Author: farooq Page 24 of 45

Wazir plays out like a game of chess, every move played in a symphony akin to the game, as the story unfolds towards the amazingly crafted climax. The build-up is strong enough to make you believe that you’re in for a good ride in this amazingly well written story. By the time you’re nearing the end, you’ve already enjoyed an amazing story which captivates you from the first shot. And then, in the end, Wazir hits you, you’ll end up replaying the movie from the start to grasp-in the beauty.

Wazir is like a puzzle which is interesting while you’re out solving it, but only becomes perfect when you’ve finally finished it.

[Picture courtesy: BollywoodCat]

How wrong can you go when Sonu Nigam fills the life into the slow-motion prologue for the romance between Farhan and Aditi, with “Tere Bin”, playing in the rain-filled backdrop. The song sequence brushes you like how a calming drizzle makes you feel on a hot day. The camera work is brilliant in the movie, but this sequence remains my favorite. Terming Ruhaana and Danish’s love story sweet would be an understatement.

ATS Officer Danish Ali , played by Farhan Akhtar, redefines the Angry young man with charm and earnestness, while essaying this role alongside the original Angry young man. Farhan ensures you’re by his side as he makes you travel through the transition of how a happy family man’s life goes downhill with just one wrong move. There is a certain easy-to-the-eye effortless performance delivered by Akhtar through Danish Ali’s character. You won’t find Farhan but only Danish.

[Picture courtesy: Indianexpress]

Pandit Omkar Nath, played by Amitabh Bachchan, moves around in his wheelchair due to his paralyses. His eyes bring out the pain irrespective of whether he’s joking around with his friend, Danish, while playing Chess or being angry while remembering his daughter. Amitabh gets the best dialogues of the movie. This man, delivers another splendid performance after Piku.

Aditi Rao Hydari acts as gracefully as she looks, and her chemistry with Farhan is effortless. With Wazir, she finally gets a good role to boast about.

[Picture courtesy: Indianexpress]

Roles played by Manav Kaul (Yazaad Qureshi) and of course the mysterious Neil Nitin mukesh (Wazir) convert the storyline into a powerful narrative.

But the real hero of the movie is in its direction by Bijoy Nambiar. The entire buildup would have been lost, the great content could have been wasted, actors like Mr. Bachchan and Farhan not utilized, but no, none of this happens (thankfully). We can all thank Bijoy for that. From showing the happy side of the rains when the film startsoff, to a weeping father about to shoot himself near the graveyard of his daughter, the contrast value of rains has been effectively captured by Nambiar.

The beauty of the movie is when you’ve seen it all, and you just replay it in your mind and you immediately understand how solid an effort this was. It sets a benchmark for dramatic thrillers for Bollywood movies. The dialogues are intelligent and not pushed-in. The camaraderie between Farhan-Bachchan, or Atrangi Yaari, as they call it, brings out some of the best dialogues from the movie.

The Background score lends the perfect balance to the story as it moves from one Chess move to another. The fight sequences have been done brilliantly. The first fight features a sleepy-headed Farhan who completely owns it with his performance. This is his first action movie and he just hits the right notes.

The only visible flaw is how a few scenes have been dumbed-down to suit the audiences for a mass appeal. An extra dialogue to explain a few things or an extra scene to make sure everyone is on the same page. Something which the Hindi remake of Drishyam is also guilty of doing as compared to its original, Malayalam version.

But even with that, this is a movie which is based on a powerful story and can be appreciated in its entirety. Expect a good climax in this action-packed thriller. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed.

I’m going with a 4/5 for this Farhan-Amitabh starrer Wazir. Khel Khel me, khel khel ye aajaega!

Top 10 Bollywood Movies of 2015

By farooq

On December 31, 2015

In Movies & Entertainment

2015 wasn’t particularly the best year for Bollywood. Of course, there were a few which did entertain us.

This list is a list of Top 10 Bollywood movies released this year. Do let us know which one was your favorite of them all.

10. Manjhi- The Mountain Man

At number 10 is Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s breakout solo movie where he pushes the boundaries of his acting talent to the limit. The movie is about a man’s determination to avenge the death of his wife from the mountain. The village which remained disconnected without a proper road due to the mountain acts as the arrogant villain who in Manjhi’s eyes is responsible for his wife’s death during childbirth. It is amazing what an actor like him brings to the table. The movie is his own and only his. Radhika Apte who plays the role of his wife supports him well but it is hard enough to take your eyes off Nawaz’s performance.

9. Bajrangi bhaijan

Thank you Salman Khan for doing a movie that actually had a story. It is a feel-good mass entertainer and one of the rare ones to release this year along with Baahubali. Salman brings out a great performance through his portrayal of bajrangi bhaijan while trying to rescue the little Pakistani girl. The film is message-oriented, albeit melodramatic, but entertaining. Salman plays a mellowed down character who is religious and good-hearted. The film strikes a chord in terms of cross-border bonding and drives home a positive message.

8. Nh10

Perhaps one of the few Indian movies where you see a woman beating the shit out of bad guys. And no it isn’t a Charlie’s angels or a kung fu master remake, but raw action circumstantial tragedy. Produced and acted by Anushka who ensures you take the NH10 ride to the end and applaud the bravery. Deepti naval also brings a brilliant performance in her portrayal of the Haryanvi Sarpanch by bringing the grey shades of patriarchy to her character. If you’ve seen Anushka Sharma in bubbly characters all along, this one changed a lot of perceptions.

7. Badlapur

Pushed to the wall after the death of his wife and kid, an angry man waits to take his revenge on the killer. You can argue over whether Varun Dhawan did justice to this amazingly meaty role or not, but did a good job to do something different than the chocolate-boy image he has. Nawazuddin is as usual brilliant and even though the limelight is on the protagonist, Varun, he brings the best out of what he got. Supported brilliantly by great background music, this one was a good watch.

6. Tanu weds Manu returns

Fun riot. How could you not love Kangana? That too 2 of them. If you had liked the romantic Tanu weds Manu then you’d love the comedy that this sequel is. Who said sequels aren’t good? This one will prove you wrong. Madhavan brings the same earnestness to the character as in the last one. The best part of this series is the screen space given to the supporting cast, which essentially ensures, you never get bored. Especially when you have the likes of Swara Bhaskar and Deepak Dobriyal. One of the fun movies, which you’ll love and watch again and again.

5. Zor lagake haisha

Can you love your wife who happens to be fat? Well, that’s the question which this movie answers. Of course, you know how the plot will unfold but that’s not the beauty of the movie. The overweight bride( played by Bhumi Pednekar) and the easily hate-able husband who is not only unemployed but also unhappy with his married life. Yet, Ayushman Khurana makes sure you do end up empathizing with him as well which is amazing. It’s a sweet movie that sends all the right signals and even after playing over stereotypes, ensures it doesn’t add to it, rather is a feel-good entertainer.

4. Titli

Wow. Each frame brings a sense of understanding of the lives of this lower-class family. The background music-less scenes hit you hard. While the push for aspirations and changing lives has been at the forefront, the scary sad lives become the background reality. You actually get to experience the difficulties of life through their eyes. It is tragic to see what people end up doing to reach what they aspire to be. They try to do everything for their family by being totally against the concept of living like a family. The craving to be with a family and push all boundaries to achieve that. Shashank Arora, Ranvir Shorey, and Amit Sial throw in brilliant performances. Shashank is someone to watch out for.

3. Talwar

A powerful movie script based on a real-life incident that shocked the whole of India and ensured months of TRP based coverage on 24×7 news channels. Of course, it entirely focuses on One version of the incident but is powerful enough to make you believe that. Talwar comes with brilliant central performances from Irfan Khan and Konkana sen Sharma and supported by Neeraj Kabi.
Even actors playing 10-minute roles bring a sense of unmistaken originality to the table. Irfan’s’ performance is going to blow you away.

2. Masaan

When movies bring forth reality and make you feel their pain, anxiousness while going through the tragic realities of small towns. Richa chadda is a protagonist which isn’t necessarily likable yet strikes a chord. This swindling story of love, death, and small-town brings a sense of calm towards the end of it. The imagery is hard to get off your mind and the music fills your heart. It’s hard to not get yourself thinking and appreciate the movie. Characters played by Shweta Tripathy, Vicky Kaushal, and Sanjay Mishra are so perfect that they make it easier for you to connect to the story. It is a movie which gets made not very often.

Piku:

This has been the best movie of the year 2015 for me. I gave it a 5-star when I reviewed it. If I was at all looking for faults in the movie, I just could not have found any!! I was immersed in the saga of an old man and his “motion”. To my surprise, the humor is not at all crass, as one can imagine with such a subject( It is about shit, literally!!) The whole subject has been dealt with so well. Deepika Padukone has had an exceptionally great year and Piku is just the tip of the iceberg she has conquered. Amitabh Bachchan makes you recall how your own Grandfather was, while Irfan is at his usual brilliance. Shoojit Sircar, Respect!! Have loved, Vicky donor as well as Madras Cafe. The way this guy deals with the subject is class.

23 Amazing Ghalib Quotes to Read

By farooq

On December 28, 2015

In Fiction & Poetry

Ghalib Quotes and Shayris to Read

Mirza Ghalib or Ghalib, as we remember him as, was originally named as Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan. He was born on the 27^th of December in 1797 during the end of the Mughal Empire. Hardly many would know or remember his real name but the pen names used by him can be echoed everywhere where Urdu is understood. Apart from “Ghalib”, the pen name of Asad was also used by him. While Ghalib means “Dominant”, Asad means “Lion” in Urdu.

There are of course many Ghazals which he wrote, which are still loved across the Urdu-speaking populace around the world.

This post has a few of the famous 2-line Ghalib shayari and Quotes which have been used quite often and are some of the best of Ghalib. The following ghalib quotes and shayari are in urdu. However, written in english for easy reading.

A lot of influence in Ghalib’s writing comes from loss and the rebellious mind that he possessed. There’s something to take away for everyone who reads any of his works.

It is said that Ghalib was more proud of his Persian poetry than Urdu. Although he is more famous for his Urdu poetry now. Have you read any of his persian ones?

According to Ghalib “Sau kos se ba-zaban-e-qalam baatein kiya karo aur hijr mein visaal ke maze liya karo” (from a hundred of miles talk with the tongue of the pen and enjoy the joy of meeting even when you are separated). He is credited with making letter writing part of the mundane rather than just remaining royally ornamental. Most of his letters appear to be informal which is a contrast with the letter writing traditions of the time. Especially considering the impact of the British on how people communicated back then.

Do comment and let us know which one is your favorite Ghalib Quote or Ghalib Shayrai. If your favorite isn’t listed here, add it in the comment section as well. We will add it up in the post.

[Liked what you read? Explore other categories on the Blog: Travel, Entertainment, Random Philosophy, Fiction, etc as well]

We are not on Our side

By farooq

On December 27, 2015

In Politics & Social Issues

Party A come to power after complaining continuously for years about the policies of Party B. Complaining about policies, law & order, Corruption and every move by the Ruling party, A. B does all sorts of protests, from stalling Parliament and not letting any laws to pass or any discussions to take place to coming out with press conferences demanding Resignation from the PM. Party B does it all to keep their attack mode always On.

Newsrooms are filled with debates where representatives from A and B (and occasionally a random C) fight out on who can shout the loudest. Not only newsrooms, Social Media is abuzz with trends from supporters of A and B, abusing each other and fighting about their Party’s “credibility” from issues ranging from Corruption to mis-governance. Neither of those debates give out any results but the higher decibel levels that the Party spokesperson (even the self-confessed ones) can reach or their supporters can trend through the day, determines the apparent support towards A or B. The battle is not only between the parties. Battle is between their supporters too.

From one issue to another, the TRP Hungry channels swindle between issues and ensure that whatever grabs more eyeballs gets more coverage. While supporters from each camp, blame these news channels for selective coverage. The outrage is also selective and limited, depending when their own party is in the wrong.

No matter whether it is A or B, the policies hardly change. Apart from of course the names of those policies. Party A even starts implementing those very policies which it opposed when B was in power.

Hypocrisy? Indeed.

Every media channel or News reporter gets branded as a “Dalal” (The Indian word for the middle man, in a derogatory sense of course) or more recently as a “Presstitute”.

And to single out one party in this would be again taking a side. Something which has actually created this entire hoopla. Our urge to side with one party has emboldened them to keep the divide and enjoy the perks alternatively.

It just doesn’t matter which party is in power, our roads continue to house countless potholes, while the garbage refuses to leave the streets, the water quality keeps getting deteriorated and electricity has a mind of being absent at its own will.

Do you think there is going to be any change if B is in power or it is A. It wouldn’t matter even if a C comes in.

But for us, what matters is, which one we like. We are okay with potholes if the party we like is in power. We will crib about it when it is in opposition. We want our “party” to win.

For some reason that party becomes our “own”.

On a lot of levels, I believe these politicians behind closed doors would be meeting and laughing at who made a better “pappu” of their supporters. And no, I’m not referring to that “Pappu” (I know, Ironic)!

Point is, no matter which is your “A” or which is your “B”, nothing is going to change. We will crib based on our own biased views (Yes, we all are biased towards something) and appreciate something. As the year is about to come to an end, let’s try to (at least try) to take things a little more objectively than siding with either A or B, or the new “C”.

When it comes to politics, “Iss Hamam me sab nange hain”.

Instead of being on the side of “A” or “B”, try to worry about your own welfare and be on your side. Right now, we are not on OUR side.

Dilwale Review: You’ll need a big heart to like this movie

By farooq

On December 19, 2015

In Movies & Entertainment

In Dilwale, Shahrukh‘s character, Kaali (Yes!!), takes out Kajol (Meera) on a 5-minute date in a typical European setting in Bulgaria. Romatic! And given SRK-Kajol, you’d expect it to work, huh ?

Not when the Car-izmatic Rohit Shetty is the director.

Dilwale has too much of Rohit Shetty and less of SRK’s charm, something which saved Chennai Express and made it bearable. A song like “Gerua” picturized in an overtly photoshopped setting. I mean how hard is it to get it done in an actual location? Allocating a little extra budget to this, instead of those cars might have helped! Rohit?

The biggest crowd puller of Dilwale, SRK-Kajol, just doesn’t click together. The magic one would expect from the pair seems to be vacationing somewhere.

It’s not even one of those story-less movies, because (Surprisingly) it has a STORY!

The Plot of Dilwale is filled with layers of unnecessary complexity and would give a South Indian masala movie complex. The platter comprises of action, the kind where SRK fights like the Arrow and beats the baddies mercilessly, there’s Bhai-Bhai and Behen-behen drama too and comedy inserted to keep you laughing once-in-a-while and take your attention off your watch, which you keep looking at!

It’s good to see Johny Lever and the amazing Sanjay Mishra who gets the best lines anyway in a Rohit Shetty Comedy. Comedy, of course, of Rohit Shetty standard.

Songs are good, and the background music as well. Kajol looks ravishingly beautiful in every frame and is so pleasing to the eyes. SRK in the movie appears super casual and is akin to Salman acting in one of those South Indian remakes.

Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon fill in the scenes to take the “story” forward. Varun still appears in the Modern-day Govinda mode, while Kriti does decent in whatever little she had. However, the central characters of Dilwale, SRK-Kajol, fail to make you fall in love with them, like they’ve done always.

Yes, you can go down into a few nostalgic trips as thy appear onscreen, but the “old-wine-in-a-new-bottle” doesn’t work this time.

Dilwale just doesn’t deliver and being this long (155 Minutes!) doesn’t help at all. It is not as bad as Happy New Year, but then that’s no benchmark. Especially not for SRK! The movie just doesn’t seem to end!

I’m going with a 1.5/5 for Dilwale. It is watchable (Bearable is the correct word) , but it’s wiser to not waste your money on this one. You’ll need a big heart to like this movie.

5 Benefits of Writing on-the-go

By farooq

On December 18, 2015

In Others

Mobile blogging isn’t something totally new. I don’t usually post blogs directly through mobile but often write content drafts on the phone itself. Be it the travelogues or movie reviews, all have their humble origins in this wonderful gadget, which refuses to part ways at any given time.

Sometime in buses, railway stations or even Uber cabs. With music plugged in, and no intention of indulging in small talk with anyone, writing on-the-go appears to be one of the most convenient ways to write and utilise time.

Many think one needs to be in the “zone” to write. Not that I don’t have my own tantrums with it, but the time crunch and the push to regularly keep the blog alive makes me continue writing in the most unconventional of places.
Recently while travelling in the Delhi Metro, which are awesome btw, writing was a task. It gets difficult when people are free enough to peep onto your tiny mobile screens. Knowing that someone is watching while you write is spooky. Also, makes you conscious about your writing.

5 Benefits of Writing on-the-go:

1) There’s no dearth of Inspiration: I get inspired from what I see around, helps bring a sense of structure to writing. And this is not limited to social issues, but transcends to fiction and even poetry. This one time, I wrote about a day at the station while waiting for a local train back in Bhubaneswar. It’s one of those piece of writing which I loved writing because it spoke about that moment and was actually written in the midst of the chaos as well. How Poetic ?

So, apart from letting the window down and letting the air brush your hair, writing along the distance isn’t such a bad idea.

2) Act on ideas as they come: Most of our Ideas (Including Blog titles) while we are commuting and lost in our reveries. How often have we thought, “Yes, I should totally write a blog on this” or as Barney Stinson (From the TV Series HIMYM) used to say, “This is Totally going into my Blog”. But after a tough day at work, the moment we actually sit to write, that idea might have even diluted itself. Why not give shape to the idea on-the-go ?

3) Reduces Stress and Irritation: Our Urban life involves a lot of travel and using this time to write can even negate the stress and irritation of commute. So, instead of just listening to the radio or that new song which is on loop, why not write a paragraph or two ?

4) Making your phone your work station: Our phones are our world. Especially the one, like me, who are into Digital Marketing, work never stops. We are constantly looking out for new ways to take on the world (Seriously!). Writing on-the-go helps keeping the creative juices flowing.

2) Saves Time: And last, but the most important, Blogging on-the-go helps in saving a lot of time.

If you’re a wordpress user, having the mobile app helps a great deal in writing on the go posts like this (Yes, the one you just read) much easier. Even writing while watching episodes of your favourite TV shows is also possible. After all, we live in the multi tasking world. Don’t we?
All I’m saying is, instead of cribbing “not finding time to wrote” (I know even I’ve done, here, here and here). Best is, to simply start writing.
This post is about to be terminated as my Uber finally reaches office after braving the Bangalore Traffic.
There’s this interesting quote from one of Shahrukh Khan’s interviews, “The traffic allows to be myself, gives me time”. Holds true for a lot of us.
Now, instead of being worried and tensed about being late, write it out. It helps.
P. S. I wrote this post on-the-go and then edited it later.

I follow this practice of “Write when Drunk, Edit when Drunk”. Now, I don’t drink, but do write in moments of anger or outrage and even when I’m on-the-go. But Later, I take time out and update the post. Never forget to do that.

Creed Movie Review: It’s not about Rocky, but Rocky!

By farooq

On December 3, 2015

In Movies & Entertainment

Creed Movie Review: It’s not a Rocky movie, but a Rocky Movie.

We’ve all seen how every Rocky movie starts off. Right ?

With a recap fight from the previous one!

Well, Creed doesn’t do that. Why? Because, it isn’t about Rocky. It starts with Creed, played by Michael B Jordan, fighting it out in a correctional facility for juveniles. Yes, the Baby Creed, the kid born out of an affair of Rocky’s nemesis-turned-friend Appolo Creed. The junior Creed ends up getting a home at Appolo Creed’s wife, Mary Anne’s and the story unfolds. [In case these characters don’ ring a bell, check out the first Rocky Movie]

Plot of the movie:

Growing up to fight his way into building his own identity through boxing, Creed tries to get the very old and reluctant Rocky onboard to train him. The scene where Rocky gives him a few tips on paper, and the tech-savvy Creed plays smart is nicely done.

The fights, which have been the central plot of all Rocky’s movies and yet mostly about everything else. In Creed, the fight scenes are more polished and what makes them better is the amazing camera work. Not just in the Ring, but even outside of it. The locker-room scene leading to the Final fight of the movie, leads you from the silence of the locker room to the noise of the Ring area. Splendid. It is more like moments before a sky diving scene, where you feel the rush. The camera makes you feel it.

Music:

Background Score is central to a movie like Rocky. Creed’s music doesn’t disappoint either. Pumped up energy filled workout sessions, Balboa being at his quirky witty self and the final ultimate fight scene, makes Creed an amazing movie to watch. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Creed is a good watch and makes me want to watch more from Ryan.

Characters:

Unlike previous Rocky Movies, there are only a very few central characters. Apart from Sylvestor Stallone and Micahel C Jordan, only Tessa Thompson (who plays Creed’s love interest) has a bigger role. Jordan shines in his depiction of an angry kid who wants to make a name of his own and show that he’s worth something. Sly, obviously carries forward his own legacy.

What works in the Creed Movie:

When Franchisee movies lose steam, Rocky Series has only gained its tempo, much like this particular movie where it is difficult to point anything wrong.

It’s good to see nothing being overdone. Just the right amount of everything and you have Creed.

What doesn’t work in the Creed Movie:

Yes, iconic scenes which defined previous Rocky movies. Like scenes between Mickey (Rocky’s Trainer) and Rocky. Or even the one with his son in the movie prior to this. There are many such amazing scenes, but they go to that level and just doesn’t cross that threshold. Don’t get me wrong, they aren’t doing anything wrong, but I guess perhaps those iconic scenes are so etched in minds that you seem to find them missing a note of two.

The movie is mostly about molding Creed’s personality into the Rocky shape, and the director does a pretty decent job of making the audience see it. It is like the relay torch has been passed on successfully to Creed from Rocky.

Ratings for Creed Movie:

I’m going with 4/5 for Rocky. An additional .5 for the amazing cinematography in the movie by Maryse Alberti. Don’t miss this movie. It definitely packs a punch. Even though it is not a Rocky Movie; in essence it is a Rocky Movie. And even if you haven’t seen the previous movies, you’ll still love it.

PSY’s new Song is here and It’s catchy!

By farooq

On November 30, 2015

In Movies & Entertainment

PSY is Back!

The Gangnam style guy!! How can we forget him ?

(He won’t let us :P)

This new song is catchy. Called “NAPAL BAJI”, which Google translates it as, ” Trumpet Trousers”.

Meanwhile, he also released this other song called “Daddy” as well, where his face is planted on a Baby!!

From his crazy humor, to his dance moves there is that crazy PSY experience. One common theme in all his songs, apart from the crazy moves, lots of Girls, is the presence of a Commode. I mean why ?!But then, It’s PSY after all!!

You can check his other songs in this Official Playlist here

[wysija_form id=”3″]

Goa Travelogue: A Blog on my Solo Trip to Goa

By farooq

On November 29, 2015

In Travel & Food

How often has this thought of “heading home and packing bags and get out of the city” hit you ?

If you’re anything like me then a gasp of yes would have already come out of your mouth by now.

Anyways, I wanted to keep this as a solo trip and Goa was the first place which popped in my head and as a result of which you are reading this Goa Travelogue.

For years holidaying has been synonymous with Goa. Of course, most of those trips are planned with friends. Mine, initially, was also no different. But the thing is, most of these planned Goa trips never work. Especially when it comes to Goa.

It was already late in the evening, rushing back home, checked hotels for a 2-day stay and luckily got one at Stayzilla. Bus seats were there too. Booked.

Over to Goa.

Reached late. Took close to 16 hours of a tiring bus journey, a very expensive cab, and almost an hours’ walk to finally arrive at my place of stay.

No, not the one with Stayzilla, as those guys ditched me again. Hotel was booked, payment was made and yet they cancelled it, while I was on my way. Had to make another arrangement through Airbnb. A very unconventional hut greeted me, along with a group of hippies in a jungle!! If that wasn’t scary enough, the not-so-clean bathroom made sure that I looked out for an alternate. Luckily, got an alternate arrangement at a homestay. This whole experience is even more adventurous, but let’s keep that for some other time.

This new place was near Anjuna Beach and luckily they also had an Activa Scooter for rent (Rs 800/Day). It was a decent deal, considering, I just couldn’t get anything else.

Travel Tip: If you’re travelling Goa for the first time, my advise is to rent out a vehicle as soon as you get down at the bus stop in Panaji. Any other mode of transport in the city will cost you a lot.

Calanghute Beach:

I was here around evening on my first day. Having hardly eaten food, and a heavy bag on my shoulders, I looked for a “proper” place to eat. But even after going into one, it was pretty difficult to get your order placed. I headed over to gulp a glass of juice in the outside market.

Calangute was one of those beaches where I didn’t spent much time as it was also getting dark and I needed to head to my room. Of course, not before enjoying the beautiful sunset out on display.

Anjuna Beach:

It was almost noon by the time I headed to Anjuna and this sight here lets you in with a sense of your being. The last day had been really hectic, with the extended bus travel, hotel change and hardly any time to properly eat. I finally had breakfast and then lost myself again into enjoying the view.

I took a long walk on the beach, clicking a few pictures in between; while the Arabian-Sea splashed across my folded jeans. Cold water splashing against the semi-tanned legs, indeed felt good.

Baga Beach:

The only name I knew in Goa was Baga. I didn’t looked up any travelogue like I usually do when planning a trip and apart from Baga, i hardly knew anything about Goa. Except my friends telling me, “Tu Goa jaake kya karega? Tu to peeta bhi nahi” .

This beach is crowded, but extremely well managed. You can see “baywatchers” (Sadly, not like the Baywatch Girls) out their repeatedly warning people to not go too deep. (Did that sentence come out right? :P).

They look more like DJ’s to me. What say ?

Even with the crowd, Baga has a certain charm attached to it, a stroll across the stretch of the beach is a joy undefined. And you’re not alone in doing so, you can see hordes of Solo travelers, giving that a try. And yes, you can tell who is a solo traveler. There’s that unmistakable vibe and a passing glance of smile, which explains it all.

I sat, with drenched lowers on the sands at Baga, along with a water bottle in my hand, stark contrast to the other “bottles” which everyone seemed to have. The view of the ocean, kids playing, groups of friends having fun and even cows having a Sun bath, while I munched on peanuts. Meanwhile, wondering how come beef consumption is fine here, even when it’s a BJP ruled state.

Baga is the most happening beach, I’m told. Late evening when I visited, it remained crowded with all the “party animals”. I excused myself to enjoy my dinner.

Vagator Beach:

Technically, I didn’t put my foot on this beach at all. I was meters above it, at the Chapora Fort. Or as people like to call it “the-Dil-Chahta-hai-fort” as a few scenes were shot here.

[To the Uninitiated, Dil Chahta is a famous Bollywood movie directed by Farhan Akhtar]

The place is full of people humming the title song along with clicking selfies.Yes, I’m not kidding even a bit. I went to the other side to sit atop one of the rocks, gawking down at the shiny waters while the wind blowing down sunlight off my face.

Now, let’s talk about the Goa Food:

This was one of those trips when I ate less and roamed more. However, I’m not complaining.

I started my day with a decent English Breakfast. The street leading to Anjuna Beach is lined with numerous options, and randomly I checked into one, after finding space to park my rented Activa. A decent start to the day.

How wrong can you go with an English Breakfast anyway ?

I was craving for some good sea food, but amidst all the beach hopping and merrily driving around, time was running out. Also, since I wasn’t sure whether Meat would be Halal or not, the number of food options were limited. Plus, almost all the restaurants serve alcohol, which kind of creeps me out anyway.

I tried Pomfret at one of the popular joints in Goa, called Twenty23 which is almost in the middle of Calanghute and Anjuna. Very Expensive, and perhaps the most expensive food item I might have ever eaten till date. But a good fish is worth the bucks you spent.

The last day, before I headed back to Bangalore, I ended up meeting a few of my batchmates in Goa and ended up with Calamari on my plate. Pretty weird taste and I guess it’s mostly an acquired taste like most sea foods. However, I might not eat it again.

[Also read about my Mangalore trip, where you can enjoy Seafood and lovely beaches]

What I got from the Goa trip?

The Goa trip was my way of getting back to solo travelling. There couldn’t have been a better time than this. Although with the long weekend, it ended up getting way too crowded and defeated the purpose of going to Goa in off-season, yet finally having ticked Goa off my list feels great.

From Goa, I got back my travel mojo. I got back the joy of simply strolling around beaches. I got back the adventure of adjusting to change and of course the happy vibes from the beaches. However, it still doesn’t beat the best beach I’ve been to.

[Wondering which one is it ? Read Here]

My sole intention was to only cover beaches and enjoy my time without any itinerary. Must say, I was successful in achieving my goal.

Did you enjoy this blog on Goa? Share your views in the comments below for this Goa Travelogue.

Movie Review: Tamasha is a mediocre Tamasha

By farooq

On November 28, 2015

In Movies & Entertainment

A conversation spanning a few minutes, between an auto driver and a bewildered Ranbir Kapoor, sums up the movie, Tamasha. “Andar se kuch aur hai hum, aur baahar se majboor”.

What we want to be, what we are, and what we could have been. This is what the whole Tamasha is about. The constant conflict to be our desired selfish self or to fall in line with our expected self to fit in with society.
As a story, Tamasha tries hard to capture the imagination and makes you live through most of it too but fails as an ensemble of a movie. It skids on its way and doesn’t pack a punch with that perfect climax, it deserved. It tries to be preachy when it could have been hauntingly soothing. This adds to the list of those movies which could have been way better, but just couldn’t.

Plot is based on how a kid in Shimla, addicted with stories essayed by an old man (Played by Piyush Mishra), evolves himself in a fantasy world of epic love stories. But ends up being part of the rat race like everybody else.

[Picture courtesy: Pinkvilla]

A sincere attempt to portray , through a combination of art and commercialized cinema, by Imtiyaz Ali, works in parts. Writer and Director, Imtiyaz is known for the best breakups in his movies. Take any of his movies and you’ll find the best of his scenes around breaking up. The emotional maturity, or the lack of it, is pivotal for making these scenes work, which he brings out perfectly.

The songs are meaningful and the lyrics by Ehsaan Kamil with AR Rahman’s music makes it even better. My favorite being the Alka-Yagnic-Arijit Singh song, “Agar tum saath ho”. However, the dialogues doesn’t do justice.

Tamasha is no different. A scene where Deepika tries to apologize to Ranbir, is the best of the lot. She begs to forgive her, he fights to not let her compromise. On the whole, Deepika and Ranbir, do make a good on-screen couple with great chemistry.

[Also Read about the couple’s other movie: Ye Jawani hai Deewani]

Where Tamasha fails is, it tries really hard to explain itself. Tamasha asks you questions and answers them immediately. A film of this genre should let the viewer get sunk in, figure out the answer of these questions and let them explore. What Tamasha does is, it does the job of exploring these thoughts for you. If you can relate, you’ll like it, if not, you’d be bored. It tries to be preachy about too many things. From children being forced to toe parents, to people being stuck in monotonous robotic jobs, while working on cliched characters of an authoritative father to a non-english speaking boss in Vivek Mushran.

The near-to-the-end scene involving Ranbir’s onscreen father, played by Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh, is like adding sugar to a curry!! Tamasha is not a 3 Idiots, and that is something which Imtiyaz could have very well avoided.

There are a lot of positives in the Tamasha. The Song picturizations are perfect, the intense camera angles have been utilized perfectly. Deepika does everything to perfection. The way she has carried herself in almost all her movies, which includes, Raamleela, Ye Jawani hai Deewani, Finding Fanny and Piku, and the versatility she has achieved is amazing. She deserved a far bigger role than Ranbir in this movie.

[Also Read: Her amazing performance in Piku, and why I gave it a 5 Star]

Although, the onus of Tamasha is visibly on Ranbir, where he does try his best but falters in parts. But a role like this is pretty complex, but full marks to him for being honest to the character. Ranbir’s Dev Anand bit is not over-the-top and is more like a celebration rather than mimicry.

While watching, one can enjoy the movie, albeit in parts, but at the end of it, there remains a sense of being fragmentary incomplete. Tamasha was initially titled as, “The Window Seat”. It definitely feels like one, where you sit, enjoy the view, and get down at your station, while the train goes on.

Tamasha could have been a better tamasha, had Imtiyaz Ali tried to be less preachy.

I’m going with a generous 2.5/5 for the Mediocre Tamasha.