The Test Of Patience

Last week, when Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do released in the theatres to a good 2 hours 50minutes of reel time, I saw the audience go berserk with philosophies of lengthy- time wasting movies. While the likability of the movie was extremely subjective, people’s patience had definitely been tested yet again. 

Sitting for a 2 and a half hour long film has never looked longer than in times today. While I personally felt that DDD had taken it’s own good sweet time to build on the essential elements, and create a momentum for the punch points and important scenes to leave an impact, many saw that as an unnecessary elongation of the script. Was it really the script that was put to test?

I find it quite ironic to believe that of the 100 plus years of Indian cinema, majority films, till quite recently have clocked a screen time of around and above 3 hours.

Mera Naam Joker                   255 minutes

Sangam                                      238 minutes

Hum Saath Saath Hai           228 minutes

Lagaan                                        224 minutes

Jodhaa Akbar                           213 minutes

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham 210 minutes

Mughal-e-Azam                        197 minutes

Sangam was the first film in history to be released with 2 intervals. The similar suit was followed by Raj Kapoor in his next, Mera Naam Joker. But lengthy films of song and dance have not always merely been a phenomena of Indian origins. In fact, some of the most popular films from the west have also had a running time of over 4 hours, inclusive of classics such as Gone With The Wind, The Godfather, The Ten Commandments, Benhur, Troy and many many more films.

Lord Of The Rings                   242 minutes

Gone With The Wind              233 minutes

The Ten Commandments   231 minutes

Schindler’s List                        196 minutes

Titanic                                         194 minutes

If you note the trend carefully, most films with longer durations were made in the early days of cinema and entertainment, when films served as means of entertaining the public as well creating awareness to issues. Considering the technological advancements and financial backdrop of people, watching a movie was equivalent to well planned outing. In fact it was a ‘once-in-a-month’ event where the complete family would dress up after waiting for days and go enjoy the on screen magic.

For a long time, movies remained a lavish hobby to follow. Even when the middle classes were introduced to this form of entertainment, the cost that it brought along always gave them an excuse to make this a well planned outing. Back then, films did not put in hefty marketing budgets to attract the viewers to the cinemas. Instead, they invested in bringing on board massy superstars, top musicians-lyricist-singers and some exotic locales in the film. What we mock today as sheer stupidity and breech of logic, back then was a massive hit amongst the masses. More because they watched movies to take a breather and laugh rather than drenching themselves in deep dark thinking.

All the cheesy dialogues, OTT fashion, poetic songs with unmechanized music and the thumbs and the glycerine smiles and tears constituted as what was term as BOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

Several years later, when our access to western cinema increased and everything west was supposed to be cool (I’d call this an MNC trap to make better sales) downsizing Indian cinema became the cooler thing.

With an age of change, we also silently welcomed an age of influenced stories. In another of our attempts to ape the west, filmmakers who decided to take the new-age-gutsy path, chose to ditch item numbers and long emotional scenes to cut down the story to the practicality of it. They began to call this crisp and to the point. I apologize, but somehow I still can’t make sense of showing a revenge story without showing the bond and the loss.

When did taking the obvious for granted become an obviously stated statement?

I am not sure if I am a part of the minority that feels the pinch of leaping content and emotions which created momentum and emotion for the story and the characters. Does the current generation of cine goers prefer the speed of the story than it’s build up and the real drama? Is it okay to showcase a love story in merely one song in a film based on revenge? Is it okay to cover an  entire turning point of a film in just one song? No wonder people fall in and out of love in a letter of 2 scenes and 3 dialogues along some exotic locales.

I do not have the west alone to blame. Or anyone to specifically target and blame for this matter. Another important revolution, that of technology has played a key role in the transforming change that we see today. We’ve not just come open to the idea of micro films by budding filmmakers thanks to the easily accessible technology; but we have also resorted to newer means and channels for entertainment. We can now download a film at our own will in minutes or change the TV channel upon the dawning of a commercial break. With everything going here-to-there making quick shifts, technology has massively killed our patience to the extent that even a second long delay in loading a web page or delivering a Whatsapp message causes an internal unrest.

Similarly with films, to sit through a linear thought for over 120 minutes is a life taking experience for many, especially if the genre or the artists or simply the story does’ match their personal style or liking. Anything beyond a span of 2 hours is hard to digest. Spoilt for choice with an increasingly shorter attention span. In a recent study by Microsoft, it was discovered that the attention span of humans has drastically dropped from 12 seconds to 8 seconds. Thus proving, this has little to do with the content and more to deal with the internal changes of the human mind. So every time you watch a movie, you’re busy multitasking between your instant messages and other phone notifications, unable to fixate your eyes on the screen.

Also, like we always make an excuse of the lack of time, the patience level has taken many tosses to fit the bill. Because we are always running somewhere.

Ultimately, my only question is- “If sitting through seasons of your favorite TV series glued on that one screen seems so very possible every night to you, why such intolerance towards the movies?”

This post was first published on Cinemawaali Writes

Check more articles on- Meet Cinemawaali

23 Years Later, Shah Rukh Khan I Still Love You!

To fall in love and to stay out of it! How is that even possible? Such is the case of being in love with Shah Rukh Khan.  23 years ago, a young man with ruffled hair and a not so good looking face came riding on his bike with much style singing,

“Koi na koi chaahiye pyaar karne waala

Koi na koi chaahiye pyaar karne waala

Koi na koi chaahiye.. Hum pe marne waala

Dil-o-jaan lutaayenge

Hum toh usi par

Saath mein bitaayenge

Shyaam-o-saher Shyaam-o-saher o mere yaara”

 Did the director, Raj Kanwar know back then that these lyrics would indeed be the definition and the answer to them for the man who lip-synced them? With the likes of Rishi Kapoor, Amrish Puri and Divya Bharati, Shah Rukh Khan came and conquered with much elaan!

The nation was about to go gaga with his charm.

He left no stone unturned. Instead, he portrayed the various shades of gray that many refused to play. The obsessive lover in him that took the many forms in Baazigar, Anjaam, DDLJ and the subtlety of Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa and the lesser extreme tones that followed the mix continued with Pardes, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil Toh Paagal Hai, Devdas and the many films of this King Of Romance that followed.

On various occasions, Shah Rukh confessed that if there was anything consistent about his characters and his way of love, it was the belief that ‘Love is selfish’, contrary to the many who say ‘Love is selfless’.

Believe it or  not, that is how he became the dream lover of millions across the globe! There was no challenging his star power. There still isn’t.

While films today are judged either by the awards they win and the collections they bring in, Shah Rukh Khan has long surpassed the many levels of both. Be it the fact that he holds the maximum national honors (inclusive of Filmfare Awards and the many other awards) or the various international honors, Dr. Shah Rukh Khan stands tall in his shoes.

Not too long ago, he was named the second richest entertainer in the world and it is believed that he has already raked up his ranking to numero uno. There isn’t a second question about his king like lifestyle. Yet, his past has seen him spend sleepless nights on the many benches of Bombay.

While most of believe in the turn of destiny, it is people like him who make their destiny by adding the zen of handwork and dedication. With all those injuries and operations, a man who is on the brink of his 50th birthday carrying so much energy, charm and enigma is a rare occurrence. As rare as the presence of only one Shah Rukh Khan in the world of over 7 billion with every third man wanting to be like him.

There is no questioning the presence of his haters, because with lots of love also comes a lot of envy and criticism. Now only if we learned to deal with the unwanted pricks in our life with the wit like his.

How does one not smile at statements like, “I here people say… Why does he (Shah Rukh) wear dark glasses at night?” I’ll tell you why I wear them. I wear them because the sun doesn’t stop shining on me… even at night!”

Or this one- “Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself I take a trip to the U.S. The immigration guys kick the star out of my stardom!”

Even with all the flak he receives for his unmatchable wit, Shah Rukh Khan remains unperturbed. Of course unless his kids tell him that he is wrong. Whoever said that actors don’t make the best of parents gets it in his face with King Khan as he continues to be the coolest dad in this country! There’s no going wrong with King Khan when it comes to his kids (Just in case you have forgotten the Wankhede Controversy).

Not to forget his charity which he does in abundance but likes to keep it pious by not publicizing it or the many achievements and feathers in his hat right from being a heartthrob popular than most Hollywood biggies or simply being one of the richest entertainers in the world. With that energy at 50, this man is unstoppable.

This is not the first time that I write of him, I have written of him before and I shall write again. But I doubt with all my prolific writing and words of love, I’ll ever completely be able to describe the charm, persona, achievements and aura of this man. I see many like me. Their faith unfazed, their love unmoved and their faith unshaken.

Imagine, all of this for a man they have never met, for a man who is unaware of their existence and yet this man lives to entertain them! May be this is what they call love.

He lives for them, not knowing them.

They love him, cuz he lives for them!

Then, when I think of my own love for this man,I am drawn back to the inspiration and positivity he unconsciously  bestows. Let’s just say, I’m a better dreamer and he makes me believe in my dreams.

To each his own, every person I meet has a tale to tell about this man. Some who simply admire him, some who want to be him and some who hate him because they cannot be him. That energy, that passion, that dedication that he inspires is going to create wonders. Be it through the many aspiring to be him or the ones who’d simply follow his lessons!

As for me, I’m happy to be here. Happier to believe that there is some connect being born a year later, on the day his first film released.

Because the words won’t end and the feelings will still remain…

Here’s wishing this phenomenal man a future of good films that compliment his aura! While the rest continue learning the lessons of love from him <3

Because the love shall stay and keep growing, let me say it once again…

SHAH RUKH KHAN, WE LOVE YOU!

Meet Maratha Mandir Ke Popcorn Wale Uncle

In the last 30 odd years, not much has changed at the prestigious Maratha Mandir theatre in Mumbai. Their seats, their ambience, their architecture, their canteen and Lalji Yadav.

We’d all picture him as the popcorn wale uncle at Maratha Mandir.

POPCORN WALE UNCLE…

Meet Lalji, a staff member at the Maratha Mandir canteen.

It’s been over 30 years now, since Lalji has been a staff member at the prestigious Maratha Mandir theatre. He’s seen the theatre evolve over time, a generation of moviegoers transform into another. He’s seen the transition of the cinema-audience relationship. And he’s seen the magic that movies have on people.

I went Maratha Mandir a few weeks ago to gauge the audience of DDLJ. There I met my popcorn wale uncle-Lalji dada. At the age of 58, he was the most pro-active staff member at the great theatre, and welcomed me with a smile. As I began picking my choice of snacks, dada happily served me, and the conversation began. Dada was more than elated to share his experience of 30 years, in an unrealistic span of some multiples of 30 seconds time. On what keeps him hooked to this place for over 30 years, the answer was promptly shot back saying that it was the enthusiasm that people have for the movies and their happy faces that makes him a happy man here...  Read More

Courtesy: Cinemawali Twist

And they lived happily ever after!

Before you start reading this, answer this-

“DO YOU THINK HAPPY ENDINGS ARE OVER RATED?”

Cinderella, Snow white, Rapunzel, The Sleeping Beauty…

We all grew up to fairy tales that were used to make believe in the most popular conclusion of all times, “…And they lived happily ever after.”

Nobody knows what happened to Snow white after she met Prince Charming, did Cinderella gain acceptance from the royal household and the people when she met the Prince of her dreams, nobody knows if the Sleeping Beauty was never again troubled by the Dark Fairy! And back then, these questions never bothered us nor did we think beyond the concept of ‘Happy Endings.’

May be we don’t realize the trivial nature of reality unless we come across its harsh exposures.

While there were no more stories being told, we entered another magical illusion, the cinema. Like most people in this country, movies were the quintessential entertainers, stress busters and escape from reality. So whether it was Basanti and Veeru’s chemistry in Sholay or Raj and Simran’s love story, you grew up knowing, goodness would triumph and the film would end on the note ‘… and they lived happily ever after.’

Yes! We did grow up to believe that. Not just in the love stories but in any story. Be it the battle between the good son (Shashi Kapoor) and the villainous son (Amitabh Bachchan) in Deewar or the Don and his look-alike Vijay in the original DON (1975). Not all, but most films until recently believed in ‘happy endings.’

In spite of all that predictability, we have always rooted for everything to end well. To sum it up in a dialogue, “Humare filmon ki tarah, humarai zindagi mein bhi end tak sab kuch theek ho hee jaata hai. Happies endings. Aur agar theek na ho, toh who di end nahi; picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!” (From Om Shanti Om)

We have always been taught moral stories and all the right values. Like I always say, Indian society highly believes in preaching morals and idealism. All of this in the hope, that whenever in life need be, we shall take the right lessons, stick to our morals and ethics and follow the path of goodness hoping for it to end well. And who knows, had it not been for these stories, we would have easily given up for an easy compromise with the convenient ways!

And well, don’t we do that now? While everybody has been busy debating whether cinema influences society or reflects the ways of society, let’s just say it is a combination of both. Our entertainment reflects our culture and introduces innovations in our way of living.

I earlier referred to the triumph of good over evil, portrayed in DON, I get back to the modern remake and sequel of the film, where it s not about goodness, but about being the smarter one. May be earlier, we didn’t live in an exactly ideal society, but today we have learnt to accept and give in to the ‘Dark side’ too in the name of ‘being practical.’ And yes, it is alright to break relationships that don’t work, unlike the olden days when people strived harder to make relationships work when they didn’t. It is fine today to choose your career over everything else. I say this without sarcasm, but with acceptability. This is how, we have learnt to live. And maybe, this too shall change.

Irony is, that over the time we have developed a misconception, ‘To accept a theory, you have to reject another.’ And guess what! People have just begun to discard the idea of happy endings by terming them to be myths! How cynically hopeless can we be to lose hope even without hoping?

No! Let’s keep the faith alive…

It shall all be fine!

“Happiess Endings with a wide eSmileee”

 J

Mumbai Dreams

Remember that kid in class VII, good in studies, karate, cricket, dance, singing… and his parents would send him everywhere, for all the classes…COMPLETELY EXHAUSTING the poor little kid! His life had become an event. But the point is, “Where is it eventually heading?”

Similar is the case with my city, Mumbai. The very mention brings forth innumerable thoughts and emotions. City of dreams, international city, city of hopes, city of glamour, maya nagri, city that teaches you life… and the list of synonyms for this city are endless. However, I’d say Mumbai is an emotion. Being the Financial capital that provides funds for the healthy functioning of different states and their welfare. What really does the city get? More dreamers coming here to fulfill their dreams, lesser space to accommodate all, stiff competition, rising prices, polluted air, unhealthy surroundings and scores of overlooking people lost in their own world!

While the onlookers will notice the crowd, the glam and the glitz of the city… a Mumbaikar, will always eventually swear by his love for the city. Once a Mumbaikar, life will never be the same anywhere else. There is something very different about of this city, one like none.

However, you will often hear a local complaint of the weak monsoon preparations, of the endless traffic and crowded locals, of the street side eateries and sky kissing properties… and all of the other negatives, he is sure to curse the BMC for a million valid reasons, that remain unchanged!

Over the years, Mumbai has seen a lot. The lot is not a comparison with the rich culture of Bengal or the heritage, yet well developed Delhi or the incessantly delightful Bangalore. Mumbai has its own taste, a taste which is the blend of all. The blend of various cultures, styles, people, events, leaders, revolutions and circumstances, today, enable us to boast of the ‘Spirit of Mumbai’. A spirit that goes beyond any other state in the country- the spirit of a fighter, the spirit of a humanitarian, the spirit of an achiever.

My city, my janma bhoomi & karma bhoomi, lacks nothing but development. I mean planned development. 

“Comparing most of our lives with the city, most tempting things are up for grabs!”

But, for the reputation that it has been carrying around for ages, my city, by the expectations of the world, should possess every advanced amenity- bullet trains (at least a Metro like Delhi), well maintained airport, good transport system, high standard of living for the people, better bridges and highways… and no the list won’t end any sooner. Cherry on the cake, the BMC, some builder/ developer or some public figure comes up with proposals that bring him easy money and claim to fame with a new bridge, building or area being redeveloped by him.

And there ain’t any plan for the development of the city! That, giving you enough reasons to get stuck in traffic thanks to the 10 year long Metro construction process, potholes and road constructions. Of course! We’ll blame the BMC. Because, no planning only short term goals.

Such is our life. Unplanned, unthought and often aimless. Lets hope to make it a story that will be for its subtleness remembered. Too many cooks do spoil the broth; too many things, most unwanted only add an extra bit of clutter. Good things happen out of aimlessness too, after all life has its own plan for you. But don’t let your dreams fade away, may be your dreams are a key to something better. Live your life by your standards and not others demands and wishes. Doing something extra is not a waste, but at the cost of not doing something important is loss.

Mumbai’s biggest gift to anyone is that it teaches them the way of life.

To cope with the where, what and how’s of life.

To brave every situation and to keep going.

It teaches you the "Never Say Die" attitude.

It teaches you to DREAM. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. CHASE YOUR DREAMS. LIVE THEM.

It teaches you… whatever you can learn from it!

And yes, it teaches you to LEARN.

Hoping that my city for all its right glory and our lives, for all the right reasons get the ‘desired direction’