Dear SRK, why did this happen to your FAN...?

Dear SRK,

First of all, let me make it clear that I don’t like you much. However, I confess that once upon a time, I used to be a big fan of yours. I remember I had just passed High school when your OM SHANTI OM had released. I remember I had enjoyed your movie.

Until then me and my friends liked you very much. I can say that we grew up watching your movies. And it is also true that we used to go gaga over your different avatars. You ruled our discussions. We always had different opinions about which SRK was better – the SRK of ‘KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI” or the SRK of “DIL TO PAGAL HAI”. Your action in ‘BAAZIGAR’ and ‘KARAN ARJUN’ seemed more lively than today.

I cannot recall when or how I started disliking you. Perhaps, when I acquainted the real world and faced the hardships of life, I understood that your movies are nothing but lies and myths folded onto a sugar-stick of dreams. As they are rightly called ‘Hawa Mithai’. I remember I was graduating when I had become insanely bitter towards you. However, until last two-three years, I understood that you are just an entertainer and your livelihood depends on the movies you make. There is no point in loving or hating you. There can only be like or dislike.

But, there are a lot of people who literally die for you. One of such people is a person I know since childhood. You can say that we grew up together. I have seen his madness for you. You were no less than God for him. No matter how many stupidities you committed or illogical statements you gave, he was always there to defend you and fight for you. He stood by your side when you compared soft drinks with mother’s milk during that ‘insecticide’ controversy. He vowed to avenge for your ‘insult’ on American airport. He could literally do anything for you.

But, he was altogether a different person when I met him recently. We discussed the not so enthusiastic performance of your movie FAN. I counted your shortcomings and to my utter surprise, he agreed with me. I was astonished! How could he accept your mistakes? But he did. I remember what he actually said, “If he continues doing silly mistakes like this, his downfall is inevitable.”

I didn’t know what to say! I was dumbfounded. I wondered what happened to him! What happened to your FAN?

And, why did this happen to your FAN?

Dear SRK, you may not consider it important but your movie “FAN” intentionally or unintentionally showcased your attitude towards your own fans. And, you might have understood by now that they certainly didn’t like it. So, not as your fan but as a simple movie-buff, I wish to warn you to check yourself. Don’t let this happen to your fans. Your arrogance certainly suits you but not on the cost of your fandom. You need to accept the fact that every bit of your stardom is indebted to your fans. Don’t ever release such silly statements which tend to make your fans ‘intolerant’. You need to know that you are nothing but an entertainer. It is your fans who make you a celebrity, a star! Yes, of course, some fans cross their limits but your humility is the need of the hour. Your survival as an entertainer depends on your conduct towards them. Your fans might not bear your constant taunts and tantrums. Don’t let your ‘FANS’ down.

You might be wondering why this long-gone and irrelevant issue caught my attention. Well, there are two reasons. First, the SRK Fan I talked about, met only few days ago. And secondly, FANS or FANDOM is never an irrelevant issue for a star. Hope you get my point.

I just hope that my words reach some well-wisher of yours and you get to know what your fans think about you.

Good luck with your RAEES!

Getting a bit cynical with PINK

Once in a while, the social concern of Bollywood overpowers its commercial hunger and we are provided with a hard-hitting movie with some burning issues. The latest in this line is Shoojit Sircar’s PINK.

First of all, I wish to make it clear that ever since Shoojit Sircar’s changed the spelling letters of his name given his astrological [read superstitious] beliefs, I have always been apprehensive about him. Not that I doubt his artistic prowess rather I doubt his honesty.

PINK is his latest creation which showcases the culmination of his artistic approach. Right from the cast and crew, lights and camera to action and direction, script and dialogues, PINK satisfies the hunger of classy audience. Talking about Amitabh Bachchan’s acting skills is like showing light to the sun. Taapsi Punnu proves herself way beyond her rough and tough avatar in ‘Baby’. Piyush Mishra, Angad Bedi, Kirti Kulhari and all other actors do justice to their respective roles. This courtroom drama movie gives an insight into a real legal proceeding of an Indian court. With its tight script and soothing climax and also the efficient work of on-screen and off-screen crew, PINK manages to stir some neurons in the brains of the general Indian Homo Sapiens’ watching the movie.

Beyond that, PINK is NOTHING…

Before anybody blames me, let me ask one question. Please mention the name of one single movie with a social issue which was successful in changing the mindset of our people. A lot of movies have been there lately. We even had a soul wrenching movie like “Matribhoomi” from our Hindi cinema. The movie released and bagged many awards. And simultaneously, the ever increasing rates of female foeticide and female infanticides continued to laugh in the face of those awards.

We can say that the sole purpose of these movies is to spread awareness. But what is the use of this awareness if there is no outcome?

As soon as the movie released, a large group of men and women retaliated to the views expressed in the movie as in; A girl should say NO when a boy pays her bills, drops her at home etc. etc. [Remember Amitabh’s dialogue in the movie?]

It is quite possible that PINK might grab awards as well. We can also expect debates and arguments on electronic and social media.

But after all this humdrum and hullabaloo, at the end of the day, the scenario will remain as it is. But the worst part of this circus is that the entire male community is cursed to suffer for the stinking mentality of few handful beasts who do not even deserve to be called ‘men’. 

Freaky Ali: A Freaking Fun Movie

Freaky Ali by Sohail Khan Productions is a cocktail of emotions, comedy, fun, romance, sportsmanship and most importantly ‘the winner attitude’.

As the story suggests, Ali is struggling financially to buy some comfort in life for himself and his adoptive mother. His friendship with Maqsood leads him to work for a local goon as an extortion debt collector. Ali’s accidental encounter with a golfer reveals his Godgifted prowess for natural swings which co-incides with the sixer shots of cricket. His talent is recognized by the caddy who happens to be his neighbor. And then starts the fun filled roller coaster ride of Ali from being a local goon to a celebrated golfer.

The storyline of “Freaky Ali’ has a striking resemblance to “Happy Gilmore” which gently reminds you of same production movie “God Tussi Great Ho” which had almost everything in common with “Bruce Almighty”.

Anyways, keeping all these issues aside, there is no doubt that “Freaky Ali” is a funny movie which doesn’t demand much logic or brain-storming. The plot structure is straight and predictable. Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers some punch dialogues. Amy Jackson and Niketan Dheer continue to disappoint with their acting. Rest of the actors including Arbaz Khan, are average. And as expected, Nawazuddin Siddiqui displays his marvelous acting skills in a comic role. There wasn’t much scope for songs in this movie. But to mention, “Parinda hai Parinda…” is soothing to ears.

Why to watch:

     1.     If you wish to enjoy fun-filled light hearted weekend.

     2.     If you watched and liked “Sultan”, then, trust me it is more promising.

     3.     For Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Why not to watch:

     1.  If you look for logic in every movie.

    2.  If you don’t digest Hollywood copies that easily.
     3. If you look for method actors.

Banker’s Verdict – “Freaky Ali” is a cost-effective movie worth investing your hard earned money. It works on the theory of “no loss, no gain”

Rating – 2.5/5

[image courtesy: google]