Dil Se

Dil Se - Mani Rathnam's best flick as I see it. Dil Se is a disturbing (somehow) romance set in the backdrop of religious and nationalist fundamentalism, terrorism and violence.
The film's producers claim that the movie is a journey through the seven different shades of love, based on ancient Arabic thought. (I did not know that till today). Hub(attraction), Uns(infatuation), Ishq(love), Adiqat(reverence), Ibaadat(worship), Junoon(obsession), and finally, Maut(death). Bewitching, isnt it?
And lyricist Gulzar has captured all the seven shades in a single song, Satrangi Re. No wonder I find it one of the best songs ever written (and composed/sung). See the best of ARR in the compositions. All the songs stand apart, my favorite ones being Satrangi Re, Dil Se Re and Aye Ajnabee, though noone can deny Sukhwinder the credit for Chhaiya-Chhaiya.
Cinematography by Santosh Sivan is extraordinary. From the high altitude deserts of the north, to the pal,-fringed beaches of the south, India is shown in all her glory. And at her best.
Excellent performances by SRK and Manisha. Preity at her bubbly best (acted well too). And Manisha looks stunningly beautiful.
The story/screenplay was by Manirathnam himself I think. A very different movie. Sad that people could not understand it. Else they'd have loved it like I do.

I'm sick of

My perpetual headache
Sleeping too much
Not feeling good
Trying to be good
Failing badly at being good
Trying to make others happy
Failing badly at it too
Working a lot
Not working when and where needed
Meetings
Lectures
Bunking lectures
Parties and treats
Talking to people
(Even more) Talking to myself
Not getting (wanting) to talk

Bollywood - Faces I've noticed lately

Sushant Singh-
First saw him in The Legend of Bhagat Singh. Rajkumar Santoshi could not have chosen a better actor for portraying Sukhdev. His buoyancy was a perfect match for Ajay Devgan's intensity. Watched Jungle (he got a well-deserved Filmfare for it), Kaun and 16th December after TLoBS. And could not help but pat my back for the choice I have in movies, and actors. :D

Atul Kulkarni-
Even though I haven't watched his much acclaimed Satta, he's been outstanding in Khakee, 88 Antop Hills and Page 3. A very good actor, another one from the theatres.

Sandhya Mridul-
Was lovely in Saathiya (as Rani's sis, Deena) and better still in Page 3, as the ambitious, practical girl Pearl.

Sonali Kulkarni-
She never got the roles, or appreciation she deserved. Didnt she complement Saif perfectly in DCH? And does anyone remember the sweet, understanding wife in Pyar Tune Kya kiya? Given a chance, she can prove her worth even though she's not the 'star material' as they call it.

Rahul Bose-
Mr and mrs Ayyar, Jhankar Beats, Everybody Says I'm Fine, Chameli - he's been praised, but could never make his mark in the mainstream cinema. Lack of good roles, again. (I've seen only Jhankar Beats, and LOVED him in it).

Nagesh Kukunoor-
Teen Deewarein, the movie, was different and I liked it. And it was in it that I noticed Nagesh Kukunoor the actor. He acted brilliantly, and stood out even amongst the likes of Naseeruddin Shah and Juhi Chawla. Haven't watched Hyderabad Blues yet, but have heard it's another one of his good performances.

John Abraham-
He's hyped, 'coz he's been a supermodel, and now he's being liked as an actor too. Many hate him for this. But from what I see, he is a good actor, even if we forget his looks or physique. Liked his acting in Paap, Jism, Dhoom and Saaya.

Juhi Chawla-
:))
Well, watch out for her in Jhankar Beats and Teen Deewarein. Cannot help but love her!

Life's like that!

It takes the most unexpected turns. And makes you do the most unexpected things - things you have not even thought about until a moment ago, you do them as if that's what was meant to be done.
You buy a new house, the kind that you've always wanted. If there's an earthquake can you do anything but to leave it and come out in the open? 'Coz you know you can always build a new house, brick by brick. But if you stay in it, not wanting to lose it, you might lose everything!
You'll miss it for some days, cry for it perhaps, but life goes on. You find a new house, you start decorating it. It might not be easy, but it's fun if you find the right colors for the walls, the right furniture, the right curtains, the right people to share it with.

Changes are difficult, but inevitable. You have to learn to live with them.