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Reviews
Road to Sangam (2009)
Commendable
This is one movie that stands above all of Bollywood flicks during 2010.
The movie does raise interesting issues such as the devastation of partition that followed India's independence from the oppressive and tyrannical British. While Hindus and Sikhs fled from what is now known as Pakistan, Muslims - especially the one who were affluent enough to afford to travel - were also compelled to flee - amidst scores of killings on both sides.
Gandhiji had been frustrated with the verbal tirade between two of his followers: Muhammad Ali Jinnah (whose ancestors were Hindu Rajputs) and Jawaharlal Nehru. He had wanted Jinnah to become the first Prime Minister, but this move was opposed by Nehru - who openly stated that he would not even offer Jinnah the position of a 'chaprasi' in the new Indian cabinet.
An enraged Jinnah declared that he will become Prime Minister even if it meant to form another country. And thus began the formation of East and West Pakistan - and the subsequent devastation that followed.
Those Hindus and Sikhs, especially Sindhis, who fled from Karachi and other cities - were treated like refugees in their very own country.
Gandhiji attempted to bring back Muslim brothers and sisters by announcing that he was going to lead a foot-march to not only compensate but also enable people to return to their original homes and livelihoods.
It is not a secret that while Jinnah felt threatened by this movement, several Governors of the newly formed Pakistan openly indicated that they would return to India.
Shortly before the foot-march Gandhiji was shot dead by a right-winged Hindu.
His remains were placed in urns and immersed in Holy rivers and sites all over India.
It is not a secret that with the immersion of his remains - Truth and Righteousness were also subdued and have ultimately disappeared from India/Bharat/Hindustan.
Wealthy Maharajahs/Nawabs used their influence and became members of parliament, continued amassing wealth and ignoring the poor, and become tyrannical and oppressive themselves. Result: Rampart corruption in all walks of life, nepotism, favoritism, religious intolerance, violence, and terrorism continue unabated.
If not for this partition, a united India would now be a power to be reckoned with.
Funds and energy wasted on war, ammunition, defense, and counter-terrorism would have been used to improve the lives of embattled and impoverished citizens in all three countries - Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
It is never too late as they say 'Subah Ka Bhoola Shyam Ko Ghar Aaye - Toh Ushey Bhoola Nahin Kahetey".
Shame (2006)
An Update About This Incident
On April 21, 2011, the Pakistani Supreme Court freed 5 more men accused in this incident. The ruling has left just one male suspect out of the 14 that were charged.
Initially a lower court acquitted 8.
Then during 2005 an appeals court acquitted 5 of the 6 remaining suspects.
This is another glaring example of Pakistan's justice system. It has a very low rate of convictions due to the authorities catering mainly to the rich and politically well-connected.
This can well be compared to the present state lack of enforcements of 'human rights' in 'developed' countries' like Canada.
Victims like Mai have lost faith in the 'justice' system' and are fearful of reprisals from the suspects and their supporters.
Kalyug indeed!!!
Summer 2007 (2008)
When there is a war raging, it is difficult to stay out of it. One day the war will get to you
Although the Government of India projects a 9% growth, this progress is not spread evenly all over the country.
Since 1997, according to the Government's very own statistics, a total of 1,50,000 farmers and their respective families have committed suicide as they are unable to survive and repay loans to Zamindars.
Out of these 1,50,000, 20% of the above deaths are recorded in the state of Maharashtra.
During 2006, the Government did act and made provisions to forgive loans - but limited such forgivable loans to banking institutes only - and did not provide any relief to struggling farmers all over the country.
Corrupt and indolent police and politicians compound this issue even more by refusing to intervene against goons of Zamindars, leaving the hapless farmers to fend for themselves.
And when they are unable to do so - they end up killing themselves.
The media is supposed to the conscience of the people, but are mainly focused on urban issues, including Bollywood and politics, thus compounding the problem even more.
It is an unfortunate reality that the plight of these farmers remains unresolved to date.
A Dry White Season (1989)
Apartheid, Bigotry, Racism continues to thrive
This movie as well as Goodbye Bafana are an eye-opener as to how right-winged regimes, including Canada, England, Australia, South Africa, and the United States of America, initiate their own kind to spy and destabilize the weak and the oppressed, using the power of the law, the judiciary, and prisons to silence and even deport/kill who dare to speak out against them.
Witness the treatment of the people of the First Nations (Aboriginal Indians) in Canada itself. It is no longer a secret that Adolf Hitler had sent a team to witness the atrocities carried out on them, so that they then, in turn, ill-treat Jews, bringing into question as to whether or not it was just the Nazis, as a whole, who were responsible for the Holocaust.
While ostensibly Canada claims to be a leader in 'human rights', the so-called 'Human Rights Commissions', headed by right-winged political appointees and queen's counsels, at both state and federal-level, have continued to 'not deal with' complaints with open impunity. Their main agenda is to promote and create a false scenario that there is no racism in Canada giving it (racial discrimination),bigotry and intolerance every opportunity to flourish without any checks.
While naive and often ignorant politicians are quick to point out human rights' abuses in developing countries, they turn a nelson's eye on violations carried out by the Government (all 3 levels, federal, state and local municipalities), local police services, unions, landlords, & c.. Some of these municipalities, and police services continue as exclusive clubs of the mainstream even in modern day Canada.
Many are fooled by the 'greener' pastures of North America, and it is only after they live here for sometime that most visible minorities come to know that they are ranked as second-class citizens, just as their Aboriginal brothers and sisters, with just one right - the right to complain - and then be ignored, spoken to condescendingly, subjected to delays, technicalities, bureaucratic corruption and inefficiency, and never be heard.
Lawyers (some of who end up as Judges) often refuse to represent visible minorities/aboriginals, very subtly and with a variety of frivolous reasons, in 'human rights' matters, compounding the problem even more, and thereby forcing many to give up their fight for their rights, while others end up in despair with emotional scars that never heal.
Many are not even aware that Canada is not even a democracy, but a Constitutional Monarchy.
Many have also realized that Apartheid-like conditions continue to persist in modern day Canada.
Hate groups, which got a boost after the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as following the election of Barrack Obama, now total to around 1000 in the United States alone.
Clearly law and justice are two distant cousins who have not been on speaking terms, and both continue to be misapplied when it comes to a person's racial origin.
As for the Office of the Ombudsman, the less said the better. There is virtually no accountability or even a monitoring authority on this so-called impartial office, created initially as a watch-dog for the people, but has now been reduced to a fierce government guard dog. It is no wonder that it is commonly referred to as the office of 'all show and no go'.
As for 'Civil Liberty' organizations, mostly dependent on government grants and funding, are reduced to mere paper tigers, with little or no active involvement to improve laws that benefit vulnerable Canadians, leaving politicians, and government (all 3 levels) officials to carry on breaking a variety of laws with open impunity. A number of these 'civil rights' organizations are chaired by right-winged queen's counsels, and have a vested interest in maintaining a status quo at the expense of vulnerable Canadians.
Kindness and compassion are a thing of the past. Period.
It is thus rightly said "The true measure of society is how they treat their most vulnerable".
Spinning Into Butter (2007)
How To Resolve Racism?
Sarah Daniels teaches in a Lancaster School, which is predominantly occupied by minorities, especially blacks. She soon develops a deep hatred and prejudice, even fear, against blacks, and avoids them even in public transportation. When she finds out about a vacancy in Belmont College in Vermont, she re-locates there. But her past will be put to the test when she is ironically labeled a liaison person for the minorities, as well as asked to prepare a 10 point list to resolve racism, after an African American student, Simon Black, becomes a victim of hate crime.
She will also realize that before she was hired, the Management expected her to be black.
Subsequently, she herself will question her prejudice as well as the Management's 'lip service' response to the hate crime amidst heavy media presence, and growing restlessness and hatred amongst the student body.
Quite frankly, one can only laugh out loud at the naivety shown by the school management in asking a lecturer to prepare a document titled 'how to resolve racism'.
For generations, judiciary, and human rights commissions have turned a nelson's eye on this issue, and that's precisely the reason why it continues on undeterred.
One must often wonder as to why most people on one hand are contemptuous of lawyers, but respectful of judges - who at one time were themselves lawyers. Many lawyers are appointed to the judiciary by politicians - thus issues never get addressed and get even more complex in the long run. This is why people take to the streets and there is violence when concerns and issues are left unaddressed.
A thought provoking movie, and a must-watch for all.
Kissaa Kursee Kaa (1978)
The all powerful Chair
Jan Gan is purportedly a tale of fiction, but does refer to Jawarharlal Nehru and his love for roses. It also takes a jab at former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi's son, Sanjay Gandhi, when a reference is made to a birth-control herb called 'Sanjay Sanjeevni' - no doubt a clear reference to the excesses made during the draconian Emergency - which eventually led to the fall of the Mrs. Gandhi's Congress party during 1977, and enabled distributors to finally release this movie, as well as 'Nasbandi (1978)' (qv). (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0232164/)
Exposing the inner workings of Government (especially the bureaucratic questions heaped on Shabana when she takes five dead mice to collect her reward) and how things are manipulated for the individual betterment of politicians and their kith and kin - without any regard for the people who vote them in.
And of course there is the ultimate weapon of 'mass distraction' - blame all problems on the neighboring country.
And the second form of distraction is war.
This is indeed an accurate and hilarious attempt and worth a look.
Warning: It may cause some people to get very upset at their respective politicians.
Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966)
Good songs, great acting, and a beautiful Courtesan
Years ago I had watched this movie, and now thanks to Zee Cinema, watched it all over again in colour.
The performance by Dilip Kumar, Waheeda Rehman, Pran, and Rani are commendable.
The songs penned by Shakeel Badayuni, sung by Mohammad Rafi, Asha Bhonsle, and Lata Mangeshkar, continue to be popular even now, and the music has immortalized Naushad.
What particularly impressed me was the charm and beauty by Rani (who plays a Courtesan named Tara in this movie). In my humble opinion Rani outshines both the leading actresses in this movie.
This is a 'must see' movie.
Khatta Meetha (1978)
Deliciously Hilarious!!
Ashok Kumar is the father of four sons, and Pearl Padamsee is a mother of two sons, and a rather overweight and emotional daughter. When David proposes that they marry each other - which they do - chaos results.
Add to this we have Deven Verma, who is simply anxious, to the point of an obsession, to get married to any girl, and he not only keeps on pestering his poor mom, Piloo Wadia, but his co-workers, his acquaintances, and al. Kishore Kumar's "Mommy O Mommy tu kab saas banegi, Mommy O mommy tu kab saas banegi..." (O Mother mine when will you become a mother-in-law...)is simply hilarious, and must be seen to be believed. A must-see movie for the entire family.
Ghaath (2000)
Re-defining P.O.L.I.C.E.
A very well-made movie, reflecting the current corrupt times in India, especially in Bombay City.
Of particular interest is the definition of "P.O.L.I.C.E.", which is supposed to mean P - Polite, O- Obedient, L- Loyal, I- Intelligent, C- Courteous, and E - Efficient.
In this movie a corrupt police inspector I.M. Ghodbole (Mukesh Tiwari) passionately re-defines P.O.L.I.C.E. as P- Power, O- Order, L- Liar, I- Incompetent, C-Corrupt, and E - Encounter. Unfortunately, as is systemic racism deeply embedded in Canada and the United States, so is corruption in India. There are solutions, but those solutions need tough love, and a will to change things for the better. This movie justifiably states that the courts and the law are available for a few affluent individuals; that people in power are above the law; and a non-existent media. Just my two cents.
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Bowling For America
I watching this I believe everyone, especially citizens of the United States, must watch this documentary.
Told by Michael Moore in a very humorous, yet tragic style, this is one documentary that is going to remain etched in mine, as well as a lot of people's memory banks for decades to come.
Coming at a time when George W. Bush and Tony Blair's war against Iraq (a name most Americans can't even pronounce correctly); Or was it destroy weapons of mass destruction; Or was it to liberate poor underprivileged Iraqis?
I am convinced that neither Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair are sure anymore. The real terrorist has been the US government, first arming it's very own citizens, under the guise of "their constitutional right"; and then proceeding to also arm terrorist groups like the Taliban, Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, and other Pakistani based groups - at a cost that can go easily in billions of dollars (US$). And then spending billions more to "invade" countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and other South American countries.
This movie raises the question as to why is it that the citizens of the most powerful country on Earth as well as the United Nations, are silent about the atrocities of their leaders and US government? If the US were not the most powerful nation in the world, wouldn't it be facing charges for crimes against humanity; killing it's own citizens; and war crimes?
Very thought provoking and entertaining documentary. While over 425 people have commented on this movie, Messrs Bush and Blair continue on with their rhetoric and arguments that they are the whole and sole defenders and policemen of the world.
How many deaths of soldiers and civilians is it going to take to stop this carnage?
It is hoped that documentaries such as this will start a dialogue amongst our American brothers and sisters to sit up and take note of the dangers in trusting their political masters, who should be more focused on addressing burning issues such as gun-control; unemployment; racial discrimination and profiling; domestic violence; presidential impeachments, et al.
Mr. Moore you deserve more than an Oscar for this fine piece of film-making. More power to you Sir.
Jaani Dushman (1979)
A crowd puller for sure.
Jaani dushman is one of the most popular horror flicks, mostly due to it being star-studded, excellent acting scores, an unexplored theme, and catchy songs, like "Chalo re doli uthao piya milan ki ruth ai"; "tere hathon me pehna ke churiyan..."; "Aisi waisi na samaj sajna.."; and yet another catchy song picturized on Shatru and Rekha. The story centres around the mysterious deaths of brides, all dressed in red, as is the tradition in India. The suspense mounts as one by one the brides are killed and no one seems to have a clue, and everybody seems to be suspect, including the village poojari.
Zanjeer (1998)
May not be worth the trouble
Pretty standard movie, nothing to write home about. I really found the actress "Kavita" really stunning in this movie. Songs were the usual, nothing really to remember after the movie is over. Movie is about gangs, brothers, two guys, two gals, and then you wait till the final fights, and the end of the movie.