Karthik calling Karthik - A decent watch

I am not sure if this is also a copy of some English movie. But if its not, then it’s a decent attempt by a debutant director Vijay Lalwani. The movie has a good pace and doesn’t waste too much time on unnecessary romantic angles, personal stories, or for that matter any teary emotional dramas.

The movie might not be at its best, would also seem unrealistic, sometimes even bore you but I still consider this as a one-time watch. Why is that?

At the top is the acting department. Farhan is one of those versatile personalities who has already proved himself in every department so far be it direction, anchoring and acting. His performance in this movie will actually establish him as an actor to reckon with. He depicts his multiple facets in his character really well. He makes you sympathize with him in his initial version of shy introvert and almost a loser personaility. At the same time, you admire and enjoy his transformed character of a suave, confident and “ready to conquer the world” image. Though I must add the transformation is too quick and almost unbelievable.

Deepika doesn’t have a big role and almost disappears in the second half. But she looks absolutely gorgeous in every frame of her presence (reminds you of her Love Aajkal role). All her power scenes are in the first half which she has acted quite well. You certainly miss her in the second half. The dialogue sequences between Farhan and Deepika in the 1st half are the best part of the movie. Their romantic one-liners are enjoyable and first-rate. The trailers have already given some samples and believe me unlike most of other movies, they are actually just a sample of many to come in the movie. The two hit off quite well in the movie. Ram Kapoor has also played his part well. Shefali doesn’t have a role and as the credits say is slightly more than a guest appearance.

The direction is good considering that this is Vijay Lalwani’s first movie. The first half is light and the 2nd half thriller is very well directed keeping the audiences on the edge. Apart from acting, it’s the music that forms the soul be it the song tracks or the background score. Each song is good and hummable.

Some of the things that could have been better is both the facets of Farhan have been shown to the extreme. As I wrote earlier the transformation is too sudden and is hardly believable. Though there is a suspense element, but sometime into the 2nd half, it becomes a bit predictable. Will not detail this section as I risk divulging too much and spoiling the experience.

Nevertheless the movie is a good watch and should do more than average business.

If “Tiger Woods” happened in India

Just some thoughts if something like “Tiger Woods” or “John Terry” or “Silvio Berlusconi” happened in India. Some of the probable reactions are as below not necessarily in the same order:

1. Effigies will be burnt in almost every major city.
2. BEST buses will be broken and Trains will be stopped.
3. Opposition parties will call for a Nation wide Bandh
4. Protest marches will be held which will culminate at the residence
5. News channel like IBN7, Aaj Tak, Samay, Star News etc will run 24*7 live coverage of the movements of the “concerned person” and “victims”. People on the roads will be stopped and asked for their opinions. The wife will be asked questions like “How are you feeling?” “Do you feel cheated?” “Were you aware” blah blah. If there is a 1-min footage, it will be shown non-stop for next 3-4 days.
6. Debates will be held on every national news channel on the increasing Western influence on our sacred traditions, culture, heritage. Some of the prominent debators will be Mahesh Bhatt and Shobha De on one side and “Spiritual Gurus” , political leaders on other side
7. Parties like Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena, MNS will target all western stores / pubs / discs etc and forcibly close them. Some new parties will be formed to tackle such issues in public life.
8. Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha Speakers will be asked questions during Question Hours. Sessions in both houses will be adjourned.
9. If he is a political personality, Opposition parties will be blamed.
10. If he is from minority, ISI and Pakistan will be blamed for disrupting our national heritage and peace.
11. After 2 weeks, there will be denial from all sources. This will include the person, his wife and even the satellite people. Some of the girls will disappear and will no longer be seen or available for any comments. If at all they come back, they will mention that they were misquoted and they were just “good friends”. The wife will stand by his husband and offer full support for the mental and may be “physical” trauma he went through.
12. All news channels will find another story to run and that will be the end of the controversy.
13. Ram Gopal Verma and Mahesh Bhatt will announce a movie on the real life incident and most likely Emran Hashmi might be the hero.