Take #24: Bajirao Mastani

A couple of people reminded me that I need to write this review: to be honest, the reason this is late is that I was quite lost as to what to write.

Oh, don't mistake me - I liked the film, but I would put it largely in the time-pass genre, only a notch or two above "Ram-Leela"- and that is undoubtedly not the rank that Sanjay Leela Bhansali would want from his pet project.

The scale was lavish, the detailing splendid, as we have come to expect from SLB. The music wasn't half bad, but the tunes were out of my head by the time I reached home. As regards the story, I cannot comment on historical accuracy, since our history books did not devote much more than a couple of pages to the Peshwas - and that space was devoted to their lives, not their loves. What was somewhat disappointing (for me, at 

least) in the film, were the lead performances.

Raṇveer was larger than life, as always, and has clearly put his soul into this role. He will always be one of the better actors we have today - but the manner in which he essayed the role of Baji Rao was simply not convincing enough. Deepika's transition from warrior princess to poignant paramour was extraordinary, but the fact was that she didn't have too much to do, particularly in the second half. Priyanka was soft and soulful, but she has done better.

I shall remember this film for Tanvi Azmi, whose quietly menacing performance was the biggest takeaway from the two and a half hours of screen time. This movie will most likely manage a couple of awards, I can only hope that she makes it to the list.

His magnum opus, yes; his dream project, we're told; but Bajirao Mastani cannot be Sanjay Leela Bhansali's piece de resistance - he is way too talented for that.

Do watch it, though. You may not agree with much of what I've written.

En Passant #3: A Bullet in a China Shop

Considering the number of elephants, deer and other sundry animals that are decimated

on railway tracks around the country every month, a bullet train on the ahmedabad-mumbai route can politely be referred to as an idea way ahead of its time.

And perish the thought that a dedicated, closed corridor will do the job: the Indian shortcut, like water, finds its own level, and I'm pretty certain the line would eventually be breached at various points. Stop to consider the fact that a train accident at 250 kmph is likely to leave, shall we say, a far more indelible impression than one at 110 kmph.

If we must borrow world-beating ideas -and execution capability- from the Japanese (or the Chinese), I think we should start with affordable vertical housing - or something. I don't think this country is ready for the bullet train just yet. Strictly my personal opinion.

Tobackoff #9: Won'tpower

Why is 5 years such a magical number for everyone ? Except for the seven-year-itch and the seven years of bad luck on breaking a mirror (and, if you like, the saat pheras when you get married), everyone talks in terms of 5 years.

That’s why I was made to believe that it would be a remarkable achievement indeed if I could stay away from cigarettes for five years.

Well, that “landmark” is now behind me : on 28 November 2015, I finished 5 years of of successfully having kicked the butt.

 And I know today what I have known for the past 5 years - that it's a habit that you can really go back to at any time : because you see, you are just telling yourself every day that you choose not to smoke. In other words, staying away from smoking isn’t about willpower – it’s about won’tpower. That's how you can keep your resolve steely and remain smoke-free.

Hopefully, I can bring in a tenth anniversary too. I'll drink to that (there are other bad habits to fall back on !).

En Passant #2 : The House of Rhythm

I visited Rhythm House today after a very long time.

Imagine my surprise when I saw this large rack of vinyl LP's, all imported, including such gems as "The Doors-Absolutely Live" (you can spot it in the picture). All the records were retailing at around Rs 4k, and there was even a stack of Denon turntables behind this rack.

This shop, virtually an institution, is closing down in February 2016, after nearly 70 years. All over the shop, there are big signs screaming "SALE-upto 50% off". Everywhere in the shop there were nostalgic buyers: one of them even came up to me and said, "It's really very sad. I used to come here after college and listen to music in the booths." I twinkled at the septuagenarian and said "So did I! "

I hope to go back at least once more before the shop shuts down.

However cliched this may sound, it needs to be said: thank you for the music, Rhythm House.