Random Musings

In the past 3 decades (the time that one has followed Hindi cinema), we have seen two clear superstars of our times, viz. Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bacchan. There were many other successful stars (Jeetendra, Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, and what have you) as also there were other good actors (Sanjeev Kumar, Amol Palekar, Naseerudin Shah, etc.), but if the term superstar had to be used, it would have to be for these two gentlemen only. Sure, in current stars, one may also include Shah Rukh Khan in the same genre, but he is still around, so we will restrict this discussion to Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh.

Rajesh Khanna truly ruled the screens during the 70s and had a huge fan following. He had a style and a charisma of his own. He of course, had a lot of successful films behind him.

By now, there is no real denying that Amitabh had become an even bigger superstar, a true legend of our times, and a name beyond comparison.

I would like to draw attention to an additional factor that is a difference between these two stars. And I got this, while listening to music on the radio, daily, and also at parties and at clubs, where popular music is played.

I could see that even today, some of the most popular songs continue to be the ones from the 70s, and especially from the Kishore Kumar – R D Burman combo. And in fact, a very large number of these were featured on Rajesh Khanna. That these songs continue to be popular after so many years, is an indication of their brilliance.

So the point to be made is that a LOT of the success that Rajesh Khanna got, must be owed to this musical genius of R D Burman primarily, and to Kishore Kumar, the voice behind Rajesh Khanna’s songs. How much of a success would RK have been without these songs and music? That is something we will never know.

As against this, the songs from Amitabh’s popular films are not that famous. Sure, when the films were hits, the songs were also hits, but they have not sustained their popularity to the extent that RD-Kishore songs of Rajesh Khanna’s films have done. Which would lead me to conclude that Amitabh’s films stood on Amitabh primarily, while Rajesh Khanna’s films owe a very large part of their success, also to the music.

That Amitabh on the other hand, had Salim-Javed, Prakash Mehra, Manmohan Desai, Yash Chopra, and others writing and directing great roles and characters for him, is another matter..

Last couple of weeks were my ‘make-up’ weeks to catch up on films. Thats what happens with me usually. I don’t see any film at all, for several weeks, and then as it were, there is a sudden deluge and large number of films are seen in quick time.

So I happened to see The Terminal, Collateral, Bride and Prejudice, and F 9/11.

Here is my take on the hype vs actual feel, on these films.

The Terminal was great fun. A classic. Time and money well spent (to go and see the movie, I mean!). Tom Hanks and Spielberg combine to give a believable look, to an almost unbelievable story. Good humour, extremely good timing, fun all the way.

Collateral on the other hand, was a waste. Beyond a point, there is only so much that you can tolerate. Too repetitive, too few characters, do not quite draw you into the film. Story that is hardly having any substance. Waste..!

Bride and Prejudice, the most hyped up of the lot. Has its moments. Kohli is quite a character in it. Some nice scenes. But beyond that – falls flat. Does not measure up as a good follow up to Bend It Like Beckham, from Chadda. And Aishwarya Rai has of course, done better roles and better films before (HDDCS, Taal, etc. to name a few). View it as standard Bollywood fare, and you are okay – yes, like typical Bollywood films, there is song and dance, there are weddings and a generally festive air, and like most average Bollywood films, there is no depth in the story. If you must see, go with that mindset.. unlike me. I went expecting a great film, from a great film maker who had given us Bend It…, and I was disappointed.

F-9/11 finally released in India, and apparently without any cuts. Why on earth was India considering to make any cuts, or review this carefully at the censors, beats me. After all, the US released the film without much ado, and chances of damage were there, not here in India. Anyway, I am glad that they did release it uncensored. And like audiences in other parts of the world, I was stunned by what I saw. It is indeed a shock to see the shenanigans of the politicians, and you end up feeling all the more, about how as a common man, you know nothing. And about how, those who are in power, put up this huge pretense for you…. A great film, well made, well researched, passionately made, even if the passion is a ‘hate Bush’ passion!

Waiting for Swades, Veer Zaara, Kisna and others in Diwali now…