tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post9122841134784873297..comments2023-10-22T19:45:19.303+05:30Comments on Blessed Curse: Review of Slumdog MillionaireVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-52122651671397268852009-02-20T01:30:00.000+05:302009-02-20T01:30:00.000+05:30@Varun, U r being too nice in ur comments. Thanks ...@Varun, U r being too nice in ur comments. Thanks so much!!!Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-42997751357382907462009-02-19T23:56:00.000+05:302009-02-19T23:56:00.000+05:30Yaar! Amazing review!I loved the movie! I probably...Yaar! Amazing review!<BR/><BR/>I loved the movie! I probably would have loved it more if I had watched it in a theater. I couldn't wait and watched it on my laptop :)Varunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13911437244977847067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-52648133604776202462009-02-19T23:55:00.000+05:302009-02-19T23:55:00.000+05:30Yaar! What are you doing in IT industry? Amazing r...Yaar! What are you doing in IT industry? Amazing review!<BR/><BR/>I loved the movie! I probably would have loved it more if I had watched it in a theater. I couldn't wait and watched it on my laptop :)Varunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13911437244977847067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-9003059230364238462009-02-06T20:54:00.000+05:302009-02-06T20:54:00.000+05:30@Vishwam, Nopes, you are not. It's never late for ...<B>@Vishwam,</B> Nopes, you are not. It's never late for anyone to read n comment on any article written anytime. :)<BR/><BR/>I guess u r right abt the hype thing. Few of my friends were disappointed cuz of the hype.Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-70611650265640517842009-02-05T11:37:00.000+05:302009-02-05T11:37:00.000+05:30am i too late here .. may be All i can say is .. i...am i too late here .. may be <BR/>All i can say is .. if people would have watched this movie without the hype it would have worked far better...<BR/><BR/>as for the movie ... when we can hail Singh is king or tashan or more idiotic movies .. i think we cant do much but surrender to this movieVishwamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03127413767368230373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-77765747642975860532009-02-04T17:43:00.000+05:302009-02-04T17:43:00.000+05:30Poonam: Hmm, I understood. It is a breach, but tha...<B>Poonam:</B> Hmm, I understood. It is a breach, but that doesn't mean it's a flaw. It can be depicted as an offense , probably it was, cuz Jamal was scared of filling-in and he double checks with the guy when he said, 'back in 5 mins' or so..... So it was a breach but at the same time it was not shown as something usual. <BR/><BR/>By tonight or tomorrow for sure I will post LBC...Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-69341443358904076122009-02-04T11:41:00.000+05:302009-02-04T11:41:00.000+05:30Honestly stretching creative license is not a dete...Honestly stretching creative license is not a deterrant to enjoying a movie. Ghajini was full of flaws, yet I enjoyed first time. (Second time I happened to catch, I thought what bullshit.)<BR/><BR/>I mentioned this improbability because where I worked (in callcenter) this situation was imporabable. chailwaalahs were not allowed even inside and hard to ask soemone to fillin...but then this is beside the point. It irked me only because this is reach of security and a foreigner depicted that (security has been a huge concern a year ago). But then perhaps Vikas Swarup wrote it. <BR/><BR/><BR/>Yes, it was hype taht wporked against and I dint identify with the love story. :( <BR/><BR/>When are you posting your Luck by chnace review?Poonam Sharmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06353705196113881323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-45953661151548745832009-02-03T15:43:00.000+05:302009-02-03T15:43:00.000+05:30Poonam: I am sure it's the hype that worked agains...<B>Poonam:</B> I am sure it's the hype that worked against. Happened to 2 other friend of mine. More than the reviews of us bloggers, it was media who committed the crime. <BR/><BR/>Jamal's win and Love story is def each to his/her own but allowing chai-walla to take call is not a flaw actually. The thing is the guy requested him to fill-in for sometime till he comes back (probably few mins) and the reason he requested cuz he knew Jamal is an intelligent and smart boy (a reference made prior in the classroom when he answers the question asked by the trainer). So, I guess that question was base to show later that Jamal is capable of taking calls. One point proved. Now coming to the 2nd that it is a case of creative license stretched. Well, dear I agree that it is highly impossible but I have seen that happening (I worked too for 3 months). Few guys befriend others to fill-in while they go for sutta break. I mean, of course no one asked chai-walla or housekeeping boy like in movie but then thats fairly shown if boy in question is a smart one. <BR/><BR/>Glad u enjoyed at least some scenes. ;)<BR/><BR/>And yes, Boyle is absolutely clean. ThanksVeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-5152843041503087822009-02-03T11:32:00.000+05:302009-02-03T11:32:00.000+05:30Oxy, I finally watched the movie. I was disappoint...Oxy, I finally watched the movie. I was disappointed. Maybe hype worked against for me. I enjoyed all the scenes you mentioned. But I was not as moved as expected to be. I never faced euphoria when Jamal won, perhaps I knew he will. I could not believe in the loe story. I thought allowing chai wallah to take call was taking creative license too far. I have worked in call center for 6 months long back. They are paranoid about security, how could chai walla get in? Too good to be true-kind of movie.<BR/><BR/>I guess, to each his own. Though I dont accuse Boyle of slum-voyerism.Poonam Sharmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06353705196113881323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-6163408828215547342009-01-28T15:23:00.000+05:302009-01-28T15:23:00.000+05:30@Avionic: Hey U!!! Hope many go beyond the spoiler...<B>@Avionic:</B> Hey U!!! Hope many go beyond the spoilers too. <BR/><BR/>Well, I think I am not. What should I say if they do? Well I said already. :) How have you been? Long time, eh?Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-57605634470019200602009-01-28T15:16:00.000+05:302009-01-28T15:16:00.000+05:30@Rain Girl: Thanks. U know what? Like the movie is...<B>@Rain Girl:</B> Thanks. U know what? Like the movie is over-hyped by now, the criticism is over-hyped too. People should just chillax. Just a movie people. <BR/><BR/>And well, virtual bro's sis doesn't mean a sister to me as well!!! Hehe, ... and u know why we call each other bro cuz I feel he is my 'brother from another mother' for various reasons.Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-91824103714944142162009-01-28T11:22:00.000+05:302009-01-28T11:22:00.000+05:30Nice review. I haven't seen the movie yet and I re...Nice review. I haven't seen the movie yet and I really don't get affected much by spoilers et al .. so I have been through the comments section with relish as well. So far I have concluded this is a good movie provided you are willing to go along with the flow of the story.<BR/><BR/>And oxy, and you are building relations as you go along, eh?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-89669712977693437362009-01-28T09:46:00.000+05:302009-01-28T09:46:00.000+05:30oh, btw, if you call my brother as your lil brothe...oh, btw, if you call my brother as your lil brother - then i guess am your sister?? <BR/><BR/>:P<BR/><BR/>:PRain Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01645584707782682050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-17425840384733658932009-01-28T09:42:00.000+05:302009-01-28T09:42:00.000+05:30loved the movie, and your review. seriously, canno...loved the movie, and your review. seriously, cannot imagine why all this hullabulla over a movie.. guess they have nothing better to do. :P<BR/><BR/>nice blog you have...Rain Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01645584707782682050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-21979762854011201552009-01-27T20:23:00.000+05:302009-01-27T20:23:00.000+05:30@AV: Hehe.... Lol @ Cat reference.. so true.... th...@AV: Hehe.... Lol @ Cat reference.. so true.... thanksVeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-80125939987654947942009-01-27T20:12:00.000+05:302009-01-27T20:12:00.000+05:30@Rakesh: Oye hoye, I am glad u loved it. Lol @ gul...@Rakesh: Oye hoye, I am glad u loved it. Lol @ gulab jamun reference as I said something akin to Vimmuuu as in get me any movie and I will nit-pick and bring out the stereotypes and flaws. <BR/><BR/>I will check out your version soon.Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-91026800530961696462009-01-27T20:09:00.000+05:302009-01-27T20:09:00.000+05:30@E-I-S-I: Ah, that was quite a comment. And I am t...@E-I-S-I: Ah, that was quite a comment. And I am thankful you came up with some very valid justifications. <BR/><BR/>Of course, I did not mind. Cheers!!!Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-76479135168293133892009-01-27T20:07:00.000+05:302009-01-27T20:07:00.000+05:30@ Ava: Well, you are one of the few I know who rea...@ Ava: Well, you are one of the few I know who read the book before watching the movie. And I very well know how does it feel after recently being cheated with 'The Kite Runner' movie. But, the same movie was loved by my nephew who had not even heard of 'The Kite Runner' till it showed in the credits. He found TKR a very touching movie whereas I was completely devastated and promised myself (once again, doesn't work though) that never ever I will watch the movie based on a book. You see, it all varies. I can't say I too would not have been kicked had I read Q&A. But I also know that the story has been tampered with (but of course, with the consent of the author).Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-53291630613846975632009-01-27T19:47:00.000+05:302009-01-27T19:47:00.000+05:30@Vimmuuu: Ah, So there u went and said all. Cool, ...@Vimmuuu: Ah, So there u went and said all. Cool, appreciated. Sorry that I am replying late (as I was away on vacation during long weekend). <BR/><BR/>Coming to your comment, Vimmuuu let me first say that what you are doing is nothing but a nit-picking. I see that EISI has already replied to you and I guess I should reply to you, but tell me one thing; Will that change the opinion which you have made of the movie. When it comes to movies, I have often seen that once the opinion is made, no matter how much other person justifies, it ain’t sufficient or for that matter no justification will be sufficient enough. <BR/><BR/>Dude, I do not find that accented English was a flaw. I will tell you how? The movie is a British movie and is made for International audience and to be brutally honest it’s made in English in the later 2/3rd part just keeping the awards in mind. Yes, what’s wrong in that? I saw couple of movies last week. Vicky Cristina Barcelona which won GG is both in Spanish and English. The leads switch from Spanish to English and back to Spanish every now and then. Then I saw a movie called ‘Valentina’s Tango’ where the first half n hour is in some language (I don’t know what) and then the leads run away from their native to America and they speak English in the later half. Ok, you might say they picked English after coming to America. But, the two kids who grew up have drastically different accent. One has a typical American twang (of course, they took Mexican-American actor George Perez for that and the other role was played by some local guy. So, you see one has accent and other doesn’t. In case of SM, Jamal has got an accent as he is a brit guy whereas Salim and Latika do not possess any accent. It need not be justified at all. The movie is not a Hindi movie. I will give you a very classic example now. Last year famous cinematographer and director Santosh Sivan made a movie called ‘Before the Rains’ set during the nationalist movement of 1930s. The movie is in English and the set is interiors of Kerala. The leads (Rahul and Nandita) and other few key people (though illiterate) speak chaste English. Got the point I am trying to say? <BR/><BR/>Youngest Salim if you remember was picked as the right hand man of that tall goonda. He was given the job which was nothing but that of a goonda. The middle Salim too was shown as short-tempered, rebellious person. It’s not at all difficult for kids living in slums to join some gang and some get to lay their hands on gun quite early in their lives. Here I will tell you to watch movie called ‘City of Gods’ which has slums of Rio De Janeiro as backdrop and kids half the age of middle Salim are shown shooting with ease. It’s futile to show how these kids get pistols and bullets. They just seem to get it because they live in the middle of crime. And that particular incidence leads Jamal in answering that question as Salim says, “The man with the colt 45 says shut up.” That scene is shown in reverse. And now that youhave picked this incidence I wonder how could you miss ‘Surdas’ incident. At least in this case Salim says the word ‘colt’ which might have made Jamal think that ‘Colt’ could be the answer but for the question “Who wrote Darshan do Ghanshyam”, Jamal tells the story where Arvind was blinded and he was next in the queue. But nowhere anyone suggests/says that Surdas wrote this verse. What would you call that? Does it mean that if you are to sing this song after being blinded, Surdas must have written because Surdas himself was a blind man. This could be the flaw but not the ‘Colt one’ boy. <BR/><BR/>The three musketeers episode and Prem being against Jamal has been descrived quite well by EISI. I will add to that saying Prem Kumar is saying to himself that ‘He is the original Slumdog who became a millionaire’ and he is not able to digest the fact that there is going to be another one. He is too much into himself to see that happening and gives the wrong answer. And the rest of the questions too are aptly answered by EISI bro. All those things are possible.. <BR/><BR/>If you are trying to nit-pick so much then I can tell you for sure that bring me any of your favorite movies and I can tell you at least five flaws. As for the Rediff’s review I read it the day it was published and I just laughed out loud and closed the site. There was another review on Rediff which covered the aspects quite well but not Sumit’s. If you read Sumit’s review carefully it clearly shows that the man has written the review without watching the movie. Trust me, he wrote without seeing. He just picked cases and references from here and there and collaborated and posted. If anyone is trying to run down a movie they should do that with valid points and references. The movie no doubt was well shot and executed. So that ways Sumit’s review falls flat. <BR/><BR/>Ah, Ghajini and RNBDJ are totally different topics… One was flawed to the core and other was almost there. And why are we even comparing them? SM is no doubt gives u a feel of Bollywood Masala flick but that is not the reason to compare it with other Bollywood flick. <BR/><BR/>And now here I would disagree with both you and EISI. For me ‘Jai Ho’ rocked and moved me. Whether I listen it on iPod or Laptop or watch it on TV or big screen it will always move me. When I say that I mean to convey that along with the music I somehow give a lot of emphasis to the lyrics and when you hear something like “Ankhiyon ki neend maine Phoonkon se uda di; Ginn gin taare maine ungli jalayee hai” how can you not move? I mean you see the whole movie (Jamal’s search of his love) and then this song to end it. It’s amazing. Having said that, I would say this is not ARR’s greatest work.. His Roja, Dil Se and Rangeela and many more were far better than SM but I am not gonna put ARR’s works up against each other.Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-46137682302600097852009-01-26T23:56:00.000+05:302009-01-26T23:56:00.000+05:30hey! a gr8 scene-by-scene review! i too loved tat ...hey! a gr8 scene-by-scene review! i too loved tat movie, n the climax the most of all! i personally think that people who can accept the bitter truth that all the incidents(except possibly the hero winning the award)are true and happening all around, would love the movie for what its worth, and the music adds more worth! but the people who would garble about India's image being tainted n all that shit, i think they are all cats who just wanna close their eyes n claim that its night. but gr8 review dude!AVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15166207192348108158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-63483497245064132822009-01-26T12:13:00.000+05:302009-01-26T12:13:00.000+05:30Finally Oxy, I did see it :) and Loved it.Read you...Finally Oxy, I did see it :) and Loved it.<BR/><BR/>Read your review and agree completely - It is a movie which will have clichés, stereotypes and co-incidences. Tell me a movie that didn't have any of these and I'll tell you a gulab jamun that doesn't taste sweet. Actually, a lot of my post is similar to your arguments.<BR/><BR/>The point about them speaking English is definitely a cinematic liberty taken to cater to the western audience and yes, it never did harm the flow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-34100737261121784102009-01-26T06:48:00.000+05:302009-01-26T06:48:00.000+05:30Oxy, I'm taking the liberty to engage Vimmu here.V...Oxy, I'm taking the liberty to engage Vimmu here.<BR/><BR/>Vimmu,<BR/><BR/>First of all, let me say that I dislike Sumit B's review of the movie. He says that "the execution falls very flat because of two basic flaws: The language barrier, and a wishy washy story line."<BR/>However, I feel the execution is what made the movie excel!<BR/>This movie had a "different" feel to it. We as an audience clamour for such a feel and when we are given it, we still want to compare it with mundane stuff and say that it is not properly done! He gives the movie 2 stars? Why? Does he want to get more clicks to his review by being "different" and appearing to not give into the hype? LOL!<BR/><BR/>Having been brought up in Bombay, I can tear Sumit's review to shreads, but then let me stick to replying to your points.<BR/><BR/>They jump out of a train and suddenly starts speaking accented English. Its very much before the Tajmahal scene, so their english isnt from the tourists.<BR/>A: They were educated in English, learning 3 Muskeeters in school.<BR/><BR/>Salim carries a gun, but from where did he get the gun and the bullets from all of a sudden, how does he now how to fire a gun? and how is that particular incident even getting Jamal to the right answer?<BR/>A: Salim got the gun from the underworld. Salim was a "dada" since childhood and continues to be one when he grows up. He can easily procure a gun from the teeming underworld in Bombay.<BR/><BR/>which school in India teaches you 3 musketeers in the primary level? <BR/>A: A convent funded school that runs on charity. You can find such institutions throughout India.<BR/><BR/>Why on earth is Prem against Jamal ?<BR/>A: Prem answers the question himself by saying "It is my show!" He does not like Jamal taking the limelight away from him. His ego is further hurt when Jamal guesses the right nswer after Prem feeds him the wrong one. The "star" ego is taunted as Jamal counters the jabs thrown at him with panache!<BR/><BR/>A lot more sequences were just coincidences. Jamal meeting his old friend Arvind at the subway.<BR/>A: This was a cinematic liberty. Whats wrong with it. If you know Bombay, you would also know the hot spots in it. And if it was meticulously researched, it would not be special enough to be a part of an extraordinary story.<BR/><BR/>Jamal dialling all the numbers at the call centre and catching hold of his bro. I mean, are all these searches even possible in a city like Mumbai ?<BR/>A: Why not. The call center software has powerful data mining facilities. Add the ingenuity of Jamal and its very much possible.<BR/><BR/>When movies like Ghajini/RNBDJ isnt spared by crtics, why are the pitholes of SDM classified as cinematic liberties by the same lot?<BR/>A: Because Ghajini and RNBDJ sucked in parts! Perhaps these were the same parts where every nuance was explained to the audience instead of assuming that the viewer has some intelligence. SDM doesnt do that and thats why it remains crisp and fresh throughout!<BR/><BR/>I too was not moved by the Jai Ho song. Frankly speaking, I was kind of surprised ARR was nominated at all! Perhaps because I think some of his other works are far superior to this one.<BR/><BR/>To be diplomatic - no offence to your views buddy! I for one didnt like TZP as much as the rest of the junta. Different strokes for different folks!<BR/><BR/>Oxy, hope u dont mind me jumping the gun.<BR/><BR/>cheers!eye-in-sty-inhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03492754780997045079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-3759857886385302832009-01-25T21:46:00.000+05:302009-01-25T21:46:00.000+05:30You know oxy, I didnt get too hyped up about SDM e...You know oxy, I didnt get too hyped up about SDM either. :( I have read the book but the story is changed, so the explanations in the book about various questions are skipped.<BR/><BR/>I just wasnt so kicked about it.Avahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17274222598587327676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-60541057902941604432009-01-23T23:32:00.000+05:302009-01-23T23:32:00.000+05:30Oxy boy...watched SDM today but unfortunately I di...Oxy boy...watched SDM today but unfortunately I disagree with you. NO KBK this time :(<BR/><BR/>I mean, the movie is good. But didnt live upto all the hype for me. I am not trying to be one of those psuedo critics in PFC, but there were so many liberties taken in the movie.<BR/><BR/>"They jump out of a train and suddenly starts speaking accented English. Its very much before the Tajmahal scene, so their english isnt from the tourists. Salim carries a gun, but from where did he get the gun and the bullets from all of a sudden, how does he now how to fire a gun? and how is that particular incident even getting Jamal to the right answer? which school in India teaches you 3 musketeers in the primary level? Why on earth is Prem against Jamal ? A couple of them more which I dont quite remember now." <BR/>A lot more sequences were just coincidences. Jamal meeting his old friend Arvind at the subway, Jamal dialling all the numbers at the call centre and catching hold of his bro. I mean, are all these searches even possible in a city like Mumbai ?<BR/><BR/>I happened to read this review in rediff after watching the movie and agrees a lot to what I feel :<BR/><BR/>http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/jan/09review-slumdog-millionaire-sumit.htm<BR/> <BR/><BR/>When movies like Ghajini/RNBDJ isnt spared by crtics, why are the pitholes of SDM classified as cinematic liberties by the same lot? I agree the movie was shot and executed well and I personally liked it because of the feel good factor. But is it seriously worth all the hype? Cant imagine this movie without ARR background score; the best part of SDM was the music dept(and not becuz im a fan of ARR)!<BR/><BR/>and the Jai Ho song at the end, it didnt move me at all. That looked like the culmination of a typical Bollywood masala movie, where in at the end of the song, the extras board the nearby trains. I used to get a lot more moved listening to the track while riding. The rest of the songs were aptly placed though.<BR/> <BR/>Again, to each his own views. Phew !vimmuuuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18263818577352118525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168350441676141778.post-42860733332762004012009-01-23T22:08:00.000+05:302009-01-23T22:08:00.000+05:30Amreekan-Desi: Lol, Loved ur profile name... Welco...<B>Amreekan-Desi:</B> Lol, Loved ur profile name... Welcome to my space. <BR/><BR/>True. That's what I feel. And guess what? The rights of the Book Q & A on which the movie is loosely based were already bought by Film Four which is associated with Danny's movie. And now Indian Film-makers are thinking why did not we buy it?Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13543217536330822671noreply@blogger.com