Category Archives: Movies

12 Angry Men: Management Lessons from a Classic Film


12 Angry Men is a timeless classic that not only serves as a gripping courtroom drama but also as a powerful lesson in management and leadership. Starring Henry Fonda as Juror #8, the film delves deep into the dynamics of decision-making, conflict resolution, and persuasion, all of which are critical skills for effective management.

Key Management Lessons

1. The Power of Persuasion:
Juror #8, played by Henry Fonda, exemplifies the power of calm, rational persuasion. He starts as the lone dissenter in a jury convinced of the defendant’s guilt and methodically dismantles their arguments through logic and careful questioning. This teaches managers the importance of patience, critical thinking, and the ability to influence others without aggression.

2. Conflict Resolution:
The film showcases various conflicts among the jurors, arising from different backgrounds and personal biases. Juror #8’s approach to resolving these conflicts—by listening actively and addressing concerns with empathy—highlights the importance of understanding team members’ perspectives and working towards a common goal.

3. Leadership and Initiative:
Taking the unpopular stance, Juror #8 demonstrates true leadership by standing up for his beliefs despite immense pressure. Managers can learn the value of courage and integrity, especially when advocating for what is right.

4. Building Consensus:
Fonda’s character gradually builds consensus by encouraging open discussion and critical examination of the evidence. Effective managers must facilitate dialogue and create an environment where all voices are heard, leading to better decision-making.

The Jack Lemmon Version

In 1997, 12 Angry Men was remade with Jack Lemmon in the role of Juror #8. This version maintains the core themes of the original while bringing a fresh perspective through Lemmon’s nuanced performance. The remake underscores the timeless nature of the film’s message and its relevance to modern management practices.

Where to Watch in Hyderabad, India

To experience these powerful performances and learn valuable management lessons, you can stream these versions online in Hyderabad:

  • 1957 Version (Henry Fonda): Available on Amazon Prime Video India.
  • 1997 Version (Jack Lemmon): Available on Amazon Prime Video India.

For more insights into management and leadership, visit Directing Business.


Movie Recommendation:
If you enjoyed 12 Angry Men, you might also like The Verdict starring Paul Newman, another courtroom drama that delves into themes of justice, perseverance, and personal redemption.

Book Recommendation:
Consider reading Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink. This book explores the science of motivation and how it can be applied to enhance management practices.

For further exploration of movies and management, check out more articles at Laksh Online.

Remember, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind—and persuasive like Juror #8!” 😄

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Rediscovering the Timeless Classic: ‘Bawarchi’ on Amazon Prime Video

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“It is so simple to be happy, but it is so difficult to be simple.” This iconic dialogue from the movie ‘Bawarchi’ encapsulates the essence of this timeless classic. A film that I keep revisiting, ‘Bawarchi’ is a heartwarming portrayal of a mysterious cook who brings happiness and unity to a dysfunctional family through his culinary skills and wisdom.

The film opens with a hilarious scene that sets the tone for the rest of the movie. An old man shouts ‘munna’, and to our surprise, it’s not a young boy who shows up, but a grown man played by the brilliant A.K. Hangal. This unexpected twist adds a touch of humor right from the start, making the audience instantly connect with the film’s light-hearted narrative.

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukerjee and starring Rajesh Khanna, ‘Bawarchi’ is a testament to the simplicity and depth of Indian cinema. The narrative revolves around a cook, played by Khanna, who enters the lives of a squabbling family and transforms their home with his positive energy and delicious food. The film beautifully explores the themes of unity, simplicity, and the pursuit of happiness, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.

One of the most memorable aspects of ‘Bawarchi’ is its dialogues, filled with wisdom and humor. The aforementioned iconic dialogue is a perfect example of this, beautifully conveying the movie’s central theme of finding happiness in simplicity and unity. It’s a philosophy that Rajesh Khanna’s character, the Bawarchi, embodies throughout the film, and it’s a philosophy that continues to resonate with me every time I revisit this classic.

The acting and crew behind ‘Bawarchi’ were instrumental in bringing the film’s heartwarming narrative to life. Rajesh Khanna’s portrayal of the mysterious cook, Bawarchi, is notable for its charm and depth. His performance is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. Khanna’s ability to embody the philosophy and wisdom of his character is a significant factor that makes the film a timeless classic.

Director Hrishikesh Mukerjee, acclaimed for his ability to create meaningful cinema, also played a crucial role in shaping the film’s narrative. His direction allowed the film’s message of unity and simplicity to shine through, making ‘Bawarchi’ a standout in his filmography.

Amazon Prime Video, with its extensive library of films, has been showcasing a treasure trove of classics and rare gems from the world of cinema. These films, often overlooked amidst the flashier new releases, offer a unique blend of nostalgia and timeless narratives that continue to resonate with audiences. This endeavor by Amazon Prime Video is a commendable step towards preserving the rich legacy of global cinema and providing a platform for these timeless narratives to shine.

In conclusion, ‘Bawarchi’ is more than just a film; it’s a timeless narrative that continues to inspire and entertain. Its enduring charm and wisdom, coupled with its humorous opening scene, make it a classic that is worth revisiting time and again. And thanks to platforms like Amazon Prime Video, we can continue to enjoy these classics and appreciate the rich legacy of cinema.

Kurukshetram: An Audacious Endeavor Falling Short

The movie ‘Kurukshetram’ (1977) is a mixed bag. On one hand, it encapsulates a condensed version of the epic Mahabharata, which is commendable. The film successfully portrays significant events from the Mahabharata, such as the division of the kingdom, Subhadra and Arjuna’s marriage, the Rajasuya sacrifice, and the great battle of Kurukshetra. The director, Kamalakara Kameswara Rao, deserves credit for bringing these key episodes to life.

However, despite its ambitious scope, ‘Kurukshetram’ failed to click at the box office. It struggled to attract audiences and gain commercial success. Interestingly, another film titled ‘Dana Veera Soora Karna’ was released at the same time and turned out to be a hit. This contrast in reception highlights the challenges faced by ‘Kurukshetram’ in capturing the audience’s attention and interest.

While ‘Kurukshetram’ may have fallen short in terms of box office success, it still holds value for its attempt to condense the vast narrative of the Mahabharata into a single film. It serves as a visual representation of the epic, allowing viewers to witness key moments and episodes from this ancient tale. For enthusiasts of the Mahabharata, ‘Kurukshetram’ can be an intriguing watch despite its commercial shortcomings.

In terms of the Mahabharata parvas, ‘Kurukshetram’ primarily focuses on the Adi Parva, Sabha Parva, Vana Parva, Udyoga Parva, Bhishma Parva, and Sauptika Parva. These parvas encompass the major events leading up to and during the Kurukshetra war. However, it’s worth noting that the film does not delve into the other parvas, such as Virata Parva, Drona Parva, Karna Parva, Shalya Parva, and so on. This selective approach may have contributed to the film’s lackluster performance at the box office.

No. Mahabharata Adhyayas/Parvas Summary Highlights ‘Kurukshetram’ Movie Plot Aspects
1 Adi Parva The Adi Parva introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the grand narrative, including the birth and early life of the Pandavas and Kauravas. Main characters introduction, Birth of Pandavas and Kauravas Subhadra Arjuna Kalyanam (Marriage)
2 Sabha Parva Sabha Parva revolves around the royal assembly, showcasing the dice game that leads to the Pandavas’ exile. Dice game, Pandavas’ exile, Rajasuya Sacrifice Division of kingdom, Rajasuya Yagnam (Rajasuya Sacrifice), Dice game
3 Vana Parva Vana Parva narrates the twelve-year exile of the Pandavas in the forest following the dice game. Twelve-year exile, Forest life Pandava Exile
4 Virata Parva Virata Parva covers the year the Pandavas spend incognito, serving the royal family of Virata. Incognito year, Service to Virata None
5 Udyoga Parva Udyoga Parva portrays the preparations for the great war of Kurukshetra, with various attempts at negotiations and alliances. War preparations, Negotiations, Alliances None
6 Bhishma Parva Bhishma Parva unfolds the first ten days of the war of Kurukshetra, focusing on Bhishma’s leadership in the battle. First ten days of war, Bhishma’s leadership Initial stages of Kirukshetra war
7 Drona Parva Drona Parva centers on the next fifteen days of war under the command of Drona. Fifteen days of war, Drona’s command None
8 Karna Parva Karna Parva delves into the two days of war led by Karna, and his eventual fall. Two days of war, Karna’s fall None
9 Shalya Parva Shalya Parva encapsulates the last days of war, leading to the demise of most key warriors. Last days of war, Demise of warriors None
10 Sauptika Parva Sauptika Parva recounts the night raid by Ashwatthama, leading to the massacre of the remaining Pandava army. Night raid, Ashwatthama’s massacre None
11 Stri Parva Stri Parva mourns the dead and reflects on the consequences of war through the eyes of the bereaved women. Mourning the dead, Consequences of war None
12 Shanti Parva Shanti Parva is a discourse of peace, with Bhishma providing insights on dharma and governance on his deathbed. Discourse of peace, Bhishma’s insights None
13 Anushasana Parva Anushasana Parva continues with Bhishma’s discourses on various subjects until his passing. Continued discourses, Bhishma’s passing None
14 Ashwamedhika Parva Ashwamedhika Parva describes the Ashwamedha sacrifice conducted by Yudhishthira to atone for the war’s sins. Ashwamedha sacrifice, Atonement None
15 Ashramavasika Parva Ashramavasika Parva narrates the later life of the Pandavas and Dhritarashtra’s retirement to the forest. Later life, Dhritarashtra’s retirement None
16 Mausala Parva Mausala Parva depicts the later days and the eventual demise of Krishna. Later days, Demise of Krishna None
17 Mahaprasthanika Parva Mahaprasthanika Parva narrates the Pandavas’ final journey towards the Himalayas and their ascent to heaven. Final journey, Ascent to heaven None
18 Swargarohanika Parva Swargarohanika Parva concludes the epic with the Pandavas’ ascent to heaven and the eternal dharma’s restoration. Pandavas’ ascent to heaven, Dharma’s restoration None