THE RESULTS ARE FINALLY OUT....
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Finally… The Results Are Out | Editor’s Pen
The genesis of this survey took place when I was discussing about some great Hindi movies with an uncle of mine. That time I realized that unlike AFI or BFA Lists, in India we don't have any such list. I searched it online and found a few but was bitterly disappointed as all of them were some one's personal view. They lacked any demographical consensus. Then and there I decided to take this up.
I won't say that we were very successful but frankly speaking I am happy that we took the initiative. We didn't got heavy response but when we took the task on personal level talking with people we know personally and gathered their response, we were simply amazed by the knowledge of people around us and we felt dwarfed. I think I have to walk miles before I can think of calling myself a movie fan... forget about movie geek.
I hope you liked the initiative we took. Next year, Uttkrishtt will definitely return in a more improved and sophisticated way. Till then, keep reading.
Love...
Sujoy Ghosh
Uttkrishtt | Results | Analysis
The day the silver screen started speaking, cinema achieved a great achievement. Since then every day cinema discovered a new shade and color. Today, cinema is one of the most important components of our blood. Saluting the best ones in the field, Uttkrishtt started its journey… an effort to enlist Top 50 Greatest Hindi Movies Ever Made in India and understand what makes a movie good enough for laurels.
After reading and analyzing the cinematic gems that break into this elite list we drew few conclusions. Have a look:
Biographical Influences: We love to know about people and lifestyles, don’t we? Be it Kaagaz Ke Phool and Pyaasa telling about darker shades of Guru Dutt’s life or be it Dil Chahta Hai talking about life of youth. Be it about people who sacrificed their lives for others (Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani and Shaheed) or were controversial for some reason like Company, Zakhm and Arth. Movies with some insight into lives of people are hot cakes. People simply love them for their reality quotient and when they are able to strike a right cord; they create histories.
Epics: Lagaan and Mughal-e-Azam are two epic stories based largely on fictional accounts and interestingly broke all the records. The opportunity to see in the crystal ball is a fascination everyone carves for and epic movies give them a concrete chance to convert it into reality.
Comedies: Do you remember the Draupadi-cheer-haran scene from cult Jane Bhi Do Yaron? Ofcourse you do. How can someone forget movies like Jane Bhi Do Yaron, Golmaal and Munnabhai MBBS. They not only tickled the funny bone but were also able to escalate the cinema to another level of experience. If you still think that comedies don’t deserve to be in ‘Best Movies’ list, think of Golmaal when Amol Palekar is running from place to place to strike a balance in his life and dual character Raam-Lakshman Prasad Dashrath Prasad Sharma.
Raj-Dev-Dileep: Though Devanand’s movies didn’t make it into the list, it doesn’t depreciate his importance as an actor. In the golden era of cinema; these three names ruled. While, with Awara and Shree-420 Raj Kapoor shows his impact, Dileep Kumar stands tall with Naya Daur and Ganga Jamuna.
Dark World: There are some corners no one wants to talk about but the movies revealing darkness gain respect. Parinda, Company, Maqbool tells about people from the crime world while Mandi, Chandni Bar, Pakeezah and Umrao Jaan talks about lives of women who are forced to earn by selling their flesh. Another movie that talks about terrorism in its infant stage- Black Friday, seems to have attained great respect in the eyes of cinema buffs. Ironic but true. These are said to be the dark zones but seems people walk a lot into them…
Society At Large: Society and movies related to patriotism usually gets hype and are loved by people. May be because they show what we want but can’t do. Rang De Basanti, Roja, Mr. India, Lagaan, Sarfarosh and Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani explored the patriotic cell of Indian public while Saaraansh, Do Aankhein Barah Haath, Kala Patthar and Achhut kanya asked us questions we always avoided. Some people liked them while some were reluctant to see the naked truth.
Paper To Projector: Making a movie out of a book/story is a difficult task. Why? Reading a book gives a personal perspective to the story while showing it means making viewer understand one’s perspective. Some movies earned the distinction and also found themselves in the list. They are Maqbool, Devdas, Parineeta, Sahab Bibi Aur Ghulam, Omkara and Umrao Jaan. Some of them were adaptations while some were totally based on the stories but there was one thing common in them. They are masterpieces.
Out Of Box: Some people dare to think and act out of box. When they do so, they churn out some of the greatest works of mankind. Who could have thought that a simple face without eyebrows can mesmerize the entire world? Monalisa did. Do Bigha Zamin, Ardhsatya, Kismet, Astitva, Bandini, Lamhe and Arth dared to enter the zone outside the typical mushy cinema and thought something beyond their time. Result… Monalisa smiled.
Public Delight: Some movies have all the masala for a great recipe and when everything clicks… some sparks flew and magic happens. Sholay, Waqt, Teesri Manzil, Rang De Basanti, Anand and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge had some ingredients that clicked and made history. One such ingredient is hope… Be it capturing Gabbar or reunion of family… Be it hope for a better life or hope against death… Or may be winning heart of a strict to-be father-in-law… Hope created magic.
Cinema of Guru Dutt and V. Shantaram: These two gentlemen always made Hindi Cinema proud on International front. Their cinema can compete with any legendary icon in any corner of this world and I have a firm belief that can beat them in their game as well. Guru Dutt’s masterpieces Sahab Bibi Aur Ghulam, Kagaz Ke Phool and Pyaasa with V. Shantaram’s Do Aankhein Barah Haath and Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani make our list confident of its merit.
Cinema has so many colors and shades that this a thousand words article is not enough. To understand there is no better alternative than watching them again and again… We hope that you liked this story and our effort to understand cinema…
Written By: Sujoy Ghosh
Uttkrishtt | Results | The Final Tally
2. Black Friday - 2004
3. Mother India – 1957
4. Pyaasa -1957
5. Sholay – 1975
6. Roja – 1992
7. Do Bigha Zamin-1953
8. Paakeezah- 1972
9. Lagaan -2001
10. Deewar – 1975
11. Waqt – 1965
12. Maqbool – 2003
13. Rang De Basanti – 2006
14. Devdas- 1936
15. Dil Chahta Hai -2001
16. Sarfarosh -1999
17. Parineeta - 1953
18. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron – 1983
19. Anand-1971
20. Sahab Bibi Aur Ghulam – 1962
21. Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani- 1946
22. Teesri Manzil-1966
23. Omkara – 2006
24. Do Aankhein Barah Haath – 1957
25. Ardhsatya - 1983
26. Mughal e Azam -1960
27. Saraansh-1984
28. Achhut Kanya-1936
29. Mr. India-1987
30. Golmaal-1979
31. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge-1995
32. Kismet-1943
33. Munna Bhai MBBS - 2003
34. Chandni Bar - 2001
35. Astitva -2000
36. Arth -1982
37. Naya Daur-1957
38. Shaheed-1965
39. Zakhm – 1998
40. Lal Patthar -1971
41. Mandi-1983
42. Awaara- 1951
43. Umrao Jaan – 1981
44. Parinda - 1989
45. Gunga Jamuna- 1961
46. Shree 420 – 1955
47. Kaala Patthar-1979
48. Bandini-1963
49. Lamhe-1991
50. Company – 2002
Five Worth-Mentioning Movies that missed out places in Top 50
Starting with my personal favorites in the list, Guide, is probably one of the gems of yesteryears that are relatively unknown to current generation. Starring Waheeda Rehman and Dev Anand, it was superb adaptation of the novel ‘The Guide’ by R.K.Laxman. Guide is such a heart breaking story about a man transformation from a smooth talking tourist guide who falls for Rosie and takes her away to pursue her dream as a dancer, to shrewd promoter of Rosie who in wealth loses sight of what is important, to a defamed man who runs away from his town to save face, to a reluctant spiritual guide.
The climactic scene in which he has hallucination in of two of his egos(guide that he used to be, and guru he has become now) arguing with each other is in my opinion one of the finest single scenes in Hindi Cinema. Songs of the movie are till date considered classic like ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai’ and ‘Wahaan kaun hai tera’. Indeed a classic that is not to be missed.
Masoom-1983 (@58 position)
Shekhar Kapoor’s directorial debut is a classic for its simplicity. It had a difficult subject of premarital affair and child born out of it. Success of masoom lies in the way it was handled. It was a far cry from all the melodramatic films being made in that era.
Exceptionally subtle performances by Naseeruddin Shah, and Songs for Masoom were also classics, like ‘Tujhse naraaz Nahin Zindagi’ and ‘lakdi ki kaathi’. Latter is still loved for its children’s rhyme like quality.( By the way did you notice that a similar track involving Naseeruddin Shah and Shahrukh Khan was there in ‘Main Hoon Na’, maybe it was Farah Khan’s tribute to ‘Masoom’.)
Vaastav – 1999 (@60 position)
Just when everybody thought Sanjay Dutt’s career would never take off, came Vaastav. In a way, it was just another movie with Sanjay Dutt playing character with grey shades. What set it apart was the gritty storyline and career best performance of Sanjay Dutt. Sanjay went off to win his first Filmfare for Vaastav. His performance in climactic scene “Pachaas Tola” will probably be most remembered scene of the movie. It also had a sequel which failed, many similar movies were made all of which failed. Sanjay’s career is still kicking thanks to Vaastav but Mahesh Manjrekar is yet to direct a film more successful than Vaastav.
Black – 2005 (@70 position)
Black was Sanjay Leela bhansali’s come back of sorts which had no songs and Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee in the lead. Rani Mukherjee portrayed deaf-dumb girl with mastery. Amitabh B considered his own performance in the film as his best at that time.
I confess that movies make me cry and Black made me cry like anything :-O. On first viewing that is. On subsequent viewing I found the movie emotionally manipulative. Yes it is melodramatic, but nevertheless it did many things differently for which it deserves a mention.
Hum Aapke Hai Kaun-1994 (@73 position)
Hum Aapke might not be a very great film but trend setter it was. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun came in early 90s when order of the day were run-of-the-mill, boy-meets-girl-in-college kind of love stories. It started the trend of family sagas that went on for a decade. It started trend of movie characters all decked up living in houses like palaces. It started trend of long movie names, especially with four words. (It also resulted in us being tortured with Kabhir khushie Kabhi Gham and bore-fests like ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain.)
So what do you think is missing in the list. Who do you personally feel should have been here. Let us know via your comments.
written by 'Ali Naqvi'
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Liking I Hate Luv Storys | Editor’s Pen
I remember Guddi that looked into lives of the un-credited stars of Indian Cinema. People who work like dogs and a few lucky of them get their name in tiniest possible font in the fast rolling credits that is sometimes (literally) sidelined just to accommodate some stupid item number. Unfortunately, despite of many realistic movies coming into picture their story never got a narration. Even in OSO where the lead plays role of a junior artist, under the layers of gloss and heavy buffers of overacting somewhere the importance of junior artists never surfaced.
Pardon me if I forgot any, but I don't remember when a story of an assistant director portrayed on screen. Imran Khan in IHLS tried to emulate what Punit Malhotra must have been during his stint as Assistant Director; partially if not totally. I liked IHLS for being a story of people who make movies but their names never get attention. They work as hard as the big ones, maybe even harder. When a director wins an award, he thanks a number of people who have no role in direction of his film but he always forget to mention his assistants who make his work possible. Ever wondered?
Warm regards…
Sujoy Ghosh
Citizen Kane And Inception | Cine Talk
Both Citizen Kane and Inception talk about one simple thing. “Life Lies In Small Happiness Than Great Fortunes.” The character in focus tried to live the way they wanted still there was a want of something that was far less material and far more spiritual. Be it the sledge in Citizen Kane or be it the paper wind-wheel in Inception. The desires are usually more centric towards simple things than greater ones.
Think over it and let us know.
Salman Khan: Amidst Troubles | Hammers High | Part 2
Even today the memories haven't fainted. Courtesy; the famed Chinkara killing case. Chinkara is an endangered species and this poaching case is still a matter subjudice of Rajasthan court. Currently, Salman is on bail. A jail inmate of Salman was supposed to be helping in a movie based on this case but as the things later came out, nothing happened after initial discussion and the project was dropped.
Another case that will not leave Salman for some time is the rash driving case that lead to unfortunate death of a homeless fellow and injured three others. Salman, allegedly in a drunken state ran his car into a bakery in Mumbai. This accident cost one death. This matter is still in courts. Interestingly, the witnesses have been changing statements on pretty regular basis.
The list of controversies never leaves Salman. Alleged fight with SRK, fatwas against him for celebrating Ganeshotsava and his wax idol being showcased in Madame Tussads... the list simply goes on. His acting skills are bashed and he is accused for not taking his work seriously. Despite of all this, he is loved by his friends and in circles of Bollywood. Amazing isn't it?
Written By: Sujoy Ghosh
Pankaj Kapoor Part - 2 |Television Career | Statesman
Pankaj Kapoor has had a better luck with Television as compared to films. Two distinct names that come to memory are Karamchand and Office Office. Karamchand was a lighter take on a carrot-eating-detective who helps solve murders for the local police with his assistant Kitty. Memorably, much to Kitty surprise each time Detective Karamchand would solve the crime.
More recently he acted in Office Office, which was an excellent satire on corruption in the government agencies in India. He played Musaddilal representing the common man, who time and again is taken for a ride by some government agencies. It was remarkable how every few months the program used to win some or the other new award. By the time Office Office stopped airing it had won over 25 awards. His subtle portrayal of the harried common man is equally enjoyable and makes one think about the current state of affairs.
Back in 90's he also starred in Philips Top 10 along with Satish Kaushik as elder of detective brother duo. It was not a great piece of work but nevertheless was wildly popular. In last 2-3 years both Karamchand and Office Office were made into new series but only Naya Office Office had little success, Karamchand sank without a trace.
Lets see if he can deliver more serials in years to come or rather will the television producers be able to utilize his potential?
Written by Ali Naqvi
My Take: Sketching Rose In Titanic | Under Lens
Rose is in a dilemma. Cal is a fine person and loves him but this is not a life she wants. Jack is a free soul, living the life the way he wants. She wants this type of life but can't put everything on stake. This everything included financial security of her mother as well. She is on the verge of submitting rest of her life to a person whom she doesn't love and to a life style that is too plastic for her. She decides to have a moment of freedom for probably the last time in her life. She wants Jack to sketch her wearing nothing but The Heart Of The Ocean. Jack like a true professional obliges and creates a marvel on the piece of paper.
This iconic scene has many aspects. Rose's getting ready to pose nude is defiance to the high-society norms of that time. It was a symbol of feminism and her freedom to do something her fiancee would never agree to. Allowing a 3rd class passenger to sketch was a further blow to Cal's anti-low-class outlook. Jack's professional approach to do his work symbolizes his sincerity and highlights the fact that for an artist, despite of form and appeal; everything is a model with no emotional strings attached.
There were many iconic scenes in this movie but the way the story has been summarized in this scene, James Cameron has simply taken cinema to a higher level. Kudos to Kate Winslet and Leonardo for giving such a brilliant performance. Kudos to the entire team for making this scene a work of art.
Written By: Sujoy Ghosh
Iron Giant | Movie Review | Critique
Surprisingly unknown is this gem that hits the right notes and has most things going for it. It is a story of a boy and his friend. Only the friend is a 100 feet iron giant.
It is a sweet tale of how he tries to keep the giant from being taken down by the government, also to hide Giant's habit of gobbling up huge amounts of metal whenever it is hungry.
This movie might remind you of E.T. by Speilberg. In parts it sure is similar, almost like a remake. But it is no way inferior to E.T. It is a simple story with a big heart.
So if you are into animated movies, watch it for sure
Written By Ali Naqvi
Diary of the Dead | Movie Review | Critique
Rating-2.5/5 Stars
What do you get when you mash Documentary style film-making with Zombie genre? It is 'Diary of the dead'. The story follows group of people after outbreak of Zombie virus. Some of them decide to film every moment of it to upload it on the Internet.
Meanwhile they keep on searching for food and their loved ones that they are missing. The good thing about the movie is it does not use Zombies as scaring devices; they have made it as if it was happening.
There is one scene in which one of them is being attacked by a Zombie but the guy filming it keeps on filming it just to document it. Another scene when one of the members discovers what has become of her family is seriously striking. One more scene in which one of the characters has buried bodies in the pool, that such a visual, at least I have not seen it before.
It is differently made movie that deserves a chance. You might just like it
Written By Ali Naqvi
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