Brahmastra: A new chapter of Hindi Cinema

 I was excited the day when teaser of Brahmastra launched. After a long time I have seen someone from an Indian film maker trying something different with the traditional theme and concept. the major excitement was of use of new methods of film making; rather I would say use of new technology in Indian cinema. Few film makers did this experiment before and they were quite successful. In other Indian languages specifically in Tamil and Telugu cinema use of VFX and special effects was very known thing. SS Rajamouli and Shankar were always keen on using special effects and VFX to their cinema. In Hindi cinema (I believe there is nothing such as Bollywood, in India we have only regional cinema) from last 10 years we have been using VFX and special effect techniques. But what Ayan Mukherjee did, is a step ahead of earlier ones.

Yes I am one of them who watched the first day, first show of the Brahmastra. And after so many months I really felt positive about Hindi cinema. Actually, in pandemic when theatres and multiplexes were closed and we were introduced to over the top format, since then I lost interest in watching Hindi cinema. The basic reason was lack of sense of story telling. Gradually when we ended with pandemic and theatres and multiplexes were opened, I as a cinema lover had big expectations from Hindi cinema makers specially for the audience who love to watch cinema in multiplexes. But it was very disappointed period till today for me. There are other reasons too, let's not discuss that here because that is not the topic. Brahmastra is a pure blend of good story telling and use of VFX special effects. Even the characters, screenplay and dialogue are so well designed and executed. Do the concept is based on mythology, this movie never disappoints you in meeting with the current era. The music, art direction, cinematography everything is on its place. One may feel that this is what is expected from any film but what is exceptional about this film is use of VFX. Since the promotion of this movie Ayan Mukherjee was talking about the concept of astravers and executing it through VFX. I really feel that however modern we will be but the mystery about Vedas and Puranas will be fascinating us like anything. Brahmastra has three parts out of which one is released and now after watching it I am really really curious about how the second and third will be. The end of this movie they have announced the name of the second part but the built up for the second part is more interesting in the movie. Ranbir Kapoor Alia Bhatt Amitabh Bachchan Nagarjun interestingly Shahrukh Khan they all and other supporting actors played the role fantastically. It was nice to watch SRK in a very different role after a long time. Big B is as usual great to watch on the silver screen. Pritam as a music director, also delivered his best. 

Another important thing about the movie is I waited till all the credits finished. I noticed that only for VFX team credits there were 5 minutes out of a total of 7 minutes of credit roll time. This is a big change in Hindi cinema. Last but not the least as a media professor I feel that we in Indian cities must review and revise film making syllabus because right now Ayan Mukherjee is out of our syllabus. 

P. S. : This is my personal opinion about the film. If you have a different opinion or any sadistic spoilers please keep away from this post. I don't entertain such comments.

Santwani by Amey N. Gawand

Santwani byAmey N. Gawand.

Two sides of the same coin

Read Two books of Shiva trilogy. Amish have succeeded to rule million hearts all over the world by his mysterious & curious writing. I became a great fan of Amish’s writing style as all other readers. The events, drama, conflict and most important the secrets have been placed exactly as they have to be! But along with this, what I like or on which Amish’s writing reached on its pick is The Philosophy. The way it was justified that created the magic. At least for me, it is. On this note I would like to share something which was scratching my head from beginning; the sentence “GOOD and EVIL are the two side of the Same Coin!”

Yes! In Rig-Veda this is clearly mentioned in other words. Same we found in BhagavtGeeta. Let’s talk about it. As we know that if we believe in GOOD then there is existence of EVIL. But we failed to understand that EVIL is not something which exist outside somewhere; it comprises in GOOD only. This means when we feel that something GOOD is emerged, the next movement we have to keep in mind that EVIL is raised.

For e.g.: Alfred Nobel had invented Dynamite and use to break the mighty mountains. It was one of great invention of his time. But within few years people used dynamite in wars to attack on the enemy. This gives an idea how a GOOD is converted into an EVIL.

Now this is something we have to think upon. How did this transaction happen? How come a GOOD suddenly changed in to EVIL? The answer is simple my friend they both are “TWO SIDE OF THE SAME COIN.” Surprised! Well let me explain. This transaction is started when GOOD was noticed by large audience. Basically it is never sudden change. It starts with the GOOD. In other words GOOD reaches to its saturation level & then become EVIL. In simple words, we can say that over exaggeration of GOOD turns itself in EVIL. That’s how GOOD & EVIL are the TWO SIDE of THE SAME COIN. The Greatest GOOD of age becomes the greatest EVIL. But where is the problem? When this coin is flip & disturbs the balance; there is problem.

GOOD BYE.   

- Ameya S. Bal

. . . . . . . And it begins!

It was in my mind from so many days. But there was no time for it to appear in reality.  Though I always think of it when was free; I let it remained as it is. I struggle to overcome from this laziness. Finally today I succeed! I have done it. So many days wish comes true today. My blog in English is published. And guess the inspiration behind it is? They are the one who are my strength, my belief, my energy & my lifeline. They are none other than my STUDENTS!

From last two – three days when I was disusing my Marathi blog with my students some of them were excited but few got disappointed because they want to read it but they can’t understand Marathi.  So they insist me to open a blog in English. That’s it, I told myself that don’t waste this opportunity & I banged it. I have opened my blog named ‘Samvad . . . The Communication!’ Today I have not posted any article on it but only thanks giving to my students. But soon it will flourish with all the ideas & experiences which I want to share.

At the end again I am must say Thanks to all my students who influenced my inspiration of English blog. Hope you as well as all readers like it.

Thank you.

Good Night.