Only The Good Die Young

ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA (2011)

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was a big surprise for me. Just when I proudly announced that Delhi Belly will still be the best film of the year come December, here comes competition! Despite loving Luck By Chance (2009) I was skeptical when I saw Zoya Akhtar's name attached to it. I wanted her sophomore effort to be more challenging than the first. Any other film with big stars attached and I wouldn't have added my hopes to the film before watching it. But I must say I'm indeed pleasantly surprised. The film is not better than Luck By Chance (2009) but I'm happy that Zoya did not dumb herself down and bind herself to the shackles of commercial entertainment. In fact, she has found liberation within the boundaries of mainstream cinema. I respect that more than I respect purely commercial films or true art-house films. Change for me is best when it is made without offending anyone. When it is made delicately and minutely that it is an afterthought for the ones who feel it. When it is not shouted out but whispered.

But In The End It's Right

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2 (2011)

Harry Potter film series has come to a close. The Harry Potter series has meant a lot to me. I believe it has for a large number of people. It was the biggest phenomenon of my generation. I read the first book when I was 11, way back in the year 1999. Obviously, the question whether Harry Potter is a literary work of art does not matter to me even one bit. It's been a long eventful ride. For me, it ended in 2007 when I finished the last book quicker than any other any other book I had ever read before. The film franchise started in 2001 and to be honest I loved it, especially the first three movies. Now, it is coming to a close and it is a sad time. The last Harry Potter is a befitting finale. But the fact that I am a Harry Potter fan and one who has lived and grown up with the series, it must have its implications (good and bad).

Jump on Board, Take a Ride

CHILLAR PARTY (2011)

This is a kid's film unlike Taare Zameen Par (2007) or Stanley Ka Dabba (2011). While both of those films are highly accomplished films, this one has something unique to offer. This film reminded me of The Sandlot (1992) and Stand By Me (1986) a lot. But in a good way. Not in a "they copied those films" way. (Sad, that in our country we have to think like that)

Nikla Sabun

DELHI BELLY (2011)

A recent film called Shaitan was loved by the urban audience. Especially, the youth to which it was targeted. I hated it from every inch of my soul. The half star I gave it was also me being incredibly generous. But I heard a lot of people saying Shaitan was cool. While I thought it really wasn’t, I would like to take the opportunity to tell everyone (not just the people who loved Shaitan) that THIS IS COOL!