Star Movies Brings Back Memories.

Will someone tell me where Mel Gibson is these days? 

Actually, I was watching his movie ' Lethal Weapon 2' on Star Movies and my thoughts instantly drifted back to this handsome hunk, whose hairstyle and dressing we used to copycat as youngsters. Frankly, there were some cool movies of his that really bowled us over. Remember?! A Bird on a Wire, Ransom, Lethal Weapon, Lethal Weapon 1 , Lethal Weapon 2, Brave Heart, The Patriot, Maverick, What Women Want… all of which featured Mel Gibson in his inimitable style and he never failed to impress us. 

I still remember how I grew my hair long after seeing him in 'Lethal Weapon 2'. My dad even though he secretly condemned the act, was glad I didn’t look that bad either. Growing your hair long back then was nothing less than a sacrilege which invited neighbours, relatives and family’s full wrath – all at once. The repentance for such rebellion was getting one’s head tonsured. 

However, I was only subjected to occasional outbursts of anger. After a month back, I was forced to relegate back to my original short hair.  I secretly wished if I only could have them out of my hair. Now, I could only chuckle over those things. 

Anyways, talking of Mel Gibson, 'Lethal Weapon 2', which featured on star movies the other day, was awesome. The story was tight. The dialogues, punchy. It’s been a long time since I saw the movie, so, everything seemed brand new. This perhaps is one movie where the heroine is killed yet you see nothing askew.  

Danny Glover adds zing to the movie. There’s this particular scene that’s really uproarious. Danny Glover, a police officer in the movie, invites Mel Gibson, another police officer, over to his house to watch a commercial in which his daughter featured. Everyone’s excited. The family is glued to Television. When the commercial turns on and is half way through, everyone realizes that the advertisement is of a contraceptive product. You should watch Danny Glover’s face turn to stone as he switches off the TV and with a dazed look asks everyone to leave the room. Unabashedly hilarious! 

Joe Pesci spices up the movie a bit more. His comic timing is amazing. I simply rolled over with laughter at the dialogues. His acting skills come to fore in the movie ‘My Cousin Vinny’! Anyways, ‘Lethal Weapon 2' will always be remembered because we, friends, bunked the college and stealthily burgled ourselves into theatre to watch  this cop movie! 

All Eyes on Indiana Jones Series Installment.

Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg coming together to shoot the fifth sequel in the series of Indiana Jones is yet another occasion to showcase their brilliance in Hollywood fiefdom. Harrison Ford, who has been lauded for his countless roles, mostly for his iconic role as ‘Han Solo’ in the Star Wars series, is a man of unusual talent.  What perhaps stands him apart are his rugged looks and smug attitude, which never failed to ignite a captivating onscreen presence! No wonder he excelled over six decades in the massively competitive arena of Hollywood. 

Where looks matter more than acting does, how does the 73-year-old still manage to grab roles right under the noses of the younger cast?!  A question that still goes unanswered even today. In 2003, American Film Institute hailed him as the second greatest hero of all time!  Seven of his films have been inducted into the National Film Registry. He has to his credit numerous hits which include: ‘Blade Runner’ ‘Witness’ ‘Patriot Games’ and ‘Clear and Present Danger’ both of which are book adaptations of the renowned author - Tom Clancy.  ‘The Fugitive’, ‘Apocalypse Now’, ‘Presumed Innocent’, ‘Air Force One’, ‘What Lies Beneath’, ‘Star Wars’, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ are few other notable flicks.

His ability to breathe life into the role and live it with an ease akin to none is what perhaps keeps the average movie-goer glued to the screen. Acting flows naturally to him. Whether he punches villains or utters sly remarks with his sarcastic trademark smile, one is bound to go weak in the knees. His recent appearance in the sequence Star Wars ‘Force Awakens’ has also won him decent reviews while putting him under the spotlight. More than the sequels of ‘Star Wars’, it’s the Indiana Jones’ series that catapulted him into unprecedented fame.

Known as Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr., a professor of archaeology, adventurer, and the protagonist of the Indiana Jones, his character is reckless, adventurous and action-oriented.  Though rumour mills were rife that a new actor would don the role of Indiana Jones, Steven Spielberg affirmed that Harrison Ford is the only actor who fits the bill flawlessly. The reason perhaps is that Harrison has carved a niche for himself with his typical bullwhip, fedora Satchel, leather jacket and his sarcastic trade mark smile. – A role that is a snug-fit for the character.

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ was a phenomenal success. It’s obvious that Spielberg came out with sequels, which proved equally good. Unfortunately, ‘Indiana Jones and ‘The Temple of Doom’, which was a prequel to ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, but released afterwards, was banned in India as the movie chartered into troubled waters. Indians missed the brilliant performance of Amrish Puri, who is better known as “Mogambo”, to this side of the audiences. However, the movie did significantly well in other parts of the world.

‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ had some breathtaking scenes too – be it riding horses alongside jagged mountain ridges or getting persistently attacked by Nazis. What’s more, the flick also had Sean Connery who puts on an impressive performance with his spot on rib-ticklers.

‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’, which released in 2008, was as gripping as the rest with the plot centering on discovering the secret behind the mysterious artefacts – Crystal Skulls. Harrison puts on a deadly show trying to avoid the soviets while strategizing to lay his hands on the Crystal Skulls.

In fact, all Indiana Jones series are racy, exploratory and palpitating with action - the reason why they appeal to almost everyone. With Steven Spielberg vouchsafing that the fifth installment of Indian Jones is set to roll into action, audiences are ever eager to catch them both in another flick which in all probability would set hearts’ thumping and adrenalin pumping.

Lamakaan – The Heartthrob of Artists

Quite recently, there was a lot of hue and cry to close down Lamakaan.  However, many youngsters took to roads with placards saying it must exist. Their will prevailed - at least, for the time being. 

For those who aren’t aware, Lamakaan is an interesting hangout for youngsters and an awesome place for art and theatre lovers. It’s an independent bungalow nestled in the posh Banjara Hills vicinity. What adds a touch of spice to this hangout is its nonchalant existence. It’s a quaint joint quietly hidden in one of the by lanes. Unless one distinctly knows the interiors of Banjara Hills, the chances of missing it are huge.  

Interestingly, the building in itself takes an informal shape, free flowing spaces that effortlessly blend with the environment. The stage for theatre performances at the ground floor seamlessly merges with the jutting rocks and plants surrounding it. The loosely spread tables and chairs add a rustic yet a classic look to the ambience, lending a feeling of complete serenity. 

I still can’t place my finger on as to who owns this awesome place and why is it being given away for an hangout when the owner can easily spin loads of money out of it? 

Nevertheless, it’s an idyllic site that sets the ball rolling for chats, snacking, and reading or for that matter simply indulging in small talk with friends. The canteen almost resembles the ones you have within the college premises, stocked with all goodies you nonchalantly love to ransack from time to time. Yes, reminisces hit quite hard.

Fascinatingly, the tea, served in glasses, gives a feeling of having it on a highway to a faraway destination. The assorted dishes include; piping hot Samosas, Dhai Wada, Bread Omelet, Nimbu Paani, and all those appetizing delicacies. All dishes are dirt cheap yet tantalizingly appealing and satiating. 

The crowd encompasses a wide spectrum of ages. You find all sorts here. The moustaches, the beards, the completely bald and of course how can we forget the pony tails. Hey, hang on; we haven’t started talking about the girls. Not yet.  

The girls are often spotted here in groups stealing glances at spicy food laid out on the table or at the pony tails or moustaches across. Some of the bold ones even sport a cigarette on their lips while discussing movies and directors. Many budding talented movie directors as well as music directors make a stopover before they climb on to the top of the success ladder. Of course, you have all sorts buzzing around the joint. 

If you have the itch for good paintings, trust me, this is one of the best places. Whoever you are - an artist or an admirer - your thirst would be quenched. The bungalow hosts art shows quite frequently. The same goes for the theatre too! Screening of plays happens at the drop of a hat. 

The last time I read of a joint resembling this place was when I read about Shantiniketan.  Of course, Ravindranath Tagore exists in his full breath here.All said and done, this is an awesome place to let one’s hair down without really feeling out of place. Youngster or an oldie you can have all the fun you desire by simply stepping into this out-of-this –place.