Bollywood – The Remake Industry

There’s this strange behavior of Indian Entertainment Industry that I fail to comprehend. Every time, someone does something new and delivers a hit, instantly 10 others will follow the footsteps hoping to get the same amount of success. Is it so hard to understand that the first one became a hit by being the first one?

Why are we so prone to imitation? Why don’t we muster enough courage to give a free rein to our creativity, our originality?

Today, roughly over 90 % of the Indian movies are a remake or an adaptation of a foreign language film, usually the Hollywood movies. Either the fight sequence is copied scene by scene or the entire movie is shamelessly recreated. Worst thing is that the copy is so mindlessly done that one is not even concerned to find out if the story or the scene is relevant from the film’s context.

Take for instance the recent release, Love Story 2050. You will notice the final chase sequence is taken from one of the Star Wars series. Salman Khan’s Partner is yet another movie that literally ripped apart Will Smith’s Hitch. The list goes on. In fact the Indian filmmakers have got so used to copying that now they have started remaking old Bollywood films.

So is the case with yet another most anticipated movie based on friendship between rich and poor. Someone got “inspired” by Munshi Premchan’s story which in turn was “inspired” by one of our mythological stories – the friendship between King Lord Krishna and his poor friend Sudama. Soon, we are seeing the South Indian legend actor Rajnikanth making Kuselan and following him is our very own Bollywood Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan with Billo Barber.

The problem lies in our fear with experimenting. We are so addicted to minting money that we have forgotten this medium was actually meant to be creative medium and not a money making profession. Every time, someone delivers a hit we assume that by following the similar formula we will be able to cash in too. To an extent these filmmakers even get rewarded for their undeserving “piracy” of concepts.

The trend will continue unless the audience starts rejecting such dopey remakes. If one is ok with it, one will probably get the same thing served over and over again. At some point, one has to stand up and refuse to see something that is not even worth one’s time leave aside the price paid.

Till that happens, Indian filmmakers will strive as parasites on their foreign counterparts. If only they could ask themselves – If the others can do it, then why can’t we? Why are we so paralyzed with fear that the by being creative we will risk our bread and butter? If originality works for others, it may as well work for us too.

Another interesting film by Hirani & Chopra

Remember the last time the maverick duo Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra came together. They dazzled the whole of nation. The makers of the “cult” movies are at it again.

While you just may anticipate that this is about the Munnabhai Chale America, it is not. This is about the duo’s next interesting venture – 3 Idiots. The film is a light-hearted family entertainer. But knowing Hirani and Chopra, I can bet they will not resist the temptation to give out an important message in the end. So you can expect a good thought-provoking entertainer.

Hirani has worked on the screenplay and Chopra will be producing the film. The shoot is said to commence in August and will be shot in Ladakh, Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. Hirani hopes to wrap up the film by December.

The film was supposed to be an adaptation of a famous novel, Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. However, in the process of scripting, Hirani and Abhijat Joshi decided to bring in some twists which have led the story in a whole new direction. So, even if you have read the book, there’s a good chance you will have something new to watch.

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol were initially considered to play the lead roles, but it didn’t work out. Amir Khan and Kareena Kapoor will be playing the lead roles. Other starcast include Sharman Joshi, Madhavan and Boman Irani.

The very fact that Amir has accepted the project talks a lot about the film.

Reality Shows – at its all time high popularity!

Reality Shows are the new craze amongst Indian audience. Their appetite for Reality based shows seems to be growing monstrously. Keep giving them shows and they keep watching them. It doesn’t matter even if there are ten different shows exploiting the same Singing / Dancing format. They just stay glued to the television.

Now what is it that is causing such an addiction? It’s the thrill of watching another person. We all like to judge others. And these shows do just that. They give us the ability to decide the fate of the contestants who plead desperately for our love in the form of SMSes. We like this feeling so much that we actually spend thousands of rupees without flinching an eyelid.

While Antakshri and SaReGaMa were amongst the first reality based shows, it was Indian Idol that popularized the concept of Reality Shows. Since then, every channel on air has started hosting Reality Shows.

Amongst such Shows Singing based show has been considered as the safest bet by the Channel houses. Almost every channel as one Singing based reality show, may it be Hindi or other regional languages. Next to Singing, comes Dancing based shows. While Boogie Woogie focused on encouraging new aspiring talents, Channel Houses played it safe by making the Celebrities dance to their tunes. The audiences loved the latter even more.

Then there are other shows that ventured into different areas. We had MTV Roadies that almost became a cult amongst teenagers. MTV known to be your-centric channel, had couple of other popular shows, like Gehre Pyaar pe Laath (GPL) and Splitsville. The latest of their offering is the On The Job, which offers talented youngsters an open chance to claim their stake on their favorite Careers.

Even Channel V is catching up with his new show Get Gorgeous for desi glams to realize their dream of becoming models.

But the best till date in terms of audience response is the Big Boss. It literally paralyzed all the channels when it was being aired. It has been the best and most enticing of all reality shows India as seen till date.

The list is too big and will continue to grow, till one day we will not find any difference between reality shows and the typical “saas-bahu” soaps. As it is manipulation has steered in to the show format. Some of the new shows openly manipulate the contestants, the judges and even the audience in order to spice up the show and boost its TRP.

At this rate, soon will come a time when the term “Reality” will become a misnomer.

Singh is Kinng – a hit already!

Take it from me! The makers of this film will be minting money from the very first day of the release. That’s the fate of this movie.

Almost every single movie-crazy-soul on the face of earth is aware and if I may say so, is awaiting the release of this film. But, what makes this film such a big hit even before the release?

Well it has all the right ingredients. Firstly, it boast of very hot-n-favorite starcasts – Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. Akshay Kumar has been rated as the true “King” of Bollywood by the industry insiders owing to the series of hit he has been giving lately. He is the best bet for any Bollywood producer. Then there’s Katrina Kaif. She too is currently riding on the success of her recent releases. Also, put together they had given a rocking performance in Namaste London. So, the audience is just craving for more. They simply know it will be a treat.

Secondly, it has a very catchy name! ‘Singh is Kinng’ – rhymes well and is quick to get on your tongue. Note the extra “n” in the work ‘Kinng’. Obviously, it is added from numerology point of view to bring in good luck. Also, the release date of the film is August 8, which is considered to be a luck number by Akshay Kumar.

Thirdly, the promotional campaign is nothing short of Spectacular. From television promos, theatrical trailer releases to special promos on Shows and Events. Clearly, the audience is awe with what they have seen so far. The craze of the movie has caught up so badly, that in a recent Unforgettable show in LA, audience kept chanting for the ‘Singh is Kinng’ even though Akshay Kumar was not part of the show. Finally, Abhishek Bachchan danced to the title track in order to please the audience.

It’s a clear sign that people are dying to get more of ‘Singh is Kinng’.

Now, unless the makers miss out on the Fourth ingredient – the script, there is no reason to believe that this film will not work. Even then there’s a good chance of succeeding as long as they manage to add in the typical Bollywood-chap Masala.

ZEE’s on its own noble mission

Bollywood has always managed do its bit for the society. May it be a friendly Cricket Match or Charity Stage Shows or supporting the Make-A-Wish foundation, it has always taken the initiative in fulfilling its responsibilities towards the nation. In every way it can, it spreads the message of love & peace.

But notably worth mentioning are the efforts put in by the ZEE Network to bring about harmony amongst India and Pakistan. ZEE, especially, has been endeavoring to rekindle the feeling of brotherhood amongst these otherwise arch rivals.

The ZEE Cine Awards have been ceremoniously bringing together celebrities from both nations and make them stand on one platform to pledge brotherhood. Even Reality Shows it hosts invite and encourage more and more participants from Pakistan.

A recent incident in Ek Se Badhkar Ek, a reality shows aired on ZEE could have caused us lot of embarrassment and shame if ZEE had not thought and reacted wisely.

Pakistani Singer, Mussarat Abbas is one of the participants of this show. And for no sensible reason, Bollywood singer Abhijeet decided not to give him scores. That was not all, Abhijeet made the statement on the live national television. He also criticized Pakistani Singer Atif Aslam and refused another Indian contestant to sing Atif’s song. His decision to not judge Pakistani Singers and his shrewd remarks on the other Pakistani talents were totally uncalled for.

ZEE initially did its best to resolve the issue, but when Abhijeet forced them to choose between himself and Mussarat, it rightfully supported the young Pakistani talent. Its decision to kick-off celebrity judge, singer Abhijit comes as no surprise. For ZEE, it was pretty clear – nation’s image comes above one person’s whims and fancy.

While Abhijeet did his best to defame the nation with his narrow-minded, stunted concept of patriotism, ZEE Network has made us proud once again by making the tough decision and safeguarding the nation’s prestige.

The Genius called Ram Gopal Varma

A while back I had a site with the name bollywooddiary.net. I had added lot many posts there. But somehow, I lost the domain and the website. I had written this post about Ram Gopal Varma which I am adding it here again, just because it is important for me. It was originally posted on 13 Aug 2006 03:57 am.

Yesterday, I was surfing web trying to get some info on filmmaking. I got some good articles and I have even linked to two sites that I thought I would like to visit often.

I just instinctively decided to shut my laptop and watch TV, something I don’t usually do. I prefer television only when there is no work, else my laptop consumes lot of my time.

So I was in front of TV and usually I don’t watch News Channels. But while I was surfing, I spotted Ram Gopal Varma on CNN IBN channel.

Coincidences like this have become a pattern in my life so I knew there was something in it for me.

I watched the show then on till the end.

How it affected me?
Well, it confirmed my belief that Ramu is a Genius. I have believed that and even argued over it.
Ramu’s expressions, his self-criticism, his attitude and his candidness were sheer delight to watch. It gave me a tickling feeling as if I was watching myself on the Television. I personally feel I can relate with him more than any other director in Bollywood. Mahesh Bhat, Mahesh Manjrekar and Vidhu Vinod Chopra. I like, admire and appreciate their work. But then it is related to their work.
With Ramu the bonding is more on a personal level. Like a father takes pride in his child’s mischief knowing it’s just a part of his own. Same way I feel whatever Ramu does is part of me.

His thought process, his behavior…his attitude towards life.

It would be a real pleasure working with a guy like Ramu.

Awaiting the day when I get to meet the Genius called Ram Gopal Varma.

May that day come soon!

Ode to “The Film Writer’s Association”

This was an important step in the direction of my dream. In order to get into the Hindi Film Industry (Bollywood), I had to connect with it in some way, and this seemed to me the best way at this stage. Being a part of a Film Writers Association (FWA) started giving me a feeling that I was in the industry already.

I have some story ideas (needless to say “Original”) and some rough scripts spanning across 30-40 pages. Through some reference, I got introduced to Mr. Pankaj Sharda, who’s a Script Evaluator in Sahara Motion Pictures.

He gave me some valuable tips on Script Writing and also some wisdom on protecting my work. I realized, once I become a member of FWA I will be able to register my work before I approach the productions houses. So becoming a member became indispensable.

Till yesterday, my idea about Indian Film Industry was that it decades away from being “tech-savvy”. So when I imagined the office of the association, all I could get was a picture of a typical Indian government office, where employees just came for the sake of attendance. I thought I will have a tough time running around people and getting them to take interest in my request.

However, it came as a pleasant surprise to know that the association was far far better than what I had imagined. The first thing that made me feel at home was the ambience. The moment I entered the office, something told me that – I belonged there.

The association seemed to be modestly grounded to its past glory days and yet eagerly inclined to take new roads in the future. As I saw pictures of the yesteryears legend writers, I also saw a poster of Sankalan (ScriptLab, sponsored by Mahindra) inviting new writers with fresh ideas.

And the people, of whom I was so afraid of, were more than just being approachable. For me to become the member, I required sponsorship of two existing members. I had no contacts in the industry so I simply asked them to help me out. They first told me that if I wait, someone or other would come by and I could approach them to be my introducer. But as if they were not happy with that help, they themselves started going around looking for writers. Finally, when I got the signatures from two “kind-hearted” writers, I saw a smile on their face and surprisingly it reflected the same joy that I was experiencing inside.

I am expecting my Membership card on Monday and with that the first little milestone will be reached.

Eagerly waiting to embark on to the next level of the journey.

Love Guru

Disturbingly Entertaining!

My Indian conditioning made me uncomfortable with this movie. At many places, I felt like probably I should stop watching it, but I simply couldn’t. I’m guilty of enjoying the movie, which by my own definition is pervert.

I have seen many Bollywood films making a spoof on Bollywood. Yet this one seemed to have outdone every other film in the category. I just couldn’t help feeling tickled watching Jessica Alba dancing to an Indian Song.

I will not judge this movie on technical grounds strictly because it was so entertaining that I couldn’t focus on other aspects of the film. This is probably the first Mike Meyers film that I have watched till the end and liked. I used to avoid his films for all the obvious reasons. But I have totally liked movie. If it was pervert and offending, then it also had a child-like ingenuousness that made it worth ignoring the offence.

And amidst all that perverted humor and twisted wits, the movie leaves a simple and honest message for the so called spiritual seekers. I personally like the film because to me it was spoof on “Spiritual Gurus”.

Since I enjoyed it, I recommend it.

Krrish

A ‘Perfect’ Entertainer

Indian film industry can be collectively called superstitious.  A trend was soon accepted as a jinx or rather good luck charm. So was it with the Sequels. Bollywood believed that Sequels were always jinxed; they never become a Hit. This was before Krrish, a sequel to Koi Mil Gaya. And what a sequel it is. It has sown a seed for many sequels.

Krrish is no doubt Rakesh’s most ambitious project. It shows clearly in the effort that has been put in the making of this movie.

Krrish has also recently been selected by a business management school as a case-study. Having watched the movie, I can say it deserves it.

It was definitely not in my list, yet I just went for it to accompany a friend, who’s a Hrithik fan. Since it was not in the list I had not anticipated what kind of movie it would be. So I was there will a open mind. From the very beginning, I watched every tiny detail that I could focus on.

Mostly, I watched it as Hrithik’s home project. I admire Hrithik for being a complete person. During the movie I got even more convinced that he was a complete and contented person. It showed in his nature and even in his character.

The story is carried forward from where Koi Mil Gaya ended.

Hrithik plays the gifted boy who is unaware of the powers he has inherited from his father. He is told that his father died before his birth and soon is mother too expired. He is raised by his grand mother, Rekha.

Rekha believes that the powers hrithik has, would lead to his death. So she keeps him in the darkness about his parents and his powers. He is raised in an isolated place, far away from urban civilization.

Hrithik is ignored by children his age, since he appears to be different than the rest. He grows up alone, missing his childhood.

One fine day, Priyanka comes to this place with a group of excursionists. Hrithik instantly falls in love with her, where as Priyanka doesn’t consider him more than a friend.

It so happens that Priyanka is fired from her job, because she is 5 days late. Her holidays get extended and she doesn’t inform her boss. To save her job she lies that she was working on a project about a guy with super powers.

Archana who plays Priyanka’s boss offers a deal. If she can manage to get the scoop she gets her job back. So Priyanka invites Hrithik to Bangkok where she stays, saying she loves him and wants him to talk to her mother.

It is at this stage Hrithik demands a permission from Rekha to go abroad, who instantly denies it. There’s an argument between two where Hrithik ends up hurting Rekha emotionally. Finally, Rekha allows him to go, but before that she tells him his father’s story.

She tells him that his father’s powers were misused and he died controversial death. She tells him of the powers he has inherited from his father. Hrithik understands her concern and promises her not to show his powers to any one.

In Bangkok, Priyanka tries every stunt to make his show his powers but fails. But in an accident that causes fire in the circus tent, Hrithik is forced to use his powers. He choses one of the mask worn by the circus performers to cover his face and save the kids trapped in the fire.

What follows then is a simple hide & seek game of the super hero that we get in all super hero stories.

The story moves further and Hrithik realizes that his father is alive and been kept trapped by a ambitious scientist, Naseerudin. Naseerudin had appointed Hrithik’s father to create a time machine that predicts future. However, Hrithik’s father soon realizes of Naseerudin’s evil plans and destroys his own creation. So Naseerudin keeps him imprisoned till the Machine is re-created.

In the end, Hrithik manages to save his father and bring him back home to India.

Q: What is special about this movie?

A: The whole movie!

Rakesh should be admired. He is hell of a director. He had taken care of every tiny-winy detail in this movie. Whether it was song, or normal scene in the movie all added up to built an image of super hero. He didn’t say directly that – here is your super hero. Instead he lets you realize that this person who looks ordinary is in fact extra-ordinary.

Hrithik’s work is flawless. When he is acting, he leaves you enchanted and when he is dancing, he brings you up on your toes. You would want to dance with him.

If you buy the super powers plot, then this movie is a perfect entertainer. Most people would say, how can he fly like that but then they forget, he is supposed to be a super hero; but obviously he would have super powers.

In all, the father & son duo have churned out yet another clean & successful entertainer.

Fanaa

Beautifully made movie.

I was a bit confused over my decision to watch Fanaa. Since I knew it was a serious film, which I usually prefer to avoid, I decided to not go for it. Yet, there was little inclination towards the movie solely due to the fact that it had two of my most admired actors: Aamir and Kajol.

Finally, one fine day I found myself buying tickets of Fanaa. And while I was standing there waiting for the entrance door open, I was feeling a wave of joy rising within me. I have often found myself staring posters and imagining the scene in the movie and also the phase of mind of the actor during the shoot. Unknowingly my face displays a lots of expressions while my mind race with the actors. And when I come out of the fantasy land, I find people staring at me with amusement.

So the best time I enjoy letting myself free is when the light goes off.

The story of fanaa is not extra-ordinary. It is the execution that makes the movie special and more importantly it’s the stars, who make it a memorable film.

The story begins with Kajol who is going to distant place (perhaps Delhi) for a cultural festival. Kajol is blind and the her parents Rishi and Kirron love her like anything. The good thing I liked was the clarity of emotions displayed.

Kajol’s parents allow her to go to Delhi with her friends. It doesn’t happen usually as parents tend to believe that the kids are never mature to take care of themselves. And if the child is handicap then the situation worsens. Concern becomes pity.

Somehow this movie didn’t show any pity towards the handicap rather it treated the handicap as normal human.

So kajol goes to delhi where she meets Aamir who poses as their tour guide. Aamir falls for her instantly. Love blooms! Yet again, the director didn’t waste time showing mindless emotions over love. The characters took love just as it came. There was no hangover or hiccups in the process of acceptance. Love was not shown as larger than life, but rather as a beautiful emotion.  That is what I liked the most about the movie. There were emotions but they were genuine.

Then comes a time when Kajol has to return and it becomes a matter of urgency for both to decide the fate of their relationship. Aamir decides to marry Kajol.

Kajol informs her parents over the phone and again they say – we trust you and your choice. It happens rarely in Indian films where parents approve of their children’s choice.

Aamir takes Kajol to a doctor who tells that her eyesight can be restored. Kajol is admitted and Aamir leaves for a work.

It so happens that Kajol gets her eyesight back but the cops tell her that the Aamir is killed in a recent bomb blast.

Actually, Aamir is the terrorist who planted the bomb. He elops after completing the mission leaving Kajol behind.

The story Aamir thereafter. Seven years passes and Aamir is on a new mission i.e. to steal a nuclear bomb trigger from India and take it to his group in Kasmir. He is chased and attacked by the Indian army and get hit by one on of the army bullets.

To take shelter, he knocks on a door of a stranded house. The door is opened by Kajol. Only Aamir knows where he has come. The irony of the fate has brought him back to Kajol. However Kajol is unaware of the game, destiny was playing with her.

There Aamir finds out that Kajol’s mother had expired and she was now staying with father and her son.

Series of emotions compel Aamir to reveal his identity. He tells kajol that he is the person she fell in love. Yet he keeps his mission a secret.

In the end, kajol comes to know of Aamir’s mission and that he is a terrorist.

She kills him in order to stop him from delivering the trigger to his group.

There are many situations where a normal film would have shown range of emotions. But the characters in this movie were mature in true sense. They were weak but not miserable. They were in love, but not blind.

Aamir and Kajol are the lifeline of the movie although the director deserves a credit for such a fabulous execution.

It is the skill of these two actors that you put them in any character’s shoe and they become that character. You don’t see the stars. You only see the characters.

They bind you with their story and you become one with them till the movie comes to an end. When the laugh, you feel tickled and when they cry, you will find a lump in your throat. That is the power of their acting… that is the power of this movie.