Miss Lovely And Dark Alleys Of Cinema | Editor's Pen

Hi Friends,

Miss Lovely will be rated high when we will discuss Blue Notebook in December. Ashim cracked the pot. The film's biggest achievement was perhaps beyond the performances and technical brilliance. It was more about bringing in an off beat idea in mainstream and provide decency to sleaze.

80s was a difficult time for Indian cinema. Unwanted element and bad films took over the theatres and made nuisance out of probably the most favored medium of entertainment. But at the same time, these bad films provided food and shelter to many. In fact with VHS and VCR and failing economy, these helped many remain afloat. That was the unexplored aspect.

In The Dirty Picture by Milan Luthria, in a rather passing moment this era and people working the C-grade cinema is presented. Maybe it captures only a shade of spectrum, it remains with you even after the credits. It shows us the difference between glitter and gold. However, the scene was from a certain point of view and failed to show the other side.

Miss Lovely nailed that. Probably some day, as a tribute, we will do a series or a special edition.

Love
Sujoy

2014 - Waiting List | Blue Notebook

Year 2014 sounds like an interesting offer. Apart from expected blockbusters like Jai Ho, P.K., Kick and Shuddhi, there are few interesting indie and offbeat cinema on platter. Mainstream too is experimenting on those line. TRM sneaked into 2014 and picked films which might grab your attention:

1. Miss Lovely: Ashim Ahluwalia’s film about C-Grade cinema may or may not interest the big spenders, it will be a treat for cinebuffs. Nawazuddin’s performance has gathered accolades in various fests the movie have been to.

2. Shaadi Ke Side Effects: Two immensely talented actors – Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan – will be a couple in this film. Sparks are already there on youtube. Laughter fest for sure. Trick is that it’s a sequel. Will it match the standards?

3. Finding Fanny Fernandes: Homi Adajania had our attention with Being Cyrus and Cocktail, will try to stretch the envelope. Some films deserve to be made, this story about five friends searching for an old postman’s lost love is one of them.

4. Haider: After Maqbool and Omkara, this will complete the Vishal Bhardwaj – Shakespeare’s trilogy. One of the most complicated stories of Shakespeare is a challenge for everyone – from actors to technicians. Will they bridge the gap?

5. Bombay Velvet: Ah, one of the most awaited film for like two thousand years now. It was in air when Dev D was released. Will this movie really release? Anurag Kashyap’s second outing of the year will note debut of Karan Johar in a major role. With Ranbeer and Anushka, there is some talent up there.

Indie Works In India | Under Lens

Finally Indie is getting recognition. Given the deeply rooted structure of studios where money spoke loud and only few survived to enjoy the ruins, this was a distant dream. It took more than 4 decades for parallel/alternate/indie cinema to find a space, it has finally arrived. Among different highs, we saw some amazing independent films making their presence felt beyond the film festivals. PVR Rare deserves an applause for their contribution.

 

Kshay: What can be Kshay’s genre? It’s not important but still a valid question. A drama with edginess of a thriller. It plays with your nerves and keeps you engaged despite of the fact it has a one word story – obsession. Indie in true sense, Kshay comes up as a brilliant effort on celluloid.

 

Gattu: What was the last film for children made in India which made some sense? Maybe I Am Kalam. Gattu fills in a big void. A very sweet little film which brings smile on your face.

 

Miss Lovely: Nawaz rocks! Miss Lovely is an interesting take on the forbidden world of C-grade cinema. It’s an interesting take on a relegated section of industry which makes millions laugh and thousands eat. In terms of percentage, they can beat likes of Dabangg and 3 Idiots any day. Its forbidden. Well, so is weed.

 

Innuendo: Usually, indie films have a linear story. Innuendo has three plots. Arvind Kamath managed to keep the pace going with three different stories, each having subplots and undercurrent messages. The title makes more sense as the credit rolls.  

 

Shahid: Hansal Mehta is a respected name. The respect increased manifold with Shahid. It’s not brave to fight goons. It’s brave to stand against wrong and prejudices. Shahid Azmi did so. By making a film out of his life, Mehta did the same.

 

Peddlers: Vasan Bala. You know him. If you get an opportunity to watch Peddlers, you will never forget. An edgy story aided by brilliant work of camera might make you forget the fact that it was largely shot in guerilla way. Another Indie to core.