Dance of Death

 Loved this comment below this Iron Maiden's song on YouTube, sharing it. Mind-blowing !

There is a tavern, deep within the castle walls. The tavern is bustling with activity, drinks and obnoxious laughter everywhere. The scent of alcohol and smoke is heavy in the air, and in the center of the room is a giant fireplace and bearskin rug. Suddenly someone, in jest, points at a peculiar looking old man, and urges him to recount his tale of "dancing with the dead". Curious men gather around, and the bard begins to play a somber tune on his lute. The man stands up, swaying, drink in hand, and gazes around the room as the noise dies down, and everybody's eyes fall on him. Men pull up their chairs, eager to hear the tale. The old man speaks, a wild glint in his eye... "Let me tell you a story to chill the bones..."

Farewell, Stanley!

Comics intrinsically create parallel worlds for youngsters. The grandiose they are built, the loftier experiences the readers could draw. Stan Lee, who passed away this week, understood this inherent philosophy way back in the 60's and 70's and created some of the finest superhero characters and mind-numbing stories, taking youngsters on a ride, sometimes on an intergalactic ride, giving them a time of their life.

Actually, Stan Lee to a great extent was behind the superheroes, who starred in comic books then, transitioning to the silver screen now, without losing their sheen! Today, these superheroes are a huge rage!

Whether it’s casting spider webs donning the red-faced mask, or the green beefcake hurling tanks across the battle field or the military man throwing his blue-and-red stripped shield to protect his fellow friends, or the ‘unequalled four’ molding and melting into the foreground before delivering the fatal attack, Stan Lee’s visionary thinking had created a lively world of superheroes, the today’s millennials are madly in love with and would do anything to share its spirited glory.  

Yes! We are referring to “Marvel Movies”. Stan Lee, the man instrumental in the creation of “Marvel Cinematic Universe” and the release of movies such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity war, The Incredible Hulk, Thor: Ragnarok, Captain America, Guardians of the Galaxy, and numerous others, is simply phenomenal. While most people are mapping their retirement plans by their early 40s, Lee has been carving his name in golden letters on the silver screen with his amazing marvel stories even in his 90s. What a colossal attitude!!!

Lee’s brilliant mind co-conceived many superhero characters in collaboration with co-writers/artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko along with the marvel team. Spiderman, The Hulk, Thor, X-men, Doctor Strange, Fantastic Four and the Ant-Man are some characters that have dent the history and gone on to make history. The string of works he has produced speaks of his genius. All his characters and their movies were total sell-out to global audiences. While everyone thought this sudden attraction to “Marvel Movies” would fizzle out; to the utter surprise and dismay, it gathered momentum. What’s more, novelty and multidimensional cinematic values delivered top dollar’s worth of viewing to global audiences, raking in huge moolah for producers.

However, one question keeps popping up: how did Stan Lee create this vast canvas of works that speaks of flawless characters and incredible stories?! Agreeably, he was a team man! First, he would give out the synopsis of a story to his artists and he would then lend them creative liberties to draw pictures as they imagine in their eye of the mind, giving full scope for imagery. After it’s completed, Stan Lee would fill up the blurbs and boxes with his story. Brilliant, isn’t that?!

In fact “Black Panther” is another of his “marvel”lous creation. Though the character was created much earlier, it only caught everyone’s eyes with the movie “Black Panther”. While the script kept one deeply engrossed, the cinematic production was too awesome to overlook. The rich narrative coupled with usage of high-technology gadgetry puts Africa on a different pedestal. The whole story gives the audiences goose bumps, while carving a distinct place for itself. How, Black Panther story is crafted and how it rose to occupy its rightful spot in the hearts of audiences is a secret only Lee could perhaps tell. What’s more! Watch carefully, you will find Lee doing a cameo role in the movie. He is known to do lot of cameos in Marvel movies.

From the beginning, Lee was passionate about becoming a writer, but unfortunately, poverty stood him up against pursuing his career! In fact, he took up menial jobs to survive before landing the job as Assistant at the new Timely Comics, a Martin Goodman’s company. From then on, it was a no-turning back.  After Simon and Jack Kirby, creative partners, left the company, Goodman installed Lee as Interim Editor. This gave him an opportunity to rise through the ranks.

Over a period, he created a technicolor virtual kingdom, where the good fight against the bad - in print as well as on screen - while the whole world watches and applauds. Frankly, Lee was like no other. He may have left this world. But, he definitely created an alternate universe for his readers and viewers to revel in forever. At his sad demise, It’s only apt for us to remember a quote from his Marvel Movies “Heroes are made by the path they choose, not the powers they are graced with”. Farewell, Stan Lee!  

click here to access the Hans India e-paper 

https://epaper.thehansindia.com/1900442/SUNDAY-HANS/SUNDAY-HANS#page/6/2

Tale of a Rockstar

Legendary Queen’s biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” is releasing in theatres across the world this November. The audiences are all set to dance to the tune of this cult rock group, which has shunned inhibitions; walked the unbeaten path; and ignored the critics to script its own history of success. Behind the meteoric rise of “Queen” is only one name, Farrokha Bulsara, who is better known as Freddie Mercury – the music legend who redefined “Rock and Roll” and won scores of music aficionados for both – the band and himself.

Freddie Mercury, a singer and songwriter, had conscientiously steered the rock band “Queen” to fame and achievement. His incredible stage presence and his four-octave vocal range gave audiences a high in a manner their contemporaries couldn’t. Earlier, a not-so-popular band which comprised Brian May and Roger Taylor had not many takers. But once Mercury joined the force, he set the stage ablaze and Queen’s music sales started to skyrocket.

Mercury in particular was praised for belting out bewitching numbers like “Don’t Stop me Now”, “In the Lap of Gods” “Hammer to Fall” “Killer Queen” “Seven Seas of Rhye” “Need your Loving Tonight” among others. Of course, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which catapulted the band to astounding heights of glory.

In fact, what put “Queen” and Mercury on the trail of immense popularity was Mercury’s composition of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which made audiences scream in ecstasy for its distinct peculiarity. Freddie scripted, this six-minute suite, comprising several compositions, for the album “A Night at Opera”. It was an exorbitantly expensive composition ever made till then and left men involved biting their nails in pre-release anxiety. 

Eventually, “Bohemian Rhapsody” turned out to be a huge commercial success. The iconic photographs and the official video further threw open the doors for similar music videos, making it a trend-setter of sorts. “Bohemian Rhapsody” not only cemented the band’s position, but went on to break records of sorts. What happened afterwards was a cult following, Mercury becomes an iconic legend.

Although Mercury is the star performer of the music band, the biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” is all about “Queen”.  Walking this tight rope, the movie captures the rise of the band, which is not-so-spectacular as there are no visible bumps on the road to glory. On the flip-side, the movie also carries a rich tale of the frontman, Mercury, who is juxtaposed with contradictions and unforeseen incidents.

The biopic supposedly captures diverse magical moments, including the one where the band members coin their own kind of music to pep up the audiences. Rami Malek, who donned the role of Freddie Mercury, happens to seize the spotlight with his extraordinary acting skills. His commanding screen presence seems to be a major draw, outshining the other players in the game.

Within the realm of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Mercury’s short-lived life was captured with sensitivity. His encounter with Aids and his sex life are dealt subtly without shedding much spotlight on them. The movie culminates with “Queen’s performance at LIVE AID in 1985, bringing back sweet memories and nostalgia. As a wave after wave of reminisces keeps hitting, as Mercury’s haunting voice reverberates with songs like “Radio Ga Ga”, “We Are The Champions”, “We Will Rock You”, it’s time to pay tribute to this music legend by soaking and reveling in the much-talked about biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody”. 

Click here to access the Hans India e-paper 

https://epaper.thehansindia.com/1890951/SUNDAY-HANS/SUNDAY-HANS#page/8/1

Rock with Bryan Adams!

Ever stood frozen in your tracks listening to numbers that are so soothing your foot starts tapping and head starts swaying and you are transported to a surreal world of romance? The moment is not far, as Bryan Adams, Grammy Award winning singer-song writer, is set to indulge Hyderabadis with his breathtaking, awe-inspiring numbers on his “Ultimate Tour” to India, this October. 

One amongst the top stage performers, Bryan Adams knows how to entertain crowds that throng the performance venue. Holding audiences spellbound with his amazing stage-presence and husky voice, he is also known for his spur-of-the-moment gigs and antics with his guitar. The artist is particularly in love with Hyderabad as he mentions in his earlier stage performance in 2011 that Hyderabadi crowd was the loudest and ingeniously went on to delight crowds with heart-touching melodies for a memorable time. This October, as Bryan Adams is set rekindle the fire by belting out numbers that will leave the crowds unashamedly asking for more, here are his top five melodies that all music aficionados should be aware of. “Summer of 69”, a song that not only has a haunting rhythm, but also brings back the old memories like a flood. Initially, the song was supposed to be called “The best days of my life” but later it took on the title “Summer of 69”. However, the words ‘the best days of my life’ do feature in the lyrics many times over.

“Everything I do”, the background theme song for the flick “Robinhood: prince of thieves”, was what shot the artist into the next orbit of popularity. While the movie went on to become a top-grosser at the box-office, the song prevailed in winning hearts with its soothing melody. The aptly-worded theme song was even nominated for a Grammy Award.

“Please forgive me” is a slow power ballad that has Bryan giving his vocal chords a full throttle. Originally written by Adams himself, the song gave the needed thrust to the Album “So far So good” pushing it to the number two position in the UK; number one position in Australia; and the number seven in the US during the 90s. Years gone by, the song still hasn’t lost its flavour. 

“18 till I die” is originally the seventh studio album, which featured singles such as “Have you ever really loved a woman”, “The only thing that looks good on me is you”, “Let’s make a night to remember” along with “18 till I die”. As popular as the others, “18 till I die” stands out for its lively beat and oxymoronic lyrics.

“Heaven” is another number that’s smooth. Written by Jim Wallace and Adams himself, “Heaven” first featured on the “A night in heaven” soundtrack album and later went on to win a good number of awards. Subdued music and distinct composition play on the heartstrings with a new fervor every time one listens to this trance-inducing number. Not merely these numbers, but there are countless other melodies that never fail to put a twinkle in the eye.

With Bryan Adams hitting the town, Hyderabadis are in for another high-energy live performance that promises to send thrills and chills down the spine. Undoubtedly, this gorgeous, husky singer sure knows how to rock one’s blues away with his soulful melodies.

Click here to access the article on e-paper!

http://epaper.thehansindia.com/1782602/SUNDAY-HANS/Sunday-Magazine#page/8/1

It's time to Bond

“Shaken, but not stirred” is how James Bond likes his Martinis. If you are a Bond admirer, here’s news that will leave you stirred up for more chills and lots of edge-of-the-seat action. Yes! The die has been cast. Danny Boyle’s name is picked up from the lot for directing the new James Bond franchise, which will be titled “Bond25” as it is the 25th film in the franchise, starring Daniel Craig.

The hunt for new director, which closed in on Danny Boyle, comes in the wake of Sam Mendes, who earlier helmed “Skyfall” and “Sceptre” – two major box-office blockbusters, calling it quits to directing the James Bond franchise. In effect, Daniel Craig is believed to have walked the same path, stating he would never act in another Bond film after “Sceptre”. He fervently put across that he’d rather cut himself with glass than play another role of James Bond. However, after Mendes quit, Craig took a complete U-turn and expressed his interest in James Bond’s role. Talk of “Bond” being devious in the real sense. 

On the other hand, Boyle, without an iota of doubt, is a top-rung filmmaker, who holds credit for making strange yet impactful movies like “Slumdog Millionaire”, “The Beach”, “Trainspotting”, “127 hours” “Trance” and others. What piques one’s imagination about the upcoming Bond flick are Danny Boyle’s directional abilities. Introspection into his earlier movies throws light on his unique scene depictions which are inimitably imaginative and often interspersed with eye-catching elements and artistic images. While his stories are real there’s somewhere the object of surrealism creeping into interweave with the real. 

Danny Boyle has the ability to dream on a wider and bigger canvas with multiple happenings taking place simultaneously. A glance at the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony will unravel the multi-dimensional facets that come to play under his supervision. He is a director, who promises to be gifted in portraying Bond at his best. Daniel Craig’s fame is also bound to catapult to further heights as the strength of Boyle is his fast-paced narrative. He is a man who wouldn’t mince words, but deliver results. 

On the flip-side of the coin, Daniel Craig has actually stood the test of time. His athletic body and non-confirmative approach to acting initially had everyone bothered whether he would meet Bond expectations or not. However, he pulled the rug under the naysayers and steadied himself in the shoes of James Bond. When “Casino Royale” launched Daniel Craig as Bond, the initial Parkour chase sequence alone had endeared him to the audiences. In fact, Craig’s death-defying crane jump in the flick had recently been voted the best James Bond Stunt of all time.

Craig must have acted in four movies, but solidly established his position in Hollywood as a bankable Bond. The trick was he made Bond look fallible and emotional, thereby portraying the character as humane and vulnerable as possible, upping the ante on several relatable factors to real-life characteristics. This created a chord of connects amongst the audiences across continents. 

Going by the tone of Danny Boyle’s voice, he’s all upbeat about the “Bond25”. Speaking to a crowd at a New York Screening of his new FX show, “Trust”, Boyle commented that the new Bond movie script might also include the dimensions of certain issues that besought the Hollywood and other industries in recent times. This is in the wake of questions raised by journalists as to how the Bond film would differ in today’s evolving times of #metoo #timesup issues. 

With this deadly combo – Danny Boyle and Daniel Craig - coming together to recreate the magic of James Bond all over again with their next film, which will open to global audiences in November 2019, the air is thick with positivity that the new movie will leave everyone “Shaken” much like how Bond enjoys his Martinis. 

Click on the link to access the article on epaper 

http://epaper.thehansindia.com/1592760/SUNDAY-HANS/SUNDAY-HANS#page/13/1

And the Oscar goes to...

This year’s 90th Academy Awards were as scintillating as ever with several interesting movies vying for their rightful spot under the limelight. Amongst all awards, the most looked forward was the “Best Picture” award, which had several interesting movies lined up for the honors, including “Darkest Hour”, “Dunkirk”, “Phantom Thread”, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”, “Get Out”, “The Shape of Water”, “The Post”, “Call Me by Your Name” and “Lady Bird”. 

While the nominations were several, many pinned hopes on the movie “Get Out”, some anticipated “The Post” and a few others “Dunkirk” to grab the honours, much to the surprise it was “The Shape of Water” that stole the Golden Man amidst a thunderous applause in “Best Picture” category. 

The flick ranked at the top probably for its unique storyline, which keeps in stride with the Hollywood’s current trend of shooting movies with the story set in the background of mid and late 20th century; examples of these are “American Made” and “The Post” both of which garnered respectable global audiences. 

A sort of sci-fi flick, The Shape of Water’s storyline is typically from the 1950s. It’s a capricious fable that involves a mute woman’s relationship with an underwater manlike amphibian. Hawkins, who donned the role of “Eliza”, was quite a performer. Her character, as the mute housekeeper for a laboratory, audaciously steps away from the routine, beaten-down track and brings powerfully to fore her performance skills. Octavia Spencer, who dons the role of Eliza’s colleague “Zelda”, has also put on a show that simply can’t go unnoticed. 

The magic that worked for the flick is probably the anomaly of subterranean amphibian with supernatural powers forming the nucleus of the story. That apart, the heroine’s acting and her bravado in strategizing a release and smuggling the “Amphibian“out of the secure laboratory adds a further twist to the story. This slow-paced movie, yet an intriguing one, captures sensitive side of the audiences. 

The movie characters are all of different nature. There are peculiarities to every one of them. While Giles is a gay man; Eliza, a mute person; Hoffstetler, a spy in the guise of an American doctor, and Richard Strickland, the villain, an arrogant, egoistic person who believes in dancing to his own beat. In other circumstances, one could easily understand, these individuals wouldn’t stay for one day under the same roof. But the way they are juxtaposed against each other – it’s a blend that further ups the ante on the quixotic nature of the movie. 

The relationship between the amphibian and the mute lady is nothing short of appalling. The western world might think it to be natural, definitely, it would be asking too much from its oriental counterpart. However, going by the box-office faring and rave reviews by the critics, it’s a picture that seems to have firmly made its space in numerous hearts of the cine-goers. Add to it the haunting music score that evokes intriguing interest all through. Watching this movie, one can easily note the distinct touch of class in its background score. 

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, who has several other renowned hits under his belt like “Pacific Rim”, “The Devil’s Backbone”, and “Hell Boy”, has ably directed this movie that has shot him into the hall of fame and won him appreciation all over again. All in all, “The Shape of Water” has won four awards, including the much coveted award - “Best Picture”.

click here to access the article on e-paper

http://epaper.thehansindia.com/1574740/SUNDAY-HANS/SUNDAY-HANS#page/25/1

A date with cinema!

After a long hiatus, I am back. Of course, there are hundred and one stories I could cook up to explain my absence, but I am going to save the trouble and say I was busy. Trust me, I was busy. Really. Since, I am back, I would like to update a few articles that got published. So, go along, read them. :) To start with here's one that got published in The Hans India. 

Come February, there would be love in the air, spring in the walk and a twinkle in the eye. A feisty galore of options opens up for love birds to indulge this Valentine's Day. Besides, youngsters these days are loaded with hot cash, so hitting five-star hotels for dine-outs or opting for candlelight dinners in far-away places or splurging money at theme parks is quite common for many. However, for those who love to live in the fantasy world and disapprove of such lavish lifestyles, here's an intriguing option. First, draw those window screens close; mute the lights; plop down on the sofa with your partner and turn on your smart-TV to instantly get transported to a fantasy-world. Frankly, there are countless romantic movies on internet that are sure to give a big bang for the money. Here's a small, not-to-be-missed-out list.

You’ve Got Mail  

This is a romantic movie that will make your heart summersault. Starring heavy weights of theatre, Tom Hanks (Joe Fox) and Meg Ryan (Kathleen), the movie builds on the rivalry of the book business between the two and slowly transforms into romance. While Joe Fox runs a third-generation chain of gigantic book Megastores, Kathleen takes care of the children's bookshop which she apparently inherited from her mother.  The rivalry begins when Joe opens his "Bookstore" around the corner from Kathleen's shop. The flick comes across as comical since both are fighting each other in the business world, totally unaware that they are actually relying on each other's advice in the AOL chat rooms signed up with different nicks. How this rom-com concludes is what puts the sparkle in the eye.

Kate & Leopold

This one too is an amazing flick that transports you back in time. Breaking the mould of conventional movies, ‘Kate and Leopold’ happens to be an exciting time-travel movie that doubles up the offer with a romantic tale. Starring Hugh Grant (Leopold) and Meg Ryan (Kate), the flick traverses the uncommon path, bridging the ancient with the modern, as Hugh Grant the Duke of Albany leaves New York in 1786 and time-travels to New York of Meg Ryan. The stark contrast between the English Manners and American sluggardness is what compels the heroine to look twice at this English lord and fall flat for him. The contradictions and the time-colluding incidents further enhance the appeal of the movie.

Pretty Woman

This one's perhaps the most underrated movies ever. Starring Richard Gere (Edward Lewis) and Julia Roberts (Vivian Ward), it breaks the conventional mould in a most startling manner in which Richard Gere, the protagonist, falls for a prostitute, Julia Roberts. The story spins around this prostitute, who is wooed by a wealthy businessman. Right from the time he picks up her up to the point of returning back to her metaphorically as a knight in the shining armour, there’s never a dull moment. He takes her out to places she’s never been in her life, Opera, horse racing, helicopter rides, fashionable stores… no wonder, even when things go wrong between Edward and her, she never tends to return to her old profession, but plans to get some education instead. But, however, fate writes her story to an enthralling and romantic conclusion.

A Walk to Remember

The flick is a book-adaptation of the same name, written by Nicholas Sparks. This beautiful love story that will leave you soaked in tears. Although the flick actually falls a little short on some accounts in comparison to the novel, it nevertheless holds its own ground. It’s a teenage love story revolving around the central characters Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan assayed by Shane West and Mandy Moore. It definitely comes across as a gem when we contrast them with other teen-age movies of today. The plot has such unexpected turnings; you are sure to be shocked at the turn of the events. Jamie is forbidden to date by her father, the reason which you come to know later, is a practical tearjerker. Anyways, this is an awesome, awesome movie that is a must-see. 

Click on the link to access the article on e-paper 

http://epaper.thehansindia.com/1539320/SUNDAY-HANS/SUNDAY-HANS#page/28/1

If words can kill, this would be it. FASAK!

As long as the word “Fasak” is trending, Mohan Babu, 68-year-old Telugu cine actor and the architect behind the word “Fasak” would be hogging the spotlight. Rightly so, as “Fasak” had gone viral on the internet at speed of light. Mohan Babu sprang “Fasak” surprise in an interview with Rajdeep Sardesai!

Giving an outline of a film story, Mohan Babu narrates that one of the principle characters asks his associate to kill his wife. Not with multiple stabings, but only once. “Fasak!”, he gestures it with a horizontal slice of his hand. The word, which holds no dictionary meaning, sent shock waves among crowds, including the film fraternity.

As many sane individuals stood shell-shocked, a few came out of the shock and frantically worked their fingers over the keyboard, sending the video viral. Of course, Mohan Babu’s “Fasak” is very descriptively put forth. The word per se as nothing to do, but the action does. Straight out of the heart of this filmy villain-turned-hero flies intent so strong; the action speaks for itself without recompensing the word, F-A- S-A-K .

Knowing Mohan Babu, if this has surprised you. Imagine the plight of the non-Telugu speaking interviewer. One can’t but marvel the steely resolve of the interviewer, who didn’t drop dead but managed to stay upright and wholly sober by only fudging and twitching his eye a bit.

This bizarre talent of creating new words is not within the purview of lesser mortals like Chiranjeevi or Pawan Kalyan or Balakrishna. Though these actors have their own peculiarities, they don’t stand a chance when pitted against veterans who ace in the peculiarity department. And quite frankly, Mohan Babu would beat them hands down, anytime, any day!

While we are at it, let me put across that Mohan Babu is not somebody who would sit down and take it when it comes to fame or shame. In fact, he is not a person unfamiliar to popularity. On the flip-side, he doled out thundering, tongue-twisting and mind-boggling dialogues in numerous movies with a peculiarity none could match. Not that anybody would try hard to match him. ;)

So, when the word “Fasak” went viral, Mohan Babu saw his moment of glory and instantly took to the twitter handle and announced his gladness at the viral video. His tweet: “# Fasak Good to know its trending. @iVishnuManchu tells me there are minimum 200 spoof videos. Saw some, really innovative and creative.”

Little wonder that Mohan Babu likes spoofs. Guess why?! That’s because most of his movies are similar to spoofs with the hero being no more than a comedian. I know, I know, some may vehemently agree. A few others may vehemently disagree. Since I am not an ardent fan of his; I wouldn’t know a “Fasak”!