadays. And I HATE those fancy nightclub photography (or <i>any</i> fancy photography/CGI for that matter), as well! lol at your description of <i>Mother India</i> - it never ceases to amaze me that someone would want to make that movie and viewers would want to see it!<br /><br />By the way, I did manage to get my hands on <i>Firaaq</i> and Nandita Das can sure as hell make good movies. You should definitely watch it. It conveys all the horrors of communal violence without resorting to gory scenes and graphic violence. And though its dark, its not depressing.Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-13985197093145014642009-06-17T06:04:35.528+02:002009-06-17T06:04:35.528+02:00But then, every movie in the 50s wasnt a Pyaasa. I...<i>But then, every movie in the 50s wasnt a Pyaasa. It has survived because it was good, while the bad ones havent. In the present, of course we see all the good and bad ones.</i><br /><br />Absolutely true. I never pretend that there were no bad oldies, any more than I insist there are no good new films. It's simply that in general old movies synch better with my personal tastes. Trends in the themes and content of modern Hindi movies do not fit my personal preferences. For example, I have a VERY low tolerance for violence in films, and this is rising noticeably. Also, I am prone to strobe-induced seizures so lots of flickery, fast-moving flashing images as in the seemingly obligatory nightclub dance scenes are dangerous for me. The newer movies that I like tend to be those most like older films in spirit, like <i>S-e-I</i> or <i>Parineeta</i> which I very much enjoyed. I have also endured many oldies that I would rather not have suffered through, such as the irredeemably depressing <i>Mother India</i> - a six-month long ad for suicide as an effective anti-depressant.mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042500344000182850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-15076713344373258892009-06-15T20:20:05.090+02:002009-06-15T20:20:05.090+02:00Such sweeping indictment of modern Bollywood! I ag...Such sweeping indictment of modern Bollywood! I agree about the music and songs - NOTHING beats the 50s and 60s for that (even the 70s dont get there). But then, every movie in the 50s wasnt a <i>Pyaasa</i>. It has survived because it was good, while the bad ones havent. In the present, of course we see all the good <i>and</i> bad ones. Of course, the bad ones far outnumber the good ones! I think the best part of old movies is that even the rotten ones had lovely songs with poetic lyrics. Have you seen the new <i>Parineeta</i>? I thought the music there was lovely and the songs reminded me of oldies in their content and their integration into the story.Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-19777597437338660742009-06-12T00:13:37.720+02:002009-06-12T00:13:37.720+02:00""I'm hopelessly biased against Hind...""I'm hopelessly biased against Hindi movies of this century" - Why?"<br /><br />The music. The Hindi films of this century I do like are more or less song free - Dhokha, Dor, Page 3 and the like. I am totally paagal for filmi qawwali, a species that is apparently extinct, and the songs in most modern films take banal to new depths. Also, many songs in modern BW films appear to be there as formulaic requirements and/or filler. Few songs today seem to actively advance the storyline as was common in days of yore (like one of my favourites, "ek tha gul" from <i>Jab Jab Phool Khile</i>) I also don't like the cynical, jaded attempts at weary irony in a lot of modern films. I yearn for simpler times, when powerful movies like <i>Pyaasa</i> could be made that managed to combine important messages with stunning lyrics and music. There are good Hindi films being made, and I am itching to get my hands on <i>Firaaq</i> and <i>Ramchand Pakistani</i> (मैं नन्दिता का दास बनना चहता हूँ), but most mainstream "Bollywood" is crass, inane and sleazy. Plus, all the nightclub/ dance floor scenes are seizure-inducing for me. :)mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042500344000182850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-3880474651383932012009-06-11T23:47:38.569+02:002009-06-11T23:47:38.569+02:00"I'm hopelessly biased against Hindi movi..."<i>I'm hopelessly biased against Hindi movies of this century</i>" - Why? I personally think that at least technically, they are better than oldies, and there is such a wide variety of themes and genres nowadays, that we viewers have more choices. Of course, I prefer the oldies - mostly because I love the music and the charming technical inadequacies, not to mention that the language in those films was soooo much better.<br /><br />S-e-I had plenty in the female eye-candy department. My complaint was that there wasnt a single attractive male in there to make the "HAHK-style" <i>masala</i> mush worth my time!Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-23349647065522579342009-06-11T11:24:09.219+02:002009-06-11T11:24:09.219+02:00I'm hopelessly biased against Hindi movies of ...I'm hopelessly biased against Hindi movies of this century, but I really enjoyed S-e-I. I am sure that you are right that it would have been even better if it had been more focused on the John/Vidya story, since those are the bits I rewatch again and again. I've never been an Anil fan and whenever I see Priyanka I keep humming "hothon mein aisi" wile waiting for hers to explode from collagen overload. That said, S-e-I was a sweet and good-natured film that was refreshing in its uncynical return to HAHK style masala sweetness. Of course, the fact that Vidya is plenty in the ye candy department for me didn't hurt.mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09042500344000182850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-86148091036253728712008-12-12T06:38:00.000+01:002008-12-12T06:38:00.000+01:00I guess I'm in a majority of one when it comes to ...I guess I'm in a majority of one when it comes to not appreciating Govinda! Its more to do with my general dislike of "simple" guy and intelligent girl (or vice versa) romances. <BR/><BR/>As to <I>Dus Kahaniyaan</I>, the best part of it is that the movies are short. So, good or bad, they get over fast. Plus, you can elect to watch one movie per day - like a TV series!Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-14689005534566918342008-12-11T18:40:00.000+01:002008-12-11T18:40:00.000+01:00Bollyviewer,I agree with you on "S-e-I"---parts we...Bollyviewer,<BR/><BR/>I agree with you on "S-e-I"---parts were okay such as the Vidya/John story, moments of Priyanka's turn, and the music(esp the title song as Beth points out). I also enjoyed the Govinda/Stephanie romance which I see you did not. As a whole the movie kind of had flop written all over it, but I think its still something fun to watch with friends over drinks and conversations(I say conversations because you can talk about the film while watching and make it more interesting than the script was)!<BR/><BR/>As for "10"..i've heard mixed reviews. But since its 10 stories, I guess that's to be expected. I actually own this and need to get around to watching someday.<BR/><BR/>Btw, the line about Juhi and Anil was hilarious!:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-13979282145493980232008-11-30T21:53:00.000+01:002008-11-30T21:53:00.000+01:00Excellent gossip about Govinda. Didnt realise he'd...Excellent gossip about Govinda. Didnt realise he'd been away long enough to need a "comeback"! <BR/><BR/>And yay for closet historians. Isnt it great that there are period movies and old books to satisfy our cravings? :-)<BR/><BR/>My profile pic is something I picked off the net. I dont know anything about it, but suspect its a modern painting done in Mughal style.Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-18278185680357069322008-11-30T08:21:00.000+01:002008-11-30T08:21:00.000+01:00Oh, it's been a pleasure to browse through OiG; I ...Oh, it's been a pleasure to browse through OiG; I too greatly echo you of wishing to see how people lived in the past *sigh* closet historian me:) Love your profile pic - is it a Mughal painting? <BR/><BR/>Yes, regarding Govinda, it did help that his was the only heartwarming role and his particular love-story was the cutest.Otherwise, his subsequent 'comeback' films have reaffirmed the earlier opinions I held of him.<BR/><BR/>5 stories indeed, Sohail and Isha - superfluous indulgence at its very best. And according to gossip, Govinda was initially signed to play Sohail's role first and he agreed, so desperate was he for a comeback!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-49238828529988357062008-11-30T05:24:00.000+01:002008-11-30T05:24:00.000+01:00Priyanka, welcome to OiG.You're so right about Gov...<B>Priyanka</B>, welcome to OiG.<BR/><BR/>You're so right about Govinda having a lot of competition in the movie - it was a tough choice between Anil, Salman, Akshaye and him! The thing in his favor was that he was the only one playing a heartwarming role. Still... I think I am kind of immune to his rather ageing charms!<BR/><BR/>And yes, 6 love stories in one go was a bit too much of a good thing. Every story just served to distract from the others' stories. So, 6 individual films (actually make it 5. The Sohail-Isha track is best forgotten) would be way better than a movie with "highlights" of 6 stories!Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-84217956723065302472008-11-29T22:26:00.000+01:002008-11-29T22:26:00.000+01:00A review mentioned that all stories in S-e-I had t...A review mentioned that all stories in S-e-I had the potential of working as great individual films, rather than narratives strung together and I can see where the reviwer is coming from. However, while I second your comments about the actress' performances, I must say that I quite liked Govinda though - and this is saying something because I usually avoid Govinda movies like plague. However, I guess, with competition from Salman (his Raoool was intensely irritating), Anil (shaven off moustache look only worked in Lamhe and that too for a reason), and John (no comments), he wouldn't come off too badly!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-20120785503199867932008-11-24T21:44:00.000+01:002008-11-24T21:44:00.000+01:00Yes, S-e-I had so much potential for goodness but ...Yes, <I>S-e-I</I> had so much potential for goodness but managed not to tap into it at all!Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-60782824552666949472008-11-24T17:33:00.000+01:002008-11-24T17:33:00.000+01:00I think the title song is the best - and only trul...I think the title song is the best - and only truly great - thing about <I>Salaam-e-Ishq</I>. I was really disappointed in it, despite Akshaye and Ayesha being pretty cute.Beth Loves Bollywoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05540154833326987567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-15765981049848491882008-11-24T08:00:00.000+01:002008-11-24T08:00:00.000+01:00O thanks for letting me know, Darshit. I think I n...O thanks for letting me know, <B>Darshit</B>. I think I need to see the movie again since I was too busy with the action onscreen to pay any attention to the soundtrack, last time! And that is a pity with such a great soundtrack.Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-31048830505386493612008-11-23T14:47:00.000+01:002008-11-23T14:47:00.000+01:00Bhoole bisre Geet is coming in parts at background...Bhoole bisre Geet is coming in parts at background of most Cafe scenes. Remember Vinay shukla's place? there.<BR/>They are new old style ones.dunkdafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01140259719369169275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-2308256527747847602008-11-23T11:22:00.000+01:002008-11-23T11:22:00.000+01:00Darshit, thanks for stopping by. I didnt realise h...<B>Darshit</B>, thanks for stopping by. I didnt realise how long <I>S-e-I</I> was going to be. I kept waiting for it to end! <BR/><BR/>The stories you mention in <I>Dus Kahaniyaan</I> were bad but they were mercifully brief, so I wont hold them against the movie. And after <B>TheBollywoodFan</B> and your recommendation, I checked out the soundtrack. Its certainly pretty interesting - I loved the poetry in disc 3.<BR/><BR/>Checked out <I>Johnny Gaddar</I>'s soundtrack too. Its awesome. Loovved <I>Bhoole Bisre Geet</I> and pretty much everything else. Dont remember where most of the songs appeared in the movie, though! Are the snippets in <I>Bhoole Bisre</I> actual old songs or new old-style ones?Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-62924803564183367222008-11-22T12:58:00.000+01:002008-11-22T12:58:00.000+01:00yES, S-E-I was a failed attempt. Overall productio...yES, S-E-I was a failed attempt. Overall production value was great, Music was excellent [Ya rabba....] and still it failed miserably. Maybe cause of awful length of the movie. Even me [a filmy freak] got bored and was waiting hard for the End. <BR/><BR/>Dus Kahaniyan, was a good effort, but some stories made it look bad. Rise and fall, sex on the beach and High on Highway, were really bad. Best one, you described it, Rice Plate. But yes, i liked track in 'Sex on the beach' the song is -Aaja Soniye. So haunting [literally]. And Pooranmashi - punjab di mitti....aaahh.<BR/><BR/>Johnny Gaddar was amongst the Best in 2007. The 70's era re-created. The title sequence was awesome, with music inspired by Vijay Aanand's movies. To my surprise, that track is available on the movie's album - woweee. Track's name is ''Revenge of the 70s'' . And special mention to 'Bhule bisre geet'. Just check that out. <BR/><BR/>Everyone acted so well. The best was Ashwini Kalsekar. And our very own newbie - Neil.dunkdafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01140259719369169275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-17609206988061181472008-11-22T03:29:00.000+01:002008-11-22T03:29:00.000+01:00PPCC, do watch them all. I'd love to read your rev...<B>PPCC</B>, do watch them all. I'd love to read your reviews and what you think of Anil Kapoor's mouche-lessness! :-)<BR/><BR/><B>Nicki</B>, I <I>did</I> approach them all with no expectations but SeI was brimming over with all my least favorite actors. So, even a line-up of all my favorite actresses couldnt save the show!Bollyviewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270927806254662068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5149142221218445999.post-44735665188891554372008-11-21T16:30:00.000+01:002008-11-21T16:30:00.000+01:00Aaaww, you didn't like SeI? I did. It could be I...Aaaww, you didn't like SeI? I did. It could be I had no expectations. I actually like all the films that you just reviewed - all in different ways. All three, I went with no expectations and ended up loving the films.Nickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17535320732377404085noreply@blogger.com