FilmiBoi

Sholay , through the years, has become a cult classic as it had a historic run in cinemas across India. Running for 5 long years in a Mumbai theatre was some record back in the 70s. Typically, it had all the ingredients of a masala flick - a grand ensemble cast, rugged, dry terrains, catchy (understatement), memorable dialogues and some great music. But  the thing  for which Sholay is remembered is  Gabbar Singh, the dacoit of the fictional town of Ramgarh. And Gabbar isn’t the sole merit of the legendary Amjad Khan. Of course, he played his role flawlessly but then mere acting isn’t the treat for the audiences especially for Bollywood talkies fanatics (like me). We all look for dialogues, power-packed ones. And at that time, the dialogues et al were written by the most talked-about writers of the early 70s, “Salim-Javed”. This duo gave us some unforgettable characters and yes, Gabbar tops the list. The sadistic humour which is exhibited in Gabbar’s views creates a stir in the viewers

Bollywood soundtracks are special. Like any other genre of music, filmi music can be heard in isolation, but watching the film beforehand can make a perceptible difference. This act increments the position of a Bollywood song from being a film-promoter to being an aural bioscope. It either speaks for the film by providing cadence to the camera and gravitas to the plot or provides an escapist outlet to intense cinema. Simply put, it serves two purposes: it either acts as a catalyst to move the story forward, or serves as a momentary detour from a grim or overwhelming film. Here, I analyse Bollywood music through this binary.  Bollywood music as a continuum catalyst: moving the plot forward As continuum catalysts, songs add a bardic and theatrical touch to the film. Lyrical ballads and nervy orchestrations substitute and complement dialogues and emotions on-screen. From classics like Mother India and Pyaasa to the relatively recent Shakespearan trilogy helmed by Vishal Bharadwaj, there

Cricket went for a wicket this weekend. You still got the 'blues'? Fear not. Here's a Bollywood movie binge-list to get going, while the going gets tough. We won't tell you much about the story. Here go the famous five: Lagaan (2001) A tax and attacks force Bhuvan's 11 to take on ruthless Russel under the loving guidance of a gori memsahib. Iqbal (2005) A deaf and mute boy, a drunkard coach and Ranji; any avid cinegoer would spot the clichés in the plot. But watch it for the performances, and "Aashayen" (try to get that song out of your head). Chain Kulii ki Main Kulii (2007) Watch how Karan, an orphan, goes on for a heroic stint in the Indian cricket team with the help of Varun bhaiyya and the "magic bat". It's just Iqbal, except that everyone speaks. Ferrari ki Sawaari (2012) Raju Rastogi from 3 Idiots is a father now. He is poor, naive and honest: the concoction of invalids in today's fast-paced