Monsoon Wedding (2001) is probably the first Indian film that I can recall which dealt with child abuse in a Hindu joint family. Director Mira Nair reveals it towards the end and just when you feel it was nothing more than a screenplay gimmick, she throws in couple of memorable scenes featuring the veteran, Naseeruddin Shah. In the end, one gets a feeling that the issue has been dealt sensitively yet sternly atleast in those few moments on screen.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about ‘Highway’.
Director Imtiaz Ali uses this issue as a mere justification for the heroine’s ‘ghutan’ (suffocation) and her fascination to hit the road (as revealed in the movie). Towards the end of the movie, when he is presented with a similar opportunity, like in Monsoon Wedding, he squanders it away by limiting it to the heroine’s outburst, while the parents are mute spectators.
Having said that the first half of the film is decently written and most of the scenes keep you interested with a couple of quirky characters thrown in. It is the second half that tests your patience, with visuals dominating the proceedings and the story halting at predicted stops.
Alia Bhatt is outstanding. Period. But the film is just too big for her shoulders.
It’s time to revisit the old classic ‘ Oh, God!’, with the news of ‘Oh my god’ remake in Telugu grabbing headlines. Refreshingly, it does not feature any lead stars of that time, and ‘God’ appears in an avuncular old man avatar, just another face in the crowd.
‘Oh, God’! is a 1977 film starring George Burns and John Denver. The story centers on a supermarket manager Jerry Landers (Denver), chosen by God (Burns) to spread his message. Right from their first meeting when Jerry is having his shower to the last scene where God assures him about his sanity, the movie holds your interest like no other.
What’s really refreshing about the movie is that it doesn’t pontificate or play to galleries like films of the genre of ‘Oh My God’ do. Instead the movie is an interesting play on a ‘what if’ scenario and takes us on a journey with an unlikely combination of characters. The movie also gives us plenty to ponder about.
In short, it might not be ‘mass’y enough for remakes in several languages, but it is just about right for a movie lover who expects quality entertainment with a bit of enlightenment thrown in to the mix.
There are several good dialogues from the movie, and this one is my favorite, when an exasperated Jerry Landers questions why he was chosen to spread the message.
Jerry Landers : I don’t even go to any church!
God: Neither do I.
Here is a nice video on Youtube compiled by a fan.
ANR garu is a part of our family’s legacy. My grandfather introduced his movies, and my father took it forward. He would figure a lot in our conversations and interestingly as I grew more movies-aware, the topics were about his off-screen persona rather than his on-screen avatars. (His morning walks with with his friends in Banjara Hills; His outside appearances without make-up; His affinity for literature; his trademark dress etc.) For a star of his stature, this is a rare feat and a very few like Mr.Rajnikanth managed it.
When my father began his TV career, he would interact with ANR every now and then. He actually had to request ANR to make an exception and allow him to shoot in the Annapurna studios, which was meant for movie kind of budgets. He would be amazed by ANR’s vision and his simplicity when it came to supporting fellow creative artists and entrepreneurs. (You will find a few videos from the serial that were shot in the sets erected in Annapurna Studios http://www.youtube.com/agastyasastry)
My father would often talk about the ‘effort’ ANR in portraying the character, all the while, aware about his limits and strengths. He is probably the best any playback singer could ask for. A few examples here, often quoted by my father, where he matched the out-of-the-world singing of the legend ‘Ghantasala’
Rasikaraja from ‘Jayabheri’ (iPad users click here )
Paduta teeyaga from ‘Mooga mansulu’ (iPad users click here )
Carulo Shikarukelle from ‘Todikodallu’ (iPad users click here )
It will be next to impossible to summarize all my conversations with my father or extol the greatness of the legend ANR. So, am listing a few movies that stayed with me over the years.
Premabhishekam: It was the first ANR movie I remember watching in the theater (in Sudarshan, Hyderabad). I can never forget the whistles for his dances and the teary eyes of the audience towards the end. (A lady behind our row, was crying and cursing Sridevi, at the same time.)
Iddaru Mithrulu: One of the best double role films ever and an effortless portrayal by ANR. The poster with two ANRs shaking hands with each was a sensation in those days.
Jayabheri : Everything is classy about the film and ANR tops the list.
Mahakavi Kalidasu: ANR’s depiction of the transformation from an illiterate to a renowned poet is seen to be believed. Special mention about his scenes where he does not recognize his wife.
Iddaru Iddare: Though this movie did not do well at box-office, ANR’s performance stands out, so does a song with his son Nagarjuna.
Missamma: It is very tough for a leading hero to perform in a comic role, and ANR does it with elan. (In the later years, Megastar Chiranjeevi matched this feat with ‘Chantabbai’)
Mayabazar : As a part of an ensemble cast, he holds his own.
Sudigundalu: A film that was produced by ANR and the great director Adurti Subba Rao. In the character of an old judge turned lawyer, he carries the film on his shoulders and delivers a power packed performance.
But my all time favorite is this lesser known, or may be less talked about film, called ‘Pranadata’, one of the best works of director Mohan Gandhi.
I can go on and on about ANR and my father, so will sign off for now. ANR garu will surely be missed, but his songs and movies will continue to entertain, enlighten and enrich our lives.
