Indian system - what are we showcasing to the world?

Year 2009 is coming to a close and for we Indians its closing with a BANG (quite literally). No I am not talking about the stock movements or the GDP growths or Industrial output figures etc etc.

I am talking of some shameful and disgraceful cases that have come to limelight at the fag end of this year. All these cases should force us to sit back and take notice of how things have been working in India. What is the kind of image we would like to project to the world?

The first one is Mr. Ajmal Kasab. This guy was caught on television, witnessed by many traumatized people killing so many innocents. It has been more than a year since this incident happened. The trial has lasted for so many months costing we tax payers more than Rs 30 Crores. He admitted his guilt in court in front of the judges. But no, we are a “democratic” law abiding nation that treats our prisoners really very well. Getting frustrated of the never ending case, this guy starts behaving mischievously. He first retracts his admission. Then he mentioned he is an Indian citizen caught by the police at least 20 days prior to the incident. He had come to Mumbai to become an actor and he resembles the terrorist in the pictures. Way to go buddy. You have now found out how Indian legal system can be played with. At this rate, the case can go on and on and on. And we tax payers will continue to foot your free accommodation and lunches as a privileged guest in our Incredible India.

Moving on is Mr N D Tiwari. We all had heard of stories of politicians and celebrities caught in compromising positions across the globe. But this is first instance that came to light in Indian politics (though I am very sure others are just as well hidden). That ways, Mr Tiwari, you should get the pole position. An 86 years old so-called freedom fighter is caught on camera. But still he has the guts to say that it’s not him. He has done nothing wrong and his entire life has been dedicated to the service of nation. Yes sir, you have been servicing the nation very well and I am again sure that it’s just a matter of days when this story will die like many other stories in the past and you might well be re-instated as the governor of some other state to continue your dedicated service.

Last and to top both of above is the case of Ruchika Girotra and the accused SPS Rathore (a high-ranking police officer having been given some of the highest honors in police service). I don’t even have to write any details on this topic because it’s getting sufficient media coverage already.
But just look at the way our legal system works. After 19 years of incident, 16 years post death of victim, the accused gets convicted for a 6 months sentence only to be released on bail the very next day at a bail of Rs 1000. (yes you hear it right… that’s Rs 1000 which is not even considered a respectable bribe these days). He comes out smiling and says that he will appeal back.

All these cases might not be remembered while I write my blog at the end of next year. Most of the people shouting, screaming and protesting at these cases including me will very soon forget everything. Well, we have very short memories not to mention that we have umpteen fresh cases coming up every month to keep us engaged. So who is bothered?

Way to go 2009!

Rocket Singh....

This might not be the best of this year’s movies. Certain parts get boring and dull, they get unreal sometimes but inspite of all this, it is still worth a watch. The simple reason being it’s different.
So far I have not come across a movie being made on this subject. OK… I might be a bit biased. A salesperson myself, the movie does tend to engage me more than may be some other professionals. But the same reason makes the movie unreal to me as well.

So having given the verdict first, what is that I liked and disliked in the movie?
First is the subject. I don’t recollect movies been made on a salesperson in a tough hardware environment. Without going in too much about the business and profession, the movie is still able to capture the subtle nuances and challenges very well.

Second is the acting department. I suppose Ranbir has had a great year in 2009. After Wake up Sid and Ajab Prem, he once again comes across as a natural actor. All these movies have been aptly written keeping him in mind. His freshness, sometimes dumbness gives a nice feel to the movie. Though he doesn’t look like a typical Sardar. That ways, his grandpa played by Prem Chopra takes full marks.

All other actors are new but they still deliver excellent performance for their roles. Gauhar Khan (another model turned actor) is promising in her debut. Shahzahn (currently her fame is Alyqusee Padamsee and Sharon Prabhakar’s daughter) looks pretty and her miniscule role only expects that from her. I am not aware of names of other actors but as I said earlier they all fit into their respective roles.

Shimit Amin (who had earlier shot to fame with his directorial debut Chak De… ) once again proves that a good movie doesn’t need known faces to make it run. It’s created at a meager budget of Rs 5 Crores but still doesn’t look like the movie has made any compromises.

Interesting aspect of the movie is its Music. While the movie had possibilities of songs of every kind (drama, romance, revenge etc etc..), can you believe the movie doesn’t have a single song and yet you don’t miss them. The background number is just sufficient to keep the rhythms and notes alive.

Now what went wrong…As I started, the movie gets a bit unreal sometimes…Its hard to imagine that a person runs an independent company right under the nose of another company which is small and tightly managed. The movie also exaggerates certain aspects in the beginning which I will not like to disclose as I run the risk of disclosing the storyline.

So overall, you can go for the movie. Anyways there are not too many good movies in theaters these days… Enjoy!

By the way, after Ajab Prem, I did see a couple of movies but none were worthy enough to write a review. To top that list will be Kurbaan which was an ultimate disappointment and a waste of money. Guess, Karan should stick to his larger than life family and dreamy dramas.