Category: Lookit!

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Film

Review: Double Seat

This week’s release is about choosing between a home in Mumbai or the idea of a family; explored in sensitive detail.
by Ravi Shet

Rating: 4 out of 5

Double Seat directed by Sameer Vidwans is the story of newly married middle class couple – Amit Naik (Ankush Chaudhari) and Manjiri Naik (Mukta Barve) – who live in a small house with Amit’s parents (Vandana Gupte and Vidyadhar Joshi) and brother (Shubhankar Tawade) with the determination to buy a new home in the city.

The couple comes back from its honeymoon to their chawl based in Lalbaug, Mumbai. Manjiri works as an Insurance agent hailing from small town, living in Mumbai for the first time in her life, while Amit works in a courier company. She quickly settles into Mumbai’s pace of life and also learns how to ride a two-wheeler and catch the local trains. But the couple struggles to find privacy. There are moments when they resort to sending each other text messages to express their emotions.

 

As the days pass by, Amit tells Manjiri that it’s time to have their own home. They start their home hunt, Amit likes a house and pays a token amount for it. The couple is about to go ahead with their plans when Manjiri announces that she is pregnant. They now have to decide if they should buy the house or have a child, since they cannot afford the expense of both. This causes a rift between them.

The direction is excellent in terms of connecting the storyline realistically. The dialogues are good, too, as is the music by Jasraj, Saurabh and Hrishikesh.

Ultimately, the film rests on the performances by Ankush Chaudhari, Mukta Barve, Vandana Gupte and Vidyadhar Joshi, who are excellent in this film. Double Seat is a must-watch film for all Mumbaikars who struggle to find homes, love and meaning in the city.

(Picture courtesy www.megamarathi.com)

Categories
Lookit!

10 bizarre lyrics we still haven’t understood

Bollywood churns out many foot-tapping songs, but some of these superhits have extremely puzzling lyrics. Which ones did you understand?

by Ravi Shet

We love some of the chart busters Hindi films give us. It seems that most films have become hits only by virtue of a catchy song.

But a recap of some of the 90s and beyond hit songs has us a little confused – what do some of these lyrics mean? Here is our list of 10 bizarre lyrics we still haven’t understood. Please enlighten us if you have cracked their meaning.

1. Jab tak rahega samose mein aloo (Mr & Mrs Khiladi, 1997, lyrics: Dev Kohli)

We suppose this is a roundabout way of pledging eternal love and fidelity. But if anyone compared our relationship to a deep fried snack, the other half would be made to eat aloo sabzi for a month. The full lyrics are ‘Jab tak rahega samose mein aloo, tera rahunga o meri Shalu…’ *insert deep sigh*

Hera pheri2. Main ladka po po po (Hera Pheri, 2000, lyrics: Sameer)

This song goes ‘Tu ladka po po po, hum dono milein po po po, ab aage hoga kya?’ Very good question, considering nobody knows what a ‘Po po po’ is.

3. Tera pyaar pyaar pyaar, hookah bar (Khiladi 786, 2012, lyrics: Himesh Reshammiya)

It is safe to say that Himessbhai was smoking something exciting (possibly in a hookah bar) when he wrote this song. Not happy with writing such mind-altering lyrics, he also sang the song for hero Akshay Kumar in trademark Himess style (read: very badly).

4. Main Laila Laila chillaunga, kurta phaad ke, (Anari No. 1, 1999, lyrics: Dev Kohli)

This song was ideal for Govinda-style dancing (which often falls in the ‘dhinkachika’ format). But what is the need for this unwarranted violence towards kurtas? Both the hero and heroine (Govinda and Raveena Tandon) threaten to phaad their kurtas after shouting the other’s name. Was this some 1990s mating ritual we missed?

5. Telephone dhun mein hasne wali (Hindustani, 1996, lyrics: PK Mishra)

These lyrics are pure gold. ‘Telephone dhun mein hasne wali, Melbourne machhali machalane wali, digital mein sur hai taraasha…’ We are sure there is someHindustani deep philosiphical meaning to this. At least, we hope so. Otherwise, this seems to be a case of writing to a 2-minute deadline.

6. Saree Ke Fall Sa (R…Rajkumar, 2013, lyrics: Mayur Puri)

‘Saree ke fall sa, kabhi match kiya re,

kabhi chhod diya dil, kabhi catch kiya re…’

Awesome. The only song ever to put tailors and cricketers in the same team. This song makes perfect sense…to nobody. Even tailors and cricketers.

7. Hai huku, hai huku (Gopi Kishan, 1994, lyrics: Sameer)

Watch your language, dude. Seriously, watch it. And then tell us what ‘Hai huku‘ means. The lyrics go, ‘Hai huku, hai huku, hai hai…yeh ladki mere saamne, kyun mera dil liye jaye jaye jaye…’ Is he complaining or what?

8. Mohabbat hai mirchi (Chura Liya Hai Tumne, 2003, lyrics: Jay Sharma)

The song that gave us Rakhi Sawant and heartburn at the same time, with lyrics that go, ‘Mohabbat hai mirchi sanam, uljhi uljhi tirchhi tirchhi mohabbat ki galiyan sanam…’ If this was post-2010, Himesh Reshammiya would have penned this song, and thrown in some other fruit and vegetables to make it more interesting.

Chhote sarkar9. Ek chumma tu mujhko udhaar dai de (Chhote Sarkar, 1996, lyrics: Rani Malik)

Govinda featured in this crapfest of a film, and true to form, danced to this gem with the lyrics, ‘Ek chumma tu mujhko udhaar dai de, aur badle mein UP Bihar lai le‘. This is unacceptable. UP and Bihar should protest.

10. Aa khushi se khudkushi kar le (Darling, 2007, lyrics: Sameer)

It is a little disturbing that lyricist Sameer has featured on this list four times. But this one is his best effort. The song goes, ‘Betaabiyaan bhi hai jawaan, mere jaaniyaan, mere ishq ka dil mein jeher bhar le, aa khushi se khudkushi kar le…’ We urge you to listen to this song if you ever feel suicidal. One of two things will happen: Either you will feel better about your life, because there are other things (like this song) crappier than your circumstances, or you will go out smiling – you know, khushi se.

Did we miss out any other lyrical gems? Do let us know in the comments below.

(Pictures courtesy bollywoodlaughs.wordpress.com, www.tribuneindia.com, article.wn.com, indianexpress.com)

Categories
Film

Review: Gurukul

Langourous and tedious by turns, the Marathi film ‘Gurukul’ does not do justice to the plot with its slow pace.
by Ravi Shet

Rating: 2 out of 5

Written and directed by Rommel Rodrigues, Gurukul is a social drama that centres on ‘Gurukul’ an educational institution in a town named Ranjangaon. Its head, Nanasaheb Vishwanath Gokhale (Nagesh Bhosle), is fondly referred to as Guruji. The film starts with a party thrown for Ravi Thakur, one of Gurukul’s ex-students, who has won the CEO of the Year award. His friends Rishi and Rajeev also meet in the party along with their spouses. The three couples have been ex-students of Gurukul, and they plan to take some time out of their busy schedules to visit their college and Guruji.

During their road trip to Ranjangaon, they remember their good times at Gurukul and the film goes into flashback. The story starts from the day they enter the premises of Gurukul for the first time. One day, Rishi sees the news item of a Lavani show and plans to go with Ravi, Rajeev and another classmate. They cautiously leave from the hostel and reach the place; however they are not able to find the place where the show is happening; instead, the person guiding them takes them to bar where they play cards.

The bar is raided and everyone is arrested, however once Rishi and his friends say they are students of Gurukul, the police inspector takes them directly to Guruji. On hearing the incident, Guruji reacts in a very gentle manner towards the four students.

 

By the end of first half, these three couples are shown to graduate from Gurukul. It is in the second half of the movie, that the audiences realise that the existing Gurukul is different from the past one and also Guruji is no longer serving there due to local politician Girishbhau Velangekar (Vidyadhar Joshi) who has taken over Gurukul by fraudulent means.

Only the Lavani number sung by Asha Bhosale and the film’s plot can entice you into watching this film. The pace of the film is patchy and the first half is really boring. Watch at your own peril.

(Picture courtesy timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

Categories
Event

Jazz on, Delhi!

Jazz concert this evening will not just present musicians from Manhattan, but will also talk about the history of jazz.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Delhi has the chance to get all jazzy this evening, Sunday, August 9.

Jazzaddicts bring to the national capital an evening of jazz with a ‘Back to the future’ concert headlined by Rajeev Raja (Jazz and fusion flautist) accompanied by international jazz musicians, all the way from Manhattan, New York. The concert is being organised at Qla, Delhi today, August 9, 2015. Jazzaddicts in an attempt to revive the original sounds of Jazz (sounds of foot stomping, swinging Jazz music) to which one can dance and snap one’s fingers.

This concert will combine performance with presentation, with a power point presentation that outlines the evolution of jazz from its beginning to the modern days live on stage. Rajeev Raja will present the history of jazz using a laptop and a giant screen. Meanwhile, the Manhattan musicians will perform jazz music from different eras. A band member said, “We are indebted to Jazz for the impact it has had on our development as musicians. The least we can do is spread awareness of this sublime form of music.”

Their most recent performance was to a packed house at the NCPA Experimental theatre in Mumbai. It took the audience by storm, as it was both incredibly informative and widely entertaining.

Categories
Listen

Attend: Hindustani classical vocal recital

The NCPA Mumbai hosts two vocal recitals by Kalpana Zokarkar and Ramakant Gaikwad this evening. Do not miss this performance.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

If you are a Hindustani classical music lover, you wouldn’t want to miss this performance.

This evening, the NCPA hosts two recitals featuring classical and semi-classical streams of Hindustani music, as presented by two talented vocalists. Kalpana Zokarkar and Ramakant Gaikwad.

Trained in classical music by her father, Krishnarao (Mamasaheb) Mujumdar, Kalpana was also groomed by senior artistes like Sushila Pohankar and VU Rajurkar. Gifted with an appealing voice, she has an equal command over the classical and light classical styles of music. In a career spanning three decades, Kalpana has won numerous accolades.

Born in a musical family, Ramakant Gaikwad has trained with his parents, Suryakant and Sangeeta Gaikwad. As a practitioner of Patiala gharana, he also specialises in thumri presentation, and has a penchant for thumris immortalised by Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

At NCPA, 6.30 pm today, Friday, August 7, 2015. Tickets are priced at Rs 150 and are available here.

(Picture courtesy NCPA, Mumbai)

 

Categories
Eat

5 must-visit burger joints in Mumbai

Mumbai is spoilt for choice when it comes to burger options. We pick 5 little-known places for your eating pleasure.
by Ravi Shet

Burgers are awesome. Vegetarian or not, they are sumptuous and addictive. We went burger-hopping recently and came across 5  places in the city where you can munch scrumptious burgers.

Here is our list, in no particular order.

  1. Café Free India, Lower Parel

Veg Parmaggiano Burger_Cafe Free IndiaThis place has yellow and white walls with wooden chairs and tables, and is situated opposite Deepak Cinema. It was founded by Sachin Roche in May 2012. All their burgers have hand-made patties and are accompanied by fries. Their Veg Parmaggiano Burger (Rs 260) consisting of vegetarian fried patty topped with a tomato concasse and parmesan crust, Juicy Lucy Chicken (Rs 275) consisting of crumb fried patty filled with Swiss and cheddar cheese and Crunchy Cajun Chicken Burger (Rs 275) consisting of cornflakes-crusted chicken breast with a Cajun rub are worth trying out. Sachin says that all patties are hand-made and nothing is kept frozen so that customers can enjoy fresh patties. He also adds that he keeps on experimenting with the patties so that he can offer customers different options.

  1. Meltz Treatz, Kandivali (West)

Serving 100% vegetarian burgers from January 2015, this place is located at Mahavir Nagar, next to Sukh Sagar Restaurant and near D-Mart. Co-owned by Indian Spiced Oats & Moong Dal Burger_Meltz Treatzfranchise owners Nirmala Valavan, Jaya Bhalchandran, Parvati Vishwanthan and Mukund Sadrani, this place is open on all days from 12 pm to 11 pm serving customers vegetarian burgers in four different buns – Foccacia, Seeded Burger Buns, Multi-grain and Italian Herbs and cheese.

Their Curried Vegetable Burger (Rs 59) consists of veggies having flavours from northern part of India, Chick Peas and Spinach Burger (Rs 59) and Indian Spiced Oats and Moong Dal Burger (Rs 79) are my best picks for their taste and flavours. Nirmala says that the outlet was started to serve healthy burgers which are not easily available at most places.

  1. The Big Burger, Powai

The Big Burger_The Big BurgerThis outlet is situated at Hakone Children’s Park, Hiranandani Garden and is founded by Nick Bagga in 2010. They serve grilled meat burgers in chicken or mutton, as well as paneer and crispy vegetarian burgers. Italian Chicken Burger (Rs 160) consisting of chicken, pesto mayo and mozzarella and The Big Burger (Rs 250) consists of two portions of mutton meat and a cheese slice, and are really worth trying out.

Also, the Punjabi Burger (Rs 90) consisting of corn and palak with spicy mint sauce is a good treat for vegetarians. Nick says that the recipes for patties and sauces are his.

  1. The Good Food Co., Vile Parle (East)

Founded in December 2011 by Anuj Jodhani, this place is located at Nehru Road, opposite Brijwasi Sweets. It serves 100% vegetarian burgers. Simply Vego Burger (Rs 50), Corn Cheese Surprise Burger (Rs 100) and Mexicano Burger (Rs 100) are great eats here. Anuj says that the menu comprises only 5 vegetarian burgers, but all are hits among the customers. The outlet plans to add more burger options soon.

  1. Urban Burger 11, Goregaon (West)

At a walkable distance from Goregaon railway station, this outlet at Aarey Road has been serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian burgers from March 2015. Burger_Urban Burger 11Minty Veg Burger (Rs 45), Chicken Burger (Rs 45) and Chicken Schezwan Burger (Rs 55) are my best picks from here. The patties are hand-made. Hitesh Patel, owner of the outlet says that he wants to introduce more options and is currently experimenting on various combinations.

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