Satyamev Jayate: Will Truth Triumph?

I do not want to play the Devil's Advocate. Not at all. I also do not wish to extinguish the 'rays of hope' that have emerged in several peoples' eyes after watching Aamir Khan's much hyped television debut 'Satyamev Jayate'. Hereby, I just intend to debate, discuss and examine the actual prospects of Satyamev Jayate, as a 'path-breaking talk show', and the kinds of challenges it faces in coming weeks.

To be honest, the show took me by surprise to an extent. I did not expect Satyamev Jayate to completely stay away from the 'entertainment angle', given the mad race for TRPs in the TV industry. At the end of the hour long show, my heart was filled with different hues of emotions.

The Positives:

• It is perhaps for the first time that a celebrity of Aamir Khan's stature has taken up social cause in such a big way. Full points to Khan for venturing into a dangerous category, economics wise. We often complain about our stars not associating themselves with social causes, specially in comparison to gigantic humanitarian and social services rendered by celebrities from the West. So, here is an immensely popular Indian film star choosing to debut on TV through a social-theme based programme rather than a usual game show/ reality show affair.
• Satyamev Jayate has thankfully revived the Sunday morning primetime slot! Remember the good old days when the streets of big cities and small villages presented an absolute deserted look Sunday after Sunday from 9 am or 10 am onwards. Once the slot of some legendary tele-serials like Mahabharat, Chandrakanta, Ramayana and Sri Krishna, the Sunday morning bracket had suddenly gone off the radar of TV producers. Kudos to the makers of Satyamev Jayate for reviving the potentially 'jackpot' slot. If the show manages to hit a chord with the audience, its timing will have a big role to play in it. Also, not to mention that the decision to air the show simultaneously on DD National also seems to be a very prudent and responsible decision. 'Change' can not be expected in the society without reaching out to maximum number of people.

Challenges:

• Lets face it. Satyamev Jayate is not a whirlwind 'change' that it is being made out to be. Shows with similar concepts have aired before on various channels from DD National to Satellite networks. Some of the examples include Kiran Bedi's show where she delivered 'justice' in public court kind of setting, debating social evils of different kind, numerous tele-serials on issues such as child marriage, female feticide, gender inequality etc. The only change is that never before a prominent celebrity has taken up such causes through a proper TV programme. And yes, perhaps the earlier shows were also not as well dramatized, sprinkled with emotional spices and backed up by sound research. And this much you definitely expect from someone like Aamir Khan.
• The major challenge that the show faces is from the second episode onwards. Yes, we all were eagerly waiting for Aamir's TV debut, there was tremendous promotion, internet frenzy et all, but what happens from next week? Will the same number of people sit and watch Satyamev Jayate next Sunday, now that they know what the show is all about. There is not an iota of entertainment involved. And this appears to be a weak link for the show in the hindsight. Is the opulent upper class and the restive middle class ready to swallow plenty of bitter truth, along with its rich and healthy brunch, every Sunday morning? The first episode had the novelty factor, the curiosity quotient. I am pretty sure at least some of the viewers who went gaga over the show last Sunday, and flooded internet with praises for Aamir Khan, will not religiously follow the show next week onwards. And I am not saying this because I had a special 'vision' last night. This assumption or rather fear is based on the very fact that we, the middle class Indians, are experts at shrugging off responsibilities. 'Yes, Aamir is the man! Hats off to him for bringing about this change!'. And the story ends there. Where is the follow up? Where is your contribution? Will not you switch to a Govinda potboiler when the goings become very 'preachy' on Satyamev Jayate? This is my genuine fear.
• Now lets strictly talk about the merits of the show. Satymev Jayate heavily rides on the star power of Aamir and his strong emotional connect with the audience. He does a remarkable job of 'moving' the viewers, sometimes even coming close to 'overdoing' it. As the show progressed, I had a strong feeling of it being a desi version of Oprah Winfrey Show. But, for me, that is not a problem. In fact, full marks to the show's team for going through the rigors of research and it very well shows during the entire length of programme. What worries me about the show, from now on, is its slight 'predictability'. You and I can very well guess what all 'issues' will be taken up by Aamir in the coming weeks. This fact, along with the general apathy towards social issue based talk shows, may just prove to be a hindrance for Satyamev Jayate in coming weeks.

                                 

 

So, Satyamev Jayate's biggest asset as well as undoing is its audience. The initial euphoria and online frenzy will definitely not satisfy Aamir and other brains behind this show. If their idea is to bring a 'change', they will really need to go beyond TRP ratings, holding impromptu press conferences etc. Perhaps writing a letter or meeting Rajasthan CM is the right way forward. Then, if and only if, Satyamev Jayate is able to 'retain' and 'energize' its core middle class target audience, 'truth will triumph'. Or else, we will just have a praiseworthy or rather 'perfect' TV debut for Aamir Khan, his credentials will go sky high (I have no issues with that), his fan base will further swell, but the real 'change' on ground will never happen.

Ra.One: Needle for Naysayers

First, the fact that an 'intellectual' minority is aggrieved and agitated by the thunderous promotional spree that Ra.One is currently on, ascertains that the film and its makers are moving in the right direction. Promotions, after all, are not just to woo your core target audience and the concurring lines surrounding them, but also to shock, infuriate and startle those 'select few' who would never wish you good luck, come what may. These 'critics' (the term has lost all its dignity off late) are not just pessimists, sadists and frustrated but are also driven by a biased notion that has no rational foundation. They see a film through a prism of prejudice and presumption. Presumption that they have the right to discard and disintegrate someone's hard work, devotion and dream. So, going by the kind of uneasiness film's trailers and its massive promotions has created amongst the 'cynics', Ra.One is well on its course to hop on a sky-penetrating rocket, this Diwali.

Second, charming, hard working and successful men have always aroused strong emotions of jealously and hatred amongst others. Shah Rukh Khan, apart from all the above mentioned qualities, also possesses a very sharp tongue and a brilliant mind. This makes him a thorn in flesh for those who can not withstand dazzle of a star or shine of a diamond. When the otherwise subtle Aamir Khan went into promotional overdrive for his films Ghajini and Three Idiots, it was termed as the 'stroke of a genius'. But, when SRK, the father of all promotions and marketing extravaganza, promotes Ra.One, it's being called a gimmick. Why the cynics forget that Aamir's promotional drive was inspired, if not imitated, from Shah Rukh Khan School of Economics? When an Aamir can cut hair in salon, travel across India in disguise, why can't SRK visit major cities for promotion, or launch a happy meal at McDonald's?

It is ridiculous how quickly the naysayers change their colors. I wonder, they would beat chameleons, if a 3C ('Color Changing Competition) was ever held in this world. For them, Ra.One's first teaser (April) was 'naive' and way too ambitious for someone like SRK. They stayed up whole night google-ing similarities between Ra.One and superhero flicks from West. Their response to Chammak Challo (the leaked version) was cautious. They could not quash the efforts of a well-known international singer. According to them, it was 'OK', but they again blamed Khan for leaking the music on the net!

From the first one-minute teaser to the recent post-Dusshera trailer, the reactions of naysayers have changed from 'Ra.One-is-going-to-be-biggest-disaster-ever' types to 'Special-Effects-look-good-and-anyways-its-Hindi-cinema-which-will-benefit-in-the-longer-run' . Why do cynics always jump to conclusions? Why can not they give a chance to someone who has invested his soul in some project? Every moviegoer reserves the right to love/hate Ra.One post its release. But to deride a film and efforts of an actor, well before its display, smacks of jealousy. Or lets say, it indicates how resentfully or painfully they are desirous of someone's advantages and gains.

Ok, let's not waste more words on naysayers. I will just drop some hints/identifications, that would help you recognize such creatures and beware of them. Because, cinema, after all, demands your reactions, and your reactions must be free of influences.

• These people would, in all probability, experience orgasms while watching an Aamir Khan film.
• Their reaction to Salman Khan's Dabangg or Bodyguard would be 'he is like this only, what else do you expect?' or 'he is a mass entertainer who makes masala films'. They would not criticize Salman's filmography, come what may. (They fear rebuttal from massive fan following of the muscular Khan)
• Psuedo-intellectuals that they are, they would only appreciate Shah Rukh Khan's Swades or may be 'kabhi haan Kabhi Naa'.
• They would tell you not to trust film critics. They will give you their numbers. 'Call me before going for a movie.'
• They will comfortably shuffle between critical and commercial aspects of a film to determine its success. The shuffle is entirely their discretion, so collections are relevant for '3 Idiots' or even 'Bodyguard' but not for 'Om Shanti Om'.
• They will have no concrete reason to hate Shah Rukh Khan, but still they will hate him. They find it 'cool'. 
• If they will fall short of logic while debating about SRK, they will mention Karan Johar.
• These people would watch K3G, DDLJ, RNBDJ on weekends but never admit it.
• And lastly, if you manage to win over them and force them to admit all the above mentioned 'traits', they would switch to Hollywood. Sigh.

Films and actors are not just about fans and non-fans. There must be a line that separates criticism from cynicism , dislike from grudge and lies from truth. Ra.One may or may not be a great film. But decide only after you watch it. Be honest to those 200 odd bucks that you spend, to that 70 mm screen that you so often look up to and to that 45-year old man who has been entertaining you for the last 2 decades.


P.S.: This is neither a 'Hate Post' nor a 'Fan Post'. I call it the 'Needle Post'. Needle for the Naysayers.

Delhi Belly is Yummy Shit!

The punch-line of Delhi Belly says ‘Shit Happens’. Very True. Shit has been happening in the name of comedy for too long in Hindi Cinema. So, 'Masters of Laughathons' serve us with some rotten, run-of-the-mill ‘no-brainers’ in the name of comic flicks. We are supposed to leave our brains at home but carry our wallet to the theatre, pay heavily and watch ‘shit’ in the name of comedy. I won't take names here, but biggest of stars, some renowned directors and famed production houses have done this to us again and again. Only the timing of release differs. Some throw shit at you on occasion of Diwali, some prefer Summer Holidays while others wait till Christmas.

In this regard, Delhi Belly is a refreshing shit, I mean change. The film does not take its audiences for granted, there are no ‘forceful’ laugh riots here. Delhi Belly is a fine example of exemplary execution of situational comedy. My first hug goes to the writer of the film Akshat Verma, who has written a very smart yet bizarre script. The scenes, the situations and the characters infuse laughter spontaneously.

All the three male leads are in terrific form. But it is the debutant Kunal Roy Kapur (Playing Nitin), as a fat, farting, pottying photographer from Patna who steals the show. His exploits will contribute to legend of gross and you may well develop signs of nausea next time orange juice is served to you. Vir Das (Playing Arup) is a marvelous comedian. In fact, he is a master of situational comedy and this ensures that he does not have to break any sweat for making audiences laugh. And yes, there is Imran Khan (playing Tashi) who gets his shares of passionate smooches & 'erection' and in the process, makes you laugh. The two girls, the landlord and Vijay Raaz as the potty-receiving gangster play their part well. Vijay Raaz remains subdued (for a change) throughtout the movie, only to break into cuss spree towards the climax.   

  

The Director, Abhinay Deo, who made a rather lackluster debut with ‘Game’ early this year, leaves a massive impact with Delhi Belly. The way he executes funny sequences, maintains dignity while filming so-called bold scenes, is commendable. And yes, he along with the writer, deserves all the credit for sketching and portraying such ‘relatable’ characters who land up in unimaginable situations.

Ram Sampath’s music is the highpoint of Delhi Belly. Not a single song is second best or an 'also-ran'. Its tough to chose your favorite. For me, Switty edges past DK Bose by a whisker. Background score is compelling and songs have been very well fused in the scenes, which makes Delhi Belly a slim-trim film, length-wise.

Kudos to Censor Board, for passing this movie without any cuts. Yes, the film has been A-rated but that’s actually required but hardly a matter of concern for producers now a days. In fact, Delhi Belly is India’s first Wholesome Adult Entertainer. Abuses and cuss words fly thick and fast but they do not look vulgar. The entire narrative is so beautifully woven in the script that it leaves no scope for complains. Also, the film shocks you with its boldness at places. So, you gape in utter surprise when Kunal Roy Kapur gives a ‘delicate touch’ to a sex worker’s…well…bosoms. Imran Khan’s much publicized ‘erection scene’ also makes you sit upright in your seat. And yes, the concept of 'Blow Job' has been immortalized by Delhi Belly.

And lastly, let’s laud the man, Aamir Khan. You need lots of courage and conviction to back a project like Delhi Belly. His mind-blowing pelvic moves in ‘I Hate You Like I Love You’ culminate the proceedings on a high. He charms you with his antics and seems to be enjoying the golden phase of his career as producer.

 Delhi Belly is bold, intelligent and funny. It is one of those rare comic films that does not try to make you laugh. The decision is entirely left to you. 

Go, celebrate Hindi Cinema’s coming of age. You will find Mr. ROFL and Miss LMAO sitting next to you. Let Naysayers sulk!

Rating: **** (Excellent)

P.S.: I brought this quote from the film back home, “Your Ga**d is like Full Solar Eclipse”. (Vir Das to Kunal Roy Kapoor)

Why is Ra.One Crucial?

You must have seen stars in the sky. On a clear dark night, they look like diamonds, carelessly scattered on a huge carpet. Ever wondered what may be the life span of these stars, will they shine forever or gradually diminish into oblivion? What are the traits of an ageing star? Is the brightest one in the sky, an ageing star? Does an ageing star shine vigorously? Or it simply flickers to keep its relevance intact in the sea of other shiny objects?

Shah Rukh Khan is one such star. At 45, he is not getting any younger and can definitely not play another Raj. Last 2-3 years have been ‘lean’ for Shah Rukh, given his own high standards. His last outright blockbuster was Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), which got a bit overshadowed in the company of Aamir's Juggernaut called Ghajini. SRK’s My Name is Khan got him rave reviews and the film raked moolahs internationally. But it certainly did not set new records in domestic circuit. Apart from Aamir's meteoric rise, a certain hysteria called Salman Khan is busy in reviving his career. His popularity amongst masses has strengthened considerably and he is looking like King of rural milieu.

But I am not much into number game. It is not the threat of Aamir Khan or Salman Khan that worries me, as a Shah Rukh Khan loyalist. My expectations from Ra.One go way beyond the traditional ‘who is the no.1 or which film is the highest grosser’ rhetoric.

                                                  

I remember one of my colleagues in office drawing an interesting but alarming observation regarding Shah Rukh Khan. He showed to me a slideshow, which traced gradual change in looks of King Khan from 90’s to the recent times. The last picture of the slideshow showed a frail, extremely weak and tired Shah Rukh Khan, with prominent wrinkles on his face. My colleague, who himself is a SRK fan, signed off by saying “I fear he would end up like Michael Jackson when he is 50”. His last words left a deep impact on my mind. Shah Rukh Khan is a workaholic and a chain smoker, a deadly combination to have in your life.

Ra.One can act as the much needed boost Shah Rukh Khan needs in his professional and personal life. Everyone knows that industry’s leading actor is somewhat a lonely man (by his own confession), with a very few friends around. He is happiest when he does well professionally. It is in this regard that Ra.One as a film is very crucial.

• The movie aspires to explore a territory that has been least explored in Hindi Films. Superhero films are very few in number and there is always a question mark over their potential to set the cash registers ringing. If there is a Krish, there was one Drona too. Also, mammoth success of Robot has raised the bar for Ra.one. Both in terms of box-office fate and overall technicality and special effects.
•  The think-tank behind Ra.One has played a huge gamble by launching a nearly 8-month long promotional campaign for the film. Cricket world cup provided the much needed eye balls for the film but now the promotion needs to be continuous and subtle. The audience must not forget about Ra.One  between  all these months.
• Ra.One’s success can give a much needed ‘franchise’ to Shah Rukh Khan. Who knows there well might be a Ra.Two or Ra.Three in the future! A successful formula can secure Shah Rukh Khan as an actor and provide the cushion for him to try out more diversified and varied roles in other films.
• A record breaking Ra.One would set records straight in favor of SRK. He needs that one big, ruthless and thundering success, something that he was so used to till recently. IPL and TV have provided him enough failure, cinema has to come to his rescue.

Hindi Film Industry needs an active, witty and healthy Shah Rukh Khan. I believe, he has much more to offer, now that his career is interestingly poised. Aamir Khan is giving him tough competition in quality while Salman is matching him step by step in popularity. It is time that he rose up to the occasion with a resounding critical and commercial success of his ambitious superhero flick.

                                       

All eyes are set on Ra.One and the stakes are enormously high. That 10 second first look, followed by 30 second teaser generated humongous curiosity amongst the movie buffs. He looked dapper in that superhero costume but the trailer was too short and compact to deduce a critical judgement. All in all, the response to the first look was positive and it has further raised the expectations from this film. I wish the film does justice to its hype and SRK's hopes.

P.S. : October 26, 2011: Ra.One Releases, World celebrates Diwali and most importantly, the writer celebrates his birthday. Indeed, a very special day.