Sajid Khan Vs. Madhavan/Rajeev Khandelwal
30th August 2010
Its been almost a year since I've posted anything... so here goes just one of the random thoughts coming in my mind.
A television reality show named "India's Got Talent - Khoj 2" (Season 2) is airing on one of the popular channel - Colors. Sajid Khan (Indian film director - Heyy Babyy, Housefull) happens to be a replacement host to Shekhar Kapur (again... Indian film director... Mr. India being his most memorable works) since Season 1.
Couldn't help notice Sajid's style of approving or disapproving a performance (Thumbs-up or Thumbs-down). It reminds me of another reality game show called "Deal Ya No Deal" aired during 2005-2006 on Sony Entertainment Television. His style is similar to the hosts R. Madhavan and Rajeev Khandelwal, who used to ask the contestant whether he wanted to deal (thumbs-up) or not to deal (thumbs-down).
Well... that's it on this post... something completely random and out of the blue.... to keep this blog alive.... hope to add something more much sooner... :)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, September 25, 2009
Movie Review: What's Your Rashee
Cast: Harman Baweja, Priyanka Chopra (x12), Darshan Jariwala, Dilip Joshi, Anjan Shrivastava, Rajesh Vivek, Daya Shankar Pandey
Got a chance to watch this one on the first day, and I would say it is a very average movie. The casting is apt with Harman Baweja doing complete justice to Yogesh, his character, while Priyanka Chopra will surprise you with her brilliant performance in 12 different characters from each star sign. Darshan Jariwala's performance is worth a mention, one of the few actors who make the movie a little alive. Dilip Joshi as Jitubhai is hillarious at certain scenes with his comic timing. Bhautesh Joshi (played by Rajesh Vivek) is also funny at times. Other actors seem monotonous and are present merely to fill their characters.
Although backed by good performances by Harman and Priyanka, the movie tumbles on a very average story (though it is different from conventional bollywood masala). The length of the movie is the biggest setback, though the comedy scenes and the suspense of the climax will manage to hold some audience till the end. There are 13 songs in the movie of which hardly 2-3 will be remembered in the long run. Although they are apt for their respective situations they occur, some could be easily avoided. Sometimes the story swings to social messages on one hand, to contract marriage on the other, which ultimately leaves the viewer dissatisfied. Only the costumes and set design is great, and specially to mention that Indralok (a mansion owned by Zaveri and daughter Vishaka - Taurus sign girl) is sheer magnificience from the art director.
In conclusion, a little disappointment from a genius director like Ashutosh Gowariker, as expectations are high after blockbusters like Jodhaa Akbar, Swades and Lagaan. Priyanka Chopra is worthy for some awards this year for her excellent multi-character potrayal.
Rating: 2.5/5
Cast: Harman Baweja, Priyanka Chopra (x12), Darshan Jariwala, Dilip Joshi, Anjan Shrivastava, Rajesh Vivek, Daya Shankar Pandey
Got a chance to watch this one on the first day, and I would say it is a very average movie. The casting is apt with Harman Baweja doing complete justice to Yogesh, his character, while Priyanka Chopra will surprise you with her brilliant performance in 12 different characters from each star sign. Darshan Jariwala's performance is worth a mention, one of the few actors who make the movie a little alive. Dilip Joshi as Jitubhai is hillarious at certain scenes with his comic timing. Bhautesh Joshi (played by Rajesh Vivek) is also funny at times. Other actors seem monotonous and are present merely to fill their characters.
Although backed by good performances by Harman and Priyanka, the movie tumbles on a very average story (though it is different from conventional bollywood masala). The length of the movie is the biggest setback, though the comedy scenes and the suspense of the climax will manage to hold some audience till the end. There are 13 songs in the movie of which hardly 2-3 will be remembered in the long run. Although they are apt for their respective situations they occur, some could be easily avoided. Sometimes the story swings to social messages on one hand, to contract marriage on the other, which ultimately leaves the viewer dissatisfied. Only the costumes and set design is great, and specially to mention that Indralok (a mansion owned by Zaveri and daughter Vishaka - Taurus sign girl) is sheer magnificience from the art director.
In conclusion, a little disappointment from a genius director like Ashutosh Gowariker, as expectations are high after blockbusters like Jodhaa Akbar, Swades and Lagaan. Priyanka Chopra is worthy for some awards this year for her excellent multi-character potrayal.
Rating: 2.5/5
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Misery of Dubai commuters
Posted: 13 September 2008
It has been hardly a year since the first 2 toll gates: Al Garhoud Bridge and Al Barsha were installed on the Dubai roads. For those who are new to Dubai and Salik, I suggest searching for Salik and browsing through its website to understand its technology and pricing. Let's go back to when it all started.
July 2007
Within few weeks of installing the first phase of gates, the local authority - RTA happily announced that their so-called plan of reducing traffic has worked. As I state, it was July, and traffic in Dubai is minimum as majority of the citizens and denizens are out of the country to escape the summer heat.
September 2007
Everyone except the RTA realised how much they are suffering due to the toll gates, as most of the working population reside in Sharjah, and the shortest route (distance-wise) from Sharjah to Jebel Ali was the Garhoud Bridge to the Shaikh Zayed Road (SZR) where now stand the 2 Salik gates.
March 2008
Al Garhoud Bridge expanded from 6 lanes (3 lanes each direction) to 13 lanes (6 in one direction and 7 in the other). Despite that, I've read people still complaining of traffic towards Sharjah during peak hours.
May 2008
In less than a calender year of people barely managing their time and money (on tolls, of course!)for their daily trips, RTA announced the second phase of Salik. The second phase involves installing 2 more salik gates - one at Al Maktoum Bridge and other at Al Safa, which is located between 1st & 2nd interchange of SZR (again!).
September 2008
The 2nd phase starts on the 9th morning of September, with many commuters opting for alternate routes (Well, I feel some were practicing on 8th also, as floating bridge had unusual traffic towards deira at 3 pm). Even news channels like City7 and Gulf News Videos also commented that Al Wasl road was totally blocked. City7 also reported that Al Safa toll gate witnessed the same amount of traffic.
One week after Salik Phase 2 is fully operational, the situation on Salik and non-Salik routes is the same... on 15th I noticed heavy traffic on SZR 1st interchange towards Abu Dhabi. Traffic has increased on Al Shindagha Tunnel and Floating Bridges during afternoon hours, when Ramadan work hours end.
And on 16th September in Gulf News, RTA claims success with Salik gates. You can read through their article where they clearly state it is contrary to public opinion.
Now, Why do I say people are suffering?
Firstly, the toll itself. I happened to read through one of the comments on a daily newspaper. The person has broken down the toll calculation as follows:
Per day - AED 24 x 250 working days in a year = AED 6000.
That's a monthly salary of an average employee in the UAE!! With the already rising expenses of food, clothing and shelter, this is a huge burden on the working population.
The toll itself costs more than the fuel/gas charges for a single trip.
Secondly, the number of cars on UAE roads are increasing daily, adding to the traffic.
Thirdly, the taxis are expensive to use on a daily basis, especially on longer routes. More recently, taxi drivers do not accept passengers who plan to travel a short route.
And you can forget catching a cab to Sharjah, unless you have used "call-a-cab" service, as none of the drivers believe in wasting his time in Sharjah traffic.
Next, RTA encourages people to use public buses. As a regular commuter in buses, I observe no fixed timing/schedule of the buses. Plus, try waiting for any bus at a stop in between, eg. Karama, and you can keep waiting forever as there is not even a standing space by the time the bus arrives at your stop. Even the shortest route like No. 5 & 42 take atleast 1-1.5 hours for a one-way route.
Furthermore, RTA now encourages legalisedcarpooling, after it had once started (during Dec 07 to June 08) issuing fines starting from Dhs. 2000 + black points + car impound. I am sure this must have clearly discouraged some people to use carpooling since then.
Well, I suppose it would be quite exhaustive to read, as it has been to write, but it seems there is no 'escape' route to Dubai and Sharjah traffic. I may conclude by saying that the fault lies in both the traffic system and people's lifestyle in the city. Had the authorities thought earlier of road expansions and metro, the situation would've been different now. The metro might be partially successful in solving the problem, not completely.
Public buses are less hope, coz they themselves are part of the traffic, so can't really rely on them.
Toll gates haven't really help reduce traffic, only divert them to alternate routes, causing more congestion in other areas, and add revenue to RTA.
Posted: 13 September 2008
It has been hardly a year since the first 2 toll gates: Al Garhoud Bridge and Al Barsha were installed on the Dubai roads. For those who are new to Dubai and Salik, I suggest searching for Salik and browsing through its website to understand its technology and pricing. Let's go back to when it all started.
July 2007
Within few weeks of installing the first phase of gates, the local authority - RTA happily announced that their so-called plan of reducing traffic has worked. As I state, it was July, and traffic in Dubai is minimum as majority of the citizens and denizens are out of the country to escape the summer heat.
September 2007
Everyone except the RTA realised how much they are suffering due to the toll gates, as most of the working population reside in Sharjah, and the shortest route (distance-wise) from Sharjah to Jebel Ali was the Garhoud Bridge to the Shaikh Zayed Road (SZR) where now stand the 2 Salik gates.
March 2008
Al Garhoud Bridge expanded from 6 lanes (3 lanes each direction) to 13 lanes (6 in one direction and 7 in the other). Despite that, I've read people still complaining of traffic towards Sharjah during peak hours.
May 2008
In less than a calender year of people barely managing their time and money (on tolls, of course!)for their daily trips, RTA announced the second phase of Salik. The second phase involves installing 2 more salik gates - one at Al Maktoum Bridge and other at Al Safa, which is located between 1st & 2nd interchange of SZR (again!).
September 2008
The 2nd phase starts on the 9th morning of September, with many commuters opting for alternate routes (Well, I feel some were practicing on 8th also, as floating bridge had unusual traffic towards deira at 3 pm). Even news channels like City7 and Gulf News Videos also commented that Al Wasl road was totally blocked. City7 also reported that Al Safa toll gate witnessed the same amount of traffic.
One week after Salik Phase 2 is fully operational, the situation on Salik and non-Salik routes is the same... on 15th I noticed heavy traffic on SZR 1st interchange towards Abu Dhabi. Traffic has increased on Al Shindagha Tunnel and Floating Bridges during afternoon hours, when Ramadan work hours end.
And on 16th September in Gulf News, RTA claims success with Salik gates. You can read through their article where they clearly state it is contrary to public opinion.
Now, Why do I say people are suffering?
Firstly, the toll itself. I happened to read through one of the comments on a daily newspaper. The person has broken down the toll calculation as follows:
Per day - AED 24 x 250 working days in a year = AED 6000.
That's a monthly salary of an average employee in the UAE!! With the already rising expenses of food, clothing and shelter, this is a huge burden on the working population.
The toll itself costs more than the fuel/gas charges for a single trip.
Secondly, the number of cars on UAE roads are increasing daily, adding to the traffic.
Thirdly, the taxis are expensive to use on a daily basis, especially on longer routes. More recently, taxi drivers do not accept passengers who plan to travel a short route.
And you can forget catching a cab to Sharjah, unless you have used "call-a-cab" service, as none of the drivers believe in wasting his time in Sharjah traffic.
Next, RTA encourages people to use public buses. As a regular commuter in buses, I observe no fixed timing/schedule of the buses. Plus, try waiting for any bus at a stop in between, eg. Karama, and you can keep waiting forever as there is not even a standing space by the time the bus arrives at your stop. Even the shortest route like No. 5 & 42 take atleast 1-1.5 hours for a one-way route.
Furthermore, RTA now encourages legalisedcarpooling, after it had once started (during Dec 07 to June 08) issuing fines starting from Dhs. 2000 + black points + car impound. I am sure this must have clearly discouraged some people to use carpooling since then.
Well, I suppose it would be quite exhaustive to read, as it has been to write, but it seems there is no 'escape' route to Dubai and Sharjah traffic. I may conclude by saying that the fault lies in both the traffic system and people's lifestyle in the city. Had the authorities thought earlier of road expansions and metro, the situation would've been different now. The metro might be partially successful in solving the problem, not completely.
Public buses are less hope, coz they themselves are part of the traffic, so can't really rely on them.
Toll gates haven't really help reduce traffic, only divert them to alternate routes, causing more congestion in other areas, and add revenue to RTA.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Movie Review: Tashan
Movie Name: Tashan
Year of release: 2008
Language: Hindi
Starring: Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor
One of the most awaited movies of 2008....Yash Raj production.....Saif-Kareena's first reel life romance......etc. etc. All these facts did create a lot of excitement before the release of this movie. I did not actually make it to the theater in the first week to watch this one....especially after the reviews my friends gave me. Saw it last week after the first week verdict was out.
A typical 70s story has been remoulded into a 2008 style.....it begins on a very loose note, but builds up after Akshay Kumar enters....n again collapses at the climax.
All the stunts n action gone waste thanks to poor script n direction (especially Akshay Kumar's Parkour stunts....he did much better in his Thums Up ad). And whatever goes on next makes u wonder....."Yeh kya ho raha hai???"
Meanwhile, excellent performances by Akshay Kumar n Anil Kapoor...they keep the audience awake....Saif does justice to his character (if u have read all of the character sketches), Kareena looks s(t)ick with her size-zero figure....one of the major turn-off of the movie, in terms of her acting as well.
Music is excellent but alas....Vaibhavi Merchant ruins it all with her dumb choreography.... seems she's run out of steps after Kajra re and Aaja Nachle.
If u don't expect too much from this movie, n keep ur common-sense in the fridge, then this is an average one time watch, only for the above mentioned performances.
My rating: 1.5 / 5 stars
Movie Name: Tashan
Year of release: 2008
Language: Hindi
Starring: Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor
One of the most awaited movies of 2008....Yash Raj production.....Saif-Kareena's first reel life romance......etc. etc. All these facts did create a lot of excitement before the release of this movie. I did not actually make it to the theater in the first week to watch this one....especially after the reviews my friends gave me. Saw it last week after the first week verdict was out.
A typical 70s story has been remoulded into a 2008 style.....it begins on a very loose note, but builds up after Akshay Kumar enters....n again collapses at the climax.
All the stunts n action gone waste thanks to poor script n direction (especially Akshay Kumar's Parkour stunts....he did much better in his Thums Up ad). And whatever goes on next makes u wonder....."Yeh kya ho raha hai???"
Meanwhile, excellent performances by Akshay Kumar n Anil Kapoor...they keep the audience awake....Saif does justice to his character (if u have read all of the character sketches), Kareena looks s(t)ick with her size-zero figure....one of the major turn-off of the movie, in terms of her acting as well.
Music is excellent but alas....Vaibhavi Merchant ruins it all with her dumb choreography.... seems she's run out of steps after Kajra re and Aaja Nachle.
If u don't expect too much from this movie, n keep ur common-sense in the fridge, then this is an average one time watch, only for the above mentioned performances.
My rating: 1.5 / 5 stars
Saturday, March 11, 2006
FIRST BLOG!! Actually on 12th March 2006.
What a way to start the month and the blog! I have managed to pass my final road test on the very first try on the 7th.....n that too on manual car. And yesterday I received my UAE driving licence. Calls for a big party....but no....I'm not a party brat or anything! Just sharing the joy with family n friends! After all its an achievement after 1 year of patient wait and 2 months of dedicated learning.
Well, the learning process (driving) wasn't that smooth for me.....I changed 3 (actually 4) instructors....due to time adjustments....n then internal changes...(blah).
I guess this marks a new beginning...of freedom to go where u wanna go....but the fact is that right now I'll b on my dad's car for at least 6 months.....so not so early.
Well.....lots abt driving.....now about blogging. Its a pretty good thing to just vomit out what u feeling on to the comp.....at least u hope that someone may read and appreciate your thoughts....n plus you can greatly reduce stress by putting it on paper (oops, the internet). Not only that....lots more to it...like sharing your happiness, ur troubles, feelings. And it helps u to b a gud writer also.
More in my next post. One quote before signing off...."Har pal yahaan...jee bhar jiyo.....kya pata...Kal Ho Naa Ho".
Cheers
/\/€o/\/
What a way to start the month and the blog! I have managed to pass my final road test on the very first try on the 7th.....n that too on manual car. And yesterday I received my UAE driving licence. Calls for a big party....but no....I'm not a party brat or anything! Just sharing the joy with family n friends! After all its an achievement after 1 year of patient wait and 2 months of dedicated learning.
Well, the learning process (driving) wasn't that smooth for me.....I changed 3 (actually 4) instructors....due to time adjustments....n then internal changes...(blah).
I guess this marks a new beginning...of freedom to go where u wanna go....but the fact is that right now I'll b on my dad's car for at least 6 months.....so not so early.
Well.....lots abt driving.....now about blogging. Its a pretty good thing to just vomit out what u feeling on to the comp.....at least u hope that someone may read and appreciate your thoughts....n plus you can greatly reduce stress by putting it on paper (oops, the internet). Not only that....lots more to it...like sharing your happiness, ur troubles, feelings. And it helps u to b a gud writer also.
More in my next post. One quote before signing off...."Har pal yahaan...jee bhar jiyo.....kya pata...Kal Ho Naa Ho".
Cheers
/\/€o/\/
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