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”! 

Queen of People's Hearts

A piece I wrote for The Hans India - a reputed daily in Telangana

Come August 31st, twenty years will have passed since the death of Princess Lady Diana in a car accident at Pont de l'Alma tunnel, Paris, France in 1997. Her sudden demise sent shock waves across the world. Admirers left a sea of flowers and tributes at the gates of Kensington Palace. While world dignitaries expressed their deepest condolences, her devotees held placards declaring their undying love for the princess and refused to leave the streets of London even at midnight. Her funeral, which was held on 6th September 1997 at Westminster Abbey, attracted over 32 million television viewers - a record of sorts.

Diana Frances Spencer was born on 1 July 1961, in Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk to John Spencer, Viscount Althorp and his first wife, Frances. The Spencer family has been strongly allied with the British royal family for several generations. When her father inherited the title Earl Spencer in 1975, she became Lady Diana Spencer. 

Diana had several distinct facades to her personality. She was an accomplished pianist. She excelled in swimming and diving and was also adept at tap dancing and ballet dancing. Her love to become a ballerina was cut short when she realized that she grew too tall for ballet dancers. Additionally, she did an advanced cooking course; which again puts her with the best of chefs. 

Princess Lady Diana’s most unforgettable moment would perhaps be her wedding at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, United Kingdom. Her strikingly beautiful visage through translucent veil held a distinct touch of royalty. Her train of robe filled the aisle. Adding further mystic regalness was Prince Charles royal attire. The ceremony was nothing less than a “fairytale wedding”. Royal families across the world, along with other dignitaries celebrated the moment with pomp and pageantry. Little wonder it was called "Wedding of the century". Diana was only 20 years when she married Prince Charles.

After the lofty and royal nuptial, their marriage coming off in a divorce was a sore sight. The princess squarely blames Charles for rekindling the fire with his former lover, Camilla Parker Bowles. Talking about Prince Charles relationship with her ex-lover, Diana says, "Our relationship was getting a little crowded".

Diana’s extra-marital relationship with Major James Hewitt didn’t go well either with the public. Further, the publication of Andrew Morton's book, "Diana: Her True Story" revealed intimate details of her life, including suicidal unhappiness which caused a major media uproar. The issue burned stronger with leaked tapes of telephone conversations of both Prince and Princess with their paramours, adding fuel to the fire. The sordid telephone transcriptions were published in The Sunday Times Hotline in 1992 and 1993 further deteriorating the relationship. The marriage eventually ended in a divorce in 1996.

It is believed that Prince William and Prince Harry are the only interesting outcome of this marriage. The two sons stand second and third in the succession of the royal British throne. 

Princess Diana’s death too was embroiled in several controversies. Some say it’s due to the negligence of the drunk driver who was harassed by paparazzi. There are also allegations that she was actually murdered. But the stark truth is: she is dead. 

On the occasion of her 20th Death Anniversary, for one full week, the whole England and several countries across the world are commemorating her anniversary in a huge manner. TV shows are airing Diana’s documentaries. Minute details of her life are being discussed and debated. Her weaknesses and her strengths are being analyzed and put forth to the world.

Amidst all these controversies, let’s not forget the other beautiful aspects of her life. Let’s celebrate her amicable and caring personality. Let's celebrate her decent upbringing of her kids. Let's celebrate her support for taking up numerous social causes and defending them. Well, after all, even after twenty years of her death, Princess Diana, "Queen of people's hearts", still remains a vivid and burning memory. 

Click on the link to access the e-paper 

http://epaper.thehansindia.com/1334516/SUNDAY-HANS/SUNDAY-HANS#page/9/1

YO HO HO A BOTTLE OF RUM...

When Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island, wrote the lines "Fifteen men on the dead man's chest; Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum; Drink and the devil had done for the rest; Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!” who would have thought the lines would go immortal. The lingo of the seafaring pirates hasn’t taken a beating even though many moons have passed. However, the tribe’s fast disappearance is the veritable truth. Not that anybody is sad or worried. 

Hollywood had its fair share of movies about pirates, although the old movies lacked the charm and quick-paced adventure to hold audiences at the edge of their seats. “Treasure Island”, “The Sea Hawk”, “The Crimson Pirate”, “Captain Blood” and" Cutthroat Island" are a few one can afford to spend time watching, while most others often put you to sleep or let’s say a deep slumber. 

Unlike the old, the new breed of pirate-driven movies did fairly well sailing over the rough seas of mediocrity and monotony. What definitely added a twist to these flicks is the eclectic mix of genius coupled with interesting CGI along with the unconventional portrayal of pirates as good people who know how to pull out of a dastardly comical mix of confusing events. The storyline often plunges the audiences into the depths of the unknown. 

No points in guessing in which direction we are steering – “The Pirates of the Caribbean” series. What started the spark as "The Curse of the Black Pearl" has fanned into an undying flame across the seas with its string of interesting series like “Dead Man’s Chest” “At World’s End” and “On Stranger Tides”. All these ‘Titles’ hold a certain significance to the world of pirates and to the old hats’ sea-faring lingo. 

The recent movie “Salazar’s revenge” better known as “Dead Men Tell No Tales” is as adventurous as it’s entertaining. “The Pirates of the Caribbean” has thrived on two aspects. One, the strength of the hero’s character. Two, the strong-knit storyline. What adds the charm to the hero’s character, which is his hedonistic mix of a gentleman and a hardcore thief. The scarlet bandana on the head, topped with a captain's hat and scruffy yet enchanting attire, Johnny Depp has come a long way sporting the reckless, carefree, adventurous, and bold character – Captain Jack Sparrow. 

Screenwriters, Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio, are behind creating this character, which is believed to be the combination of Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards and Looney Tunes cartoon character Pepe’ Le Pew. One can’t think of any other actor than Johnny Depp to easily slip into the role of this giant persona. And the storyline too, which has its thread of plot running through the entire series, is a great idea by the directors to hold the story in a tight knot. 

However, the recently released "The Pirates of the Caribbean:  Salazar’s Revenge", featured the death of the captain “Barbossa” who sacrifices his life to save his daughter, whom he thought he never had. This must have put the directors on tricky ground. Since it needs to bring in new characters to add to the existing charm and the beauty of the series. All said, the entire series of "The Pirates of the Caribbean" was a delight to watch. Hope, Jack Sparrow leads a long and charming life to give us more hits. 

Songs of Laura Branigan, Modern Talking, Eruption and others!

I didn’t really know who "Laura Branigan" was.  Neither do I know her that well even now. But my queries on Google reveal it's Laura Branigan who sang the song "Self Control" that literally melt my heart. The tune got stuck so into my heart the moment I listen I am effortlessly shifted back in time to the early 80s. 

I was only a kid who could hardly decipher English words properly  when this song first struck me. I was dead. Travelled to other galaxies and starred as the hero and returned home to tell the story. Fantastic is a very low-key word to describe the high I enjoyed listening to this awesome song as a child. Every time, I hear this number inexpressible feelings flood my soul as I stand transfixed hoping for a bolt of lightning to hit me dead. Well, dead in a good way of course!    

Such feelings lend themselves to a couple of other mesmerizing numbers which hold similar galaxy-transportational capabilities. Among them are Modern Talking's "Cheri Cheri Lady" and "Brother Louise". Even to those Indians who haven't heard these songs before, the moment these songs roll out, there's bound  to be a twinkle of enlightenment in the eye and a familiar sign of recognition that's going to dawn on the mind. 

That's because  Bappi Lahiri, our regional Indian music director, unashamedly stole the tunes and introduced them as his own in Mithun Chakravarthy movies. The songs were super duper hits. Of course, the credit, along with the stolen tunes, were warmly received by the music director.  

Not that I don't like Bappi Lahiri. He is an amazing composer, but somehow, I hate it bitterly when guys of good caliber try to sneak in on western songs and without a hint to the composers steal their tunes. 

Throwing a blind eye to plagiarism once,  let's look at another song that dazed me into the same transcendental peak - Boy George's "Culture Club". The smooth silky voice sinks deeply into you as it leaves in totally blissful state. My likeness for Boy George's songs is purely musical and nothing else - lest one thinks otherwise. 

There are other numbers that have put a spring in my walk long back for that matter they do even now, but they belong to the largely well-known musical groups such as Boney M and ABBA. One from the team-  Eruption called "One way ticket" too. The timeless songs are memories that won't desert you even after you grow up! Well, there are hardly any who won't love the rhapsodies of yesteryear?! To be honest, music isn't made like that anymore!