Harishchandrachi Factory

I had heard about Dadasaheb Phalke. I certainly knew that he pioneered the Indian film industry and I was aware Raja Harishchandra was the first Indian movie. I had not thought anything beyond this until I saw Harishchandrachi Factory, a regional Marathi movie. Being a non-maharashtrian, who could understand the mumbaiite marathi and was apprehensive whether i could really appreciate a movie, my worries were put to rest. This movie made an impact - a big one. The movie described in a simple and humorous way the efforts put in by Dadasaheb Phalke, which culminated to the making of the first ever Indian movie and consequently the formation of the Indian Cinema industry. The movie is apparently the debut venture of the director, Paresh Mokashi. The acting by the actors, Nandu Madhav, Vibhawari Deshpande and the gang, were realistic and too good. Hats off to the Director, the crew and the cast. The film showed without any melodrama, the trials and tribulations of the family as they supported each other to the making of a "picture". As the movie concentrated on the light humored aspects of the two year venture of Dabasaheb Phalke and family, you tend to laugh and smile throughout the movie, watching the ridicule, fear, awe and happiness of the neighbours, friends and the family until the end. I ended up feeling amazed and in awe of this family, who had immense courage and conviction to believe that they can bring such an important venture in the country. Dadasaheb's selfless and patriotism stood out as he declined offer to stay abroad and work on movies since he believed his country needs to benefit. A sweet and lovely movie... a definitely must watch for the entire family.

Disaster at Pune

Yet another terrorist attack in the State, now in Pune leaving innocent people dead and various others injured. Every time this cowardly act happens I wonder who gains out of the whole absurd and seemings reason defying action. No sane person would ever support such dastardly act nor support such a cause that kills innocents not related to their cause at all. Are we seeing then, an emergence of insanity in the behaviour of human beings? Why are we, the so called intelligent species of the Creator's universe behaving so irrationally and without any empathy? What else explains our political leaders' preoccupation in the release or not of a particular movie rather than on the security of the State? Why else would our political leaders be more concerned about whether the cricket team of a particular country visits the state to play and entertain the people whether the audience is the resident of the state or not? What steps of these so called leaders done to ensure the security of the people within the country? Consequently, what right do they have to tell us what we should do, what we should watch, what we should read and what we should say? Why do they go into a paralytic attack and are conspicuous by their absence when the nation or the state are attacked by anti social and terrorist organisations? May be because they themselves were busy destroying the shops and property of the people at large so that they are terrorised into sitting at home and not watching a movie at a theatre! It smacks of hypocrisy, it is ridiculous and it is frustrating to say the least when we blame our neighbours for the state of affairs in the country. Maybe it is time that we address the malaise within the country. As Swami Vivekananda had once said, my countrymen, "Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached"

3 Idiots

Aamir Khan does not stop to amaze me. The movie was brilliant and fun. Movie goers across generation enjoyed this movie of the trials of three friends in their academic life. Funny isn't it that a vast majority of us do go through life without having a specific aim? As you look closer at the successful people around you, the simple truth that the protagonist in the story try to convey stands out. You need to love what you are doing and success follows you. This not a new message or a secret message unrevealed but an age-old home truth. But the movie conveyed this beautifully. Maybe, today's young generation are more clear on what they want out of life. I have seen youngsters following vocations like Radio jockeying, event management, dancing et al , hitherto not considered worthy of serious career options by parents. Maybe the movie is reaching out to a generation, which has passed through the pressures of society. The acting of the three friends played by Aamir, Madhavan and Sharman are fantastic. Kareena looks gorgeous as she continues to display her natural acting capabilities. The music and songs are catchy. All in all an wholesome entertaining movie. A must watch.