Ritu's Reviews

A British brat meets a Funjabi boy in Namastey London! Director Vipul Shah had a passable run at the box-office with Waqt-The Race Against Time. Keeping Akshay Kumar as his constant lucky mascot, he swaps Priyanka out for the very suitable half English, half Kashmiri beauty Katrina Kaif. While Akshay and Katrina’s last feature Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye was tepid, their on-screen chemistry was not! Let’s see if the pair can flare up the screen once more!

A full on Romantic Comedy with all the romance and laughter you can ask for, Namastey London greets NRI’s with a topic close to home. Writer Suresh Nair develops one of the better screenplays of his neoteric career that can be prided on its freshness in appeal.
Granted if you hear a basic sketch on the array of issues the film uncovers, it’ll seem similar to stories seen before or in fact have a lot in common with a more recent film, Mira Nair’s The Namesake. But it’s interpretation on pressing issues as being an ABCD, the pressures of marriage, and inter-racial dating, are hilarious! The take is entirely different, all the while still able to pass along messages that lay in the theme. Incorporated in the script are: India-Pakistan friendship alliance, patriotism, and a slight clash in the ways of a Punjabi farmer boy and British wild child.
A balanced entertainer, one of the few ways this film could disappoint is if you’re imaging the story to be something its not. A story where a village boy meets a city girl and the differences in their lifestyles and how he adapts are relayed in a comical way. That’s not the story. However, at the very least, whatever your expectations, it’ll still tickle your funny bone.
Full of vibrancy, Shah keeps the film moving with an influx of energy in the first half. However too many songs and some unnecessary scenes in the second half deviate the otherwise smooth pace. Dance choreography is notable and the variation in Himesh Reshammiya’s nasally tone is improved. Lyrics by Javed Akhtar present the right mood and bring about an untapped ability in the music director. Cinematography and art direction are in full form, showing the best of royal London and charming India.
The story, acting, and above all casting are on point! Vipul Shah does an excellent job of extracting the most from his actors. Although to the credit of the actors, their roles couldn’t have been performed better by anyone else. Katrina, Akshay, and Rishi Kapoor’s roles seem tailor-made, as the film just wouldn’t be the same without them.
After a spout of average characters, this is Rishi Kapoor’s most recognizable character of late. He’s in to the skin of the character and makes a commendable impact. Scoring above the Deol Jatt-brothers, Akshay Kumar has the most suitable combination of Punjabi genes and acting skill to play his ‘funjabi’ character. He makes quite the entrance and is raw in his enactment. Post his London arrival, the character calls for a sensitive personality change, which he does in a very Shah Rukh, Kal Ho Na Ho manner. Katrina Kaif has come a very long way since her BOOM debut. It’s hard to say it’s even the same amateur. Although the character of Jazz is the perfect fit for her background, the livelihood, brattiness, and child-like vulnerability she brings in, make all the difference. Succeeding in making her character hot, adorable, and full of playful innocence all at once. Very well done for this enchanting beauty who’s not a stone face to watch, but an evolving actress. As for others; Upen Patel has a brief role in which he gets major points for body and style but only mediocre points for performance, Ritesh Deshmukh who kicks the film off with a special appearance is a delight, Nina Wadia as Rishi Kapoor’s wife delivers the right mix of emotion and laughter, and Javed Sheikh is effective. Clive Standon is classy, getting the job done.
Patriotic, romantic, humorous, and above all FUN is the best way to sum up Namastey London. You’ll have fun and won’t regret watching it! Namastey London wins Ritu’s heart with a solid 3 ½ stars!

Katrina and Akshay definitely hit the bulls-eye once again! Get out there and become a little Funjabi and discover the fun for yourself!

Posted by Ritu at 05:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Take a look at how director Mira Nair brings the words of Pulitzer Prize winning author – Jhumpa Lahiri’s first novel to life.

The essence of Mira Nair’s works lay in her ability to take a subject, keep the texture soft, and give it deep undertones. In other words what on the surface appears to be a light-hearted affair really has a heavy dose of emotions wrangled with in.

The story is not as much of a love story as it is a story about life’s journey and the strength of relationships. Where Indo-American films may lack freshness with their cliché themes, The Namesake is certainly not a cliché make. Yes, arranged marriage, inter-racial dating, the struggles of adjusting between two cultures, and making a life in a foreign country from scratch, are all touched upon. But its presentation is so far removed from the other dilatory makes. What sets The Namesake apart is how easy it is to connect with. Side by side, the emotions of the trail-blazing NRI’s who came to the unknown lands of the U.S leaving their home, family, and love ones behind to build a future and create a legacy is told with the impact it has on youth, “Generation Gogol”, raised in the states. And while the incidents make you laugh, there are portions that will send you soul-searching.

The casting is clearly on point. Tabu is one of India’s finest, Irfaan Khan has proven capabilities, and Kal Penn is the perfect fit! Tabu delivers a stunning performance. While she’s played similar roles in Indian cinema before, she takes the level of intensity a notch up. Irfaan Khan plays a subdued character, with full competence. In a very natural manner he has the character perhaps easiest for NRI’s to relate to. Kal Penn commonly perceived as the class clown showcases he’s not a stand-up comic but a versatile actor. Most likely having lived the character of Gogol in real life, he fully grasps the sensibilities. Sahira Nair takes notice in her small contribution with a distinct appearance. Zuleikha Robinson is eye-catching. Jacinda Barrett is likeable.

The Namesake is a story penned by Jhumpa with its every mood captured by Mira.
The magic of reading a book vs. watching a movie is in the power of your own imagination. Nair transcends expectations by showcasing authenticity where your personal imagination may be limited. From West Bengal and Calcutta to New York viewers are truly able to experience the ‘two worlds’. A skilled production and technical crew project the film with finesse. The musical score by Nitin Sawhney adds to the emotional and traditional elements.

Audiences of South Asian descent or familiarity with the culture will be sure to connect. As for mainstream appeal, emotions are what connect humans and thus will connect audiences. The Namesake is a must watch with Ritu's 4 stars.

Viewers are bound to be pleasantly surprised at how the creative dynamics between these two intelligent women have produced a superior product in Indo-American genre. With that said, more power to film-makers as Deepa Mehta, Gurinder Chaada, and Mira Nair, who know how to bridge the gap, cross-over, and get it right!

Posted by Ritu at 11:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In today’s review get ready to jump on the bus because we’re going to Goa in Farhan Akthar’s Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Limited! This honeymoon isn’t between your sweetie and you, but is an adventure with six animated couples. Does director Reema Kagti bore or score, find out!

Multi-starrers generally mean a big budget film, larger than life sets, and more actors than the director can handle. Surprisingly even with the ad-tags reading, “from the makers of DON”, hence Farhan Akhtar’s involvement as producer, the film’s been made with a small budget, shot entirely in Goa with no fancy sets or designer costumes.
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Limited focuses on pure enjoyment! A fun, frolic, frivolous ride that keeps you amused throughout. Each of the six couples has a unique twist in their story that dive in issues greater than what meets the eye. However instead of going about it with an intense angle writer/director Reema ensures the flow stays with in the binds of a romantic comedy. Far more cohesive than the lengthy multi-starrer earlier this year, Saalam-E-Ishq, each couple here gets their fair share of exposure UNDER 3 hours. Just goes to show what a director with a clear focus and vision can accomplish.
An unpredictable narrative, very bearable length, and concise editing, make it a favored watch. Flashback sequences and overall style of presentation have been executed with brilliance. Music by Vishal-Shekar sits well with the tone. “Saajna Ji Vari Vari” is a chart-topper and the choreography of “Pyar Ki Yeh Kahani” is exquisite.
As for the performances, Shabana Azmi and Booman Irani are excellent in their enactment of two mature lovers. Abhay Deol and Minnisha make strides in their career with their contribution as the unreal, sweet enough to make you diabetic, couple. In fact the writer secretly unfolds the irony of this too good to be true ‘perfect’ couple. Sandhya Mridul and Vikram Chatwal seem at ease with their characters and perform as naturals. Aamisha Patel and Karan Khanna seem a bit odd in the equation, but are passable. Aamisha succeeds in playing the role of aloof and bubbly ‘Pinky’, while Karan Khanna only has moments where he strikes a chord as ‘Vicky’. Ranveer Shorey has limited exposure, but is effective. Diya Mirza isn’t in the forefront but remains likeable. Kay Kay Menon and Raima Sen take most notice with their fine performances. Both are superb.
While all is great and glorious, the writer in Reema Kagti shy’s out in addressing a questionable situation she creates, develops, but never concludes. She scratches the surface and then walks away. The manner the film concludes seems almost abrupt and unresolved. Besides the end, certain audiences may reject the make, unable to connect with the humor.
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Limited is innovative and crisp story-telling. A happy watch indeed with a well recommended 3 stars.

“Happy Honeymoon!!”

Posted by Ritu at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I first heard about THE SECRET through a friend who had said it was on his 'to read list'. It was a book he told me that held the secret to acquiring everything from love, wealth, and eventual happiness in life. "HA!” I thought. "Well, when you learn it, share it with me!” I told him.
The SAME day, I had dinner in the evening with another friend. Over the course of our conversation, as I shared how I didn't find life to be peppy and working my way at the moment, he suggested I watch a documentary called THE SECRET. "THE SECRET!!!! Isn't that a book?!" I exclaimed. "Yeah, it's a book, but it's also a documentary. You should watch it, I think you'd really enjoy it."

- Anyone who knows me would assume I immediately read it as a sign. I'm being told to read/see; basically enlighten myself with THE SECRET. -

And yes, it sparked my interest, I kept it in my mind, I'd eventually get to it.

Well as luck would have it, THE SECRET came to my door. I was sick at home and a good friend of mine came to visit. Long behold, she had the DVD in her purse! She had heard about it on OPRAH.
"OPRAH!!! Oh no! The concept is that commercial??!! You mean every housewife with a bucket of bon-bons knows about it?!! ...Please!!" I slightly lost interest.
Still after our own philosophical banter, we popped on the DVD....

A series of talks and examples by physicists, philosophers, teachers, visionaries, entrepreneurs, psychologists, authors, and other consultants/strategists followed. They discussed how the LAWS of ATTRACTION govern all that occurs in your life. YOU attract good or bad in your life. It's the vibrations you put out that the universe responds to. So in order for things to change in life, you must change your thoughts and feelings, and the universe will automatically adjust itself around you.

I found the message to be interesting. Personally it wasn't something 'new' I was learning, but it was putting what I had been practicing over time in a clear manner. It explained what I thought I was just doing in accordance with spiritual alignment was actually a scientifically proven, strategic method. (TRIPPY!)
While I don't think it's something beyond common sense, it did make me realize how having FOCUS is vital. It exemplifies how strongly your will for your desires can actually get you what you want. It can be ANYTHING! It takes the basic concept of mind over matter to another level. A level worth experimenting and exploring.

Unfortunately, although the message is powerful, its presentation is not. The proceedings were a lot like a 'self-help' book. Because of the way the documentary has been shot, it makes you a bit skeptical. I felt like I was watching a DVD that was part of some cult or brain washing technique. Its visualization is as if you're watching the Da Vinci Code and 'the secret' is like the Holy Grail.

At some point, I thought I was watching an infomercial and at any given moment they were all going to pounce on me to buy something. What were they trying to sell me and why?! What's in it for them to share this 'secret' - this so-called INCREDIBLE concept that can make you millions, find you true love, even make you a pimp with 3 different women to sleep with every week (actual example), if you really wanted?

Luckily the answer is...

Nothing. Nothing at face value. If you're smart, you'll watch the DVD, read the book, and walk away with the basic valuable message. But if you're vulnerable and desperately seeking for people to help you, rather than yourself - then they'll milk you for the cow you are. A sacrificial cow. I'm not saying that you shouldn't go to others for help - but there's a fine line between needing professional help, getting help from your friends, and falling in to a hoax (like some do with astrologers/tarot card readers! haha - Indians know that FAR too well!)

For the most part the 'teachers' of THE SECRET show you HOW to help yourself. The only place they kill it is in the prelude, where they advise you to go to the website www.thesecret.tv to check out more 'tools' that can help you implement the strategy. The 'tools' are Quotes, CD's, DVD, etc., items for purchase. Then they also have a 'secret calendar' where you can attend seminars either live or through teleconferences - a few of these are 'free', but the rest charge a hefty fee. In that way it makes it seem like a moneymaking gimmick.

But really if you can ignore the jargon, look beyond that, and walk away with the message, I think there's no harm in attempting to structure life the way they suggest. It's very basic - positive thinking!
A neat thing to explore, in sickness, health, poverty, or wealth; in love, hate, or the search for your true mate - think well, BELIEVE well, have SINCERE FAITH, - and all will BE WELL!

You might as well try it...as an infomercial would say - "It's a risk-free, no payment down, free offer!"
What do you have to lose other than negative energy?

...If nothing it makes for good philosophical conversation!

'The Secret' is no secret. It's something we've heard time over time and something we are all sub-consciously aware of. By reading the book or watching the documentary, something may just click and you might know how to use it (the secret) better!

Posted by Ritu at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)