Kahaani * * *

Whenever we go for a Bollywood flick, we always get deja vu. And specially in case of thrillers. Rather than the plot of the movie we are gripped by the question that Where the hell I have seen this before? And in case we find out the answer, this desi version seems like an inferior adaptation. And in case we don't, we still get this feeling that whichever movie that was, it was way better than this chutiyaaps.When will we learn to make originals.

Kahaani is the answer to all this. With all the elements of a super-thriller coupled with an Indian context makes it total paisa-wassool. The protagonist Vidya is the pregnant wife of a Bengali computer engineer and herself is from the same profession. The couple lives in London but her husband comes to Kolkata, India for some work assignment and goes missing. Vidya already in the late stages of pregnancy comes to Kolkata in his search. She goes to the local police and the hunt begins. But it ain't that simple. A new mystery awaits them at every crossroad and eventually this case gets mingled with another one which is under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) related to some terrorist. This complicates it even more and sets the stage for the grand finale climax. At the end, you find your self totally violated and outsmarted by an intelligent script and diligent direction.


Vidya who just received a National for The dirty picture is all set for a consecutive win. She leaves you awestruck at times and pulls off a very difficult role with complete authenticity. The supporting actors are smartly picked from the Bengali film fraternity which brings a kind of local appeal to the screenplay. Although the first half is kinda slow and gives away too many clues to doubt Vidya's claim but leaves enough in the air to keep you guessing.  But the mythological parallel drawn on a contemporary plot is too good and too original. Another interesting aspect the innovative portrayal of Kolkata which is sure to impress the locals.

So, Vidya's skill and the climax are the two highs of this Kahaani which make it a good watch. This one is for those who like stories to be told in a freaking twisted way and of course for those who belong to the city of joy.

Being Benjamin

Sometime I feel possessed by the idea which David Fincher planted via Benjamin. What if the clock of our life ran backward. What would have happened if we had arrived old  and grew younger day by day. Would that have made a difference in the way things are in this world. Quite a mesmerizing idea. Isn't it.

The first couple of decades would be immensely enriching as we would we in the company of the old. Those who have seen it all, traveled across the world and played every role. We would be learning from their experiences. They would tell what all one should surely do in life and what all is just a mere waste of time. The initial years in the company of the wise would surely bring a sense of maturity. But in way, we would be doing away with the worst of times beforehand. Imagine having all the troubles of old age early in your life. We would age from all the suffering and grow stronger. There would not be this regret that you missed doing something in your youth.

But then it will always be an escape from the people that we will be seeing in the cross-roads of our life. It would be hard to forget the fact that we are going in the wrong direction. The fact that we would not be able to grow old with the love of our life. The fact that we would not want to have children and then get younger than them. And the most difficult of all things, you would be seeing so many of your people die in front of you. That's the hardest of all.

Everything that goes up, comes down. It doesn't matter which way you are going. You will end someday. There is no escape from mortality. But what matters is the choice you make, the people you love and that very feeling of satisfaction. Satisfaction that you did all of those things which you wanted to. That you lived to the fullest.

Paan Singh Tomar * * * *

This is stuff we have been waiting for since long. A truly inspiring and touching biopic of a steeplechase legend who was forced by situations to run with a gun. And I know we all adore Irffan, but this outstanding portrayal of a rebel is surely taking him to the hall of fame. In fact, in Bollywood there have not been many  performances with such depth, conviction and intensity. All hail Irffan !

The story is set in the wild bihads along side the Chambal river where a local joins the Indian Army instead of the dacoit gangs. Soon his extra-ordinary running capabilities attract attention and he becomes the star athlete of the services grabbing all sorts of medals and world records in steeplechase. But things turn ugly back at home and he is forced to leave the army and comes back home to look after his kin and farm. Then the ugly becomes worse and he is left with no option but to use the power of the gun. The corrupt police and bureaucracy play a lead role as a catalyst to provoke the vengeance. Our runner turned Robin Hood takes his revenge and does a lot more for the poor people. Refusing to surrender to the useless government he is eventually killed in an ambush.

Mahie Gill who plays the wife has done well in her little space. The chemistry with Irffan is outstanding and a couple of their acts are absolutely hilarious and witty. The direction seems so international and the fast paced screenplay keeps you on your tips. Although, he could have shortened it a bit towards the very end. Irffan, right from the very first frame of his arrival brings in tremendous power and authority as Paan Singh. The authentic portrayal coupled with numerous punch lines in desi languageva & accentva is just perfect. This is a performance that deserves much more than a National. Oscar, here we come.

Although centered around the life of Paan Singh Tomar, this movie stands for so many people. The plight of the unsung sportsperson in our country who are not given the deserved attention. Many of these have died penniless and some due to insufficient medical attention. This is a real and painful story. The credits at the end of the movie dedicated to the unsung sportsperson of our country are equally painful. This film is about how rebels are born out of national heroes. An entertaining film with a strong message. Don't miss!

P.S. Respect to all the unsung sportsperson of India. You make us proud !

Defeat

Defeats are difficult to digest. Some more than the others. And sometimes none of the stress busters help. Sometimes it takes a while to even realize that the defeat is real and you are not going to wake up from it. Your subconscious tries to tell you that it's just a bad dream. And that the dawn is coming. But when you do realize it and have to face the world around you, that is when you need to be at your strongest.

You should not care about what people would say. Only you know what it takes to win and only you know that you did all that was possible. In these desperate times, you get to know people who actually belong to you. Who actually care.

Make peace with the defeat as soon as possible. This time is not for grief but for introspection. To regroup and to fill in for the lacunae. There is this feeling inside you which tells you that you can do this. You should not let this very feeling wither away. Rather amplify it. Feed on it.  Let it drive you.  And it will take you places.

And I know it's a big cliche but it's equally true, there is always next time. This wasn't the last strike.