Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) – A struggle of Daughter, Wife and Woman in today’s (conservative) society

By The Gorgeous Palah Chingu

My Rating : 4/5

You might think this film is filled with laughter and humor. You might think that it will be very entertaining and it will made your day after watching it. Yes, it is funny. Yes, you will laugh. What you dont know is Zoya Akhtar’s film is more than just an instrument to make people laugh. She will pinned down a message in it and you will find yourself pondering about it. At least, i found myself doing that. The plot started when Mr and Mrs Mehra (acted by Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah) invited their friends to join them celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in a cruise ship. It was their eldest daughter, Ayesha (acted by Priyanka Chopra) plan to begin with. They began their journey without any disturbance; enjoying their time together along with their youngest son, Kabir (acted by Ranveer Singh) and their family’s dog , Pluto Mehra. In a first glance, they looked like a typical upper class Indian family where money and career are the measurement of success. Where does Zoya hinted a woman’s struggle in a current society ; i’ll show you in a following paragraphs.

A daughter’s struggle.

Farah Ali, a free spirit dancer.

On a cruise ship, Kabir found himself fell in love with Farah Ali (acted by Anushka Sharma). He loves the fact that they are totally opposite in nature and how farah inspired him to pursue doing what he wanted to do. Farah shared with Kabir about her past ; how she aspire to become a dancer but it was not sits well with her own family. Farah knew she wont be able to pursue her dream if she didnt take charge of her own dream. What did she do? She ran away from home, leaving her family behind and funding herself to learn dance at the art institution. How many people out there like Farah? I am sure it is more than thousands. While people are claiming things has change for girls today, it is indeed very slow and frustrating process. Kabir, as we known all his life has been sheltered and never did anything like it was drawn to Farah. Kabir wanted to become a pilot originally but it has been rejected by his parents saying it was not a real career and he should focus on running their family business. He kept it quiet and running his family business but deep down, he knew it wasnt right for him.

Ranveer Singh as Kabir Mehra.

A wife’s struggle.

Mr and Mrs Mehra, An Unhappy Married Couple.

Mr and Mrs. Mehra (Ayesha’s and Kabir’s Parents) has been playing a charade of great couple for god knows, how many years. They are both miserable but didnt tell each other about it. Mr. Mehra has been unfaithful to Mrs. Mehra for for the past few years of their marriage. Mrs. Mehra knew about it but she wont confront her husband about it. Why? most wife wont leave her husband if she herself are not educated or didnt has any job. She depended solely on her husband and never earn a penny her whole life. This is just an ugly truth. Kabir and Ayesha knew about it but due to a nature of ‘Mind Your Own Business’, they didnt dare to meddle in their parent’s affair. Mrs Mehra acting among her friends how Mr. Mehra is a romantic and good husband. Her friends knew about Mr. Mehra’s infidelity as rumors about it spread faster but they shut their mouth to avoid any conflicts. How many women out there is letting themselves rotting in a prison of a bad and unhappy marriage, you tell me? Ayesha tried to suggest getting a divorce to her mother but has been dismissed completely. Divorce is a thing that scared women the most especially in a conservative society because it shows that you failed to be a good wife and you are completely undesired by your husband.

Anil Kapoor as Mr. Mehra and Shefali Shah as Mrs. Mehra

A woman’s struggle.

Ayesha Mehra is torn between career and tradition.

Ayesha Mehra, a self made entrepreneur. Despite her own success, she was being belittled due to her failure of being an obedient wife and good daughter in law. Among these three characters, i felt somewhat connected with Ayesha the most. She obeyed her parent’s decision to having an arranged marriage with Manav Sangha. She adopted his name and her family cut their connection completely with her. She was their daughter but now she belongs to them. I remember one scene when Mr. Mehra said that Ayesha belong to other family. Her parents wont even care a bit how successful she is after her marriage. She was told frequently by her mother to focus more on being a good wife. Her mother in law taunted her for not being a typical daughter in law which she said should be reserve, shy and kept their opinion to herself. None of these qualities possessed by Ayesha. She was independent, fierce and dare to confront the truth. She was listed in a India Forbes’ top 10 business owner but in her own home, she was pressurized of not trying hardest in having a baby. It is a woman struggle because no matter how successful you are, this gender roles of being a good daughter and wife will always haunting you. Ayesha felt the hollowness in her life and decided to ask for a divorce but her family strongly against her decision. She doesnt love Manav and she doesnt want to let herself trapped in the unhappy marriage. What makes me angry is how both her mother and mother in law kept saying that having a children will save their marriage. According to them, having a children with Manav will make Ayesha happy which she utterly disagreed.

Farhan Akhtar as Sunny Gill.

Where is Farhan Akhtar in this film? Farhan acted as Sunny in this film. He is Ayesha’s lover before her marriage. Their relationship is over because Mr. Mehra decided to send Sunny further their study oversea and married Ayesha off to Manav. As a son of Mr. Mehra’s manager, sunny couldnt do anything. Their love sparked again when Ayesha met him after a few years separated. He has a minor role compared to others but man, i do love one scene when he talked about women’s equality with Manav, Ayesha’s Husband. It showed how different their mindset are and why Ayesha love Sunny not Manav.

This is a normal family film if you want to look it that way. I wouldnt change my opinion, that’s for sure. It is normal to see family crises but if you look deeply, you will see how zoya creatively buried this long overdue of woman’s struggle in her film. It is entertaining but at least you will gain something from it. I gave 4/5 for this film because i think Zoya and the other casts deserved it.

My New Flame, Priyanka Chopra

By The Gorgeous Palah Chingu

Before Barfi, no one ever thought Priyanka can act (what i’m trying to say that she can act but not brilliantly). Don’t blame me for saying so because I think she’s terrific in Anjaana Anjaani, Fashion, 7 khoon Maaf and Barfi. It is not her fault that people could not get past her gorgous body and exotic face. I mean, if you look at her, you know she looks different. Not bad different but good different. Well, if you beg to disagree with me, go on because she was after all Miss World Pageant 2000. Anyway, my intention here is not to write about Priyanka Chopra’s acting ability. I am sure all of you knew that she’s one of the fine actresses in Bollywood Industry right now. She earned so many awards and praised by critics for her films like Fashion (2008), 7 Khoon Maaf (2011) and Barfi (2012).

I am here just to spazzing how I love that she agreed to do item song for 2 films in 2012 and 1 film for 2013. Katrina Kaif will always be my goddess but damn, Priyanka may able to steal the title. Oh my god, this is so not straight statement from me. Haha.

1. Asalaam E Ishqum – Gunday (2014)

The moment I listened to this song in cinema, I was instantly hooked. Everything is so masala and overdramatic. Priyanka as a cabaret girl in this song just blew me away. I mean, who the fuck does not want to tap that ass (Palah, please control your lust). I am a freaking straight girl but if I get any chance with her, well that could turn out to be another story. She’s hot in her own music video ‘Erotic’ but it is incomparable in this music video. I wish Ranveer and Arjun didn’t featured in the video though the voice of male playback singer in the song is so addictive. I don’t know how many times I raped the repeat button on my Ipod for this song only.

2. Ram Chahe Leela – Ram Leela (2013)

Ram Chahe Leela might not appeal you at first, but It will grows on you. I mean, Ram Leela film’s sound track is pretty damn good. From Ang Laga De, Lahu Munh Lag Gaya to Nagada Sang Dhol, you will be hooked to all of it right away. Ram Chahe Leela might take a longer time for me to like it, but hey, In the end, i love it as much as other song. Priyanka agreed to cameo for this song and she delivered the hell of a dance in the film. The voice of playback singer in the song also suited her looks well.

 

3. Babli Badmaash Hai (2013)

I don’t really love Babli Badmaash. The hype around the song is so huge that when I listened to it, I am kind of disappointed. This is the first item song that Priyanka agreed to do in Bollywood. When Priyanka fans spreading the word about how good it was, I was actually feeling ‘Mehhhhh’ about the song. The dance routine is good and Priyanka in black leather tight one piece suit with neon light attached is freaking weird but sexy in the same time. Maybe I just didn’t love the song. I still enjoy Priyanka in this anyway (or maybe because John Abraham was in there too). Haha.

GUNDAY – Hindi Film Review

BY RUBY CHINGU

Directed and Written by: Ali Abbas Zafar | Starring:Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Irrfan Khan

RATING – 6/10

It has been quite a depressing week in Malaysia. The Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is still missing, the terrible haze in Shah Alam, the city where I’m staying and the general emotional helplessness continues to break our hearts as all around the world fervently hope for the missing flight to appear and the mystery to be solved. The tragedy led me to think of many things, the same way when my father passed away. Now would be the good time to tell your loved ones that you love them and try to achieve your dreams and to fulfill your wishes, as we never know when our time on earth will end. A sad morbid thought but that’s reality.

Alrighty, moving on to the more cheerful stuffs!

PLOT SUMMARY: The film I’m about to review today is Gunday, starring the ever-so-shameless-but-entertaining Ranveer Singh (or more affectionately, Ranveer Baba) and his baba friend, Arjun Kapoor. The premise of the film is about two childhood friends, Bikram and Bala, who became refugees resulted by the independence of Bangladesh. Identifying themselves as Indians, they survived their childhood by committing illegal acts of stealing coals for the older guys. As they managed to escape the depressing life in the refugee camp, they landed in the town of Kolkata, where their fearlessness in breaking the law and the bad guys resulted in the boys building a massive business empire, albeit always related to illegal dealings. Main point the film tried to convey is that though they were basically Mafia dons, they had the heart of gold. Like all the heroic Mafia dons in Hindi films, they did a lot of charity and ruled over the needy people of Kolkata with kindness and compassion. Then, entered the beautiful Nandita (Priyanka Chopra) into their lives. Both Bikram and Bala fell in love with the same woman and promised each other that they would respect whoever Nandita chooses to be with. As per usual, what Nandita did in entertaining the flirtatious behaviours of both men and ended up in choosing only one caused a drift in Bikram and Bala’s relationship. Other than that, they also faced challenges in the form of ACP Sarkar (by the amazing Irrfan Khan) who had been tracking their criminal activities for a long time.

REVIEW: Overall, the film is very very entertaining. It has all the ingredients to a great Hindi film – action, that dirty ruggedness of a masculine Indian man, some romance, some underground don-related stuffs and great item songs. However, the main ingredient that made Gunday so enjoyable is the brotherhood of Bikram and Bala. The chemistry of Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor is superb here. BROMANCE TO THE CORE, BABY! They did everything together – lived off the streets together, built a business together, committed crimes together, slept next to each other on the same bed wearing the same clothes all the time together to the point I find their relationship to be extraordinarily sweet but gay.

The minus point I’m very unhappy with is the fact that they drifted apart due to a woman, which makes the film kind of predictable. Nevertheless, Priyanka is sooo stunning in her item songs (highlights: Tune Mari Entriyaan and Asalaam-e-Ishqum). She’s stunning but that’s just it. She was not much of a presence compared to Irrfan Khan who played a cop that has been trying to put Bikram and Bala in jail for years.

Now, to the acting of Ranveer Baba and Arjun Baba. In all honesty, I am not a fan of Ranveer. He’s great and all, I know. He was amazing in Band Baaja Baarat, the film that ALMOST made me fall in love with him. I have yet to watch Ricky Bahl and Lootera, though. But in Ram Leela, Ranveer did not impress me much as an actor. I enjoy watching him more in real life than in films, which is weird because it is supposed to be the other way round. Ranveer as a person is infectiously funny, bubbly and simply crazy (note: do watch his interview in Koffee With Karan, the 4th season). Unfortunately, it seems like the character of Ram in Ram Leela and Bikram in Gunday were tailored for that side of his personality. Thus, I kept thinking that I am seeing the same Ranveer Baba over and over again – the happy, sometimes conflicted but naturally funny and confident man that he is.

But damn, Ranveer Baba can surely dance like there’s no tomorrow! And he’s super hot! I know he’s hairy and oily and all…. but still, I think he’s hot. That’s the problem, though. I find myself to be strangely attracted to this actor yet at the same time I don’t really like him that much. Hmmmm, now how did that happen?? Hahahaha

Now we go to Arjun Baba. Okay. Let me just put this out there – ARJUN KAPOOR IS AN G-R-E-A-T ACTOR! Unexpectedly, he is the one who actually brings more emotional depth and layers to Gunday. I first saw Arjun in Ishaqzaade, in which he was great as well. But in next film, Aurangzeb, he totally challenged himself by playing dual roles of a pair of twins with completely different personalities. I love how Arjun seems to be quite selective in his works and refuses to play the same character over and over again. He’s young and hot and new and he could easily choose to do that but he did not. So, yes, I am very proud of him. He did not manage to get the girl (Nandita) in Gunday, as she chose the obviously hotter and more oily Bikram (Ranveer) but that made Bala more humane and wounded. Thus, Arjun got to deliver a wider emotional range compared to Ranveer. While the latter’s character as Bikram was limited to a cheerful mischievous sweet lover, the former’s character as Bala was an embittered man of few words with a tough exterior but a soft kind heart. He displayed his disappointment over losing Nandita’s love so well – his facial expressions during the song Saaiyaan are so heartbreaking! *cries*

God, am I Arjun’s fan now? I think so. I did not really like him at first but after seeing how well he acted, I am super excited to see his next performance. Go Arjun Kapoor! I believe in you!

IN CONCLUSION, ARJUN KAPOOR’S ACTING IS THE BEST THING IN THE FILM.

Now, what don’t I like in the film? The actions scenes are overrated. But then, that’s a given for all masala films. And too many chest exposure. I mean, I do love naked guys but do they have to be oily and sweaty ALL THE TIME? There was this one fight scene where Ranveer and Arjun were running towards each other, topless and wet, and I can literally see their chest muscles bouncing up and down. I mean, I’m not sure…. is bouncy chest supposed to be sexy? I mean… this sweaty sex and all… I’m not sure… But hey, if you like it like that, you like it like that and who am I to judge? Hahahahahaha.

The slow-motion muscle running thing I was talking about

Watch the film if you like a good bromance story. Plus, the music by Sohail Sen is super great. And also, do appreciate Arjun Kapoor’s performance! Heheheehe.

P/S: Never stop praying for Flight MH370 and the people in it. Also pray to the Search and Rescue team members who are working very hard to find the plane and rescue the people inside it. I pray that everyone involved in the incident is safe and sound and I hope the loved ones can be reunited with them. Dear Allah, do give them strength to face this experience.

Goliyon Ki Raasleela – Ram Leela (2013) : Bollywood Movie Review

By the Gorgeous Palah Chingu

My Rating: 3.8/5

I knew that Ram Leela was sanjay leela bhansali’s next film in 2012. Although the lead cast is not finalized at that time, seeing ranveer singh and Kareena Kapoor listed as the main one put this film automatically on my radar. I am not so fond of Kareena but maybe after seeing she on screen with ranveer in the future will make me love her. Don’t misunderstood me, I don’t hate kareena, I thinks she’s fine as an actress but I don’t really go crazy over her. However, after a few rumors about Kareena will not going to do this film, the truth about it get out eventually. I watched a few interviews that said kareena thought the love scene is too intense and lustful and she scared of Ranveer Singh’s playfulness and beyond control on the set. I am sure we all can see that (especially those who watched koffee with Karan). Ranveer’s hyper activeness may lead some uncomfortable feeling with her co-star. Who can blame Kareena right? She maybe just doesn’t want any childishness drama.

Romeo and Juliet theme in Bollywood film scene is uncommon. The love bird in the film usually will live happily ever after many scenes of chasing and fighting with the unapproved heroin’s father and brother or after the hero covered in blood and pretty much will be dead in next second suddenly gained massive strength because of her girl screamed for help. That is bollywood for you. If you happen to watch any Indian films with not so happy ending, that film maybe will be categorized under unconventional films in India. However, I am not here to blather about commercial films and unconventional films in Bollywood. Everyone had their own preferences in film and movie and that is why we had freedom of choice in the first place.

Deepika Padukone as ‘Leela’

Deepika as Leela is not disappointing (actually ‘not disappointing’ will be an understatement). I knew she can act brilliantly since I watched cocktail (2012). She was amazing in cocktail (2012) and in this film, dude, the way she brought Leela character is flawless. I like how deepika embodied the character of Leela as flirtatious and playful girl and at the same time, brave and dare to play with fire too. It is just perfect fit for Deepika. I can vividly remember how she does not seem hesitate to kiss Ram at all though it was their first meeting. That was one of my favorite scenes in this film. The intensified desire and lust is just exploding all over their face. Ram ached for leela and so does leela. The fact that there are barrier between them as both came from Rajari and Sanera family who had been a mortal enemy with each other for so many years does not even bothered them to engage in secret relationship. Maybe forbidden fruit is sweetest suits their situation best. The excitement and thrill of having to conceal secret passion with each other makes them inseparable.

Ranveer Singh as Ram

Ranveer singh as Ram not brought so much impact to me as deepika did though I did watch this film initially because of him. Deepika did overshine ranveer in so many ways. Maybe the fact that when people in the film talked about how much ram and ranveer resembled each other turned me off a little bit. If they are so similar, then what ranveer did in the film is not acting but just being him. For me, Ranveer’s best performance is in the Lootera (2012). Being a looter and in the same time accidentally fell in love with the daughter of the man he looted is definitely a different role for Ranveer. He’s not being childlike in the film, he’s matured but in the same time was tormented inside, he wanted to stop being a professional thief but he’s indebted to his uncle which he assumed as his savior. Lootera showed that ranveer can play with so many emotions and it came across in the film. I think he did a very good job in that film (Lootera). Ram’s character maybe just as the additional spices in the film. Without Ram, the forbidden love will not appear in the first place. There are some moments when Ranveer did a good job as Ram but that’s it, nothing else.

 

However, their chemistry is the thing people talked most before, during and after watching this film. No doubt, hands down to both of them, they could burn the cinema screen with their fiery and sizzling acting. If this film is added with a little hollwood-ish, the passionate lovemaking scene would appear twice and more. Sanjay Leela Bhansali decided not to do any bed scene in this film and of course, ruby and I disappointed. I mean, if you watch this film, you kind of wanted that particular scene to happen. It should been there because what else lust and love is for? (Please spare me your bullshit of love is more than sex, I don’t need to hear any of it). Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. They got separated forcedly before their first night together and within that time, Sanera and Rajari’s family fight elongated with so many crisis and restless power struggle. When they finally reconciled, both of them had taken over family business and obligated to make it prosper and thrive even they had to hurt each other. The loveless reconciliation over Ram and Leela in that scene is my top favorite scene in the film. Their soul tied to each other but their feet are chained with the name and honor of family.

Supriya Pathak as Dhankor Baa

I don’t know if you guys realized this but this film is dominated with many good actresses. They all did their part brilliantly. Beside Deepika in the film, Deepika’s Mom and sister in law are equally among the added factor of how good this film is. Supriya Pathak as Dhankor Baa should be lauded with applause. I know some would say that evil character is easy to play. Well, playing a role as a high ranking and respected leader that led family clan business to thrive and even survived in the male dominated society demanded someone who can do it right. Supriya Pathak nailed the role and her presence in the film is something you can’t push away. Being ‘Baa’ and looked up by others as a clan leader, people terrified of her and her order remains their highest concern. She loved Leela but just not the same way typical mother would love her daughter. She punished Leela for her sin and even cut her finger off when Leela defied her order.

Richa Chadda as Rasila

Richa Chadda may not have big role in this film but if you ever watched Gangs of Wasseypur (1 & 2), her acting talent is just way above the par. She may not be a typical pretty as bollywood commercial film heroin had but acting wise, she’s the one. Being Rasila in this film is not so lucky obviously. She’s also got caught between petty fight between Rajari and Sanera. She ended up being a widow when Ram killed her husband as retaliation of his brother being shot at the scene. However, she wanted Ram and Leela to have a happy ending and urged them to run away and never came back. Little did she know that they will get caught and it cause the family fight to become bigger. She also almost got raped and being molested by Ram’s friend while tried to find Ram to reconnect him back with Leela. Rasila is not a typical girl who came back crying after the incident. She tried to convince Leela that Ram and his friends is just same and not worth anything good. Considering she almost got raped, she’s got the point for saying so. Still, Rasila being a selfless sister for Leela, taking good care of her and persuade Leela to replace Baa and try to continue their family legacy.

    

This film overall was pretty good. It is strictly for entertainment movie with a sole theme ‘that we would die in each other arm’. The ending also turned out to be the biggest disappointment (after no bed scene found) in this film as ruby said, it is so similar with Ishaqzaade (2011). We all know that they both be dead at the end of the film, we just wanted a different kind of ending. Deepika Padukone is truly a jewel in this film. She carried the whole movie with the help of Supriya Pathak and Richa Chadda. Ranveer singh, after all, is just the eye candy in this film. I like him but his role in this film is just sort of there and he failed to make a new rendition of Ram like Leela did. The soundtrack on the other hands is fantastic. I listened to the whole album before the film is being released. Of course, the song of Nagada Sang Dhol, Ang Laga de and Lahu Munh Lag Gaya would be my first choice. The whole album is enjoyable to listen with a little bit of mystical and cultural sound. Ram Chahe Leela might not hit well with you when you listened to it first, but it grew on you after a few times repeating it. All the songs fit well with the film scene and fuck yeah, I am satisfied with it.