Review of Saala Khadoos

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Cast: R Madhavan (Adi Tomar), Ritika Singh (Madhi), Mumtaz Sorcar (Laxmi), Nassar (Pandian), Zakir Hussain (Dev Khatri), Kaali Venkat & Baljinder Kaur (Madhi and Laxmi’s parents)

Direction: Sudha Kongara

Produced by: S Shashikanth, R Madhavan, Rajkumar Hirani

Written by: Sudha Kongara, Sunanda Raghunathan

Screenplay by: Sudha Kongara

Story by: Sudha Kongara

Music: Santosh Narayanan

Cinematography: Sivakumar Vijayan

Edited by: Sathish Suriya

Production Company: Y Not Studios, UTV Motion Pictures

Distributed by: Rajumar Hirani Films, Tricolour Films

Release Date: 29^th January, 2016

Duration: 1 hour 49 minutes

Language: Hindi

Saala Khadoos, a film by Sudha Kongara, explores the Mentor-Mentee relationship and the background chosen to share the story is that of boxing. This film releases simultaneously in Hindi and Tamil (Irudhi Suttru). It is inspired from many true events existing in the field of sports in our country. Sudha is good at her craft, she infuses realism into the film. The film projects the irregularities happening in the sports council, selecting sports personnel for various competitions on the basis of whims and fancies of influential selectors, selectors’ asking for favours from the female sports personnel etc. One thing which I felt was the characters could have been explored much more deeply. In Mary Kom, the background was same i.e. boxing, where the characters and their relationships, be it Mary Kom’s relationship with her mentor, or husband or father all was explored deeply. In Chak De, coach Kabir Khan’s relationships with his coachee were projected beautifully. Another film Bhag Milkha Bhag had lot of depth. Be it Mary Kom, Chak De or Bhag Milkha Bhag, tragedy and triumphs did spark an emotional deluge which was missing in Saala Khadoos (except the last scene and a few other scenes). In spite of this, the film has its own moments. 

 Image courtesy: www.koimoi.com 

The film begins with a scene in the boxing ring and Adi Tomar (R Madhavan) is being pushed out of the stadium. And then the story moves to the flash back – prior to nine months time frame. Adi is shown as an eccentric, arrogant and aggressive boxing coach. He does not shy away from admitting that his wife eloped with a boxer and so he also sleeps with other women. But as far as his profession as boxing is concerned, he is highly ethical and talented and coaches his students very efficiently. His conflict with Dev Khatri (Zakir Hussain) is very much evident, who was at one point of time Adi’s coach. The animosity between the two is because, Dev spiked Adi’s gloves during a very important match, which costed Adi his boxing career. Later on, when he became the coach of women boxers, his conflicts went on with Dev who had become the main selector. Dev is so shrewd that he doesn’t even mind framing Adi in false sexual harassment cases. Adi is no way shown to be just tolerating all injustice towards him. Ultimately he is transferred to Chennai. Adi is shown to be sarcastic, grumpy, irritated when he gets to see the group of female boxers of Chennai. He had already done his research on the boxers and their background. That is where, Madhi (Ritika Singh) enters into the scene along with her sister Laxmi aka Lax (Mumtaz Sorcar). Laxmi is to fight in that local boxing match. In spite of Laxmi fighting well, when the judges declared her opponent as winner, Madhi could not tolerate and she picks up verbal spat as well as physical fight with the judges. Adi, who was unable to see the passion and fire in rest of the boxers, could see lot of fire in Madhi. That is how Adi decides to be a mentor to Madhi.

Madhi is also a very eccentric and outspoken girl, belongs to a poor family, lives in the slums of Chennai and sells fishes to earn living for family. Her sister Laxmi aspires to join the Police department in sports quota and that is her inspiration to be a boxer.

It was not easy for Adi to convince Madhi to take training for boxing, rather he had to pay Rs. 500/ per day to Madhi for training her. There the journey of a mentor-mentee begins, rather an unconventional combination, both being aggressive. There are lot of clashes between the two.

Although the story is predictable, it is interesting to see how the events unfold. How did the relationship between Adi and Madhi shape up? Does the conviction of Adi about Madhi prove right ? How does Laxmi respond to the fact that her sister Madhi is a much better boxer than her? Does Dev sit back idle even after transferring Adi to Chennai or he starts another game? What efforts Dev take to malign the attempt of Adi to train Madhi to be a great boxer ? What happens in the end? Does the love of sport dominate at the end?

Madhavan has definitely portrayed Adi very well. Media reports say that he took special training for this film and also lost / gained weight for his role’s sake. He is able to break his chocolate, well- mannered gentleman image, since in this film, he is actually khadoos. His appearance completely justifies his character. Ritika as Madhi has also given a great performance. She is a professional kick boxer and also a mixed martial artist. She demonstrated the combination of sports personnel and an artist. Zakir Hussain as Dev Khatri is indeed good. Nassar as always has slipped into his character of Pandian, junior coach, effortlessly. Mumtaz Sorcar, though has a smaller role, has done well. Rest of the cast has also given good performances.

Saala Khadoos reiterates a strong message, which is to keep politics away from the sports field. It is also an unconventional take on mentor-mentee relationship. The last scene is indeed a knockout scene.

    

Rating: 3 /5 (Good)

Review of Jugni

Image Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/JugniTheFilmOfficial

Cast: Sugandha Garg (Vibhavari), Sadhana Singh (Bibi Saroop), Siddhanth Behl (Mastana), Aniruta Jha (Preeto), Samir Sharma (Sid), Chandan Gill (Jeeta Jazbati), Devinder Daman (Babaji), Kartick Sitaraman (Nishant)

Direction: Shefali Bhushan

Produced by: Karan Grover, Manas Malhotra, Shefali Bhushan

Written by: Shefali Bhushan

Music: Clinton Cerejo

Cinematography: Divakar Mani

Edited by: Navnita Sen

Production Company: Dhun Productions

Distributed by: PVR Pictures

Release Date: 22^nd January, 2016

Duration: 1 hour 54 minutes

Language: Hindi

Jugni, a romantic musical film, is written and directed by debut filmmaker Shefali Bhushan. It is a beautiful film, well-crafted with soulful music and great performances. Jugni in Punjabi means “Female Firefly”. Another meaning, which is assigned to the word Jugni is in the context of poetry, is that this word is used for an observer from whose perspective that specific poetry is written. Also, Jugni means the ‘Spirit of life’, the essence of life in spiritual poetry. The best thing about  Shefali’s film Jugni is that, her film has ‘female firefly’ in the form of Vibhavari, the lead protagonist; ‘spirit of life’ as well as Sufiyana kalam depicting essence of life. Terrific film with soulful music clubbed with free spirited and natural performances. The film explores the power of music and power of love. Music has the power to strike chords between hearts of two entirely different people. Very neatly scripted film, which clubs the sanctity of music and love. Love is neither an emotion to be apologetic about, nor an emotion which should make one self-centered. Jugni talks about the love, which is not selfish in nature, but in turn, it liberates the one who is in love. Jugni also talks about the moral dilemmas which one faces due to non-clarity existing in relationship. Love, at times, is also about ‘letting go’. Jugni is definitely going to win your hearts with its Sufiana Music clubbed with its plot and performances.

Jugni begins with Vibhavari aka Vibs’ (Sugandha Garg) interaction with her live-in partner Sid (Samir Sharma). The spark missing between them is definitely bothering both of them, but Vibs wants to focus on music composition for her film project Dhun, which could give her break in the music industry. The director Nishant (Kartick Sitaraman) wanted some different kind of music from Vibs. Following a spat with Sid, she starts her journey to a village called Hassanpur in Punjab in search of singer Bibi Saroop (Sadhana Singh), hoping that the freshness of rural folk songs through Sufiana Kalam singer Bibi Saroop’s singing could do wonders for her music. Before she could meet Bibi Saroop, she happens to meet her son Mastana (Siddhanth Behl), who is also a singer. Vibs’ go-getter attitude does reflect through different ways, be it her travel in general class compartment of the train or to stay in a hut arranged by Mastana. Mastana is shown to be a very free spirited guy, who aspires to make it big in the music industry. Both Bibi Saroop and Mastana are local stars, they sing in various occasions viz. festivals, puja, marriages, gatherings etc. In spite of being a very talented singer, Mastana sings what people want to listen to. He feels that traditional music does not sell, so, he ends up singing ‘modern’ songs, away from the roots of traditional sufiana kalams. Vibs instantly got connected with Mastana, Bibi Saroop and with Mastana’s girl friend Preeto (Aniruta Jha) and her brother Jeeta Jazbati (Chandan Gill).

It is amazing to see two souls getting close together through their common love, i.e. love for music. The bond between Vibs and Mastana gets stronger. What happens next? How the entanglement of relationships are handled in the film? What happens to Vibs’ relationship with Sid, who are lovers as well as great friends too? How does Preeto respond to Mastana’s getting closer to Vibs? How does Vibs’ relationship with Mastana shape up, keeping the fact intact that their worlds are so different? Is Vibs able to record Mastana and Bibi Saroop, the purpose for which she had come down to the village? Does the music which Vibs composes give her first break in the industry?

Shefali has managed to take a very non-judgmental take on love. Her film also talks about the kind of talents we have in our country; many of the talented folk singers who are lost in the web of anonymity; importance of respecting such artists, whose music is soulful, close to the roots. Jugni also takes a dig at the hollow and exploitative music industry. Beautifully handles the whole concept of morality, ethics.

Sugandha as Vibhavari is absolutely like the title – a female firefly. She has blended herself so well with Vibhavari. Her love, passion for music reflects so nicely. Siddhanth Behl as Mastana is awesome. Siddhanth has projected Mastana’s free-spirited nature, love for music, eagerness to break the ties of anonymity, retaining the innocence of the character, fighting to beat the guilt etc. so nicely. Sadhana Singh as Bibi Saroop is so natural. Aniruta Jha as Preeto is also very good, Preeto’s envy, love and possessiveness for Mastana, understanding his dreams are very well depicted. Samir Sharma as Sid had less screen time. Probably his character could have been explored a little more.  

The music is exceptionally good; soulful and earthy feel reflects in Clinton Cerejo’s work. The title song sung by Javed Bashir, and other songs like Dillan de saudey by Javed Bashir, Dugg Duggi Dugg by Vishal Bhardwaj, Lakhon Salaam by AR Rahman are very good. Listening to Zarre Zarre mein noor bhara sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is absolutely divine. The Western-Sufi fusion song ‘Hatt Mullah’, when started with western rendition, kept me wondering, how it would fit the film, but later on, the jugalbandi created magic. This song is inspired from Bulle Shah. The film specially mentions Bulleh Shah at various spots, who had practiced the Sufi tradition of Punjabi poetry – Kafi (Kafi music is devotional in nature).

Watch Jugni, a beautiful and well-crafted romantic musical film. It has the amalgamation of soulful Sufiana music, a great plot, and powerful free-spirited performances. It celebrates the power of music, which connects two souls whose worlds are different. It also celebrates the power of love, the love which liberates one. Enjoy this musical journey.  

                                            Rating: 3.5/5 (Good +)  

Rating: 3.5/5 (Good +)

Review of Airlift

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Cast: Akshay Kumar (Ranjit Katyal), Nimrat Kaur (Amrita Katyal), Feryna Wazheir (Tasneem), Inaamulhaq (Major Khalaf Bin Zayd), Lena (Deepti Jayarajan), Purab Kohli (Ibrahim Durrani), Kumud Mishra (Sanjeev Kohli), Prakash Belawadi (George Kutty), Lena (Mrs. George)

Direction: Raja Krishna Menon

Producers: Nikhil Advani, Monisha Advani, Aruna Bhatia, Madhu G Bhojwani, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Vikram Malhotra

Production Company: Abundantia Entertainment, Cape of Good Films, Emmay Entertainment, Hari Om Entertainment, T-Series

Distributed by: Prateek Entertainment

Written by: Raja Krishna Menon, Suresh Nair, Rahul Nangia, Ritesh Shah

Cinematography: Priya Seth

Music by:  Amaal Mallik, Ankit Tiwari

Edited by: Hemanti Sarkar

Release Date: 22^nd January, 2016

Duration: 2 hours 05 minutes

Language: Hindi

Airlift, a film by Raja Krishna Menon (his last film was Barah Aana in 2009), is based on the largest civilian evacuation operation carried out in the history of mankind during Iraq-Kuwait War. This evacuation has found a space in Guinness Book of World Records. Iraq invaded Kuwait on 2^nd August, 1990. Just to explain the background of this war, Saddam Hussein’s Iraq was in debt of US $80 billion because of the long-drawn Iran conflict that it had undertaken. Iraq wanted Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and specially Kuwait, to reduce oil production to create a scarcity of oil, so that oil prices could have been increased. This could have enabled Iraq raise more money. But, when both OPEC and Kuwait refused, Iraq became so furious that they attacked Kuwait and Iraqi Army seized the whole Kuwait within few hours. Most of the Royal Kuwaiti families fled to Saudi Arabia overnight leaving the country rudderless. Kuwait was home to approximately 1,70,000 Indians. All of them had lost whatever they had, be it their home, money etc. Some of the Indian businessmen formed a group who ensured that the evacuation of these Indians is done successfully. Raja Krishna Menon’s Airlift is the story of these evacuation events. In the film, the protagonist Ranjit Katyal’s character is developed on the basis of real incidents faced by the group of businessmen who became instrumental in these hugely successful evacuation efforts. It is also mentioned that the real Ranjit Katyal (name changed in the film) is alive and a great businessman in Kuwait. The logistics for Indians to reach Amman were arranged first. Evacuation was carried out during 13^th August, 1990 – 11^th October, 1990 i.e. for 59 days, with 488 flights (Air India, Indian Airlines and Air Force flights). Raja Krishna Menon’s Airlift is a tribute to the human spirits which finds path even amidst turbulence, gathers courage in spite of losing everything.

Ranjit Katyal (Akshay Kumar) is a shrewd businessman, for whom, the profit explains everything. He is shown to be effortlessly cracking deals with Sheikhs and Royals. He is mostly cynical about India, prefers Arabic songs over Hindi songs and takes pride in calling himself a Kuwaiti. After a success bash for grabbing a big project, the news comes to Ranjit in regard to Iraqi army capturing Kuwait. Frantically trying for help from officials, and realizing that the officials have left the country, he understands that he and his family are also not safe like any other resident of Kuwait. Amrita Katyal (Nimrat Kaur) is also particular that Ranjit takes care of her and daughter. On his way to seek help, he sees the kind of violence happening, his driver Nair being shot dead. Kuwaitis were killed mercilessly.  He was taken to Iraqi Major Khalaf Bin Zayd (Inaamulhaq), who warns him subtly to mind his own business rather than being a savior. The transformation of Ranjit is shown in a natural manner. Unknowingly, he turns out to the hope of his employees, and other Indians as well. Ranjit sets up a refugee camp to feed all these Indians.  

Refugee camp becomes the witness of so many emotions: be it frustration, disappointments, grief, or even the hope, anxiety. Cast and community issues are also covered. Even amidst crisis, man like George Kutty (Prakash Belawadi) is shown, who has issues with each and every thing, be it cleanliness of washrooms, or claiming his own space etc. Ibrahim Durrani (Purab Kohli), aide to Ranjit Katyal, is an example of a man, who keeps working for the cause, in spite of his personal loss, whose wife was missing.

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Raja Krishna Menon has brilliantly executed the whole set of events, right from the Iraqi attack to brutal massacre of Kuwaitis to the evacuation of 1,70,000 Indians. Research of Raja in regard to the events reflects in this well-crafted film. The one aspect which was not very convincing was that there was only one officer in the Minister of External Affairs- Sanjeev  Kohli (Kumud Mishra), who keeps convincing Indian administration to send help for the stranded Indians in Kuwait. But definitely Kumud Mishra stood apart as a great actor in his role. His persistence is commendable.

Akshay Kumar has proved over the years that he can effortlessly play such roles. He is so natural in Ranjit’s character. It is a delight to watch him. Credit also goes to Raja and his team for shaping up Ranjit’s character in a natural manner. He is not projected as a hero, but he is projected as a normal human being, who just thinks of his family, business, and profits, but in the moment of crisis, grows beyond his own self-interest, and turns out to be the saviour for 1,70,000 Indians.

Nimrat Kaur was excellent in ‘The Lunchbox’. So, definitely, expectations from her were also high. Nimrat did not have much to do in the film. Her potential could have been explored more.

Inaamulhaq plays the role of Major Khalaf Bin Zayd very well. Actors who formed the part of the refugee Indians did play their roles wonderfully.

A few scenes which touched my heart: Sanjeev Kohli’s father (Arun Bali), who was a partition refugee, shares with him that how painful it was to leave everything behind in Lahore, and what the loss of homeland could mean to an individual. Another scene - Amrita Katyal’s confrontation with one of the Indian in the refugee camp George Kutty (Prakash Belawadi). Amrita is generally shown to be not-so-happy with Ranjit’s decision to save Indians, but when the irritable George Kutty raised questions, she confronted George Kutty and stood with Ranjit. Of course the scene towards the end of the film, where Indian Flag captures the screen. There are a few other scenes, but not mentioning them here since those are to be watched on screen.

The songs – ‘Tanu main itna pyar kara… Soch na sake…’(composed by Amaal Malik, sung by Arijit Singh) and ‘Tu Bhoola jise, tujhko vo yaad karta raha…’ (composed by Amaal Malik, sung by KK)  are just awesome. Amaal Malik’s music is indeed very good. Ankit Tiwari has given music for ‘Dil Cheez tujhe…’.

Many parts of the film are shot at Ras Al Khaima (UAE) which has been very nicely captured by Priya Seth’s cinematography.

Raja Krishna Menon’s Airlift is a tribute to the human spirits which finds path even amidst turbulence, gathers courage in spite of losing everything. A must watch film which showcases one of the largest evacuation operation ever carried out in the history of mankind. Grand Salute to all those unsung heroes who were instrumental for this.

Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)

Book-Review of The Bestseller She Wrote

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Author: Ravi Subramanian

Genre: Fiction / Romance

Publisher: Westland Limited

Publication Year: 2015

Number of Pages: 391

ISBN: 978-93-85152-38-2

Price: Rs. 295

The Bestseller She Wrote, is Ravi Subramanian’s take on love, extramarital affair, betrayal, jealousy, passion, redemption.  It is being said that this is Ravi’s first book on romance, earlier he has written bestselling thrillers about banking and bankers. I can’t draw a comparison between this book and his earlier works, since I haven’t read them. But definitely, I can share my opinion about this book. It is written in a very simple language, which makes it a very easy read. While reading the book, I found that various characters are sketched in such a realistic manner. The events unfold in a very natural form. Various emotions, be it love, passion, possessiveness or anything, are very well explored and explained in the book. A film is going to be made on this. For detailed review, please read further.

About the Author: Ravi Subramanian, an alumnus of IIM Bengaluru, is a banker turned author. He has written many thrillers and has many awards to his credit. This is the first time he has deviated from his usual genre of thrillers to romance through this book. A few of his earlier works are:

• If God Was a Banker (2007) - won the Golden Quill Readers’ Choice Award)
• I Bought the Monk’s Ferrari (2008)
• Devil in Pinstrips (2010)
• The Incredible Banker  (2011) – won the Economist Crossword Book award
• The Bankster (2012) – won the Economist Crossword Book award
•  Bankerupt (2013) - won the Economist Crossword Book award
• God is a Gamer (2014)

About various Characters of the book: Through this section, let me introduce the main characters:

Aditya Kapoor: The main character of the story, who is an IIM Almunus, Bengaluru. He is also a banker as well as a celebrity author of many bestsellers.

Maya: Aditya’s wife, an IIM alumunus, an ex-banker and now working with Dhirubhai Ambani International School.

Shreya Kaushik: A student of IIM Bengaluru, a very ambitious girl, who speaks her mind.  

Sanjay Narang: Aditya’s Colleague and friend since IIM days

Diana: Aditya’s colleague and Sanjay’s love interest

Sunaina: Shreya’s friend

Tim Xavier: Aditya’s boss

The Story: It all begins, when Aditya Kapoor, an alumunus of IIM Bengaluru, reaches the campus for talking about pursuing dreams and his journey from a banker to a successful author. Aditya Kapoor is a banking professional par excellence as well as India’s number one celebrity bestselling author. During his talk he mentions that how important and critical it is to market the book and bring the product to the reader. The word ‘product’ generates a voice from one amongst the audience – ‘Product? Rubbish!’ The voice was that of Shreya Kaushik, who retorted saying that it is a book for God’s sake, not a product. Shreya’s logic was that a book is an expression of author’s creativity and one should not demean it by calling it a product. Aditya, tried hard to hold back his anger and emotions and calmly responded to Shreya with the logic that when an author puts up so much hard work writing a book, then why shall he / she leave any stones unturned to promote the same. Shreya was strongly opinionated and was not ready to buy-in Aditya’s points.

Aditya did get hassled with the discussion, but then, he continued gracefully with his talk. Later on, Sunaina, a very close friend of Shreya, does criticize her for being so blunt with Aditya Kapoor during his talk. But Shreya was sure of herself that she would be able to mend things right. Once back home to his wife Maya and Aryan, he did receive an email from Shreya who was in all praise for him after reading one of his book.

Maya and Aditya had a love marriage, who started dating each other in IIM itself. After working abroad for a few years, both of them came back to India. Maya left her banking career and started working with Dhirubhai Ambani International School as a teacher as well as handling their social initiatives.

Sanjay Narang, Head of Human Resources, is a very close friend of Aditya. Sanjay’s love interest is Diana, who is also working in the same National Bank, where Aditya and Sanjay works. Aditya never admired Diana, rather he got into conflict mode with Sanjay at times due to his dislike for Diana, although Aditya and Sanjay had decided not to bring anyone in between their friendship.

Days pass by, and Aditya goes to Bengaluru to promote his book as well as to IIM Bengaluru campus along with Sanjay as part of interviewing panel. Happens to meet Shreya again. Shreya is also hired by National Bank. Aditya gets attracted to her. In spite of loving Maya very much, the relationship between Aditya and Shreya blooms.

What happens next? What shape does the boss-subordinate relationship between Aditya and Shreya take shape? Is Shreya, who has developed strong interest in Aditya, able to talk his mind to Aditya. Shreya, who dreamt of becoming a very successful author herself, which path she chooses to become one? Could she persuade Aditya to make her a bestselling author? Is Aditya able to love two women of his life simultaneously? Does Shreya become Aditya’s muse? How Maya handles the various happenings? What role Sanjay and Diana play ? Please read the book to know the details.

Ravi Subramanian has written the whole story in very realistic tone. Many people like Anurag Kashyap, Vaishali, Nirav Sanghavi etc. does get mentioned in the book and it certainly enhances the realistic tone of the book. Besides, such stories exist in and around us, so was very much able to connect with the characters and story. Ravi has talked about the hollowness of relationships. Personal ambitions and dreams at times take over the love. Manipulations can kill any relationships. One has to be ready for the consequences of the choices made. I could feel the emotions while reading the book and that is because of the way the whole story is written. The end is also beautifully written, left me with choking throat and teary-eyed.

One thought which kept coming to me is this: towards the end, it was easy for Aditya to make a choice due to the manners in which the events unfolded. But, what if, the distinction was not very sharp, how and what could have been Aditya’s decision.

Ravi Subramanian’s “The Bestseller She Wrote” is a very realistic take on ‘Love, Betrayal and Redemption’. It conveys a great message that our every choice has its own consequences which cannot be dodged. A great book, close to reality, which is written in a simplified manner. You would get glued to once you start reading the book. Happy Reading!!!

Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)

I am reviewing 'The Bestseller She Wrote' by Ravi Subramanian as a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books.

Review of Kajarya

Image courtesy: Koimoi

Cast: Meenu Hooda (Kajarya), Kuldeep Ruhil (Banwari), Ridhima Sud (Meera Sharma), Shashi Bhushan (Shambhu), Sudheer Chobessy (Giridhari), Nasir Ali (Sub-Inspector), Manoj Bakshi (Police Inspector), Sumeet Vyas (Nikhil), Priyanka Tanwar Isha (Lady Constable), Shakeel Quereshi (Priest), Tanaji Dasgupta (Priest’s assistant), Savita Rani (Uma), Kamal Vinayak (Meera’s father), Raj Shree (Meera’s mother)

Direction: Madhureeta Ananad

Produced by: Tilak Sarkar, Madhureeta Ananad, Celine Loop, Quashiq Mukherjee

Written By: Madhureeta Ananad

Music: Richard Horowitz

Cinematography: Alok Upadhyay

Edited by: Anuradha Chandra, Shyamal Karmakar, Manas Mittal

Release Date: 4^th December, 2015

Duration: 134 minutes

Language: Hindi

Kajarya is a film directed by Madhureeta Anand, which highlights one of the most vital social issues of saving girl child.  This film is definitely on a depressing note, but covers the truth brutally. The statistics of the female infanticide and foeticide in India is alarming and shocking. The film is disturbing, I kept wondering that who ultimately gives the right to kill the girls. The film ends with the statistics that almost 10 million girls are killed in our country since 1986, out of which 3 million are killed in the last decade itself. Kajarya is a film which talks about infanticide as well as foeticide. Silent slaughters happen and girls are buried deep inside graves. It raises a vital question that when would our country be a better place for girls and let them also live their lives which they deserve as a human being. The film shares the story of two women from different backgrounds, explores the condition of women both in rural and urban India.

Kajarya (Meenu Hooda), the titular character, lives in a village in Haryana, where she ends up being part of female infanticide. The film begins with Banwari (Kuldeep Ruhil) waking her up saying that ‘it is time’. Then she is seen taking drugs and further at the Kali Temple. Kajarya is believed to embody Goddess Kali, who ritually kills female newborns. Although the slaughtering is not shown through direct frames, it is shown by dripping of blood on Kajarya’s feet. Oh, what a horrible scene. Kajarya is shown as a woman who is surviving on drugs, alcohol and is very abusive. What makes her so abusive, is it her guilt or helplessness?

Another main character of the film is Meera Sharma (Ridhima Sud), a journalist, who is shown to be casual in the beginning in regard to her job. She does get an assignment to cover the ‘Puranmashi Pooja’ of the same village where Kajarya stays. When Meera reaches there, she finds that there is something mysterious about the Puranmashi pooja. She is not able to gather information in regard to this Pooja. She wanted to cover the event. She happens to meet Banwari, who somehow convinces her that there is nothing mysterious about the Pooja. She was about to return to her city that she comes to know in regard to the graves where girl children are buried. Developments happen in such a manner that Meera is able to grab an interview with the very Kajarya.

Kajarya opens up to Meera about her arrival in this village as a 13-year old bride to an old man, falling in love with Banwari, and later on getting exploited in the name of religion, customs and traditions. She treads the path of brutal killings of girl infanticides. Kajarya asks Meera to keep her name discreet from the media. But, once Meera reaches back her office, she does reveal the name of Kajarya. A dig at journalism is taken in the film, where, journalists are just shown to be interested in stories, which would boost their career. Ethics of the journalists are also mocked at. Meera preferred to betray Kajarya’s trust and save her job.  

Meera’s personal life is also shown, lifestyle though in contrast to Kajarya, the gender inequality is shown in her case as well. Meera’s relationship with her fiancée Nikhil (Sumeet Vyas) does explain the gender diversity issues in urban set up too.  

What happens in the film once Kajarya’s name is revealed to the media? How does Meera’s career boost up? What happens when Kajarya and Meera come face to face again? Does Kajarya get arrested? What happens to those people who were partners in crime? Both Kajarya and Meera experience the waves of guilt, which hurt their conscience, but certainly for two different reasons, what are they?

The cast have done absolute justice to their characters. Meenu as Kajarya and Ridhima Sud (Dil Dhadakne Do fame) as Meera Sharma are very good. Kuldeep as Banwari is so convincing. Rest of the cast have also acted really well. Shashi Bhushan as Shambhu has portrayed his grief, pain and care for Kajarya so well.

The plot is upon a very strong subject. A few scenes worth mentioning are the relationship between Kajarya and Shambhu’s daughter. Kajarya who is instrumental in female infanticide, is very much in love with this girl. A lady who is violent is shown here in a very innocent love with this girl. Even Shambhu’s pain with Kajarya’s deformed life is very well portrayed. A scene where Kajarya says about her killings: “Mere to bas hath hi the, Saza to unke ma-baap ne pahle hi suna di thi (it was my hands only, but the punishment was declared by parents much beforehand)’ is very much painful. Opium-induced and guilt stricken Kajarya’s make up with open hair and that of transformed Kajarya with tied up hais is very thoughtfully crafted in the film.

As far as the screenplay is concerned, I just felt that the transformation of Kajarya is not justified. Besides, a character like Kajarya agreeing to give the interview and opening up to a journalist during the first meeting itself is also not very convincing. The love-hate relationship between Kajarya and Banwari is not very clearly depicted. But apart from this, the screenplay is very gripping, disturbing, presents the real issue. Mughal-e-Azam’s song ‘Mohabbat ki Jhuthi Kahani’ has been recreated and sung by Shusheela Raman for this film; it blends with the screenplay so well.

Image Courtesy: Facebook Page of Kajarya

Kajarya, a hard-hitting film by Madhureeta Anand, is to get our attention re-focused on the real issue of female infanticide and foeticide. ‘Save the girl child’, ‘Well-being of Girls, Well Being of India’, ‘Girls’ lives matter’, ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, ‘Stop violence against women’, ‘Realize the girls’ power’ etc. are some of the key messages of this highly disturbing film Kajarya. Our country needs to get out of the shackles of gender inequality. Girls have the equal rights to live on this earth. Preference for male progeny still exists in many parts of our country. Although, not an easy film to watch, please Watch Kajarya. How appropriate the punchline of the film is: ‘Let the truth prevail’. Let the guilty be punished.            

Rating: 3/5 (Good)                                                        

Saji Thomas: HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan (9th Episode)

Image Courtesy: Facebook Page of HRX Brannd

The last episode of HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan was another inspiring story which talked about the trials and tribulations of an ordinary person with extraordinary vision, determination, and talent. Saji Thomas was never ready to yield to his ‘not have (s)’ rather he stretched himself beyond to fulfill his dream. Every individual might have dreamt of flying atleast once, Saji also dreamt to fly, the difference is that he created his own aircraft. He never complained of what he did not have. His story lets us know that he is a possibilist, who made his impossible dream come true that of constructing his own aircraft.

Saji was born in June 1972. He could hear a little by birth, but he lost his hearing power completely after suffering from fever as a small child. Other children used to make fun of him, since he was unable to hear and speak. He did not have fiends to play with; often he used to wonder what to do in weekends.

At the age of 5 years, Saji used to make models of different vehicles viz. cars, buses, aeroplanes using cardboard. But he hardly got appreciation from anyone for his talent.  

  

His father, who was in military, took him once to Delhi, where he saw aircraft. He was amazed to see the aircraft. He got books from there which had details about aircrafts. 

Being a 7^th class dropout, he did not know much English, but his brother helped him to learn English. He started reading those books. His dream of making planes got further strengthened. He grew up believing that one day, he would construct an aircraft. His family, friends and relatives chided him for possessing such weird and impossible dreams.

Hrithik adds beautifully here: “The only battle you have to win is against the voice that says – Give up!”. And Saji was not ready to give up. He helped himself, when nobody helped him.

He got married to Maria. He picked up TV mechanic / Photography jobs etc. to earn for survival. He used to travel to various parts of the country to gather various parts so as to construct the aircraft.

His first aircraft was spotted during an exhibition by Visveswarya Institute of Engineering and bought by them for 1.5 Lakhs. This gave confidence to Saji to make another aircraft which could fly.

Maria during the show admits that she used to get worried. People used to tell her that he was just wasting money for his crazy ideas. Maria used to get very upset. AT times, she also doubted his capabilities. He used to travel extensively to collect aircraft parts, and then due to lack of mobile phone, communication used to be nil. Maria and their son used to pray and wait for days for Saji’s safe return.

It took him more than 5 years to construct an aircraft which could fly. He had tough time garnering the funds. He considers Retired Wing Commander of Indian Air Force SKJ Nair, who has a flying club, as his mentor.  

Image Courtesy: Facebook Page of HRX Brand

Saji’s twin seater ultra-light aircraft – Saji X Air-S- is an epitome of persistence, passion, determination and achievement. A 7^th standard dropout, deaf and dumb, his disabilities did not clip his wings or his flying dreams. Hrithik sums up the episode beautifully that – if you have passion, you don’t have to be superhero to fly. And that is Saji Thomas, HRX Hero. Watch the repeat telecast on 5^th December, 2015 in Discovery Channel’s show “HRX Heros with Hrithik Roshan”.