Six Super Mumbai Years

One year ago, on this date, an old friend had made a prophesy for me. He bestowed upon me a generous vision, knowing full well what it meant to me. Back then I smiled a watery chuckle, with eyes that gazed past him and the others seated around me, into the distance, wondering how would it be if it were to come true.

They say that we should make our wishes carefully, for something we say or think is picked by our angels everyday, for it to come true. As I look back I know that those words, said in the presence of many, was heard by some force above. It was a potent wish, it came true precisely within a month. I celebrate this day with gratitude for that and all the other things that have happened in the past year.

But like any prophecy, there were conditions. For it to be fulfilled, circumstances which were beyond my wildest imagination would manifest. Life is full of surprises, challenges and difficulties. What sets us apart from others is how we face them, and how we treat people when we are feeling our worst. My faith lied in silence to get me through those trying times.

The 6th year was like an ice cream sandwich. Half and half really. Marked by the crunchy chocolate of wondrous sunshine and the cold tinge of a mass exodus, it was both delicious and a shock to the system. But the bitter-sweet memory of both layers still lingers…

The Phoenix had predicted it’s flight, but never could he imagine it would see such different worlds and travel such far flung shores. It has embraced a new world indeed, but will always carry the love of the people and experiences of the last six years.

Stepping into lucky number seven, with the unshakable knowledge that the universe has me covered, I remain in gratitude. 🙏

The Ones Below (2016)

Director David Carr creates an eerie world which soon turns suspicious and creepy. Expecting parents Clemence Posey and Stephen Moore have new neighbours who move in below their apartment. The story takes many odd twists and turns which keep the audience doubtful, and keep switching sides. It all leads to a disturbing climax which is not entirely unpredictable, but sad and shocking nonetheless.

3/5

London has fallen (2016)

After ‘Olympus has fallen’ we have the same team taking full liberty to ridicule their British ally and blow up the entire city, compromising every security and defence system there is. You can look past those details, but you can’t help but marvel at the villain who is not only omniscient but can co-ordinate a multitude of attacks, in perfect sequence with unerring ease, a feat which would be unachievable by entire governments. As it was the last choice to watch during a flight, it got an audience, but was ridiculous and full of caricatures to say the least.

1.5/5

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2016)

Words cannot do justice to the joy and excitement I and the entire audience experienced at watching our favourite characters come live in theatre and to see a story about a world we adore so much. JK Rowling and the other writers have created a wonderful plot for the stage, with brilliant execution and a fascinating production. We actually thought we are witnessing live magic! There are plenty of twists and turns and surprises galore! Suffice to say readers and fans are in for a treat when they get their hands on the book, out at the end of the month. And for the lucky ones like me, the memory of watching parts 1&2 is something I will cherish for a lifetime. Until July 31st, I keep the secret!

The secret life of pets

I entered with low expectations and was actually entertained. The movie sticks to being an exploration on the going-ons after owners leave pets at home. What goes on during work hours is endearing and cute, but nothing new.

Enter a rowdy roguish bunny, who recruits animals that are anti-human. The domestics somehow get caught up with him, and the drama of the day unfolds in a rescue mission by fellow fat feline and many canines. With enough humour to string the scenes and whimsical characters to entertain, it was a fun film for children and adults.

2.5/5

Sultan (2016)

Director Ali Abbas Zafar had a tough task to take the helm of a Salman Khan Eid offering. The audience is expecting a big feast… And the film delivers a tasty one! It has broken the fast of empty cinemas with an onslaught of advance bookings, and is full all weekend!

The story is simple yet powerful. Thankfully, there is no gender bias present. Salman re-invents himself, though age isn’t always on his side in many shots. But he is relentless. Producer Aditya Chopra has tapped his winning formula; Make him humble, kind and goofy. He is all that, with a Haryanvi accent which doesn’t get annoying. His journeys of transformations carries the film to its climax.

Anushka Sharma is the perfect match for Salman in the film. She matches his intensity, is independent and her own person. Her character is very well written, a strong woman with a mission.

Amit Sadh starts of as a corporate dude and ends up a man with a heart. Randeep Hooda propels the film forward, giving Salman a new lease of life in his second round against life. His third and final round, becomes a challenge for all of us, where the climax connects directly to each individual.

Fight scenes leave an impact, but would have been stronger with a shorter film length. Songs were varied, one or two not required, but the title song was memorable. The film maintained an individual route, never becoming melodramatic or patriotic, which was its biggest strength.

A perfect family film for Eid, an important message for boys/girls, men/women, parents/children in our country and a life lesson for all of us to fight our arrogance, pride, failings and fears.

3.5/5

The Legend of Tarzan (2016)

David Yates turns an age old story into an interesting film with gripping drama and action. Not self indulgent at any point, it engages by weaving in the truth with natural aesthetics.

Alexander Skarsgard is perfect as Tarzan. Tall and lean with strong shoulders, he doesn’t appear like a ‘steroid’ body. He moves with the agility and grace of an animal and has the same intensity in his eyes, as his fellows in the jungle. His poise, gait and quiet confidence make him a delight to watch.

Equally matched in every way is Jane, played by Margot Robbie. Not a damsel in distress and well versed with the natural world, she is at home with the tribe and it’s beautiful traditions. A survivor and believer, she faces many odds.

Samuel L. Jackson represents the ally in America, but also a history of the oppressed. He sticks by his friends’ side and lightens the mood for all of us while doing so. Christoph Waltz is once again a merciless and ambitious character, who represents the villain of exploitation and slavery.

A social commentary at its deepest level, with sweeping cinematography and some eloquent visuals, this film was a treat.

3.5/5

Goodbye June and first half of 2016

Gallan Goodiyan. Desert beginning. Dubai Diaries. Revisited childhood literature. A poster is worth five years! Abundance Mandala. The BAD cafe. Mass Exodus. NYC party. Freezing February. Silver Jubilee for Kavita&Rajesh! DreamS by the lake. Chess addiction begins. One day in Delhi. KoQ meets Humayun. Brekkie at Lal Qilla. The Revenant. 6 sunny months. Leap Leonardo year. March Moolah! Harry Potter Mandala 🙂 Siya Kay Ram. Smashing time at Smash. A race to ‘The Race’. The universe ALWAYS responds. DG rocks! Impromptu plans and laughter marathons! Bajirao Mastani on DVD! Monopoly returns 🙂 The Jungle Book. Dinner with D-A-R-U. Mom&Dad complete 52 years! Stag lift at the gym 🙂 Beauty and the Beast. Arigato Japan: Meiji, Fuji, Sumo, Sushi! Revna turns 21! Dubai Delight. Stamp size invite. 8.5 Déjà vu. Madhuri meets her tallest fan! The truth shall set you free. IEFF – 25 films. Shonali graduates from University! Royal Reunion begins! Sweet 16.6.16. Sugar meets Spice! 4 day weekend! Udta Punjab. Thali with a Monsoon view. Jenga and Nutella. Sequel unveils New York mystery. BLACK after 11 years.

May the second half of your year be filled with the sweetness of loved ones, friendships that weather every storm and the faith that everything that happens, does so for a higher good.

Now you see me 2 (2016)

Jon M. Chu directs the second instalment of Now you see me, a film that held appeal in its first part and tried to up the ante in the second.

The attempt wasn’t entirely unsuccessful, with the original cast up to its usual shenanigans. It was joined by some new members and a surprisingly convincing Daniel Radcliffe, as a ‘man-child’ villain. His father is another surprise. They are caricature antagonists, not to be taken seriously but enough to move the plot along.

The proceedings aren’t entirely predictable, but could have been more funny and edgy. The end result was a satisfactory film with enough twists and turns which led to a goofy climax.

2.5/5