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Posts tagged muslims
I wasn’t promoting MNIK-Ashok Chavan
Mar 21st
Somit Sen | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; March 21, 2010)
Mumbai: Chief minister Ashok Chavan on Saturday said he had not promoted SRK’s film My Name is Khan and was only doing his duty of ensuring that its release in Mumbai was safe.
He was reacting to an editorial in the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece, Saamna, on Saturday, which slammed him for deploying 22,000 policemen to ensure the safe release of the movie. Saamna said that the ATS in Gujarat had recently interrogated terrorists who confessed that MNIK was being used propaganda material by terrorist organisations.
“The film shows the insulting situations faced by Muslims and how they are given step-motherly treatment by other communities. This is being used as a propaganda to instigate Muslim youths to take up jihad,’’ it stated.
Chavan said he was seeking details of the findings of the Ahmedabad ATS. “I have nothing to do with the promotion of the film. It is my duty as a chief minister to provide security to every film which is cleared by the censor board,’’ he said.
“We are grateful to the people of Maharashtra for reposing faith in the government and coming to cinema halls to watch the movie despite threats,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, the Sena has demanded that the government should levy entertainment tax on IPL cricket matches. “We are losing out on crores of rupees as revenue while the IPL organisers are making huge profits,’’ said Sena group leader Subhash Desai. Chavan said the decision was “still under consideration’’.
“We will discuss the issue with cabinet members and legislators soon,’’ he said.
Hansal Mehta to make a film on Shahid Azmi
Feb 19th
By Subhash K Jha (MID-DAY; February 19, 2010)
Director wants either Ranbir or Shahid to play the protagonist
Each time there is a big natural disaster, calamity or crime story, some filmmaker (mostly the Bhatts) announce that they are making a film on the subject. Many of these films never materialise.
Hansal Mehta, who started his career as a director with a film on legalese (called Jayate), now wants to make another film entitled Jayate on the slain defense lawyer Shahid Azmi.
Early beginnings
Interestingly, Hansal has been researching on the defense lawyer from long before he was slain. He says, “I got interested in Shahid when I was researching for my first film Jayate. I got to know that at the age of 16, Shahid was accused of conspiracy against the State and arrested. He spent 5-6 years in Tihar jail. It’s during his years as a Tihar inmate that Shahid became interested in the legal system and in defending the indefensible.” Mehta says he has already completed a major apart of his scripting and intends to shoot by year-end.
In defense
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| Hansal mehta |
Adds Hansal, “I plan to meet Shahid’s family members as soon as they’re out of mourning. I want to assure them that I’m not making this film to grab headlines. I was fascinated by his life from the time I got to know he spent years in jail practising to be a defense lawyer.”
Hansal may have to defend himself against political parties in Maharashtra, which may describe him as a Paki-lover. Protests the doughty filmmaker, “But I see no reason to be hostile to Pakistan or Muslims. My wife is a Muslim and my two daughters Kimaya and Rihanna have kept their mother’s name Hussain.
I think the worst thing we as filmmakers can do, are, to surrender to these forces. Come what may I’m determined to go ahead with my film on Shahid Azmi. His story must be told. Shahid was doing a thankless job. I want to understand his motivations.”
Hansal wants to sign either Shahid Kapoor or Ranbir Kapoor to play Shahid, “They can make the transition from the age of 16 to until his death.” The question is, would these mainstream actors be willing to play such a controversial character?
| Films inspired by Crime and Calamities |
| ->The ’93 Mumbai riots: Bombay ->’93 serial Bombay bomb blasts: Black Friday ->Mumbai 7/11 train bombings: A Wednesday, Mumbai Meri Jaan ->Inspired by the 26/7 floods - Tum Mile ->The cricket betting controversy – Jannat ->The Gujarat riots – Firaaq, Parzania ->Crime & Underworld in Mumbai – Satya /Company/ D /Risk ->1999 plane hijacking – Zameen |
Who did SRK model himself on?
Feb 15th
Mariana Pinto, whose son is afflicted with asperger’s syndrome, questions team MNIK’s research on the disability, and why the film is not exactly A Beautiful Mind
(MUMBAI MIRROR; February 14, 2010)
It isn’t easy spending almost all your married life explaining that your son has Asperger’s Syndrome. Now aged 35, he is a senior correspondent with a news agency, after graduating from St. Xavier’s College with Economics and Sociology and also securing a distinction in English at ICSE.
His achievements have mainly come about due to his cooperation in the interventions my husband Yorrick and I chose for him since he was three years old.
With problems faced by dyslexics portrayed in Taare Zamin Par, followed by progeria (Paa), it appeared that it wouldn’t be too long before Bollywood explored the idea of using asperger’s syndrome to promote a story.
Knowing the formulaic nature of the brand, I went to watch My Name Is Khan with mixed feelings and emerged with one question: Who did SRK model himself on?
The main intention of the film is clearly to highlight the plight of Muslims post 9/11. It appears that given the current scenario, everything is grist to the current Bollywood mill. Hence the introduction of a hero afflicted by Asperger’s Syndrome to heighten the travails of the underdog as hero.
However, the complexities of the disorder have been twisted to suit the plot. It is clear that the film-maker has only a vague idea of this complex condition. In the film SRK as Rizwan faces a double bias post 9/11 - having AS and being a Muslim. It is a very complicated situation and has to be dealt with sensitively by doing justice to both predicaments.
One is a human disability issue and the other, an important political issue. Cinema evokes powerful responses and can act as an engaging medium to draw attention to serious issues, to anguish and suffering, when handled with depth as has been done, for instance, in A Beautiful Mind, My Left Foot and indeed our own Taare Zamin Par. However, MNIK uses AS to push the point about religious prejudice.
AS, with its features of oddness immediately draws attention. Yet, it is Rizwan’s soft chanting of prayers that draws a co-passenger’s attention, following which he is taken aside to be thoroughly frisked at an international airport. An identity card showing him to be ‘autistic’ is found on his person and he’s subsequently released only to miss his flight.
There is no evidence of an identity card at the time of his arrest when he goes to meet the President much later in the film. This, after he’s been taken for counseling by his sister-in-law who recognises signs of the syndrome. Consistency is not one of the film’s strong points. Also, it is not clear how he manages to get an American visa on his own and navigate the customs at the airport.
There are many instances in the film that reveal the confusion in portraying the central character. From his verbal and body language, he demonstrates traits of autism, autistic ‘savants’, high functional autism and asperger’s syndrome.
At several points in the film, SRK is probably so focused on his interpretation of the asperger’s look that he appears blind as well. But asperger’s syndrome is on the high-end of the spectrum, so adults have a less aloof expression. There is a good deal of significant difference in the spectrum.
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The one thing that evokes immediate sympathy is the character of Ammi. She’s poor but with compassion, rejoices in her son’s abilities. Her belief in her son sustained by prayers and deep human values which underpin the courage with which she copes with harsh reality, resonate with me.
Parental and familial support is the prime reason for success in the lives of people with AS. Sibling animosity is commonly acknowledged and here it’s an authentic portrayal. The next close relationship Rizwan has is with Mandira. This is the USP of the film. Sadly, the film shows inadequate knowledge of the stresses of such relationships in real life. AS is marked by impairment in social interaction inevitably leading to an inability to enter into and maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships.
Case studies reveal that the non-AS spouse has to cope with additional roles including those of caregiver, mentor, advocate and executive secretary! The viewer may be won over by Kajol’s proven skills and gamine charm but serious questions remain. Although a good many ‘pretty women’ prefer personality over looks while choosing a partner, very few will choose one who’s got a visible personality disorder.
A prominent feature of AS is above-average talent in a special area. Rizwan is good at repairing machines. In one of the best scenes, a very young Rizwan, covered in grime, is happily sorting through used car parts in a junkyard before being chased out. His aptitude is strangely ignored by his brother when he employs him as a salesman in his cosmetics business.
There we go again! Their lack of social skills make them “back-office boys”. They are by definition not ‘marketers’. Resourcefulness of the kind displayed by Rizwan when he emerges as the hero who helps people when Cyclone Katrina hits Georgia, is exaggerated. In such a scenario, it’s highly unlikely that he would be an organiser.
The film glosses over genuine difficulties with spontaneous communication which impacts their social interaction. Individuals with AS are also known to be uncommunicative; Rizwan talks too much.
He is very well-groomed for the part as well. Those afflicted with AS really cannot be bothered about their appearance.
Finally, there’s the major problem when arrested by the police for declaring “My name is Rizwan Khan and I’m not a terrorist”. Research shows that individuals on the autism spectrum are seven times more likely to come into contact with police.
Typical manifestations of the disorder such as an inability to empathise, impulsive behaviour, over-frankness and a lack of understanding of the outcome of situations, may be misunderstood by law enforcement authorities with serious consequences.
The awareness of such difficulties has led parents and care-givers to form support groups in the US and many other countries which have succeeded in putting in place disability laws which protect the rights of this vulnerable segment of the population.
Strangely, none of this kind of restraint is shown when Rizwan is arrested till the media highlights his plight. This heartbreaking experience points the way to the direction in which our own legislation should move.
Notwithstanding all its inadequacies as far as research about the condition and portraying the disability goes, the film has several endearing moments for which this team (KJo, SRK and Kajol) is known for.
Movie Review: MY NAME IS KHAN by FENIL SETA
Feb 14th
Which era are we living in? We consider ourselves educated, smart and ‘broad-minded’ but still typecast people on the basis of their nationality, race, religion, caste and even sub-caste! My Name Is Khan mirrors this sickening trend that is prevalent throughout the world and gives a very very important teaching that is the utmost need of the hour-there are only two kinds of people in this world: good people and bad people. Wonderfully made and marvelously performed, My Name Is Khan deserves not applause but a respectful standing ovation!
The story of the movie: Rizvan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) suffering from Aspergers Syndrome moves to San Francisco from Mumbai with his brother (Jimmy Shergill) and sister-in-law (Sonya Jehan). Here he comes across Mandira (Kajol) and instantly falls for her. She also falls for Rizvan’s honesty and childlike-innocence. Both marry and start a new life together. Soon, 9/11 incident occurs which changes the way of the world in perceiving Muslims. At this point, disaster strikes in Rizvan’s happy family life. Rizvan and Mandira get separated as Rizvan undertakes a journey across the length and breadth of the United States. His motive-to meets the US President. To find out what tragedy struck in their lives and why Rizvan wanted to meet the Prez, please watch the film!
Although it’s a Karan Johar film, it’s drastically different from his previous works like Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham etc. In fact, at certain points, it became difficult to believe that the film is directed by the same Johar guy who has previously given some emotional dramas. In My Name Is Khan, Karan Johar takes charge in a way which is very unlike his trademark filmmaking style.
The film engrosses from the first scene itself. The initial sequence between Rizvan and his mother is beautifully touching. The film gets better when Rizvan starts leading a happy life in SF by working in his brother’s company. But the best was yet to come and it happens as soon as Kajol enters the narrative. The number of sequences between SRK and Kajol in the 1st half is amazing. The 9/11 angle was wonderfully treated too. The intermission arrives unexpectedly. The shocking tragedy was also sensitively handled. And the entire journey of SRK is undoubtedly the best part of the enterprise. The film begins in a flashback mode and the way the film goes back and forth is worth appreciating.
One of the most touching scenes was when SRK lands up at a village in Georgia fully inhabited by blacks and visits it again when it is ravaged by a hurricane. These 2 sequences add to the length of the film but were very beautiful and soul-stirring scenes!
Another plus-point of the film is Rizvan Khan’s characterization. Although he isnt normal, he has a very sharp mind, is funny, sensitive and very honest and innocent. Man, I wish we all were like him! World today would have been a better place!
And lastly, the film deserves a bow for giving some much-needed teachings about love, compassion and humanity which have been forgotten gradually in today’s world. Let’s view all humans as humans first-is what film beautifully preaches!
As for the performances, Shah Rukh Khan wins hands down! What a brilliant and outstanding performance! In fact, even the words ‘brilliant’ and ‘outstanding’ fall short of doing justice to his incredible job! He just amazes you with his work. And let me tell you, from the first scene itself, you’ll forget that you are actually watching SRK on screen. You’ll forget that he’s the same guy who mesmerized one and all in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Chak De! India, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi etc. At the same time, he’ll make you fall in love with his character Rizvan Khan just the way he did as Raj in DDLJ! My Name Is Khan is a mooh-tod jawaab to all those who feel that SRK isnt open to different and unconventional roles! Hats off Baadshah! Keep rocking!
Kajol looks stunning and pitches in a stupendous performance as well. She compliments SRK very well and as usual, it was great to see them together. Let’s hope we can see more of her! With her looks and talent, she can still easily give the current lot of actress a run for their money!
Jimmy Shergill was great but Sonya Jehan leaves a better mark. Arjun Mathur who got a lot of flak for his performance in Barah Aana impresses a lot here. Zarina Wahab as SRK’s mom is extremely likeable. Tanay Chheda, last seen in Slumdog Millionaire, plays younger Rizvan in the film and leaves you awe-struck with his bravura performance! At the same time, the other child actors in the film-Yuvaan Makaar (as Sameer, Mandira’s son), the actor who plays Sameer’s neighbor and ‘Funny Hair Joel’ were terrific. Vinay Pathak was funny in special appearance. It was as everytime great to see Parvin Dabbas on screen. Sugandha Garg, Navneet Nishan and Sumeet Raghavan were okay. From the American actors’ lot, the actors who played the neighbours and Mama Jenny leave incredible mark. Christopher Duncan plays Obama in the film. He doesn’t exactly look like the US President but does a great job!
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music didn’t impress me much when I heard it. But I have started loving it after watching the film. The songs do have soul and are wonderfully placed in the film. Sajda, Noor E Khuda and Tere Naina are the best songs of the lot. The trio’s background score is fabulous too! Ravi K Chandran’s cinematography is visual treat. Some of the scenes are breathtaking.
Shibani Bathija and Niranjan Iyengar’s dialogues were perfect. Shibani disappointed in Kidnap but does a great job here not only in writing dialogues but also in story and screenplay. She has single-handedly written the script and has done an awesome job undoubtedly and it’s her best work so far!
Finally, Karan Johar is fabulous as the director this time. Making this kind of film is no easy task but KJo does it convincingly. He also presents the other side and nicely exposes how people misconstrue religious teachings and spread hatred. Also, the film has so many characters and handful of additional tracks too. But Johar is cautious to see to it that the film doesn’t deviate from its central character Rizvan. Lastly it’s an achievement that KJo manage to make a great film that is so Un-Joharish and that too of just 2.40 hours duration! Also, the past films of his production, Kurbaan, Wake Up Sid and Dostana have been different from his trademark films. So think twice before next time you want to be label KJo as ‘candyfloss film wala’ or anything of that sort!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
1. Rizvan and her mom
2. Rizvan selling beauty products and giving their description to the sellers
3. Mandira’s entry
4. Rizvan introduces himself to Mandira and her colleagues
5. Mandira proposes to Rizvan, which makes the latter blush!
6. The entire 9/11 incident
7. Sameer gets bashed up
8. Mandira’s outburst
9. The entire journey of Rizvan
10. Rizvan’s sequences with Mama Jenny and Funny Hair Joel (beautiful scenes!)
11. The last 15 minutes
On the whole, My Name Is Khan is without a shred of doubt, one of the finest films churned out of Bollywood. The USP of the film is SRK and its message, both of which you can’t afford to miss! Contrary to beliefs hold by some people, My Name Is Khan is not based on terrorism like New York and Kurbaan. It’s a humane film and such flicks are the need of the hour! It’s great to see that the film has got a huge release worldwide. The film will be seen by more people and its message will thus have a far-reaching impact! Book your tickets, FEAR NO ONE and go for it!!
My rating-**** ½ out of 5!
Movie Review: ROAD TO SANGAM by TARAN ADARSH
Jan 29th
By Taran Adarsh, January 29, 2010 – 11:46 IST
One look at the promos of ROAD TO SANGAM and you realize that this isn’t one of those films you watch every week. ROAD TO SANGAM, in fact, pricks your conscience and mirrors a reality.
Wars have been fought and are still being fought in the name of religion. ROAD TO SANGAM tries to seek answers to the burning issue and in the process, also talks of partition and the Muslims in present-day India.
Made with honest intentions, this one’s targeted at connoisseurs of cinema.
| BY BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM |
ROAD TO SANGAM tells the story of a God-fearing, devout Muslim mechanic named Hashmat Ullah [Paresh Rawal], who has been entrusted the job of repairing an old Ford engine, not knowing its historic significance.
He is caught in a complex situation after a powerful bomb explosion rocks his town, leading to the arrest of innocent Muslim youths of his locality. A strike to work is called by the prominent leaders [played by Om Puri and Pawan Malhotra] of his community to protest against the unjust treatment meted out to those arrested youths by the police.
Will he support the protest and abandon the repair of the engine or go against the wishes of his community?
A simple, thought-provoking story, ROAD TO SANGAM has some brilliant moments and also some sequences that you carry home. But what could’ve been told in a concise format seems stretched after a point. Also, besides moving at a snail’s pace, there’s also sermonising at times, which wasn’t really required.
Writer-director Amit Rai explains his point of view, but the screenplay could’ve been firm for a stronger impact. Otherwise, the director has succeeded in extracting wonderful performances from the principal cast.
Paresh Rawal excels in this film. This is amongst his finest works. Om Puri is equally competent, although the length of his role is limited. Pawan Malhotra is efficient, as always. Javed Sheikh is good. The remaining actors enact their parts very well.
On the whole, ROAD TO SANGAM is mainly for connoisseurs of cinema and also for the festival circuit.
Rating:- [critique] * * *.
Mani desires to cast Ranbir in his next?
Nov 27th
Mani Ratnam is keen to cast Ranbir Kapoor in his next film Azan
By Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 27, 2009)
Ranbir Kapoor has every reason to be happy. Post the success of his solo-starrer Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, he is being considering by top notch filmmakers. Mani Ratnam, is one of those considering Ranbir for their forthcoming film.
Mani, who is currently busy with Raavana, is already making plans for his next film, Azan, which is a pro-Muslim film. Although the director is still in the scripting process, he wants to cast Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role.
A source says, “After the release of Raavana in May next year, Mani will start working for Azan. Unlike the films releasing in Bollywood of late, which focuses on either Jehad or Islam, this is a pro-Muslim film which will portray Muslims in a positive light. The title of the film is the name of the lead character as he will be born during Azan (The Muslim summons to prayer, called by the muezzin from a minaret of a mosque five times a day).”
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Mani is very impressed with Ranbir’s acting skills and is keen to have him on board. The source adds, “After seeing Ranbir’s progress as an actor, Mani sir is keen to have him in the lead role in the film. Ranbir has not played such a role till date and it is sure to be his breakthrough performance. Till now, Ranbir has played a young boy, a mature man (Bachna Ae Haseeno), a Sardar (Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year) and now seeing him portray a Muslim character, will be a different ballgame altogether. Mani sir is still in the scripting process and will complete it early next year. The film is slated to hit the floors in August next year.”
Ranbir Kapoor remained unavailable for comment.
Hate is a big, bad emotion-Aashish Chowdhary
Nov 26th
ON A POSITIVE NOTE: Aashish Chowdhary
Aashish Chowdhary, who lost his sister and brother-in-law in the terror attack in Mumbai last year writes
I feel humbled by all the strength my friends and this fraternity gives me. Also, I do realise how I must let go of all that, that is buried inside me. I also am aware that there are plenty of others who have gone through a lot too. But, I am in the hope that all of you will understand me when I tell u that it is not the right moment for me to come out and say absolutely anything regarding the issue.
My sister’s kids are living with and being taken care of by their paternal grandparents. I haven’t spoken about it much because I feel that my family needs to be left alone. I have been misquoted on this sensitive issue recently, and I wish people would stop doing that.
I just want to request one and all to help each other for a start. Whether it’s the government, the doctors, teachers, the common public, whoever. We all need to help each other. Have love, respect for each other. There are so many incidents like these with really poor people too. We can start with some charity if nothing else. The revenue of all the events and programmes that are held on the pretext of the anniversary of 26/11, for example, should be given to charity. Lots more can, and should be done.
And finding the problem and curing it is not the end all. We’ve got to cure it from the root. It is not only people like Kasab. He is a victim himself. A victim of wrong preaching, false teaching. Kids are being brainwashed from a really young age to commit felony in the name of religion. It’s sad. But it’s true. My dearest friends are Muslims and they have a totally different meaning of Jihad. I do not think it’s the religion. The Islamic religion is beautiful in my eyes. It’s the select few, who are on an entirely different zone. All of Pakistan is not as its being perceived. It’s just that the cockroaches in that home have to be removed. All homes have some pests or the other. Crimes are committed in India, too, my friends.
I know I’m saying so much despite of starting by saying I don’t want to. But, what I’ve said is what I think all should know. We are all humans. We should love each other. Hate is a big, bad emotion. It’s got to be eradicated. Religion is not the be all and end all. I say all the internal religious problems in our enchanting, multi-faceted India too should be thrown in the back seat. We have to unite. It’s the need of the hour. For me — as a fellow human to all — I’m a human being first, then an Indian, and then… full stop!
BOMBAY TIMES (November 26, 2009)
Bandra Muslims to defend SRK, Mannat from Sena
Feb 6th
Posted by Fenil Seta in Bollywood News
No comments
By KETAN RANGA (Mid-Day; February 4, 2010)
Muslims from Bandra have come out in Shahrukh Khan’s support after the actor drew flak from the Shiv Sena for his comment on the non-inclusion of Pakistani players in the IPL.
The 700-member strong Bandra Muslim association, whose membership includes maulanas, political leaders and Muslim youth from Bandra, held a meeting last night and decided to express their support for the star and oppose the Sena’s stand. They have also decided to guard the actor’s residence, Mannat.
‘Stern action required’
Farooq Ghosi, president of the association, said, “Shahrukh and Aamir belong to the Bandra area and they are being targeted because they are Muslim actors. We have been noticing the statements made by the Sena leaders in the last few days and we won’t allow this to continue. The government should take stern action and arrest Uddhav or we will come out on the streets. We will guard the homes of these actors and if Sena protestors come to their residence, our youth will protest. We will answer the Sena people using their own methods.”
When asked whether this would create further law and order problems, he said, “Shiv Sena has already created the controversy. We are just trying to help the actors as saving the people of Bandra is our responsibility. We are not the actors’ followers but we won’t allow the Sena to target them unfairly.” The association will hold a press conference at the Press Club this afternoon.
Shah Rukh Khan, who is in New York for My Name is Khan’s promotion, said he did not regret any of his comments — be it about the Pakistani cricketers or about Mumbai belonging to all Indians. He said that he was proud to be an Indian and described the Sena’s attitude as ‘unhealthy’ and ‘undemocratic’.