|
|
|
July 20, 2006
Eight Days a Week
No matter if it’s a dull Friday evening, lazy Sunday afternoon or blues-ridden Monday morning, we have chalked out the happenings that will keep boredom out and you in the ‘in’ scene. So whether you are a movie buff or an art connoisseur, here are your reasons to look forward to the week ahead
FILM
India considers itself a global superpower. But you can’t be a superpower without having your very own superhero, can you? Somebody to fight for “Truth, justice, and the Indian way”? Surely not. But Indians can rest easy because Mollywood now presents the eponymous hero of Krrish.
Krishna (or Krrish as he’s known in his crime-fighting avatar) is Superman, Batman, Neo (from the Matrix), and Tarzan all rolled into one. He’s got superpowers coming out the butt. He can run faster than a horse, jump tall buildings in a single bound, ride water-spouts, talk to birds and animals, and has a super brain to boot. He also travels with his own personal super wind machine wherever he goes because his cape-like overcoat and his hair blow in very dramatic fashion whenever he appears on screen.
Directed by Rakesh Roshan and starring his son Hrithik Roshan, Krrish is kind of a sequel to the 2003 monster hit Koi Mil Gaya, which was Mollywood’s take on E.T. I didn’t like that movie and I like this one even less. The special effects are nothing that you haven’t seen in many Hollywood movies or tons of Hong Kong action flicks ––– and not even really as good either. The script is full of clichés of the superhero genre including a female journalist (à la Lois Lane) who’s in love with our superhero without realising who he is and a megalomaniacal genius villain bent on global domination.
None of the songs (by Rajesh Roshan, Rakesh’s brother) click either which is unusual for a Rakesh Roshan film. The lead performances by Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra are more irritating than anything else though Naseeruddin Shah has fun with his villainous turn. Rekha is on hand as well, playing Krishna’s grand mom, though she phones in her performance.
In short, there is no real good reason to watch this film unless you really, really need to see what has made it the biggest hit of the year so far across the border.—Khusro Mumtaz
classic movie
The Bicycle Thief (1948) is one of the earliest and, perhaps, the most important movie to come out of the Italian neo-realist cinema movement. Directed by Vittorio De Sica, the movie won many international awards including the equivalent of the Foreign Film Oscar in 1949 and had a profound impact on cinema the world over and has been the subject of critical analysis practically since its initial release.
But this is no historical curio, important only for its place in cinema history. Even after almost 60 years, The Bicycle Thief still has the power to move you and to break your heart. It tells the simple tale of a poor Italian man in post-war Rome desperately trying to provide for his family. He finally finds a job which is dependent on him having his own bicycle but when the bike is stolen the man (Lamberton Maggiarani) and his young son (Enzo Staiola) set off to find it in the vastness of the Italian capital.
As much as the movie is a commentary on poverty and despair it is as much about the relationship between the father and son. De Sica draws out marvellous, naturalistic performances from Maggiarani and Staiola (who is as adorable a child actor as you would want) despite the fact that neither of them had any prior acting experience. The wonderful black & white photography (by Carlo Montuori) with many passages of lyrical beauty is also to be treasured. In Italian with English subtitles. Available in Pakistan on DVD.—K.M.
single
Britney may sell more copies of National Inquirer, and Jessica may sport the shortest shorts, but Christina Aguilera has the voice. It wowed her fans on her catchy debut single Genie in a Bottle and gained the respect of critics on her powerful ballad Beautiful, but has never exploded before quite as much as it does on her latest single Ain’t No Other Man.
Ain’t No Other Man showcases her phenomenal voice and her soul sista sound, but in a very old school way. Producers DJ Premier of Gang Starr and Charles Roane have created an upbeat tempo and brilliantly backed X-tina with jazzy Big Band style horns.
This original version of the track packs a powerful punch but wouldn’t it be phat if girlfriend did this romantic single unplugged (are you reading this, MTV?). The lyrics are as modern day romantic as they come with Xtina proclaiming, Ain’t no other man, can stand up next to you/Ain’t no other man on the planet does what you do/(what you do)./You’re the kinda guy, a girl finds in a blue moon./You got soul, you got class.
A tribute to her music executive husband, this love song rules the dance floors, steams up the airwaves and reminds us of an era near forgotten. Ain’t no other voice quite like this genie.—T. U. Dawood
album
If you can get past the undeniable electrifying chemistry between Aamir Khan and Kajol in the smash-hit film Fanaa, then you will appreciate that not only is it the biggest Indian film of the year so far but the original motion picture soundtrack is a must-have for fans.
Coming from consistent musical winner Yash Raj Films, the Fanaa OST brings back favourites Jatin Lalit (Hum Tum) and music programmers Salim Sulaiman. Prasoon Joshi (Rang De Basanti) returns as lyricist and completes the magic formula.
Album highlight is definitely opener Chand Sifarish. Shaan and Kailash Kher are at their best and the single is fresh, creative and backed by a beautiful melody. Jatin Lalit step away from their usual style here and succeed in creating one of the most exciting musical compositions of the year. A souped up Fanaa For You (Chand Sifarish Club Mix) is also included in the album and the faster pace only enhances the track. DJ Aqeel succeeds in playing with pacing to change the feel and vibe of this theme song.
Romance rules on the melodic but bittersweet Mere Haath Mein sung beautifully by Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan. The lyrics really stand out here as the single is about two lovers getting “destroyed in love.” An instrumental lounge mix version of the song appears towards the end of the soundtrack.
Other singles include the middling Chanda Chamke (which is essentially a weak imitation of Hum Tum’s Yaara Yaara), the patriotic Des Rangila sung by Mahalaxmi Iyer (very reminiscent of Veer Zaara’s Aisa Des Mera), and more successfully the romantic Mere Haath Mein which succeeds in setting the mood and pairs again Nigam with Chauhan. While Chauhan does a terrific job, as always, the boldness of Sonu’s voice detracts from the overall feel of this ballad. A more delicate, feminine voice would have made a greater impact.
Rumoured to be the swan album for Jatin Lalit, Fanaa is a successful note on which to end a very impressive career.—T. U. D
seminar
The Chairman and Board of Trustees of Helpline Trust, in collaboration with Shehri are organising a seminar on “Preventing Environmental Degradation” at Indus Hall, Avari Towers, Karachi on July 21 from 3:30 to 6pm.
workshop
Pakistan Calligraph-artists Guild (PCG) is organising a summer workshop on calligraphy and calligraph -–– art and traditional skills at Alhamra — Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore from 4:30-6:30pm. The workshop will go on till August 12.
Courtesy www.danka.com.pk
tv
Catch Hercules & Xena: The Battle for the Mount Olympus on July 23 at 12 noon on Cartoon Network. The two warriors join forces to save the Gods of Olympus from the all powerful Titans.
talk
Musarrat Kalanchvi will present a lecture on Khwaaja Ghulaam Fareed at Model Town Library Auditorium, Lahore on July 20 (today) at 6pm. Courtesy www.danka.com.pk
CONFERENCE
To create awareness about methods on environment safety management, a conference on environment management and Third Annual Environment Excellence Award Ceremony is being organised by the National Forum for Environment and Health at Sheraton, Karachi on July 25 at 2pm.
festival
Slimmers' Club is organising a two-day family festival on July 22 and 23 at PAF Museum. The theme of the festival is 'Healthy Lifestyle for Everyone.' The event will feature variety programme, beauty awards, hair and dress contests, talk shows with famous celebrities, free product samplings etc.
|
|
|
|
