Category Archives: ET

1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

Pushpa and a few management lessons

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Pushpa – The Rise is a Telugu action thriller film released in 2021, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles. The movie revolves around the story of a villager turned smuggler named Pushpa, who gets involved in a fierce battle with mafia and police.

The film’s gritty and realistic portrayal of the smuggling underworld and its characters, makes it a good watch. The film’s stunning visuals, action sequences, and performances of the lead actors, particularly Allu Arjun, who delivers an intense and powerful performance as Pushpa, stand out.

A few management lessons

Pushpa is a film that provides a unique perspective on the entrepreneurial journey, albeit in an illegal and violent context. The protagonist, Pushpa, demonstrates an impressive array of leadership skills that can be applied to any business context.

One of the key takeaways from the film is the importance of identifying opportunities. Pushpa recognizes the value of red sandalwood and finds a way to exploit it through smuggling. Entrepreneurs must similarly identify opportunities in the market and find ways to capitalize on them.

Pushpa also demonstrates the importance of building a strong team. He forms alliances with other smugglers and builds a network of workers who are loyal to him. This highlights the importance of building relationships and trust with employees and stakeholders.

The negotiation scene where Pushpa asks for a share in the profits instead of a fixed salary is also an important lesson for managers. This shows how incentive structures can be leveraged to motivate employees and align their interests with those of the company. It also throws light on the mindset, that of an employee and an Entreprenuer.

Another key takeaway from the film is the importance of being adaptable. Pushpa must navigate through various challenges and changing circumstances, from competition to law enforcement, and must adapt his strategy accordingly. In business, leaders must be flexible and willing to pivot when necessary.

Lastly, the film also touches on the importance of risk management. While Pushpa’s business is illegal, he takes calculated risks and always considers the potential consequences of his actions. In business, leaders must also manage risks effectively and be aware of the potential consequences of their decisions.

In summary, Pushpa is a film that offers valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey and leadership. While the context may be illegal and violent, the lessons learned can be applied to any business context. From identifying opportunities to building a strong team, from negotiating incentives to being adaptable and managing risks effectively, Pushpa offers a unique perspective on the qualities that make for successful leaders and entrepreneurs.

1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

Thrills of “Top Gun”: Remembering Tony Scott’s Legacy

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“Top Gun” is a 1986 American action drama film directed by Tony Scott, starring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, and Val Kilmer. The movie follows the story of a young fighter pilot named Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, who attends the Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, Top Gun, where he competes to be the best in his class.

The film was a major box office success, grossing over $356 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1986. It also helped to solidify Tom Cruise’s status as a Hollywood superstar and helped popularize the use of pop songs in film soundtracks.

“Top Gun” is a testament to the late Tony Scott’s talent as a filmmaker. Scott’s skillful direction and attention to detail help to elevate the film above its simple plot and create a sense of excitement and energy that still resonates with audiences today.

Scott’s use of bold colors and dynamic camera movements help to convey the speed and adrenaline of the film’s aerial sequences, while his careful editing keeps the pace of the film brisk and engaging. He also displays a mastery of the use of music in film, with the film’s iconic soundtrack (Harold Faltermeyer) helping to cement its place in popular culture.

Despite its flaws, “Top Gun” remains a beloved film thanks in large part to Tony Scott’s vision and expertise. His ability to create thrilling and memorable moments on screen is a testament to his talent and legacy as a filmmaker.

Tail piece: 1) Tim Robbins is seen briefly in Top Gun as Samuel “Merlin” Wells, an officer who works with Maverick. 2) John Travolta was offered the lead role, which didn’t materialize due to his compensation demands.

1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

Top Gun: Maverick: A Visual spectacle

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“Top Gun: Maverick” is an exhilarating sequel that lives up to the original 1986 hit film. Tom Cruise’s commanding performance as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is a standout, and the conflict between him and Miles Teller as Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw forms the crux of the film. The film’s impressive use of actors-turned pilots and real aircrafts, instead of relying completely on CGI, adds to the authenticity and excitement of the action scenes. The movie’s storyline, while familiar and follows a similar structure of the first film, is elevated by its exploration of Maverick’s struggle to let go of his past and embrace the future. Top Gun: Maverick is a visually stunning and thrilling film that pays homage to the original while still carving its own path.

Here are some examples from the movie Top Gun: Maverick that illustrate management insights:

  1. Leadership and mentorship: Throughout the movie, we see Maverick take on the role of a flight instructor and mentor to a new generation of pilots. He leads by example, demonstrating the skills and qualities that are required of a successful pilot, and encourages his students to do the same. For example, in one scene, he takes his students on a training flight and demonstrates how to handle a dangerous situation, showing them the importance of remaining calm and focused under pressure.
  2. Risk management: The film emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks, rather than reckless ones. In one scene, Maverick is criticized for his risky flying maneuvers, but he argues that he is taking calculated risks based on his experience and knowledge. Later in the movie, when he is faced with a difficult decision, he consults with his colleagues and carefully weighs the risks and benefits of his actions.
  3. Collaboration and teamwork: In the movie, we see how the pilots work together to achieve their objectives, relying on each other’s strengths and supporting each other when things get tough. For example, during a mission, Maverick and his colleagues work together to take down an enemy aircraft, each playing a crucial role in the success of the mission. This scene and the one with beach football, illustrates the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving success, both in the cockpit and in the open.
  4. Adaptability and resilience: The pilots in the movie face a range of challenges and setbacks, but they are able to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity. For example, when a mission doesn’t go as planned, Maverick and his colleagues are forced to improvise and come up with a new plan on the fly. This scene illustrates the importance of adaptability and resilience, and the need to be able to pivot and adjust plans in response to unexpected obstacles.
  5. Out of the box approach: In an initial scene with the team, Maverick drops the flight manual in the dust-bin to emphasize the fact that they need to go beyond the conventional mind-molds.