Om Shambles Om ?

Just returned from what was an absolute joke of a movie. An utterly preposterous, anachronistic, and nonchalantly shameless piece of celluloid junk called Om Shanti Om. It’s almost as if it was made with the intention of ridiculing the intellect of the Indian movie-goer. At the end of the 2 hour 47 minute (which actually felt much longer) farce, I just wondered – “Hang on a second! Did the entire team of Om Shanti Om just pull a really bad prank on me?” Maybe they did.

After having seen her on the receiving end of some really scathing reviews for Main Hoon Na, I expected Farah Khan to realize that film-making isn’t quite her métier, and that she should stick to what she does best - choreography. But she clearly doesn’t believe in the expression, once bitten twice shy. She boldly decided to make another one and somehow managed to convince her close and seemingly intelligent friend, Mr. Shahrukh Khan, to fund it, albeit under his better half’s name. So in went the dough, mixed with typical bollywood masala, a bizarre script, loads of razzmatazz, some really crappy acting, every imaginable cliché, and oodles of hype. The final product – A dazzling fiasco!!!

However, the film did have a few positives that merit a mention. The music, for instance, was really enchanting. I’ve been humming the ‘Ajab si’ number ever since I got out of the theatre. The sets of the film were really lavish, the use of CGI was remarkable and the choreography, as you’d expect, was indeed, very beautiful. But, all this, doesn’t even come close to the sight of the drop-dead-gorgeous Deepika Padukone, splashed across the big silver screen. Boy, if ever there was a divine beauty, it’s her. I feel she’s got huge potential and if handled well, can go on to make it really big in the industry. And when I say, big, I mean Superstar big.

On that positive note, I’ll sign off, and go to sleep. Have got a date with Deepika Padukone later tonight….

The Phantom of the Opera - The film

The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Joel Shumacher, who has made movies like Batman Forever and Lost Boys, is a film adaptation of the blockbuster stage musical of the same name by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It ranks right up there on my list of favorite films, and is going to remain there for some time to come.

There are a number of reasons why I rate this particular movie so highly. First of all, its screenplay, which is really the heart of the film, is based on a very poignant and moving tale of a girl who has to choose between her unseen musical trainer and her childhood boyfriend. The conflict in her mind about whether to devote her life to the suave musical genius The Phantom or to be with Raoul, her childhood sweetheart and the patron of the opera where she performs, makes for very interesting viewing. It’s true that there is the existence of the clichéd love triangle but it is documented and portrayed in a never- seen-before way, compelling the audience to feel for each character.

Secondly, the movie boasts of some of the most outstanding special effects ever seen. This is the most expensive private film ever made and it is amazing that without the backing of any major studio, the film has been able to come up with such breathtaking special effects usually associated with huge Hollywood Blockbusters.

Thirdly, the film looks awesome. Its lush and magnificent sets and costumes will leave you crying for more. The grandeur of the musical has been taken to another level and the cinematography deserves a lot of laurels. All in all, the film is a treat to the eye which is why I never get tired of seeing it.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the music of the movie is the real hero. Music plays a vital role in enhancing the overall feel of any movie and this movie is testimonial to that fact. The music of the Phantom is critically acclaimed as Lloyd Webber’s best and it’s heartening that a large chunk of the score of the stage musical has been kept intact in the movie, albeit a few changes here and there. The performers have done a commendable job, especially Gerard Butler, who has really proven to be the quintessential Phantom. Emmy Rossum has sung beautifully as Christine, and her voice, although lacking in range compared to Sarah Brightman, is far more soothing. I’ve been listening to the Phantom music album for over a year and feels as liberating as ever. I’m sure even non-opera fans will absolutely adore the music that this cult classic has to offer.

Well, I can go on praising the music forever but bearing in mind the preciousness of the time of all the readers, I’d like to end my heretofore long winding review by saying that The Phantom of the Opera is a must watch for any movie buff whether one likes opera or not, for Its charm transcends all barriers. So get a copy NOW, and immerse yourself in the Music of the Night….