Recap 2011 : Count of Films

I saw 55 films this year, just a little more than last year... This year, I made two records. Both with the same film 'Rockstar'. One, to see it 4 times on Friday itself(could had made it five too, had the length of film been small). And other, to see it 11 times in theatre. Don2, was the next film this year, where I went that much mad, as saw it 6 times. There were few more films that I loved too, but didn't really see them as much as I could had. The moods or the mumbai rains or professional life, you can call it any of that.

List of Films                        No of Times I saw in theatre

Rockstar                                          11

Don 2                                                6

7 Khoon Maaf                                   3

Delhi Belly                                         3 

Ladies vs Ricky Bahl                          2

Ra. One                                             2 

Bodyguard                                         2 

Zindagi na milegi Dobara                    2 

Murder 2                                           2 

Shaitan                                              2 

Ready                                               2

Yeh Saali Zindagi                              2 

No one Killed Jessica                        2

I think, I saw lots of films twice this year, could had seen pyar ka punchnama also once more. Also, would had liked to see 7 khoon maaf more times.  Aneways, hope to make new records and see many more films in 2012.

Don2 : Movie Analysis

The fact that Farhan Akhtar's version of Don didn't impress me one bit, helped a lot to love the 2nd part of the series. Fresh dialogues, screenplay, and lot more style.. couldn't had asked for more.

Don2 main plot is about Don's (Shahrukh Khan) plan to remove his enemies and at the same time, get more richer or in short as he himself points out 'become the badshah, the king of the world'.

What impresses me the most, is the style Farhan Akhtar has brought into the film. I am very fond of watching a scene having lots of style, and Shahrukh so wonderfully does it in the entire film. Its the very reason I love Dhoom2 which many don't like either.

Also big thumbs up for the way, Farhan fastens the part where 'Don and Vardhan' escape from Jail. And proper screen time given to the part where the whole plan of Don is discussed. A lot other film-makers would had done opposite than this!

Its hard to imagine who else would had done justice to Don apart from Shahrukh Khan. He has made the character very much his own now. Mind you, I am not taking anything away from Amitabh Bachchan.. I am his big fan! But, the difference lies in, Amitabh's version was more of a mean Don which was also very limited, as we see more of Vijay only. While Shahrukh's version does include being mean, but he brings extra style which he loves doing too, and the menacing laugh he does before striking an enemy or delivering a punchline, or the way he says 'Sweetheart'.

The reason for comparison is just the character of 'Don', otherwise Don2 has nothing to be compared with Amitabh's Don. That's why I always say, make a new film, with old film's characters but fresh story and screenplay. See, how well it works!

The script and writing has been criticised a lot.. I will comment in the spoilers section below on all that. For me, the script and writing had very few flaws, to a certain extent negligible.

Farhan's direction is once again top-notch. I love directors who know how to take the best out of their actors, which Farhan always does. The screenplay is very good, keeps you guessing what's next ? Editing too is impressive and one of best this year. Cinematography is good, I loved the sea shot the most, both at start and at end of the film. The action scenes were much better, Shahrukh looked  better in them, unlike Ra.One. The dialogues were super, loved the punchlines.

The songs, just two of them are used perfectly with the narrative. Zara dil ko thaam lo brings that amazing retro feel, and seriously, what editing and choreography! Special mention to the background score, I specially love three of them the most 'the opening scene where he is in boat', 'reaching zurich one' and the one that follows the dialogue 'kahan hai woh'.

Priyanka Chopra was not upto the mark but maybe that's how she was to be. (More on her in spoiler's section)

Boman Irani was marvellous, he plays the grey role very well. Lara Dutta looked so hot, and a cameo perfectly suited for her.

Ally Khan was impressive in his supporting role, might get more offers in future. Nawab Shah's expressions were perfect, that of a person who believes he is strong enough for person like Don, not realising who he is competiting with.

Sahil Shroff was okay. Om Puri has hardly much to offer in his role. While Kunal Kapoor has his moments in a supporting role.

Some of the best scenes ----
• Opening Don sequence, boat one.
• Every conversation Don has with Roma.
• 'Aa gaya laut ke dekho don' line, the expression of Don. Have to save that shot once Dvd releases.
• The car chase sequence.
• The way Don says 'koi saboot nahi, toh koi gunehgaar nahi'. Excellent, and style in it too!
• When he says 'ab mujhe koi nahi rok sakta', the eyes makes you believe that he is so true when he says that.
• The climax


Spoilers (Read the next part only if you have seen the film) ----- 

Don-Roma during the pre-climax part. Almost everyone disliked it, to a certain extent the reason to not like the film was much to do with this. Now, here's my take, how I think it was...

Its known that Don had the plan to get caught by the police, then as he expected while offering a deal to police they won't agree and hence the diwan factor comes in, which meant he can't be touched by the police in future anymore. To add to it, he had the disk as a gift token to the police, afterall.. it meant nothing to him. Why should it, when he has the plates ?

So, while he accepts to help Roma and her team, in diffusing the bombs, and getting the hostages back safe. He decides to have some talks with Roma, tries to know whats going in her life. Yes, he is interested in her.. but not at the expense of his plans. He tries to keep her emotional side on, with dialogues like 'tumhe kaisa laga jab maine kaha' and 'I wanna be free from this world n police'. With that latter dialogue, he totally gets her emotional, the plan's working! Also, he asks 'tum ab bhi mujhse pyar karti ho', just to check what she has to say. He saves her life too, to further add the sympathy factor in favour of him. And now, the final act he does.. trying to stop her from going inside, saying 'tumhe khatra ho sakta hai'.

He could had gone alone, after all his tactics to fight both Vardhaan and Jabbar were in place. But, to divert Vardhaan and Jabbar from him.. he feels she would help him more. A risk he takes, because Jabbar's bullet could had killed her too (though a cinematic liberty happens here which shouldnt have). Now, here's the first clue Boman gives to entire proceedings happening till now to us through 'maine aksar dekha hai, aisi situations mein, aurte bahut kaam aati hai'. Thats what Don was doing with Roma, all the drama leading upto the place. In between, he has some soft moments, which he later describes in final dialogue with Ayesha 'roma ab buri aadat ban chuki hai, usse peeche churaana mushkil hoga'.

Btw, special mention to that dialogue too, how well it connects to his own ciggerette habit. Might not be intentional, but that's how it came out.

So, the point is.. the whole Don-Roma sequence was nothing, but a part of plan for Don.

Now, the next thing is Priyanka Chopra.. why was her body language throughout the film so dull, and not interested kind. One way to look at it is, she really wasnt upto the mark in the film, and just sleep walked through the role. Other way is, its 5 yrs since her brother died. The hurt decreases with time, and to add to it.. she fell in love with Don himself, not Vijay. So, at one side, she was after Don, but at same time.. she knew that she might still be loving him. As a result, she is interested in getting Don, and not interested too. We see her getting emotional much easily by Don due to this in those final parts.

So, maybe taking the 2nd point into consideration, Priyanka Chopra did act very well. Plus, the film is aneways all about Don, the power he possesses. Still, as a viewer.. or as a lover of priyanka's acting, I wasn't satisfied with her.

Now, to some unintentional funny scenes... Did you notice, Jabbar is all the time after Don's head 'Karl, bring me his head'. And at one place, Don's punchline appears like forced (Remember, the film luck, we got numerous 'luck' based dialogues), it was the lift one 'don kabhi kuch nahi bhoolta'. The angle between Roma and Arjun, and Malik-Roma were the boring parts of the movie.. surely they were important in terms of narration and screenplay, but such was the effect of rest film!

The costumes were great for major portion of the film, except for Roma's white cop shirt that didn't look good on her and the scene where Don says 'main kisi tarah ka dabaav nahi daalna chahta (by the way that was a cleverly written line), that shot so much reminded of Ra.One, again it could be intentional but I feel it wasn't.

The Hrithik Roshan small cameo, though wonderfully used, with his dancing skills, and the Waltz theme. The flaw was, the voice!  Had they kept it in a way, that he doesn't need to speak, the scene would had become great in terms of logic. If you keep logic aside, and watch it as a cinematic sequence.. then it pretty well serves the purpose 'no autographs please'. But, I still would had preferred no voice only.

The scene where Sameer looks at the photo of his wife in laptop, and then calls police was a classy one! Because, it serves both ways, if you think he is in real calling as he realizes he is doing wrong work.. and after the last scene, you realize, he was just thinking abt her for once, and then just doing what don had asked, call police.

And Boman Irani's expression while he waited for clock to tick 5 o clock. It so much reminded me of the school days, where we keep checking the watch when the class will end, and looking at the teacher with a frustrated expression...

The scene where Roma is taken into hospital, and Don while going to car looking back.. that background theme, and roma opening eyes to see him.. and final bid to sameer by Don. All this reminds of the opposite scenario in Don, where Don went into ambulance.


Overall, Don2 appeals to me, for its direction, script, screenplay, shahrukh's performance, other supporting actors, and the style quotient above all. A thrilling and entertaining movie, with lots of great twists and punchlines.


Verdict : Excellent 

  Bas, ek baat hamesha yaad rakhna , Don ko pakarna mushkil hi nahi. . . . . . . .. ... 

Film Review : Pappu Can't Dance Saala

Vinay Pathak has been terrible this year, with films like Bheja Fry, Jo Dooba So Paar and Tere Mere Phere. So, I was little doubtful if this film would be good. People like Ranvir Shorey praising the film on twitter, did make me feel easy while going to see the film, and it was pretty good.

The story is about Vidyadhar Acharya (Vinay Pathak) who is new to Mumbai, just got a job and a good room in Andheri W area, with a condition that he should never reveal that he works for private company. Soon, Mehak Malavde (Neha Dhupia), who practises dance under her teacher Rajat Kapoor.. also gets a room right opposite to Vidyadhar. The early fights between both happen, situation forces her to share room with him and the fights still continues. In the end, the story deals with how Vidyadhar copes with Mumbai, the people of Mumbai, and his neighbour come room-mate Mehak.

There are numerous good scenes in the beginning of the film, like Vidyadhar's arrival in Mumbai, the party scene, the meeting with flat ppl in the morning, the night terrace scene(interval one), Vidyadhar's problem with puri bhaji place. Vidyadhar is very 'chirchira' kind of person, yet very good at heart. While Mehak is modern girl, yet having all the good qualities a decent girl should have. Despite been opposite in their thoughts, and likings.. both of them become good friends, click with each other.. yet to take it further to love becomes hard for them.

The 1st half pretty much impresses, in 2nd half.. the film goes a bit down, especially the parting away and taking time to realise, thanks to the old cliche, a member from family giving you advice. All this makes the proceedings slow, add to a song inserted. Except for Zindagi song, and the neha dhupia introducing song.. there was no need of any other track in the film. Plus, the songs aren't good enough either.

Saurabh Shukla does a good work as a director. I think pappu can't dance saala title is used as a metaphor to Vidyadhar's coping to the lifestyle of Mumbai.

Rajat Kapoor was excellent as a dance teacher, and for me he has the best scene of the film where he uses Coffee as a medium to explain what one should do, if you love someone who is a bit bitter in nature.

Vinay Pathak does very well, though he does give the feel of, seen before character.. yet after his last few films, this one is a respite for sure.

Neha Dhupia looks beautiful, and very good performance too. Sometimes I feel, she has been doing decent work in last few yrs, without getting much recognition.

Sanjay Mishra has hardly any role. Same for Naseeruddin Shah, who must have done this film as a friend of some celeb I guess.

And yea special mention to the poem kinda of thing Vinay says when Neha insists during party scene.


Overall, Pappu Can't Dance Saala suffers due to slow 2nd half. But, as a whole the film is decent and watchable atleast once with good performances from Vinay, Neha and Rajat.


Verdict : Nice 

Film Review : Lanka

I went to see this film, only on account of 'Manoj Bajpayee' and if this surprises you, then for 'Tia Bajpai' too because I liked her in Haunted.

The story being of a girl Anju (Tia), suffering at the hands of Jaswant (Manoj) who loves her in a lustful way and isn't willing to accept the fact too. One of his old servant dies once, saving his life. Manoj takes responsiblity of his son, who returns after being away from his 'Bhaisaab'. The role played by Arjan Bajwa, he feels the pain Anju is going through. But, to help her.. would mean betray his own Bhaisaab. The story tilts between these three characters, with political and police angles too.

The main problem for me in this film was the Direction, and the storytelling. At many places, Maqbool Khan didn't bring the emotions a particular sequence required, either he kept the scene too tight, or way too slow. The narration was very un-interesting, it engages you only in intervals. The side stories of inspector played by Yashpal Sharma doesn't help either as his character I felt was very half baked. The songs didn't help the film screenplay either, with only Iltija sounding good to ears.

The camera-work was good. Editing was okay.

Manoj Bajpayee gave a very good performance, he was improvising a lot, especially the laugh he ends up during most of conversations with Arjan. Arjan Bajwa was a weak link, in past I have liked him as a actor but maybe this role wasn't meant for him, his performance was pretty average.

And Tia Bajpai should do different role next time, because to see her twice in a row in exactly the same role, where she suffers and requires help is asking a bit too much. Also, felt her performance this time around was less convincing. Yashpal Sharma was good, despite not having much scope in his role.


Overall, Lanka ends up as a below average film. Poor treatment makes the film suffer, Manoj bajpayee's performance alone couldn't save it for me.


Verdict : Below Average

Film Review : Ladies vs Ricky Bahl

Its a trend that director's like to repeat the same team for their next film. Many become a regular's too. Maneesh Sharma, the director of Band Baaja Baaraat returns with his 2nd film.. taking same 2 leads Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma, and very much the similar technicians. Only the plot and theme has changed this time around, along with 3 extra females playing much more than a supporting role.

The story being about a conman Ricky (Ranveer Singh) who cons 30 ladies that includes Dimple (Parineeti Chopra), Raina (Dipannita Sharma) and Saira (Aditi Sharma). The 3 ladies decide to take revenge from Ricky, the plan is worked out by the intelligent Raina among them.. by setting a trap in form of Ishika (Anushka Sharma). But, will it work or fall back on them only...

The story to be frank didn't interest me much. Not anything unique or never tried formula. What makes it work are few factors : Characterisation of the film, Performances by everyone, Catchy music(though its below the band baaja baaraat mark) and Editing.

Dimple, a rich spoilt kid, very talkative and bit childish in her thoughts.. Raina, into the corporate world, a work oriented girl... Saira, too innocent.. with the small town girl backdrop. All three look like they belong to the characters. Even the screenplay is well built upto the 2nd con. Its only after the 3rd con that it begins on a one way note.

Another drawback of the film is, trying to give 2 songs to introduce both main leads i.e Ranveer and Anushka. If you ask me, I consider Anushka not a lead in this film at all. She has almost same (or maybe little less) role as the other 3 ladies have. The ideal scenario would had been, to put the opening credits with 'Jigar da tukda' song which was very well choreographed and had a slight non-realistic feel.While 'Aadat se majboor' should had been used as background showing quick 4-5 further cons of Ranveer with dialogues. And, the jazba track again used as background when Ishika leaves for Goa. This way, all the 3 songs would had served the purpose.. for now, they all appear wrongly fitted into the movie.

Ranveer Singh shines in the conman's role. He does show some resemblance to Bittu (only slightly). This film proves that, he is here to stay for long ofcourse if the success doesn't get over his head. His expressions are completely spot on, dialogue delivery will improve as he goes on.

Anushka Sharma, doesn't have a convincing role this time around, yet she makes the best out of what she is offered.

Parineeti Sharma is the star of the film among the females easily. Great start to her acting career, won't be surprised if she gets more offers after this act.

Dipannita looked cool, playing the role of a working woman and a revenge seeker very well. Aditi Sharma looked so innocent and good in her costumes, and acted good too.


Writing in 2nd half was one of major reason why the film doesn't completely live upto the expectations. The gathering of material at a cheaper rate, and selling at high rate sequences repeated twice wasn't required. The climax, one may argue is right or wrong. The director does actually succeed in giving many options happening in the end. Maybe, he went for the more expected one.. could had surprised a bit, might had worked more. Though, I have no complaints with the chosen climax, just that it comes out pretty straightforward.. little drama could had enhanced it more.

Editing by Namrata Rao is excellent. One of my fav editors, the fast cuts and unique camera angles she choses makes the viewing so much interesting. Infact, in the songs you can see super fast cuts used with so many different camera angles kept. She is very innovative...

Dialogues are less effective this time around, only a few make a mark.. rest end up average.

Someone from the team is a admirer of Shahrukh Khan it appears, like the last film, here also.. he is used in the narrative, this time even more, with the use of his dialogue from a film that has a role to play in the cons.

Overall, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl is a pretty good film, just that it falls below the 'Very Good' mark. If you go to watch this film without any expectations (which thankfully I did due to uninteresting promos), then chances are you won't be dissappointed.


Verdict : Nice 

Film Review : The Dirty Picture

Once upon a time in Mumbaai, Milan Luthria's last film was one of my fav films, it still is. The reason was, the screenplay, the powerful dialogues, the background score and the main two lead actor performances. THE DIRTY PICTURE falls short in each of these aspects, unfortunately.

Firstly, its not clear even after the end of the film, whether Milan wanted to portray the real 'Silk' or he just took her apperance and profession, and made it fictional. If its taken into account that it was both real and fictional, then too the flaws are in plenty. The narrative is linear, I agree that Milan wanted to show the Vidya Balan we know in start, and the transformation happening into the sex symbol 'Silk', but after that some non linear narrative could had helped the narrative. But, it goes in a straightforward manner...

Vidya Balan's performance is no doubt top notch, but her character gets too vulgar for my liking at various places. She does whatever comes in her mind, she feels its the only way for her success, and eventually her sex symbol turns out to be her downfall too. Even her downfall is shown in a hurry and unconvincing way, it just all of a sudden happens.

Plus, the voiceover of Emraan Hashmi after a certain point gets over-done. Sure, some of his punchlines are very well written, especially the one where he indirectly relates to his own reel life status.

Out of the 3 male leads, only Naseeruddin Shah gives a good performance, thanks to well written role. A superstar, who knows how to raise Silk and also bring her down(much like Arbaaz in Fashion). Tusshar Kapoor and Emraan Hashmi fail mainly because of badly written characters. Tusshar is more or less in a cameo in film, his love for Silk sounds very wierd. His performance was decent, his cut-away shot dancing madly was my fav one.

Emraan Hashmi shines only because of the punchlines he gets to speak in the whole film, as a performer he has very less scope in his role. During the award stage scene of Silk, Emraan's expression should had been more properly directed, because its there when his change in heart actually began towards Silk. Sure, it totally completed only after that triple role film competition. Eventually what happens is that, we don't really feel any connect for his liking that develops for Silk. As a result, his final scene with Silk also goes pretty much motionless.

Also, my complain continues against directors for trying to make a mockery of showing a film within a film so badly. Most of Naseeruddin films, appear such trash, same for the triple role films both Silk and Emraan indulge in seperately. Were the south films so bad in 80's ? If so, then I will take away my complain.

The music kept growing slowly on me, its not a chartbuster kind of album. Some songs goes well the narrative. 'Oh la la' is a visual treat. Honeymoon ki raat though kept at right place, is poorly choreographed. Ishq Sufiyana is the only song, that could had been removed.. only if Emraan's character was well written, this song would had made any impact.

The background score at places was good, nakka mukka was used very well at different places in the film.

Some of the notable sequences of the film :

• Silk running away from her house, and the visuals along with Emraan's narration telling that the paths create itself as she moves on roads.

• Various punchlines of Silk, 'main entertainment hoon', 'Bas mann mein aaya aur kar diya', 'ek ke saath 500 baar'.

• Silk finding a way to help journalist shoot her, and not her small home .. and getting more footage in a magazine than Naseeruddin who has a big home.

• The interval sequence, Silk letting her anger out on people present there who are not really happy for her win. Only prob though, she shifts from mic and speaks to such large audience.. can they really hear it that way ? But the end of this scene is classic 'main silk hoon silk, koi film nahi .. jo interval ke baad badal jaaye'.

• Emraan's dialogue referring to his own reel image, in a scene with Silk.

• The dance of Silk on her car trying to spoil a journalist party.



Overall, Dirty Picture fails to impress because of its execution and writing both. The fall of Silk is too quick, so is the love of Abraham(Emraan) for Silk. Its hard to sympathise with Silk at her helplessness even in the scene where she shouts loudly because she feels so lonely with no one to talk to her. Vidya Balan did give her everything in this film, yet despite a great performance, the film offers nothing worth remembering. The film would be loved only by the cheap aam janta as the sexual content is in plenty, and the various celeb fans out of all 4 leads. For rest, this film is just one time watch...


Verdict : Below Average

3D Movies

There has been a lots of 3d hindi films coming this year. It started with Haunted, then Ra.One and now Don2. While Joker was officially the 1st one to be declared as 3d film, coming next year. Hollywood aneways produces plenty of 3d films, 'The adventures of Tintin' and 'Puss in Boots' being the only films I have seen till now. 'Wall-E' is the only film that I consider pending among animation films, heard a lot good about it.

I didn't see Haunted in 3d. But rest films, I have seen in 3d and what I wonder is that does 3D means a content like in a film we have drama, action etc. Or does it mean that the entire film should be shaped up in 3d. If its the latter then the films haven't been upto the mark in terms of 3d for me. There are far few scenes that actually make 3d viewing effective. And then the negative thing is you can't enjoy the visuals/cinematography of the film. The glasses reduce the effect a lot.

Either I haven't seen the films that are totally enriched of 3d or I have wrong opinion about 3d films. For now, I believe that a 3d film should not mean 15-20 mins of 3d and rest is normal stuff. Maybe, my views change with time as I am still a newbie in this 3d films viewing.


------
Yash.

The Adventures of Tintin/Puss in the Boots

I am yet to understand animation genre. Lack of proper knowledge makes it hard, especially how to judge it. When many people liked The Adventures of Tintin, I would it just about nice.. at places bit boring. But yesterday, when I saw Puss in the Boots(thanks to masand and one more review, forcing me to see it.. few occasions when reviews made me see a film) I enjoyed it a lot.

I don't know if as a animation film, it was upto the mark or not. But as a comedy adventure film, I liked it a lot. Plus, the cat character always has been one of my favs whenever I have seen cartoons too. The sequence, where he drinks milk, or dances with the female cat or the hillarious dialogues on dog and many more, made the film very enjoyable. Plus the looks of Kitty, Puss and Humpy were very good, and the dubbing suited it. Also, special mention to the young Puss scene, where he just meows for some mins without saying a word.

Even in Tintin, there were some good moments, though I liked the captain more in the film, than tintin himself. Also, 3d in both these films was nice, but not really required(more on 3d in next post).

In the past I had seen Roadside Romeo(1st animation film I saw) and Toonpur ka Superhero(not fully animated). Both were hindi films, Roadside Romeo was nice, little over the top while Toonpur ka Superhero wasnt upto the mark in its execution of the story.

Apart from how well the animation was judgement, two other problems for me in animation films are, connectivity factor is less and since I have seen less cartoons, I have very less knowledge, hence a scene's motive becomes hard to guess.

I remember a guy who was into animation course, and always use to comment the most on animation films only, while I was there on orkut. It used to surprise me, how there are people who are so fond of animation films, but then it was his career, so quite expected.

Aneways, I won't stop watching the animation films despite all this. I have plans to watch Arthur Christmas too this December. Lets see, how that one goes...

Film Review : Desi Boyz

Rohit Dhawan, son of David Dhawan with his debut film. One may expect a silly comedy film, but as his interviews suggested, he is not into same kind of comedy genre. Desi Boyz does show some glimpse of his saying, but in totality the film fails to deliver.

The story of 2 friends who in the times of recession, decide to become male escorts though influence of  Jerry (Akshay Kumar) is more here than Nick (John Abraham). We have seen female escort films in past like Rani's Laaga chunari mein daag or many other films have female escorts in substantial roles. Desi Boyz could be among those few films where we see the male escorts shown in detail.

But the escort angle is limited to just 1st half. Infact till 1st Half, the film goes pretty fine. Its the post-interval where it starts slipping away terribly. Nick trying to seek sorry from Radhika (Deepika Padukone) destroys major part of 2nd half, a predictable one. The screenplay dissappoints, so does the writing that is limited to same old seen stuff. While the climax contradicts a lot to the early mentioned story.. making a mockery of the film itself.

Also, a mention to the silly court scene.. does a comedy film you can make fun of court rules this way. Remember, the play scene on stage in 'Jaane bhi do yaaro', how well it was executed.. its all about the execution and thinking. Even the kid relation with Akshay, couldn't bring that emotional feeling it should had except for a odd scene or two.

Chitrangda is limited to small role, wonder why she even agreed to do the film. Also, poor costumes given to her in the film. Even in the allah maaf kare song, at places she appeared misfit. But, a proper commercial film would reveal better about her acting abilities in such films.

John Abraham has improved his comedy skills, yet he is far away to be admired in this genre.. inconsistent as always. Though girls loved to see him in police uniform scene, lots of whistles.  Akshay Kumar at places showed repititivity signs, but on the whole.. he was efficient and very much likeable in the film. The chemistry between Akshay and John is very good, they could make a good pair in action films in my view than the comedy.

Deepika Padukone could had skipped doing this film. But then she wanted to do a commerical film, although she has very less scenes to shine out. Anupam Kher is brilliant even in a small role, special mention to the court scene where he and Deepika share a great scene 'kuch miss toh nahi hua ? Nahi, popcorn aur pepsi nahi laayi ? ' ..

Sanjay Dutt in a over the top role was decent, the khal nayak background theme on him was a very good idea. Omi Vaidya career won't last long, with the irritating similar tone acting in all films.

There are scenes where both male leads, communicate without speaking directly.. those were very well directed by Rohit. Also, the sequence where Nick and Jerry meet the Desi Boyz owner, i.e Sanjay Dutt. And the pre title song scene...

The songs are well used in accordance with the screenplay chosen. Pritam gave very good music, not kind to remember in long run but worth a listen especially title track and tu mera hero.


Overall, Desi Boyz despite poor 2nd half and bad screenplay.. has its share of good comic moments. Decent enough one time watch.


Verdict : Average

Rockstar : Movie Analysis

Rockstar, is journey of Jordan(Ranbir Kapoor) from Pitampura, Delhi who dreams to make it big and become a Rockstar. How his songs reflects his journey, his love, his dreams, the people he meets forms the plot of the film.

Imtiaz Ali has a different way of handling post-marriage life, just like he did in Love Aaj Kal. He has a different take on love, which for him isnt bound or restricted by marriage. He continues that theory in Rockstar too, and this time he goes little further into it as he exploits the moments of lovers when they are most vulnerable, when they commit mistakes.. One of main reasons, why the film doesn't find any connect to lots of people..even if its real.

With Rockstar, Imtiaz has kept the story structure complex by making it non-linear and using lots of montages as well as flashbacks. Editing is simply terrific, how well different get ups of Jordan are combined together and also choosing the perfect angle that enhances every scene. Special reference to Prelude of Aur ho, fast cuts of Jordan-Heer are inserted there.

Camera-work is superb, for instance, the shot succeeding 'yeh chand sa roshan chehra' scene.. where camera zooms in towards Heer and Jordan with Kateya background, and then while panning left, zooms out. It establishes, one of their normal conversations when no one is around. And then, the tilt down and zooming out during Saadda Haq. Also, the video shots taken, like the starting of film(one may say it was just a edited shot, and not a video), Mandy shooting Heer-Jordan dance on Shammi's hit song, and the fans shooting video of Jordan on road.

Cinematography is very good, the locales of Prague, Kashmir are well captured.. Plus, I love the way they zoom out the entire space area where the Naadaan Parindey concert would happen. The dialogues give a real life feel as is the case with Imtiaz films, 'control nahi kar paata main', 'Mujhe hug kar sakte ho', 'appointment leni hogi daatne ki', 'chal gandh machaate hai'. Also, special mention to the costumes, both Jordan and Heer look wonderful in different get ups as they travel from Delhi to Kashmir to Prague.

Now, the three main aspects through which one can view Jordan, his hairstyle/costumes, how he plays guitar, and his music. He begins with a innocent short hairs look, wearing sweater, shirt, jeans.. more of a wanna-be rockstar. No wonder, we just see him auditioning, not sing any of his songs. Its only from dargah onwards when he doesn't care what people feel and starts wearing kurta's. Later, he wears police uniform in Saadda Haq as a rebel. And the military kinda of uniform in Naadaan Parindey. And he always wears a chain holding his first broken guitar string and he keeps adding stuffs to that chain as he travels around the world to keep memories.

Every-time he is away from Heer, the best music comes out from him. Maybe, that is one of the reasons why all the songs are kept at a time when he is away from her, be it Phir se udh chala, Kun faaya kun(which is more of god seeking song for Jordan), Aur Ho(showing his restlessness, his feelings towards Heer), Saadda Haq(an angst song against everyone who couldn't understand him or his moves, be it police or media.. plus Free Tibet that is blurred due to censor), Tum Ho Rock (the agony, the pain he has inside him further comes out in this instrumental) and Naadaan Parindey(the bird who is not willing to return now). In most of these songs, we see him in long hairs and beard look, especially the final three.

His maximum use of guitar comes in the Naadaan parindey song, while its in Aur Ho, when you see that rock feel coming into his song, with the kind of way he plays guitar in closing moments of the song. Saadda Haq takes it to the next level, plus in this song, you notice the kind of attitude(phaad dene wala as described in beginning of film) he has while holding guitar. He has now become, the Rockstar, he always wanted to be.

Hawa Hawa and Kateya Karoon are used as songs to bring Heer and Jordan more close to each other, they are most happy together during these times, enjoying and having fun. Also, they are the songs where we see the 'not so neat n clean' side of Heer.

Jo bhi Main is the theme of Jordan, that he carries with him since childhood probably upto the end of the film. He is able to express with his music most of the times, not with his words.

Performances wise,

Ranbir Kapoor at very few places appears like acting(just 2-3 shots), otherwise its always Jordan you see in the film. He sings like a musician, he holds guitar like a rockstar, he even makes best use of stage(unlike ajay in london dreams if u remember). He appears to be completely lost into his character, and as a result bringing his best performance till date. He even changes dialect very well in different parts of film, from punjabi to haryanavi to normal hindi.

Nargis Fakhri was very good in some particular sequences, but at many places she went over the top. The dubbed voice also worked against her for me. Still as a debut, she made a fair start and looked really good in looks especially the wedding costume. Some scenes do belong to her despite a inconsistent performance.

Kumud Mishra was hamming in early parts of film with the overdose of head movements, in the rest film he was pretty good in a supporting role. He also reminds of Satish Kaushik in appearance as well as voice.

Aditi Rao Hydari played the role of a journalist come Jordan's well wisher/fan(secret love if it was) very well.

Shammi Kapoor had a great entry scene, and one of most notable dialogue of the film that defines Jordan perfectly. And the dictohamy of fame theme, where he and Ranbir shared a scintillating chemistry.

Shernaz Patel continues to impress me with her acting, she is most likely to feature in many many films in future. She plays a loving and optimistic mom very well.

Piyush Mishra is good in supporting role, especially the brilliant massage scene.


Spoilers - Detailed Views (Read the next part only if you have seen the film)

• The opening sequence, slowly background music builds, beats get louder, Jordan walking in complete angst, side angle shot, front shot, back shot, he enters the concert stadium.. loud cheer by audience, Jordan corrects his mouth after being hit by locals. The routine water spray on his face, cools himself down. And turns around, goes near the mike in complete angst, and cut to 4 yrs back, his college life.


• The use of 'Jo bhi main' song in entire film. Jordan sings it in audition, canteen, friends, indirectly to Heer, directly to Heer(if she watches jordan the rockstar in Himachal 1 city tour, he must have sung it there too), with Hawa Hawa folk people, with the prostitutes, with the small girl(I think bittu was her name), in the Naadaan parindey hairstyle sitting on terrace, during jagrata place where he sang jaiambe too, at the dargah and the 7 city tour during 'Negative' phase. 

• How much Jordan appears not made to be a 'Rockstar' due to his mannerisms until he meets Heer. Along with his act, thanks to the costumes, and hair stylist. Just as Khatana says 'ek personality hoti hai, teri zindagi nahi hai na waisi .. '. 


• The comic timing when Jordan says 'hainnnnn' coming to know Heer is the girl who will let him become rockstar by breaking his heart. And then the pagalpan eg of a girl 'oh my god aaj toh kitna crazy kar liya maine'.  Also, other small comic scenes in the screenplay like 'sochna pade toh ghanta pyar hua hai', 'appointment de de, kab daant khana pasand karega tu' or 'lagta hai tujhe ab tak pyar nahi hua, this is different', 'kutto ke saamne naachegi, basanti'. 


• The 'broken heart' act by Jordan, starting from shot with Heer 'tu dil todh rahi hai mera', 'Okayy :|' and he enters canteen, regains the broken heart expressions and moves in. 'Kya bataayu kaisa laga, jab usne kaha burger off.. iska toh matlab bhi nahi maloom mujhe'. And when Khatana scolds him for this childish thing, the rock background theme at his angst 'toh kya karu, kya karu jisse' , and eats up the left samosa. 


• Heer reactions to Jordan knowing he considers her 'neat and clean', she looks down for a moment, then looks at Jordan, and tells him about amar talkies theatre, revealing her unknown side.


• The kashmir boat scene, tribute to shammi kapoor 'yeh chand sa roshan chehra'. How Ranbir keeps it natural, without going over the top in a song that could had resulted in that way. Plus, Nargis looking awesome in that dress, and those shy poses she makes through hands and maala thrown by Ranbir. 

• Heer realizing she is in love with Jordan, and asks him if he can hug her once tightly. Jordan totally unaware why she suddenly asks for this. Later at wedding scene, she warns Jordan 'poochna mat kuch, main sach bol dungi', Jordan still not aware what she is upto and says 'haan toh darta kaun hai, bol de' and she says 'haan' , Jordan clueless 'huh', Heer looks for few moments at him but then gives up and changes the conversation. And again in the same scene, the final dialogue 'chal tu aa jaana prague, milke gandh machayenge.. yeh plan theek hai, ya abhi bhaag chale? '. 


• The shot of Jordan looking at the place where he and Heer once had daaru together, and the background lyrics 'kheenche teri yaadein mujhe teri ore ... ' . 


• The three goosebumps scenes in single song 'kun faaya kun'. 1st when Jordan's eyes close up shot is taken as Khatana asks him, 'kiya kya dargah pe 2 mahine'. The background begins 'ya nizamuddin ... '. 2nd when Jordan gets totally involved with the people at dargah, plays the tunes of songs on guitar and now for 1st time joins them in singing at the main place in dargah 'sajda savera mera tann barse'. The 3rd time when Shammi Kapoor makes a entry right after Jordan's lines 'kar de mujhe, mujhse hi rihaaa ... '. 


• Jordan trying to follow what the composers asking from him in 'Sheher' song, but he has his own conventional style of singing, and isn't ready to bend. 


• The way edit is done of Jordan's laugh diminishing when he hears the mention of 'Prague' by journalist Sheena. 


• The expressions on Jordan's face when he is trying hard to avoid laughing at Dhingra during 'massage scene'. 


• Jordan commanding his right over Heer on two occasions, one when he reaches Prague and despite Heer asking to meet next day, he just says 'Chal aaja', and other one is after Aur Ho song, when he wants Heer to say bye properly and shouts 'Idhar aa'. 

• Jordan walks across a path on a street, trying to find where the music is coming from, and then carefully notices the person, by playing the tune through his hands before moving into guitar in next shot.


• The fun dance steps kept during 'Haawaa Haawaa', along with those getting close moments during strip, red light streets and dirty pubs. That 'yeh toh chalenge, nach lenge, yahan wahan.. yahan kahan kahan kahan .. chiki chiki ta ra .. o ho ' when they madly dance in the dirty pubs, one of my personal fav moments of film. Also, the song how well signifies Nargis, who like the queen in the song is letter herself free of rules and society. 


• The intermixing of two songs done at few places, like Haawa Haawa leads to Tum Ko without ending the former, similarly Tum Ho instrumental leading to Phir se udh chala instrumental. And Naadaan Parindey(though there is a small gap this time) leading to Tum Ko. And in the climax too, we see Tum Ko mixed with Tum Ho later. 


• The getting close moments of Heer towards Jordan. Jordan can't get away from her now, and Heer has her marriage and society on her mind, even though her heart was in love with Jordan before her marriage. And hence, the dilemna you see in her actions, during kiss or hug scene. 


• The helplessness/restlessness of Jordan, as he tries to sleep but can't. He goes out in verandah, and plays the prelude of  'Aur Ho' on guitar. 


• The entire Aur ho track, which begins with the magic touch as Jordan makes Heer hug him. The slow trolley back shot onto Jordan at mike 'meri bebasi ka byaan hai'. How well he emotes through his eyes during 'iss lamhe kya kar dun main, jo mujhe chain mile aaraam mile'. Also, the way he sings the entire song enriches the visuals. Also, special mention to the shot where Jordan runs towards Heer 'main hasrat mein ik uljhi dor hua, suljha de'. It may not be my fav song, but in the film its one of my topmost loved song.


• The 'background music' when Heer tells Jordan its all over between them, the hurt feeling he gets when his love is given wrong name by Heer(which was ofcourse done deliberately by her, not real). It does help, as the violence and anger builds inside him. Staying 2 yrs away from Heer, songs like Sadda Haq, Jo bhi main(rock version if you can call it), Tum Ho(guitar instrumental) plus the epic Dum maaro dum track(duniya ne hamara kiya kya, hum duniya ki parwah kare kyu) come out from Jordan. 


• Jordan's equation with Media and Police always remains bad. The only time we se Jordan talk with a journalist properly is when Sheena comes to interview him at his place, which eventually he doesn't the moment she tells about Prague. So, indirectly he insults the media there too. After end of Aur ho song, he says to media 'One minute, excuse' and later returns with the heer conversation anger put on the media 'door raho mujhse', punching onto camera of a journalist. 
He beats police when he sees Heer has fallen down, he beats media person before start of Saadda Haq who pushed him down, later he beats media ppl when they try to take snaps of Heer in Himachal with Jordan. And the final reaction comes when heartbroken from the fact that he is responsible for Heer to be in coma, he forgets he is walking openly into media place, and the result he smashes a journalist. And when a police person slaps him for his reaction, Jordan reverts back with aggression onto the officer too. The middle finger dialogue he says in beginning of film about Jim Morrison on stage, is combined with Jordan showing the middle finger to the media gathered outside the hearing of his case in court. 


• Jordan's equation with his fans is also poor. He never cares for them, their madness and love towards him goes un-noticed for him. He is even rude to some of them, for instance the fan who tries to ask for a pic, and he refuses or during dictohomy of fame, walking through a place surrounded by fans all around, girls falling over, he does notice it but without any joy feeling. The reasons are simple - 'he is lost into Heer to notice anything else apart from his musical concerts'. 


• Aditi Rao standing at a press conference during Saadda Haq song, looking at Jordan in a admirable pose when his reputation is decreasing due to his bad behavior. 


• The moment in Saadda Haq song when Jordan shouts out loudly, a sign of the inbuilt anger leashed out through a mad scream. He repeates it in final moments of song too. Also, during Naadaan Parindey song, he does this, though one could relate that as more of a cry as the shout this time is emotional. 


• The conversation of 'Main unn parindo ko dhoondh raha hoon, dekha hai unhe' which leads to the best portion of Saadda Haq almost for everyone 'O Ecofriendly Nature ke rakshak, main bhi hoon nature'. Its clear, Jordan considers himself as a Parinda too, which is the reason he queries if anyone knows where the other parindey are, so that he could meet them. Phir se udh chala, Shammi's reference as jaanwar and then the final conert of Naadaan parindey, Jordan is always considered as a Parinda(bird) throughout his journey. 


• Jordan telling Khatana that he has the fame but he doesn't get any happy feeling about it which leads to the 'Dictohomy of fame' theme, so brilliantly used, it was my fav in album too. We see Ustad Jamil Khan and Jordan together. Ustad plays shehnai and Jordan puts the tunes onto his guitar. At places we see Jordan with angry expression, at places we see him normal with a trying to learn as a student pose and at places we see Ustad acknowledging how well he is playing guitar. And in between we have that passing through fans scene of Jordan, and the old friends meet who are all just interested to get a photo with well known Rockstar, and not the guy who was their friend during college. A proof that he never had real friends, only Heer was his friend and love both. 


• Jordan tearing away the contract of Dhingra, as he no longer can be made to work as per Dhingra's demands. He jumps near the table, and starts the mantra 'Om maa ki aankhun swaha, Om everything is image, image is everything swaha, Om raid pit gayi swaha.. Om chal ukhar le swaha'. Dhingra picks call and shouts loudly at Jordan ' aeeeeeee' and Jordan shouts back even loudly 'Aeeeeeeeeeeeeee'. And cut to end of some stage performance by Jordan. Awesome!


• How well Imtiaz handles the optimism of Heer's mom which could had worked against, had he made her optimism true.. aneways he didn't opt for it rightly. 

• The kun faaya kun background theme running to bring the divine reference that is connecting Heer and Jordan again despite 2 yrs gap. Also, when Jordan walks in and Heer comes down stairs with Tum ho background piece. The whole scene very much reminded me of Love Aaj Kal climax, pretty same in terms of emotions.


• Heer hugging the sweater of Jordan, crying, remembering him and those romantic moments with Kateya Karoon in background, small flashbacks of their old memories. She later wears the same sweater of Jordan at the dining table, before we see her going into coma in next shot.


• The polite talk to police for a change by Jordan, and then turning to Khatana saying 'mera dil nahi tootna chahiye.. mujhe bada nahi banna.. mere paas aur kuch nahi hai'. The same person to whom he once happily admitted Heer broke his heart during beginning of film. This time its real! 

• The Naadaan parindey song, Jordan in total beard look, drunk, coming out of car and later in bathtub looking at a guitar on fire(artistically ofcourse). And then, the kaaga re lines where a shot of Heer in hospital is brought in. A echo of ghar aaja comes when Jordan suddenly turns his head back, because he has entered into Jordan-Heer world for few moments away from the real world. 'Tum ko paa hi liya maine yun, jaise main hoon ehsaas tera', Jordan could feel her even when she is not there ... 


• The final conversation of Jordan and Heer(which happened earlier but we see at climax) was another of very emotional moment of film. A new world Jordan has set for his love, and then when he comes out of it .. there is ' oo  oo .. tum ho.. ' alaap as Jordan's face close up shot shows his expression of 'I can never talk or meet her now in the real world, he has lost her forever.' 


• The final credits 'Tum ko' showing the montage of all clips where Heer had good fun moments with Jordan, which is then mixed into 'Tum ho' where for first time in the entire film we are shown the shots where Jordan had sung for Heer, only for her. It just enhances the romance in this already very romantic song(ofcourse making it more emotional with the ending we know now). 


• Ending with the final quote of Rumi 'Away from every wrong and right doing, there is a field, I will meet you there', the one with which film eventually began as Jordan spoke the lines in hindi. It maybe considered real place as we are shown in interval, they are in that field, or it maybe taken as imaginary as in the end Jordan can no longer meet her in real life, Heer remains in Coma(unless she dies which ain't shown). Plus, I love that shot which comes after this written quote, the mehndi hug one, complete camera revolve. Very Romantic!




Overall, Rockstar works a lot for me for Ranbir-Imtiaz-Rahman trio combo. Can't seperate anyone, these 3 together constituted into making this film so memorable. Its a film that says a lot about love, how love can transform you into good or bad, and those uncomfortable moments you go through in a love relationship. Imtiaz's outdoes Jab we Met with this film, its deeply layered and the more you see, the more you would get in love with it. 




Verdict : Memorable 

Happy Birthday Shahrukh Khan

He did few T.V serials like 'Fauji', 'Circus', 'Idiot' etc, and I haven't seen any of them, not a single episode.

He has done 56 films till now(not counting the special appearances). And there are few big films that I haven't seen yet like Swades, Chalte Chalte, Ashoka, Devdas and Yes Boss.

Just like Salman keeps doing stupid films, Shahrukh has done many such films too. For me there are 20 excellent films in his entire filmography. 

Shahrukh's Best Performances (along with my fav moments) :

Sunil (Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa) - Scene
'The scene where Sunil is very sad because he realizes he can't have Anna now. Beautiful background music.".

Ajay Sharma (Baazigar) - Scene
"Madan Chopra laughing, feels he has won over Ajay, and suddenly Ajay starts laughing. Whenever I think of the best evil/non-evil laughing scenes, this always comes to my mind."

Rahul Mehra (Darr) - Scene
"Tum kisi aur ki nahi ho sakti,kabhi nahi ho sakti.. Naaaahhhhhh! How well he improvises in this scene, making it extremely dramatic."

Raj Malhotra (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge) - Scene
"He doesn't know how to pray, but he prays because he founds it cute to see a lovely girl believe so much in prayers, as he ends up praying for her wishes. Very Sweet!"

Rahul (Dil Toh Pagal Hai) - Scene
"She is not happy because her best friend Rahul loves other girl, not her. She doesn't like the fact that she isn't happy in her friend's happiness. She feels she is bad girl. Rahul consoles by telling, its the  God who is bad. Amazing emotions put in by both the actors in this scene, note the repitition of 'tum sorry mat bolo rahul, main ro padhungi'. "

Arjun Saagar (Pardes) - Scene
"One of my personal fav scenes ever! For the 1st time in the film, Arjun speaks against a person he valued the most, to a extent he gave up his love on Ganga. 'Sach, sach toh aap sunna hi nahi chahte hai sir'."

Amarkanth Verma (Dil Se) - Scene
"Its one of few romantic sequences between Amar and Meghna. 'Mujhe sabse jyada pasand tumhari yeh aankhein hai, kyunki inmein main jitna bhi dekhna chaahun, mujhe kuch dikhta hi nahi hai'. And the silence followed after this dialogue, with a background piece."

Rahul Khanna (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai) - Scene
"Among the top romantic scenes ever! A imaginary dance with music, great thought. Shahrukh in black shirt, Kajol in red saree, hotness doubles and its shot very romantically too."

Raj Aryan Malhotra (Mohabbatein) - Scene
"Raj tells his 3 best students, not to ever loose hope from love through his own love life experience. 'Mohabbat bhi zindagi ki tarah hoti hai, har mod aasan nahi hota, har mod pe khushi nahi hoti, par jab hum zindagi ka saath nahi chorte, phir mohabbat ka saath kyun chore.' A good dialogue can be spoilt, if not enacted properly.. but not the case here, Shahrukh enriches the dialogue further."

Rahul Raichand (Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham) - Scene
"Its actually 2nd best moment, but other one is dominated by Kajol. Shahrukh adds that extra romance into the scene through his act 'chubha toh nahi'."

Aman Mathur (Kal ho na Ho) - Scene
"He has the 'happy-go' nature in the film. And keeps giving some important advices in between like this  'Ishwar ki prathna karne ka kya fyada, jab uski di huyi zindagi ki kadar karna na jaano.' Fun ka fun, and message ka message."

Veer Pratap Singh (Veer Zaara) - Scene
"Two people deeply in love, meet here to tell each other, that we have to live seperately, bound to our parents wishes. You may not get such kind of lovers in real life, or maybe somewhere they exist. One of best seperation scenes, the 'main yahan hoon' alaap makes it more emotional, with Sonu's do pal rendition. Very romantic way to end your love!"

Dev Saran (Kabhie Alvida na Kehna) - Scene
"Mohabbat ke zamaane guzar gaye janaab, ab choti mote pyar se hi kaam chala lijiye aap. Its one of few sequences of film, where Dev is in good mood, not the angry, rude or chirchirapan nature. I adore this film, and this sequence develops the topic of 'Love after marriage, right or wrong' very well."

Kabir Khan (Chak de India) - Scene
"I don't know if I am the only one to say that this was my fav scene from the film. Absolute anger, rudeness at its high.. because the players needed it to be hurt from inside.  Coach Kabir Khan doesn't spare anyone in this scene, and the dialogue 'Har team mein sirf ek hi gunda ho sakta hai.. aur iss team ka gunda main hoon'.Also special reference to the camera-work and editing in this sequence."


Favourite Quotes -------


'To me, Devdas is the end of love stories. I've portrayed an obsessed lover, a nice lover, an angry lover, a romantic lover. And now I've played Devdas. For someone who doesn't even like love stories, I've played an awful lot of lovers. Personally speaking, I wouldn't see any of the romantic films I've acted in.'
This quote he said during Devdas probably, and here he very rightly covers the point of Versatality. The shahrukh bashers have always said Shahrukh does same kind of roles, but that's not true. The romantic roles differ with each other, one is obsessed like Darr, one is mad like Dil Se, one is nice like Rab ne bana di jodi or Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, one is angry like Kabhi Alvida na Kehna, one is romantic like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or Dil Toh Pagal Hai. But, as a dialogue of Shahrukh in Pardes says 'Woh sochta hai, jo usne socha.. wahi sach hai', people who don't like shahrukh won't ever accept this point of  versatility.

'I haven't given up smoking. I'm very clear about it, it's a personal choice. I want to cut down on it. It shouldn't be made into an issue to say, damn good or damn bad. Whether I give it up or not shouldn't be an issue.'
Quite right, shouldn't be made a issue as I have seen people make on his smoking. But, yea I do feel, it affects his face, due to which he appears bit aged in comparison to Aamir and Salman.


'You must respect your seniors, but never get intimidated by them. Winning should be a habit, not an option. The four Hs are important when you play to win --- honesty, humor, hard work and a bit of haraamipan.'

He knows how to say out the stuff with a great sense of humour.  

'Togetherness, passion, laughter, faith, trust and jealousy are the essential ingredients of love.'

Absolutely, no wonder.. He and Gauri share a very good married relationship, a inspiration to the youth of today. 

'Directors who treat me with gentleness, I like to work with them. Its a wrong rumour people have that I work with only selected people. I don't listen to story, just be good with me and treat me like a child. I like being loved.'

Its a completely different theory he has, unlike many other well known actors who give importance to 'Script', if not good, they won't do it. But Shahrukh most of the times like the environment, the director to be good and friendly. Though, it backfires too, maybe some of his bad films were a result of this theory. Quite possible! 

'If film does very good on Friday, will feel happy. If not, then hope it does well on Saturday. But I dont calculate these collections. I never ask what the collections are, I only ask people liking the movie ? I have come to this realisation, that I was born so that I can make films.'

Best answer to the bashers who believe in comparing collections of films. May they grow up some day, if at all they do.

Happy Birthday Shahrukh Khan. My love towards your work hasn't changed ever since Kuch Kuch Hota Hai days. To add to it, you are one of those few celebs whom I find interesting as a person too, thanks to your way of talking and the awesome sense of humour, which I don't think any other celeb has. I can never be like your die-hard fans are nor I intend to be ever, so  there will be times when I wont like your work, be it Don or Om Shanti Om or to some extent Ra.One.

Looking forward to see Don2, and the much awaited Yash Chopra film next year. Fully trusted directors, hence expecting two treatworthy films for me. Keep rocking with your good performances, thats all that matters to me. 

'Sitaaron se aage jahaan aur bhi the, abhi ishq ke imtihaan aur bhi the.' Dil Se

The journey is long, keep going as long as your work is good, the journey would be enjoyable.

-------

Yash.