Hello again from Bollywood! Today's film has received critical acclaim and awards and nominations in all the leading award ceremonies of the country upon its release. It has been hailed as one of the greatest love stories ever captures on film. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, GUZAARISH is truly a love story for the ages!
Original Theatrical Poster (2010)
The film's about a man named Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik Roshan from AGNEEPATH and DHOOM 2), once a world famous magician who suffered a severe accident that left him a quadriplegic from the neck down fourteen years ago. In the last twelve years, Ethan has written a book and has his own radio show that inspires millions of people. Taking care of him and assisting these past twelve years has been his nurse Sofia D'Souza (the beautiful Aishwarya Rai Bachchan from PROVOKED, ENDHIRAN, and DHOOM 2). But now with his internal organs failing, Ethan petitions to the court to grant him euthanasia. While his request shocks his family, friends and fans, it's affect on Sophia threatens their relationship. But will the courts grant his request, or will Sophia be forced to watch Ethan slowly suffer and die before her eyes?
The film doesn't fall in the typical Bollywood category. First there's only one real musical dance number, which takes place in a bar that Sophia brought Ethan to. The majority of the film takes place at Ethan's house, which he has been in for the past fourteen years. Second, the film tackles some very controversial topics: the first being euthanasia, which is forbidden in Indian culture. Showcasing the trials and tribulations of a quadriplegic, as well as domestic violence are also explored.
Both Hrithik and Aishwarya have worked together several times before, but not quite like this before. Hrithik's Ethan is the polar opposite of the revenge driven Vijay from ANEEPATH just a few years later. This polarity demonstrates his acting prowess. And Aishwarya is both breathtaking and powerful in her role as the strong, intelligent, and nurturing Sophia. Now usually it's the man saving the woman, but the roles are reversed in this scenario. It's Sophia who is saving Ethan, by taking care of him she's keeping him alive. Both actors have great on screen chemistry, but it helps to have a strong script to give these characters depth. Sanjay Leela Bhansali along with Bhavani Iyer crafted a beautiful story of unconditional love. Plus the film was beautifully shot, courtesy of cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee. Combine all these elements, and you have one amazing film!
GUZAARICH is one of the most touching love stories ever told! Trust me when I saw that you have never seen a film like this before! Touching, emotional, and heartfelt, the film will no doubt tug at your heartstrings! 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!!
GUZAARICH is currently available on DVD and can be purchased at your local video retailer or at Amazon. Visit their website at www.amazon.com
Tonight's film isn't your average Bollywood film. In fact, it isn't a Bollywood film at all. There are no song and dance numbers, no beautiful shots of India's majestic countrysides, no romantic love story, and no happy ending. This film is based on a true story and it deals with some serious issues and topics: murder, injustice, faith, and spousal abuse. Not the usual fare that one would expect from a Indian film, but nonetheless, an incredible and important film to see. Starring the amazing Aishwarya Rai, the film PROVOKED grabs your attention from the very start and doesn't let go till the final frame.
Theatrical Movie Poster (2006)
The film is based on the true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia (Rai), a Punjabi woman who moved to London after marrying her new husband Deepak Ahluwalia (Naveen Andrews). All seems fine in the beginning, but his true nature is revealed, and soon Kiranjit is subjected to physical abuse, his drinking and sleeping with other women, and also rape. After ten years and two children, Kiranjit has reached her breaking point after suffering another beating two hour earlier, and sets her abusive husband on fire, which leads him to his death. In a blatant mistrial, she is found guilty of murder and is sentenced to life in prison. However, coming to her aid are the Southall Black Sisters, which fights against domestic violence, and they help Kiranjit get a retrial. She is released after spending 3 1/2 years in prison and is reunited with her children.
This film was a complete shock, considering what I have been watching up to this point. Rai was very good in the film, and what really impressed me was how I could see her dancing around and being funny and sexy in one film and then see her in this film which is a complete 180! Here Rai is plain: no make up, her hair unglamorous, and looking like like she has just gone through Hell. She literally become Kiranjit and is just riveting to watch. I love horror films, but nothing can compare to the horrors of domestic violence, not to mention being raped by your husband. The film is amazing, and Rai is just incredible! Outstanding performance!
The film was released in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2007 to mixed reviews. I personally really enjoyed the film, as it shines on really important issues and such. Some critics panned Rai's performance, saying that her, "acting is frustratingly passive." Now we all know the old saying, "Everybody's a critic" but let me say this: we all have our opinions. Some people will like this movie, others might not. But never let other people influence your decision of what films to see. See everything and anything, just once to see whether you'll like it or not. Remember never judge a book by its cover, or in this case never judge a film by its poster.
PROVOKED is a powerful and moving film, and one of Aishwarya Rai's best films. If you want to see a film that really tries to make a difference in the world, then see this film! Five out of five stars!
PROVOKED is currently available on DVD and can be purchased at your local video retailer or at Amazon. Visit their website at www.amazon.com
While on my travels in India en route to Bollywood, I found another great high octane, action packed film, courtesy of my very good friend Heather in Niles! Known as D:2, D2, and D2: BACK IN ACTION in India, but the full title of the film is DHOOM 2: BACK IN ACTION!
Theatrical Indian Movie Poster (2006)
In part two of the series, Newly promoted A.C.P. officers Jai Dixit (Abhishek Bachchan) and his partner Ali (Uday Chopra) are on their biggest case to date: to capture the international master criminal known as "Mr. A" (Aryan Singh), who plans on stealing a rare and priceless artifact in Mumbai. Jai and Ali, along with fellow officer Sonali Bose (Bipasha Bau), fail to capture him, but he meets his match when he encounters the mysterious Sunehri (the beautiful Aishwarya Rai), and soon they form a partnership as they make their way to Rio for their next job. However, both Jai and Ali and their friend Monali Bose (Bau playing both roles) are hot on the duo's trail. To make things even more complicated, Sunehri isn't really who she says she is either, which sends Mr. A (real name Aryan) off the deep end.
Wow! This film really packs a punch on all levels, thanks to the film's director Sanjay Gadhvi (DHOOM, KIDNAP)! First the film has a very highly stylized look: fast camera panning, quick edits, fast paced car chases, martial arts action, gun fights, hot women and incredible music and dance numbers! But again it's Aishwarya Rai that's just captures your attention! Stunning, seductive, an oh so damn sexy! And also the woman can act and dance her booty off! The film's awesome, but men everywhere will see the film because of Rai. She is that gorgeous and that talented!
The film was released to theaters in India on November 24, 2006 and immediately became a boxoffice hit. It became the highest grossing Indian film of 2006 and and remains in the top ten on the list of highest-grossing Bollywood films in India. DHOOM:3, the final installment of the series, is set for release in 2013.
DHOOM 2: BACK IN ACTION is one helluva action film! Fans of the DIE HARD, LETHAL WEAPON, and BAD BOYS series will love this film. Five out of five stars!
DHOOM 2: BACK IN ACTION is currently available on DVD and can be purchased at your local video retailer or at Amazon. Visit their website at www.amazon.com
Hello again folks! Yes I'm still in India, watching some amazing and spectacular Bollywood films! Today's film was a recommendation from my good friend Heather from Bronco Billy's Pizza Palace in NIles, who is a huge Bollywood fanatic and is my guide on my journey. Because of her, I wouldn't have known about the science fiction/action film ENDHIRAN aka ROBOThere in the states. So thank you Heather and here we go!
Theatrical Indian Movie Poster (2010
The film stars Rajnikanth as scientist Dr. Vaseegaran who has spent the past 10 years creating and perfecting his ultimate creation: the super-powered robot named Chitti, in his own image (Rajnikanth played both roles in the film). When he submits his invention to the Artificial Intelligence Research and Development (AIRD) Institute, headed by Dr. Bohra (Danny Denzongpa), they decline, sighting on its not having emotions and the ability to make rational judgments. But when a freak flash of lightening hits Chittit, combined with the software upgraded Vaseegaran, the robot is ability to comprehend and generate human emotions. But Vaseegaran's plans backfires when Chitti fall in love with his fiancee fiancée Sana (the exquisite Aishwarya Rai) and then both of them are fighting over here, which leads Vaseegaran to destroy Chitti. However there to pick up the pieces is the evil Dr. Bohra, who rebuilds him, complete with a new upgrade: a "red chip" that turns Chitti into a ruthless killing machine. Now fueled with hat and anger against Vaseegaran, he kidnaps Sana and creates an army of Chittit clones, fully-armed and ready to kill. Now Vaseegaran must find away to rescue Sana and stop Chittit from taking over the world.
The film makes references to other legendary Hollywood sci-fi action films; the first being the most obvious is THE TERMINATOR. And it's no coincidence either: the film marked the Indian cinema debut of Stan Winston Studios, who were responsible for the film's animatronics and visual effects. While these effects were amazing, the Chittit design leaned more towards the Robin Williams model found in his film BICENTENNIAL MAN. But besides this little nit-pick, the film is pretty damn entertaining. The film has some great CGI, especially when the army of Chitti clones become magnetized and form a giant snake and a rolling ball, complete with automatic weapons firing into the police. Of course no Bollywood film is complete with musical dance numbers, and this film contains some of the most exciting ones ever seen! From the impressive camera angles and choreography to the amazing costumes and fast editing, these scenes are sure to get you feet tapping. The film's soundtrack was composed by A. R. Rahman, who did the soundtracks for SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and ROCKSTAR!
Rajnikanth does a great job of playing his duel roles, which is very hard to pull off. Most of the time while shooting the film, he'd be acting with nobody there. Then go for a costume change and be on the set as Chitti and try to react what he was saying as Vaseegaran. Very tough job to do indeed! But it helps to have a beautiful co-star to make it work, and Aishwarya Rai does just that! Captivating, funny, and incredibly sexy, the woman was born to be star. Rai began her career as a model before becoming an actress. Soon she was in popular demand, and has made some truly remarkable films such as BRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2004), JODHAA AKBAR (2008), and RAAVAN (2010). The film was directed by S. Shankar and was released to theaters in India on October 1, 2010.
ENDHIRAN aka ROBOT is one of the coolest and action packed sci-fi film to come from Bollwood! If you want to see something different, by all means give this film a shot!
ENDHIRAN aka ROBOT is currently available on DVD and can be purchased at your local video retailers or at Amazon. Visit their website at www.amazon.com
